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Mycoplasmas and acholeplasmas isolated from ducks and their possible association with pasteurellas
1Central Veterinary Laboratory, Singapore.
Abstract:
Two hundred and sixty-three cases of clinically diseased ducks of all ages were examined for the presence of mycoplasmas. Mycoplasmas and acholeplasmas belonging to more than eight serogroups were cultured from 68 of them, and comprised 12 M anatis, one M columbinasale, two M gallinaceum, two M gallinarum, nine M synoviae, three unidentified Mycoplasma species, 37 Acholeplasma laidlawii and one unclassified acholeplasma belonging to each of serogroups 7 and 8. They were identified by biochemical characterisation, disc growth inhibition and agar gel diffusion tests. Fifty-three (78 per cent) of the isolates occurred with species of Pasteurella: 33.8 per cent with Pasteurella anatipestifer, 32.4 per cent with P multocida and 11.8 per cent with both P anatipestifer and P multocida. Nine of the isolates (13.2 per cent) were in pure culture and six (8.8 per cent) with other agents. Of the ducks negative for mycoplasmas 33.3 per cent were infected with P anatipestifer, 25.1 per cent with P multocida and 14.4 per cent with both P anatipestifer and P multocida. There was no correlation between the infections with mycoplasmas and P anatipestifer but there was a weak association between the infections with mycoplasmas, especially M anatis and P multocida.
Insights
Mycoplasmas and acholeplasmas were identified in 68 diseased ducks, frequently alongside Pasteurella species. While no correlation was found with Pasteurella anatipestifer, a weak association existed between mycoplasmas and Pasteurella multocida.
Area of Science:
- Avian pathology
- Microbiology
- Veterinary science
Background:
- Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma species are known avian pathogens.
- Understanding their prevalence and co-infections is crucial for poultry health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of mycoplasmas and acholeplasmas in clinically diseased ducks.
- To identify co-infections with Pasteurella species and assess potential correlations.
Main Methods:
- Culturing and identification of mycoplasmas and acholeplasmas from 263 diseased ducks.
- Biochemical characterization, disc growth inhibition, and agar gel diffusion tests were employed.
- Co-infection analysis with Pasteurella species (P. anatipestifer, P. multocida) was performed.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasmas and acholeplasmas were isolated from 68 ducks (25.8%), representing over eight serogroups.
- Common isolates included Mycoplasma anatis, Mycoplasma synoviae, and Acholeplasma laidlawii.
- 78% of mycoplasma isolates were co-infected with Pasteurella species, particularly P. anatipestifer and P. multocida.
- A weak association was observed between mycoplasma infections (especially M. anatis) and P. multocida.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasmas and acholeplasmas are prevalent in diseased ducks and often co-occur with Pasteurella species.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering polymicrobial infections in avian disease diagnosis.
- Further research into the synergistic effects of these co-infections is warranted.