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Updated: Feb 4, 2026
Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
Published on: June 20, 2011
Detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae in Small Ruminants of Southeast Iran
M Shamsaddini Bafti1,1, S A Pourbakhsh2, M Ezatkhah1
1Department of Molecular Microbiology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization, Kerman, Iran.
Abstract:
Agalactia is an infectious and contagious disease of small ruminants caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae). Although different microorganism strains contribute to this disease, M. agalactiae is known as the most prominent causative agent. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the rate of M. agalactiae involvement in contagious agalactia in the southeast region of Iran. Sampling was performed from milk, conjunctiva, ear lesions, and joints exudate of suspicious sheep and goat flocks according to the reports of Iran Veterinary Organization. The presence of Mycoplasma and its species, namely M. agalactiae, was evaluated through microbial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The detected microorganisms were confirmed to be Mycoplasma and M. agalactiae by the PCR amplification of 16S rRNA and lipoprotein target genes. According to the findings of present study, 14.8% and 36.0% of the samples were diagnosed as positive for Mycoplasma by culture and PCR, respectively. Moreover, the incidence of M. agalactiae was determined as 6.1% using the specific PCR method. Therefore, it is recommended to identify the other species of Mycoplasma in small ruminant samples involved with contagious agalactiae disease.
Insights
Contagious agalactia in Iranian small ruminants is primarily caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae. This study found M. agalactiae in 6.1% of samples, highlighting the need for further Mycoplasma species identification.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases in Livestock
- Ruminant Health
Background:
- Contagious agalactia is a significant disease in small ruminants.
- Mycoplasma agalactiae is the primary pathogen responsible for this condition.
- Understanding the prevalence of M. agalactiae is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma agalactiae in sheep and goats with contagious agalactia in southeastern Iran.
- To compare the efficacy of microbial culture and PCR for Mycoplasma detection.
Main Methods:
- Samples (milk, conjunctiva, ear lesions, joint exudate) were collected from suspected flocks.
- Microbial culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were used for Mycoplasma identification.
- PCR amplification of 16S rRNA and lipoprotein genes confirmed M. agalactiae.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma was detected in 14.8% of samples by culture and 36.0% by PCR.
- Mycoplasma agalactiae was identified in 6.1% of samples using specific PCR.
- PCR demonstrated higher sensitivity for Mycoplasma detection compared to culture.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma agalactiae is a key agent in contagious agalactia in the studied region.
- PCR is a more sensitive diagnostic tool for Mycoplasma detection in clinical samples.
- Further investigation into other Mycoplasma species involved in contagious agalactia is recommended.
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