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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
Published on: June 20, 2011
Quantitative PCR analysis of Mycoplasma suis shedding patterns during experimental infection
Stefanie Dietz1, Sarah-Lena Mack1, Katharina Hoelzle2
1Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Medicine (with Animal Clinic), University Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract:
The uncultivable hemotrophic bacterium Mycoplasma suis causes infectious anemia in pigs worldwide. The mechanisms by which M. suis is transmitted from pig to pig are largely unknown. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating urine, feces, saliva, nasal and vaginal secrets as well as environmental samples for the presence of M. suis DNA to get insights into potential transmission routes. Seven pigs were experimentally infected with M. suis KI3806. Samples were taken for 8 days post infection (p.i.). A quantitative LightCycler msg1 PCR was used to detect and quantify M. suis. Shedding was found in saliva as well as nasal and vaginal secrets from day 6 p.i. on with a quantity of 3.4 × 10(2) to 2.7 × 10(5)M. suis/swab. In urine M. suis DNA could be detected in 100.0% of the samples from day 6 p.i. on with a quantity of 4.7 × 10(2) to 6.3 × 10(5)M. suis per mL. When shedding patterns were correlated to the median bacterial blood loads shedding was observed at loads of 2.0 × 10(9)-7.0 × 10(10)M. suis per mL blood. No M. suis DNA could be amplified from feces. Dust and water samples of the pig drinking troughs were positive for M. suis on days 2 and 6 post infection, air samples were M. suis-negative throughout the experiment. Our results indicate that blood independent direct transmission as well as indirect transmission via environmental contamination could play a role in the epidemiology of M. suis infections.
Insights
Mycoplasma suis shedding occurs in pig saliva, nasal, vaginal secretions, and urine starting 6 days post-infection. This bacterium can transmit directly or indirectly through environmental contamination, impacting swine infectious anemia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Infectious Diseases
- Swine Epidemiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma suis is a globally significant hemotrophic bacterium causing infectious anemia in pigs.
- Understanding M. suis transmission routes is crucial for controlling swine infectious anemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential transmission routes of Mycoplasma suis.
- To detect M. suis DNA in various excretions and environmental samples.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of seven pigs with M. suis KI3806.
- Sample collection over 8 days post-infection (p.i.).
- Quantitative LightCycler real-time PCR for M. suis detection and quantification.
Main Results:
- M. suis shedding detected in saliva, nasal, and vaginal secretions from day 6 p.i.
- Urine samples showed 100% M. suis DNA detection from day 6 p.i.
- Environmental dust and water samples were positive; air samples were negative.
Conclusions:
- M. suis can be shed in multiple body fluids and transmitted via environmental contamination.
- Direct and indirect transmission pathways likely contribute to M. suis epidemiology.
- Findings provide insights into controlling swine infectious anemia caused by M. suis.
