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Published on: February 24, 2023
Population structure and antimicrobial susceptibility of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae isolates in France
Maryne Jaÿ1, Chloé Ambroset1, Agnès Tricot1
1Université de Lyon, Anses, Laboratoire de Lyon, UMR Mycoplasmoses des Ruminants, 31 Avenue Tony-Garnier, 69364, Lyon Cedex 07, France; Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, UMR Mycoplasmoses des Ruminants, Marcy-l'Etoile, France.
Abstract:
Chronic non-progressive pneumonia in small ruminants caused by Mycoplasma (M.) ovipneumoniae is mainly controlled by chemotherapy. In France, during the last decade, a rise in M. ovipneumoniae cases was recorded in both sheep and goats, suggesting a possible emergence. Whether this rise is associated with antimicrobial resistance, as observed in other ruminant Mycoplasma species, has yet to be examined. The aim of the study was to characterize the diversity of M. ovipneumoniae strains circulating in France and assess their antimicrobial resistance, together with the underlying mechanisms, to help find an explanation for the increase in reported cases. The genetic diversity of 56 strains isolated between 2007 and 2018 from sheep and goats was assessed using different subtyping methods. Their susceptibility to six antimicrobial classes was profiled by estimating Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) using an optimised agar dilution method. Resistance mechanisms were explored by sequence analysis of rRNA targets. A high genetic diversity of strains was evidenced, with consistent, marked animal-host clustering in the Hsp70 gene and whole genome sequence phylogeny. No clonal evolution could thus account for putative emergence. Apart from florfenicol, MICs were low except for a few isolates with increased values for tetracyclines, macrolides and lincosamides. Hotspot mutations in the target ribosomal gene could explain increased tetracycline MICs. Other mechanisms are suspected for macrolide-lincosamide and florfenicol resistance. The emergence of M. ovipneumoniae is thus not related to any increase in resistance or to a clonal spread. Explanations may lie in breeding practices.
Insights
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae pneumonia in small ruminants is not increasing due to antimicrobial resistance or clonal spread. Genetic diversity suggests other factors, possibly related to breeding practices, explain the rise in cases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Chronic pneumonia in small ruminants is primarily caused by Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae.
- Recent increases in Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae cases in French sheep and goats warrant investigation into potential drivers.
- Antimicrobial resistance has been observed in other Mycoplasma species, raising concerns for M. ovipneumoniae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae strains circulating in France.
- To assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of these strains and identify resistance mechanisms.
- To determine if increased antimicrobial resistance or clonal spread explains the rise in M. ovipneumoniae cases.
Main Methods:
- Genetic diversity assessed using subtyping methods, Hsp70 gene, and whole genome sequencing.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility profiled via Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) using agar dilution.
- Resistance mechanisms explored through sequence analysis of rRNA targets.
Main Results:
- High genetic diversity of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae strains observed, with host-specific clustering.
- No evidence of clonal evolution or spread contributing to increased cases.
- Low MICs for most antimicrobials, with some isolates showing increased values for tetracyclines, macrolides, and lincosamides.
- Hotspot mutations identified as a potential mechanism for tetracycline resistance.
Conclusions:
- The emergence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in France is not linked to increased antimicrobial resistance or clonal spread.
- Genetic diversity suggests that factors beyond antimicrobial resistance, potentially including breeding practices, may explain the rise in pneumonia cases.
- Further research into management and husbandry practices is recommended.
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