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Experimental mastitis caused by Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and M. canadense in the ewe
1Veterinary Research Laboratories, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Abstract:
Twelve strains of M. bovigenitalium and two of three strains of M. canadense caused an infection resulting in a pathogenic effect when experimentally inoculated into the ovine mammary gland. Differences in the pathogenesis were quantified by the duration of continuous mycoplasma excretion and the duration of high milk cell levels, but variation in the susceptability of the experimental animals prevented the establishment of firm conclusions on the relative virulence of the strains. Seven M. bovigenitalium and two M. canadense strains were eventually eliminated naturally from the infected glands, but four M. bovigenitalium strain infections ultimately became sub-clinical with intermittent mycoplasma excretion and low milk cell levels.
Insights
Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Mycoplasma canadense experimentally infected ovine mammary glands, causing pathogenic effects. While some infections resolved naturally, others became sub-clinical, highlighting varied disease progression in sheep.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Ruminant Health
Background:
- Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Mycoplasma canadense are implicated in ovine reproductive and respiratory diseases.
- Understanding their impact on the ovine mammary gland is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenic potential of M. bovigenitalium and M. canadense strains in the ovine mammary gland.
- To characterize the clinical and sub-clinical disease manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Experimental inoculation of ovine mammary glands with twelve M. bovigenitalium and three M. canadense strains.
- Quantification of pathogenesis by duration of mycoplasma excretion and milk cell levels.
Main Results:
- Most inoculated strains (12/12 M. bovigenitalium, 2/3 M. canadense) caused infection with pathogenic effects.
- Seven M. bovigenitalium and two M. canadense strains were naturally eliminated.
- Four M. bovigenitalium infections progressed to a sub-clinical state with intermittent excretion.
Conclusions:
- Both M. bovigenitalium and M. canadense can induce pathogenic effects in the ovine mammary gland.
- Variability in host susceptibility complicates virulence assessment.
- Sub-clinical infections with intermittent excretion are a possible outcome.