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Mycoplasma hyorhinis in the etiology of serositis among piglets
1National Veterinary Laboratory, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
In a study on the involvement of Mycoplasma hyorhinis in serositis of piglets, 26 routine diagnostic animals, 3-7 weeks old, with distinct serofibrinous lesions in the pericardial, pleural and peritoneal cavities were examined. M. hyorhinis was isolated in 9 cases, non-haemolytic Escherichia coli in another 9 cases and in 4 cases both species were found. Neither of the microorganisms were found in the remaining 4 cases. The presence of M. hyorhinis in the serous cavities in the absence of non-haemolytic E. coli was always accompanied by a diagnosis of other disease conditions, mainly of the respiratory tract. In the cases infected with non-haemolytic E. coli complicating problems were absent. The pathogenicity of M. hyorhinis was further studied by inoculation of 2 young pigs in which the typical serofibrinous lesions of the serous cavities were produced. It therefore appears that M. hyorhinis can be regarded as a cause of polyserositis in piglets; under field conditions, however, the synergistic presence of other debilitating syndromes appears necessary for its haematogenous spread from the respiratory tract to the serous cavities.
Insights
Mycoplasma hyorhinis can cause polyserositis in piglets. However, it often requires other health issues, like respiratory infections, for it to spread to body cavities.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Swine Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Serositis, characterized by inflammation of serous membranes, is a significant concern in swine production.
- Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Escherichia coli are common bacterial agents implicated in porcine diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Mycoplasma hyorhinis in the etiology of serositis in piglets.
- To determine the etiological agents involved in serofibrinous lesions in young pigs.
Main Methods:
- Examination of 26 piglets (3-7 weeks old) with serofibrinous lesions.
- Bacteriological isolation and identification of Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Escherichia coli.
- Experimental inoculation of pigs to assess pathogenicity.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma hyorhinis was isolated in 9 cases, non-haemolytic Escherichia coli in 9 cases, and both in 4 cases.
- Mycoplasma hyorhinis in serous cavities often co-occurred with respiratory disease, while E. coli infections were uncomplicated.
- Experimental inoculation with M. hyorhinis induced typical serofibrinous lesions.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma hyorhinis is identified as a causative agent of polyserositis in piglets.
- Field cases suggest that M. hyorhinis requires concurrent debilitating conditions for hematogenous spread from the respiratory tract to serous cavities.