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Role of Mycoplasma synoviae in commercial layer Escherichia coli peritonitis syndrome
Ziv Raviv1, N Ferguson-Noel, V Laibinis
1Department of Population Health, Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30402-4875, USA.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is an important pathogen of domestic poultry and is prevalent in commercial layers. During the last decade Escherichia coli peritonitis became a major cause of layer mortality. The possible role of MS in the E. coli peritonitis syndrome of laying hens was studied. Four groups of 64 mycoplasma-free commercial layers at the onset of lay (about 80% daily production) were challenged with a virulent MS strain or a virulent avian E. coli strain or both. The four experimental groups were identified as follows: negative control, E. coli, MS, and MS plus E. coli. A typical E. coli peritonitis mortality was reproduced and included one, three, zero, and five birds in the negative control, E. coli, MS, and MS plus E. coli groups, respectively. Only the increased mortality in the MS plus E. coli group had statistical significance. Four weeks postchallenge 10 clinically normal birds from each of the four experimental groups were necropsied. All of the examined birds in the two MS-challenged groups demonstrated severe tracheal lesions. Body cavity lesions were detected in two and four birds in the MS and MS plus E. coli groups, respectively. The results demonstrate a possible pathogenesis mechanism of respiratory origin with regard to the layer E. coli peritonitis syndrome, show the MS pathological effect in layers, and indicate that a virulent MS strain can act as a complicating factor in the layer E. coli peritonitis syndrome.
Insights
Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) complicates Escherichia coli peritonitis in layers, increasing mortality and respiratory lesions. This study highlights MS as a significant factor in poultry disease outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Avian Infectious Diseases
- Poultry Health
Background:
- Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is a significant poultry pathogen, particularly in commercial layers.
- Escherichia coli peritonitis is a leading cause of mortality in laying hens.
- The synergistic role of MS and E. coli in layer health is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) in the development of Escherichia coli peritonitis syndrome in commercial layers.
- To evaluate the pathological effects of MS and E. coli, individually and in combination, on laying hens.
- To elucidate a possible respiratory pathogenesis mechanism for layer peritonitis.
Main Methods:
- Four groups of mycoplasma-free commercial layers were experimentally challenged with virulent MS, avian E. coli, or both.
- Mortality rates and clinical signs were monitored throughout the study.
- Necropsies were performed on surviving birds to assess tracheal and body cavity lesions.
Main Results:
- Escherichia coli peritonitis mortality was reproduced, with the highest statistically significant increase in the group co-infected with MS and E. coli.
- All MS-challenged birds exhibited severe tracheal lesions.
- Body cavity lesions were observed in birds infected with MS alone and with the combination of MS and E. coli.
Conclusions:
- A virulent MS strain can act as a complicating factor in the layer E. coli peritonitis syndrome.
- MS infection contributes to respiratory pathology, suggesting a respiratory origin for peritonitis.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for managing poultry health and disease.
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