Detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in lung and nasal swab samples from pigs by nested PCR and culture methods

We examined nasal swab and lung homogenate samples collected from pigs experimentally and naturally infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae for the detection of M. hyopneumoniae by the nested PCR (nPCR) and culture methods. In the 23 experimentally infected pigs, M. hyopneumoniae was commonly detected in nasal swabs by the nPCR and culture methods at 4 weeks after inoculation, and there was a significant correlation (P<0.01) between the titers of viable organisms in nasal swabs and in lung homogenates in the experimentally inoculated pigs. In the naturally infected pigs, on the other hand, discrepancies in detection were found between nasal swab and lung homogenate samples in 17 of 36 cases, although the presence of gross lung lesions correlated relatively well with the detection of organisms from the samples. Our results indicated that the diagnosis of mycoplasmal pneumonia by nPCR in individual pigs with nasal swabs is reliable under these experimental conditions. At present, nPCR with nasal swabs should only be used for monitoring the disease status at the herd level under field conditions.     

Diagnosis of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, the cause of enzootic pneumonia, remains an important pathogen in the swine industry. This small, complex organism colonizes the ciliated cells of the respiratory tract, resulting in little exposure to the immune system. Confirming the presence of M. hyopneumoniae, as well as identifying its role in respiratory disease and pneumonia, remains challenging to the veterinary profession. While culture of the organism remains the gold standard for identification, the use of serology, the polymerase chain reaction and various assays to detect the presence of M. hyopneumoniae in tissue is common in diagnostic laboratories. Because of the role M. hyopneumoniae plays in increasing the severity of pneumonia associated with concurrent bacterial and viral infections, understanding the pathogenesis and diagnostic assays available is critical for developing effective intervention strategies to control respiratory disease on a herd basis.     

Detection of hepatitis E virus in archived German wild boar serum samples

Hepatitis E is a rare human disease in Central Europe commonly imported from endemic regions. For autochthonous infections a zoonotic transmission from pigs, deer and wild boar is assumed. Using three different RT-PCR protocols, hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA was detected in 10 out of 189 (5.3%) serum samples collected in 1995/1996 from wild boars in Germany. Sequence analysis indicates a close relationship with genotype 3 isolates of pigs and humans from the Netherlands and Japan. The results indicate that HEV is present in Germany since more than 10 years and that wild boar may function as a reservoir for HEV.     

Application and field validation of a PCR assay for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from swine lung tissue samples.

A PCR assay was validated for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in porcine lung tissue. The detection limit of the assay was 0.18 colony-forming units/g of lung sample spiked with M. hyopneumoniae. In field validation, 426 pigs from 220 cases were examined for M. hyopneumoniae infection by M. hyopneumoniae PCR and a fluorescent antibody (FA) test. In total, 103 pig lungs (24.2%) were positive in the PCR test, and 69 pig lungs (16.2%) were positive in the FA test, among which, 62 pigs were positive for both PCR and FA test. Most of the PCR-positive but FA test-negative cases had lesions compatible with M. hyopneumoniae infection. With Bayesian modeling, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the PCR were determined to be 97.3% and 93.0%, respectively.     

Development of two real-time PCR assays for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in clinical samples

In order to improve the diagnosis of enzootic pneumonia (EP) in pigs two real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) assays for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in bronchial swabs from lung necropsies were established and validated in parallel. As a gold standard, the current "mosaic diagnosis" was taken, including epidemiological tracing, clinical signs, macro- and histopathological lesions of the lungs and immunofluorescence. One rtPCR is targeting a repeated DNA element of the M. hyopneumoniae genome (REP assay), the other a putative ABC transporter gene (ABC assay). Both assays were shown to be specific for M. hyopneumoniae and did not cross react with other bacteria and mollicutes from pig. With material from pigs of defined EP-negative farms the two assays showed to be 100% specific. When testing lungs from pig farms with EP, the REP assay detected 50% and the ABC assay 90% of the farms as positive. Both tests together detected all positive farms. Within a positive herd the two assays tested similarly with on average over 90% of the lung samples analysed from a single farm showing positive scores. A series of samples with suspicion of EP and samples from pigs with diseases other than respiratory taken from current routine diagnostic was assayed. None of the assays showed false positive results. The sensitivities in this sample group were 50% for the REP and 70% for the ABC assays and for both assays together 85%. The two assays run in parallel are therefore a valuable tool for the improvement of the current diagnosis of EP.     

