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In vitro colonization of porcine trachea by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
M Jacques1, B Blanchard, B Foiry
1Université de Montréal, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.
Abstract:
Porcine tracheae maintained in culture were used in order to study the colonization by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Rings excised from tracheae of newborn piglets were infected with M hyopneumoniae strain BQ 14 and, after different incubation times, were examined by light and electron microscopy. Non-infected tracheal mucosae maintained a normal appearance for several days. Infected tracheal rings showed progressive colonization with concomitant progressive damage to the mucosal surface. Early on during the infection, few mycoplasmas occurred over a ciliated epithelium. As the infection progressed, there was gradual loss of cilia; mycoplasmas tended to form microcolonies and to accumulate over the remaining ciliated cells. Mycoplasmas, first seen at the apex of the cilia, were then seen deeper in the inter-ciliary space; some were even seen in contact with microvilli. In histological investigation, the final stage of the infection was characterized by a marked destruction of the epithelium with exfoliation of the epithelial cells. Infected mucosae showed typical damage caused by M hyopneumoniae, namely reduction of ciliary activity after 5 days, loss of cilia, and sloughing of ciliated cells. Our data indicate that porcine tracheal organ culture can be advantageously used to study colonization by M hyopneumoniae.
Insights
Porcine tracheal organ cultures effectively model Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae colonization and damage. This study details the progressive destruction of the ciliated epithelium by the pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Pathology
Background:
- Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is a significant swine respiratory pathogen.
- Understanding its colonization mechanisms is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the colonization and pathogenic effects of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on porcine tracheal tissue in vitro.
- To evaluate the utility of porcine tracheal organ cultures for studying M. hyopneumoniae infection.
Main Methods:
- Porcine tracheal rings were cultured and infected with M. hyopneumoniae strain BQ 14.
- Infected tissues were examined using light and electron microscopy at various time points.
- Histological analysis assessed epithelial damage and M. hyopneumoniae distribution.
Main Results:
- Non-infected tissues maintained normal morphology.
- Infected tissues showed progressive M. hyopneumoniae colonization and damage to the ciliated epithelium.
- Observed damage included cilia loss, microcolony formation, and epithelial cell exfoliation.
- Typical M. hyopneumoniae-induced damage, including reduced ciliary activity, was confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Porcine tracheal organ culture is a suitable model for studying M. hyopneumoniae colonization.
- The model demonstrates the sequential damage caused by M. hyopneumoniae to the respiratory epithelium.