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Updated: Sep 16, 2026
Optimized PCR-based Detection of Mycoplasma
Published on: June 20, 2011
Epidemiological investigations and multilocus sequence typing of Mycoplasma gallisepticum collected in China
Xiaona Wei1, Qian Zhong2, Dingai Wang3
1Wen's Foodstuff Group Co. Ltd., Xinxing, 527400, Guangdong, China; Yunfu Branch of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527439, China.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is one of the important pathogens in poultry industry and has led to major economic losses. Understanding the epidemiology is crucial to improve the control and eradication program of MG. This study collected 1,250 chicken samples, including trachea and lung, from China in 2022 to investigate the epidemiology of MG. Among the collected samples, 938 samples were positive for MG infection, resulting in an average positive rate of 75.04%. Additionally, 570 samples were positive for both MG and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) coinfection, with an average positive rate of 45.60%. A total of 183 MG infection positive samples in this study were selected for genotyping, and the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method based on 7 housekeeping genes was used. As a result, 183 samples belonged to 11 sequence types (STs), with ST-78 being the most prevalent. After BURST analysis, all 183 sequences were divided into group 3. Besides, 119 reference sequences from database and 183 sequences of this study were selected to construct the phylogenetic tree using the neighbor-joining method. The results revealed that the sequences from China, total 196 sequences, were classified into 4 branches. The findings suggest that the MG strains in China exhibit diverse genotypes, which may be related to international trade and the use of live vaccines. Furthermore, we detected the drug susceptibility of 10 isolated strains randomly, which may be helpful to guide the clinical use of drugs to control MG infection.
Insights
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a significant poultry pathogen. This study found diverse MG genotypes in China, with ST-78 being most common, highlighting the need for updated control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Poultry Pathology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) causes substantial economic losses in the poultry industry.
- Effective control and eradication programs for MG necessitate a thorough understanding of its epidemiology.
- Previous epidemiological data on MG in China requires updated investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the current epidemiology and genetic diversity of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in China.
- To identify prevalent sequence types (STs) and genetic lineages of MG strains.
- To assess drug susceptibility patterns of isolated MG strains.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of 1,250 chicken trachea and lung samples from China in 2022.
- Detection of MG and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) using diagnostic methods.
- Genotyping of 183 MG-positive samples via multilocus sequence typing (MLST) using 7 housekeeping genes.
- BURST analysis and phylogenetic tree construction using the neighbor-joining method.
Main Results:
- An overall MG positive rate of 75.04% was observed, with a 45.60% coinfection rate with MS.
- MLST identified 11 distinct sequence types (STs) among 183 MG isolates, with ST-78 being the most prevalent.
- Phylogenetic analysis of 196 Chinese MG sequences revealed classification into 4 distinct branches, indicating significant genetic diversity.
Conclusions:
- The Mycoplasma gallisepticum strains circulating in China exhibit considerable genotypic diversity.
- This diversity may be influenced by factors such as international trade and the utilization of live MG vaccines.
- Understanding these genetic characteristics and drug susceptibility is crucial for developing targeted control strategies against MG in poultry.
