Infection of the turkey embryonic trachea with Mycoplasma meleagridis

Mycoplasma meleagridis was used to infect turkey embryos and tracheal explants. In the embryonic trachea, there was a decrease in the number of cilia and the sloughing of epithelial cells. In the tracheal explants, the deciliation was more severe and erosion of the tracheal surface was also evident; additionally, the cells of the trachea showed prominent perforation. These results indicate that M. meleagridis infection can result in damage to cells and to the surface of the trachea, which may have pathological consequences.