The detection of Mycoplasma (formerly Eperythrozoon) wenyonii by 16S rDNA PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

Although the role of Mycoplasma wenyonii in disease is still subject to some debate, infections have been reported to result in parasitaemia, anaemia, scrotal and hind limb oedema, tachycardia, pyrexia, infertility, swollen teats, prefemoral lymphadenopathy and decreased milk production. Previously, diagnosis of M. wenyonii has been based on blood smears but is not specific for M. wenyonii and can be difficult to interpret. We have previously described the use of PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) for the detection and differentiation of Mycoplasma species. DGGE enables the rapid and specific identification of Mycoplasma species and is ideally suited to detecting both mixed infections and new and unusual species. In this study, we have used DGGE with universal primers to detect M. wenyonii DNA from blood samples. DGGE can be used on blood samples as a rapid and specific test for M. wenyonii and can also be used as a screening test for other blood borne pathogens.     

Molecular detection of Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' in cattle in Hokkaido, Japan

Blood samples from 78 cattle were tested for hemoplasma infection using molecular methods. PCR and sequence analysis revealed that 17 cattle were infected with Mycoplasma wenyonii, while 13 were infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos'. Four animals were infected with both species. This is the first study to report hemoplasma species infection among cattle in Japan.     

牛附红细胞体单管套式PCR检测方法的建立

为快速、准确地检测出牛附红细胞体,根据GenBank上发表的牛温氏附红细胞体(Mycoplasma wenyonii)l6S rRNA基因序列(登录号AF016546)设计合成内外2对引物,建立了牛附红细胞体单管套式PCR检测方法,并进行了特异性、敏感性及应用试验。结果:建立的牛附红细胞体单管套式PCR检测方法扩增的片段大小为361 bp,与GenBank中相应序列同源性为98%,该方法扩增不出牛瑟氏泰勒虫、新孢子虫、布氏杆菌及牛无乳链球菌等基因片段,检测出标准模板DNA的最小量为1.22 fgμ/L。通过对吉林省延边地区66份血液样本的临床检测显示,单管套式PCR检出率28.8%,高于常规PCR的21.2%和鲜血压片镜检的12.1%,具有准确、特异、敏感等优点,是检测牛附红细胞体的一种新型、可靠的诊断技术。     

奶牛温氏支原体16SrRNA基因的PCR扩增、克隆及分析

目的对奶牛温氏支原体16SrRNA基因进行PCR扩增及克隆分析。方法从自然感染体的广西奶牛无菌采集血液,分离温氏支原体并提取病原基因组,用血营养菌的16SrRNA基因的通用引物进行PCR扩增,将扩增产物克隆到PGEM-Teasy载体后进行溺,I序和分析,并与Genebank上搜索的温氏支原体相应序列进行比较,建立系统发育树。结果PCR扩增得到长约1．5kb的扩增片段,测序结果显示该片段全长为1453bp,同源性分析表明该序列与Neimark公布的温氏支原体（前称温氏附红细胞体）（AF016546）的16SrRNA基因序列同源性达到97．4％,与系统发育进化树表明本株温氏支原体同本地株的关系较近,而与国外株的新缘关系较远。国内公布的广西株同源性为99．8％。结论结果表明证实该病原为温氏支原体,从分子生物学水平证实了温氏支原体在广西的存在。由于本试验分离得到的牛温氏支原体与国外发表的牛温氏支原体核苷酸序列相差2．6％,因此两者的基因型存在一定的差异,这对该病的分子流行病学分析具有一定的意义。     

