Mycoplasma-induced arthritis in poultry

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.