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Published on: September 27, 2018
Factors associated with virulence of Mycoplasma synoviae
S B Lockaby1, F J Hoerr, L H Lauerman
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Auburn University, AL 36849, USA.
Abstract:
Virulence mechanisms of six isolates of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), previously classified as pathogenic (K1968), moderately pathogenic (WVU 1853, K1858, 92D8034, and F10-2AS), and mildly pathogenic (FMT) in chickens, were examined. The most virulent isolate, K1968, had been found to invade systematically and produce lesions following eye-drop inoculation. In the present study, all isolates were evaluated for presence of a possible cytadhesin and for functional attachment to host cells as indicated by hemagglutination and hemadsorption. Three representative isolates, K1968, 92D8034, and FMT, were evaluated for attachment and colonization in cultured chick tracheal rings and tendon cell monolayers by direct transmission electron microscopic examination and by quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. Ciliostasis was compared in tracheal organ culture. Previously found differences in pathogenicity of these isolates for chickens could not be explained as differences in attachment and were only partially explained by differences in colonization. Pathogenicity of the most virulent isolate of MS was suspected to be multifactorial, involving attachment and colonization of the upper respiratory tract plus additional unidentified factors associated with systemic invasion and lesion production.
Insights
Virulence of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) isolates in chickens varied. Attachment and colonization partially explained pathogenicity differences, suggesting multifactorial virulence involving unidentified factors.
Area of Science:
- Avian Pathology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) exhibits varying pathogenicity in chickens.
- Understanding MS virulence factors is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the virulence mechanisms of six MS isolates in chickens.
- To evaluate the role of cytadhesin presence, host cell attachment, and colonization in MS pathogenicity.
Main Methods:
- Hemagglutination and hemadsorption assays for host cell attachment.
- Transmission electron microscopy and quantitative PCR for attachment and colonization.
- Tracheal organ culture to assess ciliostasis.
Main Results:
- Differences in pathogenicity among MS isolates were not solely explained by attachment.
- Colonization differences partially correlated with pathogenicity.
- The most virulent isolate showed systemic invasion and lesion production.
Conclusions:
- MS pathogenicity is multifactorial, involving upper respiratory tract attachment and colonization.
- Unidentified factors contribute to systemic invasion and lesion development by virulent MS isolates.
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