Related Experiment Videos
Genetic and antigenic relatedness between Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae
1Department of Membrane and Ultrastructure Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
The two avian pathogens Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae were found, by Southern blot hybridization of their digested DNAs, to share genomic nucleotide sequences additional to those of the highly conserved ribosomal RNA genes. The assumption that some of the shared sequences encode for antigens or epitopes common to both mycoplasmas was supported by Western immunoblot analysis of cell proteins of one mycoplasma with specific antiserum to the other mycoplasma. Interestingly, the band patterns of reactive antigens were different for some of the M. gallisepticum strains, supporting the concept that the species is genotypically variable. The results of the present study may explain the cross-reactivity of the two mycoplasmas noted previously in a variety of routine serological tests.
Insights
Genomic analysis revealed shared DNA sequences between Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae, explaining cross-reactivity in avian mycoplasma serological tests. This finding highlights genetic variability within Mycoplasma gallisepticum strains.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Avian Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae are significant avian pathogens.
- Previous serological tests showed cross-reactivity between these two mycoplasmas.
- The genetic basis for this cross-reactivity was not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate shared genomic nucleotide sequences between Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae.
- To determine if these shared sequences encode common antigens or epitopes.
- To explain the observed cross-reactivity in routine serological tests.
Main Methods:
- Southern blot hybridization of digested DNA from both mycoplasma species.
- Western immunoblot analysis using specific antisera against each mycoplasma.
- Comparison of reactive antigen band patterns across different Mycoplasma gallisepticum strains.
Main Results:
- Shared genomic nucleotide sequences, beyond ribosomal RNA genes, were identified between Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae.
- Western immunoblotting confirmed that some shared sequences encode common antigens/epitopes.
- Variations in reactive antigen patterns were observed among Mycoplasma gallisepticum strains, indicating genotypic variability.
Conclusions:
- The identified shared genomic sequences and common antigens likely explain the cross-reactivity observed in serological tests for avian mycoplasmosis.
- Genotypic variability within Mycoplasma gallisepticum is confirmed, which may impact diagnostic accuracy.
- These findings contribute to a better understanding of avian mycoplasma pathogenesis and diagnostics.