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Pathogenicity of Mycoplasma meleagridis for chicken cells
1Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma meleagridis (MM) is a known pathogen for turkeys only. In this study, MM was used to inoculate chicken embryos and tumor cells to assess its pathogenic potential for chickens. In chicken embryos, it caused abnormal-shaped toes and severely denuded tracheae. In chicken tumor cells, MM reduced the cellular capacity to release a chemoattractant that causes the migration of heterophils. MM also caused death and/or a reduced growth rate in chicken HD-11 cells, a macrophage-monocyte-derived cell line. Thus, the data show that MM is a potential pathogen for chicken embryos and chickens cells. Further exploration to determine the pathogenicity in chickens may be warranted.
Insights
Mycoplasma meleagridis, a turkey pathogen, shows potential harm to chickens. It caused deformities in embryos and impaired immune cell attraction in chicken cells.
Area of Science:
- Avian pathology
- Veterinary microbiology
- Poultry immunology
Background:
- Mycoplasma meleagridis (MM) is primarily recognized as a pathogen affecting turkeys.
- Its pathogenic potential in other avian species, particularly chickens, remains largely uncharacterized.
- Understanding interspecies pathogen transmission is crucial for poultry health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenic effects of Mycoplasma meleagridis (MM) in chicken embryos.
- To assess the impact of MM on chicken tumor cells and immune cell interactions.
- To determine if MM poses a potential disease risk to chickens.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation of chicken embryos with Mycoplasma meleagridis.
- Exposure of chicken tumor cells and HD-11 cells (macrophage-monocyte line) to MM.
- Observation of embryonic development, cellular responses, and cell viability.
Main Results:
- Chicken embryos inoculated with MM exhibited developmental abnormalities, including malformed toes and tracheal damage.
- MM significantly reduced the chemoattractant capacity of chicken tumor cells, impairing heterophil migration.
- MM caused mortality and reduced growth rates in chicken HD-11 cells.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma meleagridis demonstrates pathogenic potential in chicken embryos.
- MM negatively affects chicken cell lines, impacting immune responses and cell viability.
- Further research into the pathogenicity of MM in live chickens is warranted.
