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Abstract:
Mycoplasmaa-induced arthritis of poultry under field conditions is almost entirely caused by Mycoplasm synoviae (Ms) infection. Experimentally, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma meleagridis and Mycoplasma iowae have all been shown to cause arthritis, tenosynovitis and lesions of periarticular tissue. However, greatest attention has been given to Ms in this respect. The leg joints are most consistently involved, and of these particularly the tibiotarsal-tarsometatarsal and tarsometatarso-phalangeal joints. Acute amd chronic arthritis have been described, and in the later the arthritic lesions may be progressive. The histopathological changes include invasion with heterophils (polymorphs) and later monocytes. Villus formation is shown by the synovium, and lymphofollicular aggregates appear. In severe cases, there is progressive erosion of articular cartilage and there are degenerative changes in underlying bone. Systemic changes include anemia, reticulitis, arteritis, and atrophy of the thymus and bursa of Fabricius. The mechanism of disease production may involve a direct inflammatory response as well as immunoinflammatory complexes.
Insights
Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms) is the primary cause of poultry arthritis in field conditions. This infection leads to progressive joint damage and systemic effects in birds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Avian Diseases
- Mycoplasmology
Background:
- Poultry arthritis is a significant concern in field conditions, predominantly linked to Mycoplasma infections.
- Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms) is the most frequently implicated species, though other Mycoplasma species can also induce similar pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the pathological and histopathological features of Mycoplasma-induced arthritis in poultry.
- To highlight the specific joints affected and the progression of lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and field observations on Mycoplasma-induced arthritis in poultry.
- Histopathological examination of affected tissues, including joints, synovium, cartilage, and bone.
- Documentation of systemic changes observed in infected birds.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms) consistently causes arthritis, tenosynovitis, and periarticular lesions, primarily affecting leg joints like the tibiotarsal-tarsometatarsal and tarsometatarso-phalangeal joints.
- Histopathology reveals heterophil and monocyte infiltration, synovial villus formation, lymphofollicular aggregates, articular cartilage erosion, and degenerative bone changes.
- Systemic effects include anemia, reticulitis, arteritis, and atrophy of the thymus and bursa of Fabricius.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma synoviae is the principal etiological agent of poultry arthritis under field conditions.
- The disease manifests with progressive joint pathology and significant systemic complications.
- Disease pathogenesis likely involves direct inflammation and immune complex-mediated mechanisms.