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Mycoplasmas in the etiology of multifactorial respiratory disease
1Department of Avian Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602-4875, USA.
Abstract:
The avian mycoplasmas pathogenic for commercial poultry, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in chickens and turkeys, and Mycoplasma meleagridis and Mycoplasma iowae in turkeys are egg-transmitted infections and exhibit wide variations in clinical manifestations. Mycoplasma gallisepticum strains vary widely in virulence, tissue tropism, and antigenic makeup and have the ability to alter the expression of major surface antigenic proteins. Although less well studied, strains of M. synoviae, M. meleagridis, and M. iowae appear to exhibit similar variability. Intraspecies variability among mycoplasma strains and their ability to interact with other disease-producing factors explain the wide variability of clinical manifestations, difficulties in diagnosis, their ability to persist within the host for long periods of time, and many of the difficulties involved in control and eradication programs. Mycoplasmas are also well known for their interactions with other infectious agents and environmental factors in producing clinical disease. Control of the clinical manifestations of Mycoplasma infections is simplified when concurrent infections are minimized and optimum environmental conditions are provided.
Insights
Avian mycoplasmas like Mycoplasma gallisepticum cause varied poultry diseases. Strain variability and interactions with other factors complicate diagnosis and control of these egg-transmitted infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Poultry Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Avian mycoplasmas, including Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), are significant pathogens in commercial poultry.
- These egg-transmitted infections cause diverse clinical signs in chickens and turkeys.
- Mycoplasma meleagridis (MM) and Mycoplasma iowae (MI) are also important turkey pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant intraspecies variability among avian mycoplasma strains.
- To explain how this variability contributes to diverse clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges.
- To emphasize the role of mycoplasma interactions with other factors in disease persistence and control difficulties.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on avian mycoplasma pathogenicity and strain characteristics.
- Analysis of factors contributing to clinical manifestation variability.
- Examination of mycoplasma interactions with host and environmental factors.
Main Results:
- Avian mycoplasma strains, particularly MG, exhibit wide variations in virulence, tissue tropism, and antigenic properties.
- Similar variability is observed in less-studied species like MS, MM, and MI.
- Mycoplasma strains interact with other infectious agents and environmental factors, complicating disease presentation and control.
Conclusions:
- Intraspecies variability in avian mycoplasmas is a key factor in the wide range of clinical signs, diagnostic hurdles, and persistence.
- Effective control of Mycoplasma infections requires managing concurrent infections and optimizing environmental conditions.
- Understanding strain variability is crucial for developing successful poultry health management strategies.