利用套式PCR检测牛羊乏质体

为同时检测和鉴定牛边缘乏质体、中央乏质体及绵羊乏质体,根据这3种病原体的msp4基因核苷酸序列,自行设计、合成了针对3种乏质体的2对通用引物,及分别针对三者的特异引物,通过PCR条件优化,建立了检测乏质体及分别鉴定3种乏质体的套式PCR方法,并与OIE推荐的msp5半套式PCR比较.结果显示:该方法对牛巴贝斯虫、双芽巴贝斯虫、羊莫氏巴贝斯虫、山羊泰勒虫、温氏附红细胞体、东方巴贝斯虫、刚地弓形虫、伊氏锥虫均未扩增出特异性片段.套式PCR检测乏质体DNA量为0.2 pg(相当于6个感染红细胞).检测l 119份来自6个不同地区的奶牛、肉牛、水牛及羊的临床样品,阳性106份,经鉴定边缘乏质体46份,中央乏质体15份,绵羊乏质体35份,混合感染中央乏质体和绵羊乏质体4份,混合感染边缘乏质体和绵羊乏质体3份,混合感染边缘乏质体和中央乏质体3份.首次在分子生物学水平证明中央乏质体存在于中国.同时,证明牛可以混合感染边缘乏质体和中央乏质体或绵羊乏质体,以及混合感染中央乏质体和绵羊乏质体.上述848份样品用OIE推荐的msp5半套式PCR同时检测,两者符合率为98.5％(835/848).检测结果表明,msp4套式PCR特异、敏感,可用于边缘乏质体、中央乏质体、绵羊乏质体的检测和鉴定.     

Prevalence of hemoplasma infection among cattle in the western part of Japan

We have examined for hemoplasma infection among cattle in the Hiroshima and Miyazaki prefectures by using a sensitive real-time PCR, with SYBR Green I and with melting curve analysis, which allow to distinguish the two bovine hemoplasma species, Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus M. haemobos'. We found 69.4% of 36 cattle in Hiroshima and 93.8% of 32 cattle in Miyazaki infected with either of these two hemoplasma species. High morbidity in western part of Japan may reflect the activity of arthropod vectors for hemoplasma transmission. We also demonstrated neonatal calves less than three months old affected with hemoplasmas without grazing in summer, suggesting a possibility of vertical transmission.     

Molecular investigation of transplacental and vector-borne transmission of bovine haemoplasmas

The present study was carried out in a herd with concurrent infections of Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus M. haemobos', to investigate if transplacental and/or vector-borne transmission is possible for one or both bovine haemoplasma species. For this purpose blood samples were collected from 38 mother animals and their newborn calves; as well as from 17 uninseminated cows twice three months apart. In addition, 311 mosquitoes and blood-sucking flies (Diptera: Culicidae, Tabanidae, Muscidae) were cought near the animals. DNA was extracted from all samples, followed by real-time PCR analysis. In 10.5% of neonate calves, that were born to cows harbouring both haemoplasmas, M. wenyonii and/or 'Candidatus M. haemobos' positivity was detected. Copy numbers in positive samples from cows and their calves indicated that - in comparison with M. wenyonii - 'Candidatus M. haemobos'-bacteraemia had usually lower levels. In samples of uninseminated cows the rate of infection with the latter species decreased. These findings may explain why M. wenyonii was significantly more frequently detected in blood-sucking flies, than 'Candidatus M. haemobos'. In conclusion, molecular evidence is provided for the first time on the transplacental transmission of bovine haemoplasmas. Regarding their spread by blood-sucking arthropods, new potential vectors were identified, i.e. the horn fly (Haematobia irritans), the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) and two species of horse flies (Tabanus bovinus, T. bromius).     

奶牛无浆体病PCR诊断方法的建立及应用

利用边缘无浆体(Anaplasma marginale)高度保守的msp5基因,建立了奶牛无浆体病PCR诊断方法。特异性试验表明与牛巴贝斯虫、双芽巴贝斯虫、温氏附红细胞体、大肠杆菌、金黄色葡萄球菌和牛白细胞DNA无交叉反应;敏感性试验表明可检测到约200个感染红细胞。利用该方法对黑龙江省西部多个养牛场送检的140份血样进行检测,其中曾出现过高热、气喘、流涎和贫血等临床症状的"无名高热"奶牛血样95份、无临床症状奶牛血样45份,结果有上述临床症状奶牛PCR血样阳性率为44.2%,无症状奶牛血样PCR阳性率为13.3%。从而证实无浆体是引起奶牛"无名高热"的病原之一。     

Feline hemoplasmas in Switzerland: identification of a novel species, diagnosis, prevalence, and clinical importance

