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Scanning electron and light microscopy of selected avian strains of Mycoplasma iowae
Abstract:
The morphology of six strains of Mycoplasma iowae was studied at various stages of growth by scanning electron and light microscopy. The six strains, which formerly represented avian mycoplasmal serotypes I, J, K, N, Q, and R, produced filaments and branching filaments, sometimes with centrally or terminally located bulbous swellings. During cell division, the filaments appeared to develop into chains of coccal, coccobacillary, and elongated cells. Mycoplasmas that appeared as chains of cocci under light microscopy were often observed as coccobacillary or fusiform when viewed with scanning electron microscopy. The morphology of single or paired cells of all strains included cocci, rods, coccobacilli, and pleomorphic forms. Fusiform and teardrop-shaped cells with bleb-like structures were also observed. Some cells of all strains deteriorated by the latter growth stages, forming clumps of flattened irregular-shaped cells, sometimes intertwined with fragmented filaments. The formation of filaments, branching filaments, and the other cell morphology indicated that the six strains of M. iowae were similar in morphology and growth characteristics.
Insights
Six strains of Mycoplasma iowae exhibit similar filamentous and branching morphologies, with variations in cell shape during division and deterioration. These findings enhance understanding of Mycoplasma iowae growth characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mycoplasma iowae is an important avian pathogen.
- Understanding the morphology and growth characteristics of Mycoplasma iowae is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the morphology of six strains of Mycoplasma iowae at different growth stages.
- To identify common and distinct morphological features among these strains.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy.
- Observed Mycoplasma iowae strains at various growth stages.
Main Results:
- All six strains produced filaments, branching filaments, and bulbous swellings.
- Observed diverse cell shapes including cocci, rods, coccobacilli, and pleomorphic forms.
- Noted cell deterioration in later growth stages, forming irregular clumps and fragmented filaments.
Conclusions:
- The six studied strains of Mycoplasma iowae demonstrated consistent morphological characteristics and growth patterns.
- Filament formation and diverse cell morphologies are key features of Mycoplasma iowae.
- SEM provided higher resolution detail of Mycoplasma iowae morphology compared to light microscopy.