“猪地方性肺炎及其防治控制”专栏四：猪肺炎支原体的防治措施

猪肺支原体是猪地方性肺炎的主要病原体,其普遍存在于世界各地,会给养猪业造成巨大的经济损失。此病原体感染猪后通常黏附于猪呼吸道纤毛上皮,并会造成纤毛上皮的损伤。猪感染后主要表现为慢性咳嗽症状、容易发生其他呼吸道感染和生产性能下降。该病的控制可通过多种措施实现,首先应该完善管理措施,改善畜舍饲养环境,这包括实行全出/全进的饲养方式、减少会破坏群体免疫水平的因素、维持最佳的饲养密度、防止其他呼吸道疾病的感染,以及提供最佳的畜舍及环境条件。其次,当猪群处于呼吸道疾病感染的威胁之下时,战略性使用能够有效地预防猪肺炎支原体和最好还能预防大多数继发感染细菌的药物对预防本病非常有效。最后,商用疫苗已被广泛地用来控制猪肺炎支原体感染,接种疫苗的优点在于其能够减少临床症状、减轻肺脏损伤、减少药物的使用和提高猪群的生产性能。但是,疫苗仅能提供部分保护作用,并且不能防止病原体在猪体内的定殖。因此,应根据猪群的种类、猪场的生产系统和管理体制、感染的类型及猪农的喜好选择不同的免疫策略（免疫时机、母猪免疫、免疫接种再结合抗菌素治疗）。新疫苗正在紧锣密鼓的研究之中,如气雾苗、通过饲料接种的疫苗以及亚单位苗和DNA疫苗。按年龄进行隔离饲养和药物治疗在猪群水平上根除猪肺炎支原体感染是可能的,但该病复发的威胁将永久存在。     

Control of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infections in pigs

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, the primary pathogen of enzootic pneumonia, occurs worldwide and causes major economic losses to the pig industry. The organism adheres to and damages the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract. Affected pigs show chronic coughing, are more susceptible to other respiratory infections and have a reduced performance. Control of the disease can be accomplished in a number of ways. First, management practices and housing conditions in the herd should be optimized. These include all-in/all-out production, limiting factors that may destabilize herd immunity, maintaining optimal stocking densities, prevention of other respiratory diseases, and optimal housing and climatic conditions. Strategic medication with antimicrobials active against M. hyopneumoniae and, preferably, also against major secondary bacteria may be useful during periods when the pigs are at risk for respiratory disease. Finally, commercial bacterins are widely used to control M. hyopneumoniae infections. The main effects of vaccination include less clinical symptoms, lung lesions and medication use, and improved performance. However, bacterins provide only partial protection and do not prevent colonization of the organism. Different vaccination strategies (timing of vaccination, vaccination of sows, vaccination combined with antimicrobial medication) can be used, depending on the type of herd, the production system and management practices, the infection pattern and the preferences of the pig producer. Research on new vaccines is actively occurring, including aerosol and feed-based vaccines as well as subunit and DNA vaccines. Eradication of the infection at herd level based on age-segregation and medication is possible, but there is a permanent risk for re-infections.     