Two feline hemotropic mycoplasma spp. (aka hemoplasma) have previously been recognized. We recently discovered a third novel species in a cat with hemolytic anemia, designated 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', which is closely related to rodent haemoplasmas. This novel species induced anemia after experimental transmission to two SPF cats. Three quantitative real-time PCR assays were newly designed and applied to an epidemiological study surveying the Swiss pet cat population. Blood samples from 713 healthy and ill cats were analyzed. Up to 104 parameters per cat (detailed questionnaire, case history, laboratory parameters and retroviral infections) were evaluated. 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' infection was more prevalent (8.5%) than Mycoplasma haemofelis (0.5%) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (1%). Hemoplasma infections were associated with male gender, outdoor access, and old age, but not with disease or anemia. Infections were more frequently found in the South and West of Switzerland. Several hemoplasma infected cats, some acutely infected, others co-infected with FIV or FeLV, showed hemolytic anemia indicating that additional factors might play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.     

"Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" infections in 21 client-owned cats

Medical records were reviewed for 21 clinically ill cats testing positive for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" in their blood. Fever, anorexia, lethargy, and anemia were among the most common abnormalities recorded. Thirteen cats were anemic; seven had evidence of other diseases that could have been the primary cause of anemia or activated hemoplasmosis. For six cats, "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" was the only recognizable cause of the anemia. Of these cats, anemia resolved in one cat without treatment and in three cats that were treated with doxycycline, with or without prednisone. Results of the study suggest that this hemoplasma species can be a primary pathogen in cats.     

Use of real‐time quantitative PCR to document successful treatment of Mycoplasma haemocanis infection with doxycycline in a dog

An 8‐year‐old Jack Russell Terrier was diagnosed with hemolytic anemia caused by hemoplasmosis 4 years following splenectomy. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) analysis was used initially to confirm infection with Mycoplasma haemocanis and subsequently to monitor and direct medical therapy. Doxycycline was administered beyond resolution of clinical signs until hemoplasma DNA could no longer be detected by qPCR. The dog remained clinically healthy and hemoplasma‐negative 8 months following cessation of therapy. Canine hemoplasmosis should remain as a differential diagnosis for hemolytic anemia in dogs, particularly those that are splenectomized or immunocompromised, even in geographic regions where prevalence of infection is low. Prolonged doxycycline administration has been shown by qPCR to lead to sustained absence of detectable infection and should be considered as a first line treatment for canine hemoplasmosis.     

猪支原体不同靶基因PCR检测方法的比较

为筛选出检测猪支原体更为特异、敏感的PCR检测方法,本试验分别以16S rRNA、50S rRNA和膜蛋白OxaA为靶基因进行PCR检测,并从其敏感性、特异性和临床样本检出率等方面进行了比较。结果显示,以膜蛋白OxaA和16S rRNA为靶基因的PCR方法敏感性最高,最小检测DNA量为1.86 fg/μL,而以50S rRNA为靶基因的PCR方法最小检测DNA量为18.6 fg/μL;3种靶基因引物均扩增不出大肠杆菌、猪链球菌、猪肺炎支原体、牛附红细胞体等基因片段,具有较好的特异性;通过对临床60份血液样本的检测结果表明,以膜蛋白OxaA基因设计的引物检出率最高,为25%(15/60),明显高于16S rRNA基因的21.6%(13/60)和50S rRNA基因的18.3%(11/60)。本试验为猪支原体病的诊断及流行病学调查提供了更为敏感、特异的检测技术。     

重庆地区牛附红细胞体分子流行病学调查

根据重庆地区不同的地理条件以及不同的养殖模式,采用16S rRNA-PCR检测方法对重庆市进行了牛附红细胞体的分子流行病学调查。结果显示:重庆地区存在牛附红细胞体感染,平均感染率为11%。其中规模化养殖平均感染率(6%)低于散养(16.7%),丘陵地区平均感染率(2%)低于高山地区(25.6%)。     

Anemia associated with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in a feline leukemia virus-negative cat with lymphoma

'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,' previously known as the small form of Haemobartonella felis (California species), is a hemotrophic parasite found on erythrocytes of infected cats. Although fleas are potential vectors, confirmatory studies are lacking. Healthy cats infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' generally do not have clinically significant anemia, but concurrent disease or immune suppression may predispose a cat to develop a life-threatening anemia, such as in the case reported here.     

