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Mycoplasma conjunctivae in insect vectors and anatomic locations related to transmission and persistence

Xavier Fernández Aguilar1, Jorge Ramón López-Olvera2, Maria Puig Ribas2

  • 1Wildlife Ecology & Health Group - Servei d' Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain; UAB, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain.

Veterinary Microbiology
|December 30, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Mycoplasma conjunctivae, a cause of Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis (IKC), was found in the nasal passages and ear canals of Caprinae species, suggesting broader transmission routes beyond the eyes. Flies may also play a role in spreading this pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Wildlife Disease Ecology
  • Ovine and Caprine Health

Background:

  • Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) in Caprinae species is primarily caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae.
  • Limited research exists on the transmission mechanisms and extraocular occurrence of M. conjunctivae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and potential transmission routes of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in various body sites and potential vectors in Caprinae species.
  • To assess the association between ocular infections and M. conjunctivae presence in other anatomical locations.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was used to detect M. conjunctivae DNA in swabs from eyes, external ear canals (EEC), nasal cavities, and vaginas of Pyrenean chamois, Iberian ibex, domestic sheep, and mouflon.
  • M. conjunctivae presence was also assessed in Musca spp. captured during an IKC outbreak.

Main Results:

  • M. conjunctivae was detected in 7.2% of ear swabs and 9.5% of nasal swabs across the studied species.
  • Nasal swab detection was strongly associated with ocular infection (95.6%), while ear swab detection showed a weaker association (52.6%).
  • M. conjunctivae DNA was found in 1.7% - 7.1% of captured Musca spp., indicating a potential role in transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Mycoplasma conjunctivae can colonize nasal passages and external ear canals, indicating transmission beyond direct ocular contact.
  • Direct contact with ocular/nasal secretions and indirect transmission via vectors like flies are likely routes for M. conjunctivae spread.
  • Further research is needed to understand the significance of M. conjunctivae colonization in the auditory tract for disease persistence.
Keywords:
Iberian ibexInfectious KeratoconjunctivitisMuscachamoisdisease transmissionexternal ear canalfliesmouflonsheepvectors

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