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Swine mycoplasmoses
1Centre National d'Etudes Vétérinaires et Alimentaires (CNEVA), Unité de Recherche Mycoplasmologie Bactériologie, Ploufragan, France.
Abstract:
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the primary agent of enzootic pneumonia in pigs. The lung lesions, generally observed in young pigs, are characterised by a hyperplasia of the epithelial cells and an increased perivascular and peribronchiolar accumulation of mononuclear cells. Following M. hyopneumoniae infection, immune reactions are observed and resistance is induced in pigs. Laboratory diagnosis is generally performed by an immunofluorescent test and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibiotics are useful but the development of resistance has been described. Vaccination seems to be an effective method of controlling the disease. M. hyorhinis, generally transmitted by sows to piglets through nasal secretions, exists in a high percentage in the respiratory tract of healthy pigs. But some strains can induce serofibrinous to fibrinopurulent polyserositis and arthritis. M. hyorhinis is isolated from acute and subacute phase lesions and serum antibodies are detectable. M. hyosynoviae has a special affinity for joint tissue and may cause arthritic disease, leading to economic losses. This mycoplasma is generally located in the tonsils. Piglets are infected by sows after four to six weeks of life. Evidence of disease occurs in animals of between 30 to 40 kg and 100 kg, and bursae and joints are affected. A non-suppurative viscous fluid of a serofibrinous/serosanguineous nature is reported. In chronic cases, the synovial membrane is affected. M. hyosynoviae is isolated from the joints and pharyngeal/tonsillar samples and can induce antibodies in blood and joint fluid. Predisposing factors play an important role. M. flocculare is widely distributed in swine, in normal and pneumonic lungs and in nasal cavities, but no pathogenic capability has been described. There is great interest in this mycoplasma because of the great similarity to M. hyopneumoniae.
Insights
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae causes enzootic pneumonia in pigs, while M. hyorhinis and M. hyosynoviae can lead to polyserositis, arthritis, and economic losses. Diagnosis and control strategies like vaccination are crucial for managing these swine mycoplasma infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Swine Pathology
- Animal Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the primary cause of enzootic pneumonia in pigs, characterized by specific lung lesions and immune responses.
- Other Mycoplasma species, including M. hyorhinis and M. hyosynoviae, are prevalent in swine and can cause significant economic losses through polyserositis, arthritis, and joint tissue damage.
- Mycoplasma flocculare is widespread in swine but currently lacks described pathogenic capabilities, though it shares similarities with M. hyopneumoniae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenic roles and diagnostic approaches for key Mycoplasma species affecting swine.
- To highlight the clinical manifestations and economic impact associated with Mycoplasma-induced diseases in pigs.
- To discuss current control strategies, including antibiotic therapy and vaccination, for Mycoplasma infections in swine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Mycoplasma species affecting swine.
- Analysis of diagnostic methods such as immunofluorescent tests and ELISA for M. hyopneumoniae.
- Examination of clinical signs, lesion characteristics, and isolation techniques for M. hyorhinis and M. hyosynoviae.
Main Results:
- M. hyopneumoniae infection leads to epithelial hyperplasia and mononuclear cell accumulation in pig lungs.
- M. hyorhinis can cause polyserositis and arthritis, with detection in acute/subacute lesions and serum antibodies.
- M. hyosynoviae specifically targets joint tissues, causing arthritic disease with serofibrinous fluid accumulation and synovial membrane effects.
Conclusions:
- Effective laboratory diagnostics and control measures, including antibiotics and vaccination, are essential for managing M. hyopneumoniae.
- M. hyorhinis and M. hyosynoviae pose significant threats to swine health and farm economics due to their ability to cause systemic and joint diseases.
- Further research into M. flocculare may be warranted due to its similarity to M. hyopneumoniae.