Identification of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in formalin-fixed porcine lung, using an indirect immunoperoxidase method

An indirect immunoperoxidase staining technique was evaluated for detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded porcine lung. Lungs from swine with induced (n = 4) or naturally occurring M hyopneumoniae infection (n = 31) were examined grossly, by light and immunofluorescent microscopy, and by an indirect immunoperoxidase test, using antibody raised in swine against M hyopneumoniae as the primary antibody. Organisms stained by the indirect immunoperoxidase method were identified in tissue sections as pleomorphic brown-staining structures corresponding to those observed with immunofluorescence. Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, M hyorhinis, and Acholeplasma laidlawii did not stain with the indirect immunoperoxidase method, using antibody raised against M hyopneumoniae.     

猪肺炎支原体的防治措施

猪肺支原体是猪地方性肺炎的主要病原体,其普遍存在于世界各地,会给养猪业造成巨大的经济损失.此病原体感染猪后通常黏附于猪呼吸道纤毛上皮,并会造成纤毛上皮的损伤.猪感染后主要表现为慢性咳嗽症状、容易发生其他呼吸道感染和生产性能下降.该病的控制可通过多种措施实现.首先应该完善管理措施.改善畜舍饲养环境,这包括实行全出/全进的饲养方式、减少会破坏群体免疫水平的因素、维持最佳的饲养密度、防止其他呼吸道疾病的感染,以及提供最佳的畜舍及环境条件.其次,当猪群处于呼吸道疾病感染的威胁之下时,战略性使用能够有效地预防猪肺炎支原体和最好还能预防大多数继发感染细菌的药物对预防本病非常有效.最后,商用疫苗已被广泛地用来控制猪肺炎支原体感染,接种疲苗的优点在于其能够减少临床症状、减轻肺脏损伤、减少药物的使用和提高猪群的生产性能.但是,疫苗仅能提供部分保护作用,并且不能防止病原体在猪体内的定殖.因此,应根据猪群的种类、猪场的生产系统和管理体制、感染的类型及猪农的喜好选择不同的免疫策略(免疫时机、母猪免疫、免疫接种再结合抗菌素治疗).新疫苗正在紧锣密鼓的研究之中.如气雾苗、通过饲料接种的疫苗以及亚单位苗和DNA疫苗.按年龄进行隔离饲养和药物治疗在猪群水平上根除猪肺炎支原体感染是可能的,但该病复发的威胁将永久存在.     

Protein variability among Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolates

Sodium-dodecyl-sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was used to study the protein variability of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae isolates. Fifty-six M. hyopneumoniae isolates from 6 different countries and 37 different herds were used. From eight herds, more than one isolate was available. All SDS-PAGE patterns of isolates originating from different herds were clearly divergent. Intra-species protein variability was quantified using the reference strain J and seven field strains all obtained from different herds and classified according to virulence. Between the field strains, a variability of 25% was found, while the culture-adapted strain J was clearly divergent and showed 30% variability with the field strains. No clustering according to virulence was obtained, but a protein band of about 181 kDa was present in the two highly virulent isolates whereas this protein band was absent in the moderately and low virulent isolates. Protein patterns of isolates derived from different animals from the same herd, were identical or differed in only a few protein bands. This study clearly indicates that, in agreement with previous studies on genomic diversity of M. hyopneumoniae isolates, proteomic variability within the species is high. Our study did not find clear evidence that more than one M. hyopneumoniae isolate circulates within a herd at a specific time point. The minor differences found between M. hyopneumoniae isolates from the same herd might reflect the organism's ability to alter its proteomic expression profile under field conditions.     

Duration of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Infection in Gnotobiotic Pigs

Sixteen gnotobiotic pigs raised in flexible plastic isolators (four pigs per isolator) were inoculated with a culture of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. One pig was killed and underwent necropsy at weekly intervals for the following 16 weeks. Macroscopic lesions were observed in the lungs of 13 of 16 pigs and microscopic lesions were found in 14 of 16 pigs. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae was cultured from the trachea or lungs from 10 of the 16 pigs. Scanning electron microscope studies showed areas of damage to the cilia, collections, of leucocytes and mucus, and mycoplasma in the trachea as well as the bronchi. These conditions were found in all the pigs seen at necropsy from nine to 16 weeks postinoculation and there was no evidence of noticeable regression or recovery during this 16 week period.     

