Multilocus sequence typing of the goose pathogen Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Molecular Epidemiology
• Phylogenetics

Background:

• Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis causes genital tract inflammation, embryo lethality, and reduced egg production in geese, leading to substantial economic losses.
• Initially detected in Central/Eastern Europe, its recent identification in China suggests a wider global distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for analyzing the phylogenetic relationships of M. anserisalpingitidis field isolates.
• To assess the genetic diversity and population structure of M. anserisalpingitidis from various geographical origins.

Main Methods:

• A novel MLST scheme was developed using five loci: atpG, fusA, pgiB, plsY, and uvrA.
• Eighty-nine M. anserisalpingitidis samples from Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, China, and Vietnam were analyzed.
• Phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine relationships between isolates.

Main Results:

• The MLST scheme identified 76 unique sequence types among 89 samples, indicating high genetic diversity (Simpson's index = 0.994).
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed three distinct clades (A-C) and six subclades within clade C.
• Isolates from the same geographical regions or farming systems generally clustered together, with clade A showing close relation to M. anatis.

Conclusions:

• The developed MLST assay is a valuable, cost-effective tool for high-resolution typing of M. anserisalpingitidis.
• The study highlights the significant genetic diversity of M. anserisalpingitidis, crucial for understanding its epidemiology and evolution.
• This method provides a robust platform for future molecular epidemiological investigations of waterfowl Mycoplasma species.