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Identification of two pathogenic avian mycoplasmas as strains of Mycoplasma pullorum
P Y Moalic1, I Kempf, F Gesbert
1Unité de Recherches Mycoplasmologie-Bactériologie, Centre Nationale d'Etudes Vétérinaires et Alimentaires, Ploufragan, France.
Abstract:
Two mycoplasma strains were isolated from dead turkey embryos. Growth properties, biochemical and serological characteristics, and protein profiles indicated that these strains were closely related to Mycoplasma pullorum CKKT (T = type strain). This was confirmed by 16S rRNA sequence analysis, and the phylogenetic position of M. pullorum was established. Pathogenicity studies showed that the two strains, as well as M. pullorum CKKT, induced a statistically significant level of mortality after inoculation into chicken embryos.
Insights
Two novel mycoplasma strains isolated from turkey embryos are closely related to Mycoplasma pullorum. Both the new strains and Mycoplasma pullorum significantly increased mortality in chicken embryos.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Poultry Diseases
- Mycoplasma Research
Background:
- Mycoplasma species are significant avian pathogens.
- Mycoplasma pullorum is a known poultry pathogen.
- Emerging Mycoplasma strains pose risks to poultry health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize two novel Mycoplasma strains isolated from deceased turkey embryos.
- To determine the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationship of these strains to known Mycoplasma species.
- To assess the pathogenicity of the isolated strains and Mycoplasma pullorum in a chicken embryo model.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of Mycoplasma from turkey embryos.
- Biochemical, serological, and protein profile analyses.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
- Pathogenicity testing via inoculation into chicken embryos.
Main Results:
- Two Mycoplasma strains showed close relation to Mycoplasma pullorum based on phenotypic and genotypic analyses.
- 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the identity and established the phylogenetic position of Mycoplasma pullorum.
- Both novel strains and Mycoplasma pullorum induced significant mortality in inoculated chicken embryos.
Conclusions:
- The isolated strains are closely related to Mycoplasma pullorum.
- Mycoplasma pullorum and related strains exhibit pathogenicity in chicken embryos, highlighting potential risks to poultry.
- Further research into Mycoplasma pathogenesis in poultry is warranted.