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Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of Mycoplasma gallisepticum isolates from turkeys from the central
B R Charlton1, A A Bickford, R P Chin
1California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System, Turlock Branch, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, P.O. Box 1522, Turlock, CA 95381, USA.
Abstract:
Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to investigate the molecular epidemiology of 26 Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) isolates obtained from turkeys located in the central valley of California. The MG isolates were recovered from 5 different companies and 13 ranches. Each company had unique MG strains. No evidence of spread of MG between companies was detected. RAPD analysis of MG isolates within a ranch during an outbreak revealed only a single strain involved in each outbreak. RAPD analysis identified an isolate from 1 ranch with a banding pattern identical to that of the 6/85 vaccine strain, which had been used on that particular ranch. Similar RAPD banding patterns of isolates from different ranches within the same company suggested horizontal spread of MG between ranches. The use of 2 primer sets in RAPD analysis was critical to prevent misinterpretation of relationships between different isolates.
Insights
Molecular epidemiology of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) in California turkeys revealed unique strains per company and single strains per outbreak. Horizontal spread between ranches within companies was detected using Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Poultry Health
Background:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a significant pathogen in poultry, causing respiratory disease.
- Understanding the molecular epidemiology of MG is crucial for effective disease control in commercial turkey flocks.
- Previous studies have highlighted the economic impact of MG on the poultry industry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular epidemiology of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) isolates from turkeys in California.
- To determine the genetic relatedness of MG strains from different companies and ranches.
- To identify potential sources of MG outbreaks and transmission routes.
Main Methods:
- Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was employed to genotype 26 MG isolates.
- Isolates were collected from turkeys across 5 companies and 13 ranches in California's Central Valley.
- Two distinct primer sets were utilized in the RAPD analysis to ensure accurate strain differentiation.
Main Results:
- Each company harbored unique MG strains, with no detected spread between companies.
- Within individual ranches experiencing outbreaks, only a single MG strain was identified.
- Isolates from different ranches within the same company exhibited similar RAPD patterns, suggesting horizontal transmission.
- One isolate matched the 6/85 vaccine strain, indicating its potential use on that ranch.
Conclusions:
- RAPD analysis effectively differentiated MG strains, revealing distinct epidemiology within companies.
- Evidence suggests horizontal spread of MG between ranches within the same company.
- The use of multiple primer sets in RAPD is essential for reliable molecular epidemiology studies of MG.