Mycoplasma haemofelis and Mycoplasma haemominutum detection by polymerase chain reaction in cats from Saskatchewan and Alberta

Hemobartonellosis is caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis, previously known as Haemobartonella felis. Cats infected with this organism typically develop regenerative anemia. The related species Mycoplasma haemominutum may also cause anemia. The purposes of this study were to use polymerase chain reaction technology to determine if both organisms exist in naturally infected cats from Saskatchewan and Alberta, and to determine if disease manifestation corresponds to mycoplasma species. Thirteen of 18 cats with regenerative anemia were infected, 12 with M. haemofelis and 1 with M. haemominutum. Eight of 22 cats with nonregenerative anemia were infected, 4 with M. haemofelis and 4 with M. haemominutum. Two of 20 cats with normal complete blood (cell) counts were infected with M. haemominutum. Although both mycoplasma species were identified, ill cats were more often infected with M. haemofelis.     

A clinical case of severe anemia in a sheep coinfected with Mycoplasma ovis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' in Hokkaido, Japan

A 2-year-old East Friesian sheep imported from Australia exhibited severe anemia after contagious pustular dermatitis in Hokkaido, Japan. Hemoplasma infection was confirmed in blood smears. Both Mycoplasma ovis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemovis' were detected by PCR and sequence analyses. In the epidemiological analysis, dual pathogens were detected in 6 of 12 (50.0%) sheep imported from Australia with the infected ewe at the same time, 1 of 5 (20.0%) sheep introduced from a domestic farm in Hokkaido, and in 1 of 16 (6.3%) sheep from an epidemiologically unrelated ranch. It is the first clinical case of sheep to confirm coinfection of these pathogens in Japan.     

Otitis in cattle, an aetiological review

Otitis externa in cattle has a significant impact in tropical and subtropical regions, and the aetiological agents are predominantly rhabditiform nematodes and mites of the genus Raillietia. Its prevalence is higher in mature and Zebu cattle. In advanced clinical cases there can be irreversible and fatal neural lesions. Ear infection in calves has been associated with concurrent respiratory diseases and mixed infection. The principal reported agents of otitis in calves are bacteria such as Actinomyces spp., Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus somnus, Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pseudomonas spp., Streptococcus spp. and Mycoplasma bovis. The control and treatment of bovine otitis is not standardized and there is little evidence-based support for the diverse treatments available in the literature.     

猪附红细胞体50S核糖体基因PCR检测方法的建立及应用

根据GenBank上最新发布的猪附红细胞体基因组序列(NC-015155)设计一对引物,并以吉林省延边地区猪附红细胞体基因组DNA为模板,建立猪附红细胞体50 S核糖体基因PCR诊断方法,通过特异性、敏感性及临床应用试验验证,快速准确的检测出猪附红细胞体.试验结果显示,建立的猪附红细胞体PCR诊断方法扩增片段大小为10...     

From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: molecular methods provide new insights

Hemotropic mycoplasmas (aka hemoplasmas) are the causative agents of infectious anemia in numerous mammalian species. Originally known as Haemobartonella and Eperythrozoon species, these organisms have been reclassified within the genus Mycoplasma. The development of new molecular assays has expanded our knowledge of this heterogeneous group of agents and allowed us to study their epidemiology and pathogenesis. The present review summarizes recently gained insights into feline hemotropic mycoplasmas, formerly known as Haemobartonella felis. Besides the two initially identified feline hemoplasma species, Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, we discovered a third novel hemoplasma in a Swiss pet cat; preliminary results suggest that the pathogenic potential of the latter agent depends on cofactors. In applying PCR-based assays, feline hemoplasma infections have been documented in domestic cats and wild felids worldwide. Differences between the three hemoplasmas in regard to response to antibiotic treatment and establishment of a carrier status have been reported. Additionally, besides an ostensible vector-borne transmission, direct transmission by aggressive interaction of cats or interspecies transmission might play a role in the epidemiology of these organisms. Based on a potential vector-borne and interspecies transmission, a zoonotic potential of hemoplasmas should be further investigated.