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Published on: February 24, 2023
Genetic variation of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from Brazilian field samples
Viviane Sisdelli Assao1, Thalita Moreira Scatamburlo1, Elaine Nery Araujo1
1Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Background:
Porcine enzootic pneumonia is a worldwide problem in swine production. The infected host demonstrates a respiratory disease whose etiologic agent is Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp). A total of 266 lung samples with Mycoplasma-like lesions were collected from two slaughterhouses. We analyzed the genetic profile of Mhp field samples using 16 genes that encode proteins involved in the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and/or the immune responses of the host. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to classify the Mhp field samples based on their similarity according to the presence of the studied genes.
Results:
Our results showed variations in the frequency of the 16 studied genes among different Mhp field samples. It was also noted that samples from the same farm were genetically different from each other and samples from different regions could be genetically similar, which is evidence of the presence of different genetic profiles among the Mhp field strains that circulate in Brazilian swine herds.
Conclusion:
This work demonstrated the genetic diversity of several Mhp field strains based on 16 selected genes related to virulence and/or immune response in Brazil. Our findings demonstrate the difference between Mhp field strains could influence the virulence, and we hypothesize that the most frequent genes in Mhp field strains could possibly be used as vaccine candidates. Based on our results, we suspect that Mhp genetic variability may be associated with the frequency of genes among the field strains and we have demonstrated that some Mhp field samples could not have many important genes described in the literature.
Insights
Genetic analysis of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) in Brazil revealed significant diversity among field strains. This variability in virulence-associated genes suggests potential implications for disease control and vaccine development in swine herds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Swine Pathology
- Bacterial Genomics
Background:
- Porcine enzootic pneumonia, caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp), is a significant global swine industry issue.
- 266 lung samples with Mhp-like lesions were collected from Brazilian slaughterhouses to investigate Mhp genetic diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genetic profiles of Mhp field strains circulating in Brazil.
- To identify variations in genes related to bacterial pathogenesis and host immune response.
Main Methods:
- Genetic analysis of 16 selected genes in Mhp field samples.
- Bioinformatic analysis to classify Mhp strains based on gene presence and similarity.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in the frequency of the 16 studied genes were observed among Mhp field samples.
- Genetic heterogeneity was found even within samples from the same farm, and similarity was noted between samples from different regions.
- These findings indicate the circulation of diverse Mhp genetic profiles within Brazilian swine herds.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the genetic diversity of Mhp field strains in Brazil based on virulence and immune response genes.
- Differences in Mhp genetic profiles may influence disease virulence, suggesting a need for tailored control strategies.
- Frequent genes in Mhp field strains are proposed as potential vaccine candidates, and genetic variability may impact the presence of key virulence factors.
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