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Abstract:
The mycoplasmas constitute a group of microorganisms placed between bacteria and virus. The name, Mycoplasma, is derived from the mycelial morphology of the organisms. The minimal reproductive unit, the elementary body, measures 0.2-0.5 mum. Unlike bacteria, mycoplasmas are not confined by a rigid cell wall, but just by a thin membrane. For their cultivation, though common bacteriological technique is adequate, especially enriched media are required. Antibiotics, as a rule penicillins, are added to the medium for inhibition of bacteria. Up to the present, 5 porcine species of mycoplasma are known: Mycoplasma suipneumoniae, Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, Mycoplasma flocculare, and Acholeplasma granularum. The 4 species first mentioned are very common among swine in Denmark. A. granularum has not been demonstrated so far. Occasionally, other species of mycoplasma are found in swine. M. suipneumoniae is by far the most important porcine mycoplasma, being to-day regarded as the primary etiologic agent in porcine enzootic pneumonia. A pure mycoplasma infection usually results in only weak clinical signs of pneumonia, but the disease may be aggravated by secondary factors as bacteria, parasites, and bad housing conditions. Enzootic pneumonia is usually prevalent only in fattening units, where it tends to persist indefinitely. The mycoplasma infection is practically incurable. Control of the disease is attempted by the SPF-program launched by the Danish Meat Research Institute, Roskilde. In this connexion the high sensitivity of mycoplasmas to physico-chemical influence is of advantage, because it results in a low rate of survival of the organisms outside the host. A further advantage is afforded by the fast that M. suipneumoniae is a definitely swine-specific organism. The rest of the porcine mycoplasmas are of far lesser importance. Yet, M. hyorhinis may produce a sero-fibrinous inflammation of serous cavities and joints in pigs less than 10 weeks old, and M. hyosynoviae may produce arthritis in fattening pigs.
Insights
Mycoplasmas are microorganisms that cause enzootic pneumonia in pigs. Mycoplasma suipneumoniae is the primary cause, and control is challenging due to its persistence and swine-specific nature.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology: Mycoplasmas are unique microorganisms lacking a rigid cell wall, distinguishing them from bacteria.
- Veterinary Pathology: Focus on Mycoplasma species affecting swine, particularly Mycoplasma suipneumoniae.
Context:
- Mycoplasmas are prevalent in swine populations, with five known species affecting pigs.
- Mycoplasma suipneumoniae is identified as the primary etiological agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia.
- Other species like Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Mycoplasma hyosynoviae can cause inflammation and arthritis.
Purpose:
- To detail the characteristics and prevalence of Mycoplasma species in swine.
- To highlight the significance of Mycoplasma suipneumoniae in porcine enzootic pneumonia.
- To discuss control strategies for mycoplasma infections in pigs.
Summary:
- Mycoplasmas, lacking cell walls, require enriched media for cultivation and are susceptible to antibiotics like penicillin.
- Mycoplasma suipneumoniae is the main cause of enzootic pneumonia in pigs, often exacerbated by secondary infections.
- Control programs, such as the SPF-program, leverage the sensitivity and swine-specific nature of Mycoplasma suipneumoniae.
Impact:
- Understanding Mycoplasma infections is crucial for managing swine health and preventing economic losses in the swine industry.
- The swine-specific nature of Mycoplasma suipneumoniae aids in targeted control strategies.
- Effective control of enzootic pneumonia relies on programs like the SPF-program, considering the organism's sensitivity to environmental factors.