Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Isolation and Culture of Primary Synovial Macrophages and Fibroblasts from Murine Arthritis Tissue
Published on: February 24, 2023
Mycoplasma synoviae invades non-phagocytic chicken cells in vitro
Daliborka Dusanić1, Rebeka Lucijana Bercic, Ivanka Cizelj
1Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, 1230 Domzale, Slovenia.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma synoviae and Mycoplasma gallisepticum are major poultry pathogens, but their strains differ significantly in invasiveness and pathogenicity. Recent studies have demonstrated that M. gallisepticum invades chicken erythrocytes (CER) and chicken embryonic fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to determine whether M. synoviae also invades chicken cells. Using the gentamicin invasion assay, relative invasion frequency (RIF) of four M. synoviae strains was determined for CER, chicken embryonic cell line (CEC-32) and/or primary chicken chondrocytes (CCH). All tested strains of M. synoviae were capable of invading chicken cells within 24 h after infection. The type strain WVU 1853 showed significantly higher invasiveness in CER (RIF 7.5+/-1.5%) and CEC-32 (RIF 7.0+/-0.3%) than field strain ULB 02/T6 and M. gallisepticum strain R(low). Surprisingly, WVU 1853, which is capable of causing synovitis and arthritis in chickens, was less invasive for CCH with a RIF (1.2+/-0.3%) similar to that of R(low) (1.1+/-0.1%). This is the first study documenting the invasiveness of M. synoviae strains for non-phagocytic chicken cells.
Insights
Mycoplasma synoviae, a poultry pathogen, invades chicken cells like erythrocytes and fibroblasts. Different M. synoviae strains exhibit varying invasion capabilities, with one strain showing higher invasiveness in certain cell types.
Area of Science:
- Avian Pathology
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma synoviae and Mycoplasma gallisepticum are significant poultry pathogens.
- Strain variations influence the invasiveness and pathogenicity of these mycoplasmas.
- M. gallisepticum has been shown to invade chicken erythrocytes and fibroblasts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the invasiveness of Mycoplasma synoviae strains into chicken cells.
- To compare the invasion capabilities of different M. synoviae strains and M. gallisepticum.
Main Methods:
- Gentamicin invasion assay was employed to quantify bacterial invasion.
- Relative Invasion Frequency (RIF) was determined for M. synoviae strains.
- Invasion was assessed in chicken erythrocytes (CER), chicken embryonic cell line (CEC-32), and primary chicken chondrocytes (CCH).
Main Results:
- All tested M. synoviae strains successfully invaded chicken cells within 24 hours.
- M. synoviae type strain WVU 1853 demonstrated significantly higher invasiveness in CER and CEC-32 compared to field strain ULB 02/T6 and M. gallisepticum R(low).
- WVU 1853 showed lower invasiveness in CCH, comparable to M. gallisepticum R(low).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of Mycoplasma synoviae invasiveness into non-phagocytic chicken cells.
- Significant variations in invasion potential exist among M. synoviae strains and across different chicken cell types.
- Understanding M. synoviae cell invasion is crucial for comprehending its pathogenicity in poultry.
