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Mycoplasma and associated bacteria isolated from ovine pink-eye
Abstract:
A mycoplasma was recovered from the untreated conjunctival membranes of nine sheep affected by Pink-eye. It was neither isolated from the conjunctiva of treated animals which were affected nor from the conjunctiva of normal animals either in contact or not in contact with affected animals. Bacteria found on normal conjunctival membranes were Neisseria ovis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermididis, Streptococcus and Bacillus spp. Bacteria found in clinical cases of Pink-eye were N. ovis, E. coli, a Streptococcus and Pseudomonas spp.
Insights
A novel mycoplasma was identified in untreated sheep with Pink-eye. This specific mycoplasma was not found in treated or healthy sheep, suggesting its role in the disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Ophthalmology
- Animal Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pink-eye, a common ocular condition in sheep, can cause significant economic losses in livestock.
- The etiology of Pink-eye in sheep is often complex, involving various bacterial agents.
- Previous studies have identified several bacteria associated with ovine Pink-eye, but the role of mycoplasmas remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of mycoplasmas in the pathogenesis of Pink-eye in sheep.
- To compare the microbial flora of conjunctival membranes in affected, treated, and healthy sheep.
Main Methods:
- Conjunctival swabs were collected from untreated affected sheep, treated affected sheep, and healthy control sheep (in-contact and non-contact).
- Samples were cultured for the isolation and identification of mycoplasmas and other bacteria.
- Microbial analysis focused on identifying distinct bacterial populations associated with clinical Pink-eye.
Main Results:
- A mycoplasma species was successfully isolated from the conjunctival membranes of nine untreated sheep exhibiting Pink-eye.
- This specific mycoplasma was not detected in conjunctival samples from treated affected sheep or from any healthy sheep, regardless of contact with affected animals.
- Commonly found bacteria in normal sheep conjunctiva included Neisseria ovis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermididis, Streptococcus, and Bacillus spp. In clinical Pink-eye cases, N. ovis, E. coli, a Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas spp. were identified.
Conclusions:
- The exclusive recovery of a specific mycoplasma from untreated Pink-eye cases suggests a potential etiological role in ovine Pink-eye.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the pathogenicity of this mycoplasma and its contribution to Pink-eye development in sheep.
- Understanding the microbial dynamics, including mycoplasmas, is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for ovine Pink-eye.