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Pathogenicity of Mycoplasma imitans in mixed infection with infectious bronchitis virus in chickens
K Ganapathy1,2, J M Bradbury1
1a Department of Veterinary Pathology , University of Liverpool , Leahurst, Neston , South Wirral , L64 7TE , UK.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma imitans (Mim) has been isolated from ducks, geese and partridges, and is closely related to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg). The pathogenicity of Mim for chicks was investigated in single and mixed infections with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) by giving IBV strain M41 at 1-day-old and Mim 2 days later. Single infections with IBV or Mim were also performed. No clinical signs or gross lesions were seen in chicks infected with Mim or uninfected control chicks, but they were seen in the other two groups. Clinical scores were consistently higher in birds with mixed infections than those infected with IBV alone, and were significantly higher (P < 0.05) between days 7 and 14. More birds developed sinusitis, tracheitis and airsacculitis (with greater severity) in the mixed than the single IBV infections. Mim was recovered more frequently and in greater numbers from the respiratory tract of birds with mixed than single infections. It was recovered from the lower trachea, air sacs and lungs only in mixed infections. Seroconversion to Mim occurred by day 14 in mixed infections, but not until day 21 in single infections. It appears that Mim can act synergistically with IBV in young chickens in a similar manner to Mg, although Mg may act as a primary pathogen under some circumstances.
Insights
Mycoplasma imitans (Mim) exacerbates infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chicks, increasing disease severity and respiratory lesions. This suggests Mim acts synergistically with IBV, similar to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg).
Area of Science:
- Avian Pathology
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Poultry Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasma imitans (Mim) is an avian pathogen found in waterfowl and game birds.
- Mycoplasma imitans is closely related to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg), a significant poultry pathogen.
- The pathogenicity of Mim, especially in conjunction with other avian respiratory pathogens, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma imitans (Mim) in chicks.
- To evaluate the effects of single and mixed infections of Mim and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) on chick health and respiratory disease.
- To compare the synergistic potential of Mim with IBV to that of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg).
Main Methods:
- Chicks were experimentally infected with either IBV (strain M41), Mim, or a combination of both.
- Control groups received no inoculation.
- Clinical signs, gross lesions, bacterial recovery, and serological responses were monitored throughout the study period.
Main Results:
- Single infections with IBV or Mim caused clinical signs and lesions, while Mim alone did not induce significant disease in controls.
- Mixed infections of Mim and IBV resulted in significantly higher clinical scores and more severe respiratory lesions (sinusitis, tracheitis, airsacculitis) compared to IBV alone.
- Mim was recovered more frequently and in higher numbers from the respiratory tract in mixed infections, and seroconversion to Mim was faster.
- Mim was recovered from the lower trachea, air sacs, and lungs exclusively in mixed infections.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma imitans can act synergistically with infectious bronchitis virus in young chickens, similar to Mycoplasma gallisepticum.
- The presence of Mim exacerbates the pathogenicity of IBV, leading to more severe respiratory disease.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering Mycoplasma species in the context of viral respiratory infections in poultry.
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