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Published on: July 3, 2014
Identification of Mycoplasma Species in Cattle Associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease Mortality
Emanuele Carella1, Erika Messana1, Davide Mugetti2
1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy.
Abstract:
Approximately 30 distinct Mycoplasma species have been isolated from cattle, but only a few are pathogenic and can cause serious respiratory diseases. Consequently, this study aimed to identify Mycoplasma spp. infections in cattle with bovine respiratory disease (BRD), considering factors such as animal demographics, concurrent infections with other pathogens, post-mortem clinical findings and histological examinations, and seasonality. A total of 326 samples were collected from 322 cattle that had died from BRD in Northwestern Italy. A total of 54 animals (16.8%) tested positive for Mycoplasma spp., and Mycoplasma bovis (n = 22, 40.7%) and Mycoplasma dispar (n = 13, 24.1%) were the most frequently detected species among the examined cattle. Among positive cattle, those aged five months or younger were approximately five times more likely to be infected by Mycoplasma dispar than by Mycoplasma bovis compared to those older than five months (proportional incidence ratio: 5.1, 95% CI 1.2-21.2). The main bacterial pathogens identified in cattle exhibiting co-infection was Pasteurella multocida, whereas the main viral pathogens were BRSV and BoHV-1. Histopathological investigations predominantly revealed catarrhal bronchopneumonia or purulent catarrhal bronchopneumonia among the examined cattle. Finally, Mycoplasma hyopharyngis, a species isolated from the pharyngeal and nasal cavities of pigs so far, was detected for the first time in the pneumonic lung of a bovine infected with BRD. Further investigations are necessary to thoroughly characterize its host range and pathogenic potential.
Insights
This study identified Mycoplasma species in cattle with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma dispar were most common, with younger cattle more susceptible to M. dispar.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Pathology
- Bovine Respiratory Disease
Background:
- Mycoplasma species are significant pathogens in cattle, causing severe respiratory illnesses.
- Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a complex condition often involving multiple pathogens.
- Understanding Mycoplasma prevalence and co-infections is crucial for effective disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Mycoplasma species in cattle that died from BRD.
- To investigate associations between Mycoplasma infections and host factors, co-infections, and pathological findings.
- To report the first detection of Mycoplasma hyopharyngis in bovine lung tissue.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of 326 samples from cattle with BRD in Northwestern Italy.
- Molecular detection and identification of Mycoplasma species.
- Analysis of demographic data, co-infections (bacterial and viral), and histopathological results.
- Statistical analysis to determine risk factors and incidence ratios.
Main Results:
- 54 out of 322 cattle (16.8%) tested positive for Mycoplasma spp.
- Mycoplasma bovis (40.7%) and Mycoplasma dispar (24.1%) were the most prevalent species.
- Younger cattle (≤5 months) were significantly more likely to be infected with M. dispar than M. bovis.
- Pasteurella multocida, Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) were common co-pathogens.
- Catarrhal or purulent catarrhal bronchopneumonia was the predominant histopathological finding.
- Mycoplasma hyopharyngis was detected in a bovine lung for the first time.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma dispar are key Mycoplasma species associated with BRD in the studied population.
- Age is a significant factor influencing the prevalence of specific Mycoplasma species in young cattle.
- The identification of Mycoplasma hyopharyngis in bovine lung warrants further investigation into its role in BRD.
- Integrated diagnostic approaches considering Mycoplasma and other pathogens are essential for managing BRD.
