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Isolation and characterization of an atypical Mycoplasma gallisepticum strain showing a new mgc2 variant
A Matucci1, E Stefani1, A Tondo1
1Mycoplasma Unit, WOAH Reference Laboratory for Avian Mycoplasmosis, SCT-1, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Via Bovolino 1/C, Buttapietra, Verona 37060, Italy.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is an important pathogen of the poultry industry able to cause chronic respiratory disease in chickens and infectious sinusitis in turkeys. Despite the application of biosecurity measures and the availability of vaccines for chickens, monitoring systems routinely applied for MG detection are still essential for infection control. Pathogen isolation is time-consuming and not suitable for rapid detection, albeit it is a compulsory step for genetic typing and antimicrobial susceptibility evaluation of single strains. The mgc2 gene is a species-specific molecular target adopted by most of the PCR protocols available for MG diagnosis, which are also included in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual. We describe the case of an atypical MG strain, isolated in 2019 from Italian turkeys, characterized by an mgc2 sequence not detectable by common endpoint PCR primers. Considering the potential risk of false negative results during diagnostic screenings with the endpoint protocol, the authors propose an alternative mgc2 PCR endpoint protocol, named MG600, which should be considered as a further diagnostic tool.
Insights
Atypical Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) strains can evade standard PCR detection. A new MG600 PCR protocol offers improved detection for poultry health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Poultry Disease Control
Background:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) causes significant economic losses in the poultry industry, necessitating robust diagnostic methods.
- Current MG detection relies on PCR targeting the mgc2 gene, a standard in avian health surveillance.
- Despite biosecurity and vaccination, continuous monitoring is crucial for controlling MG outbreaks.
Observation:
- An atypical MG strain, identified in Italian turkeys in 2019, possessed an mgc2 gene sequence undetectable by conventional PCR primers.
- This genetic variation poses a risk of false-negative results in routine MG diagnostic screenings.
- Standard pathogen isolation is too slow for rapid detection, highlighting the need for efficient molecular methods.
Findings:
- A novel endpoint PCR protocol, designated MG600, was developed targeting the mgc2 gene.
- The MG600 protocol demonstrated effectiveness in detecting the atypical MG strain.
- This new protocol addresses the limitations of existing methods in identifying specific MG variants.
Implications:
- The MG600 protocol can enhance the accuracy and reliability of MG surveillance programs.
- It provides a valuable supplementary tool for diagnostic laboratories to prevent missed diagnoses.
- Improved detection of MG strains aids in better disease management and mitigation strategies in poultry populations.
