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Pathogenicity studies in poultry with an undefined serotype of Mycoplasma
Abstract:
Pathogenicity trials in poultry are reported with an isolate of mycoplasma, designated 'W8', which is serologically unrelated to Mycoplasma gallisepticum, M synoviae or M meleagridis. W8 killed fowl and turkey embryos when injected into the yold sacs of embryonating eggs. Infection of one-day-old fowls, turkeys and pheasants by the air sac route caused marked growth depression and a high incidence of osteomyelitis of the vertebral column in all species. A large proportion of infected turkeys and a smaller proportion of infected pheasants also developed chondrodystrophic changes of the long bones similar to those of turkey syndrome '65. Infection did not cause mortality or macroscopic air sacculitis. No obvious pathological changes occurred in fowls following W8 infection by the air sac route at two weeks of age and only minimal changes when infection was given at one week. Infection did not appear to spread to in-contact controls. W8 was recovered most frequently and in greatest profusion from the air sacs, tracheas, kidneys and vertebral columns of fowls and turkeys following air sac infection at one day of age.
Insights
A novel Mycoplasma isolate, W8, causes significant growth depression and vertebral osteomyelitis in poultry. This pathogen also induces bone abnormalities in turkeys and pheasants, impacting avian health.
Area of Science:
- Avian Pathology
- Microbiology
- Poultry Diseases
Background:
- Mycoplasma species are significant avian pathogens.
- Existing Mycoplasma vaccines do not cover all serotypes.
- Emerging Mycoplasma strains pose a continuous threat to poultry health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the pathogenicity of a novel Mycoplasma isolate, designated W8, in various avian species.
- To determine the clinical and pathological effects of W8 infection.
- To assess the transmission potential of W8.
Main Methods:
- Pathogenicity trials involving inoculation of embryonating eggs and one-day-old fowls, turkeys, and pheasants via air sac route.
- Clinical observations, growth measurements, and post-mortem examinations.
- Bacteriological recovery of the isolate from various tissues.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasma W8 isolate was lethal to fowl and turkey embryos.
- Air sac inoculation caused growth depression and vertebral osteomyelitis in fowls, turkeys, and pheasants.
- Chondrodystrophic changes were observed in turkeys and pheasants, resembling turkey syndrome '65.
- Mortality and macroscopic air sacculitis were not observed.
- W8 was recovered from air sacs, tracheas, kidneys, and vertebral columns.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma W8 is a pathogenic avian isolate distinct from common Mycoplasma species.
- W8 infection can lead to significant skeletal abnormalities and growth impairment in young poultry.
- Further research is needed to understand the full impact and control strategies for this emerging Mycoplasma strain.