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Published on: December 4, 2015
Two clinical isolates of Mycoplasma hyosynoviae showed differing pattern of lameness and pathogen detection in
João Carlos Gomes-Neto1,2, Matthew Raymond1,3, Leslie Bower1
1Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma (M.) hyosynoviae is known to colonize and cause disease in growing-finishing pigs. In this study, two clinical isolates of M. hyosynoviae were compared by inoculating cesarean-derived colostrum-deprived and specific-pathogen-free growing pigs. After intranasal or intravenous inoculation, the proportion and distribution pattern of clinical cases was compared in addition to the severity of lameness. Tonsils were found to be the primary site of colonization, while bacteremia was rarely detected prior to the observation of clinical signs. Regardless of the clinical isolate, route of inoculation, or volume of inocula, histopathological alterations and tissue invasion were detected in multiple joints, indicating an apparent lack of specific joint tropism. Acute disease was primarily observed 7 to 10 days post-inoculation. The variability in the severity of synovial microscopic lesions and pathogen detection in joint cavities suggests that the duration of joint infection may influence the diagnostic accuracy. In summary, these findings demonstrate that diagnosis of M. hyosynoviae-associated arthritis can be influenced by the clinical isolate, and provides a study platform to investigate the colonization and virulence potential of field isolates. This approach can be particularly relevant to auxiliate in surveillance and testing of therapeutic and/or vaccine candidates.
Insights
Mycoplasma hyosynoviae causes lameness in pigs. This study shows diagnosis depends on the specific bacterial isolate and infection duration, impacting surveillance and vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Swine Pathology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Mycoplasma hyosynoviae (M. hyosynoviae) is a significant pathogen causing lameness and arthritis in growing-finishing pigs.
- Understanding M. hyosynoviae colonization and disease progression is crucial for effective herd management and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pathogenicity of two clinical isolates of M. hyosynoviae in pigs.
- To investigate the colonization patterns, disease distribution, and severity of lameness following different inoculation routes.
- To evaluate the influence of clinical isolates and infection duration on diagnostic accuracy for M. hyosynoviae-associated arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived (CD-3) and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) growing pigs were inoculated intranasally or intravenously with two clinical isolates of M. hyosynoviae.
- Clinical signs, lameness severity, and lesion distribution were monitored post-inoculation.
- Tonsils, joints, and other tissues were examined histopathologically, and M. hyosynoviae was detected in joint cavities.
Main Results:
- Tonsils were identified as the primary colonization site for M. hyosynoviae.
- Bacteremia was infrequently detected before the onset of clinical signs.
- Histopathological lesions and tissue invasion were observed in multiple joints, irrespective of the isolate or inoculation route, suggesting a lack of specific joint tropism.
- Acute disease symptoms typically appeared 7 to 10 days post-inoculation.
- Variability in synovial lesion severity and pathogen detection indicated that infection duration affects diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The clinical isolate of M. hyosynoviae can influence the diagnosis of associated arthritis.
- This study provides a valuable model for investigating the colonization dynamics and virulence of field isolates.
- The findings are relevant for improving surveillance and for testing the efficacy of therapeutic and vaccine candidates against M. hyosynoviae infections.
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