Adherence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae to cell monolayers

This work was an attempt to develop an in vitro adherence model for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, using monolayers of human and porcine lung fibroblasts and porcine kidney cells. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae grown in Friis mycoplasma broth was radiolabeled with 35[S]-methionine, washed, concentrated, and inoculated on the monolayers. After 15 minutes of centrifugation to facilitate adherence, monolayers were washed 3 times, dissolved with 0.1N NaOH, and suspended in scintillation liquid, and the radioactivity was determined in a liquid scintillation counter. Adherence, measured as a percentage of counts added, varied according to the mycoplasma strain and the cell line used. Comparison of strains J, 144L, and 232 of M hyopneumoniae revealed 7.5 +/- 5.9, 31.9 +/- 13, and 9.6 +/- 5% adherence to porcine kidney cells, respectively. Slightly different, but proportionally the same relationships were obtained with swine or human fibroblasts. Adherence was decreased slightly by repeated washings of the mycoplasma-treated cell monolayers; however, a plateau was reached, indicating irreversibility of the adherence process. Pretreatment of cell monolayers with nonlabeled organisms substantially blocked adherence by labeled organisms. Dilution of labeled organisms resulted in an increased proportion adhering. Therefore, it appears that the adherence was a receptor-dependent event. Treatment of the mycoplasmas with trypsin prior to the inoculation of monolayers resulted in a marked reduction in adherence. Treatment of the mycoplasmas with hyperimmune swine serum against M hyopneumoniae or normal swine serum resulted in 80 to 90% reduction of adherence; however, no inhibition occurred when mycoplasmas were treated with purified IgG from the hyperimmune serum.     

猪支原体肺炎疫苗在生产中的应用效果观察

猪支原体肺炎 (Mycoplasma pneumonia ofswine,MPS)是由猪肺炎支原体引起的一种猪的慢性呼吸道传染病。该病在我国常称为猪喘气病 (或气喘病 ) ,国外常称为猪地方性流行性肺炎 (Swine en-zootic pneumonia)。该病广泛分布于集约化养猪场 ,患猪长期生长不良、继发病原体感染时也会造成严重死亡。 Pointon等 (1 985)报道 ,病猪生长率减少1 2 .7% ,饲料转化率受抑制 1 3 .8% ,体重减少 1 0～2 5kg。 Clark(1 991 )通过调查、研究认为 ,该病每年对美国养猪业造成的损失就达 2～ 1 0亿美元。近年来 ,随着集约化养猪业的不断发展 ,猪支原体肺炎…     

猪支原体肺炎活疫苗（168株）肺内免疫机制研究

为研究猪支原体肺炎活疫苗(168株)的免疫机制,通过肺内接种免疫5 ～ 10日龄仔猪,并于免疫后不同时间点检测血清中IgG抗体效价、全血中淋巴细胞转化效率、呼吸道局部的IFN-γ浓度和特异性SIgA滴度,于免疫后28 d剖杀采集呼吸道上皮组织,通过扫描电镜法与原位杂交检测法观察疫苗株在呼吸道的存留以及对纤毛的影响情况.结果发现,免疫后猪血液中淋巴细胞转化增强1.52～2.01倍,支气管表面IFN-γ浓度和特异性SIgA滴度持续增加,但血清抗体一直未检测到.扫描电镜与原位杂交检测结果发现疫苗株能有效地黏附在支气管纤毛上皮细胞上,但对纤毛的影响较小.由此表明,猪支原体肺炎活疫苗(168株)通过肺内免疫可有效激活全身细胞免疫及呼吸道局部的黏膜免疫与细胞免疫反应,而且还可以通过黏附支气管纤毛上皮细胞产生占位效应而对上皮组织不产生损伤.     

Immunological characterization of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae recombinant proteins

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, the primary pathogen of enzootic pneumonia, is highly prevalent worldwide and causes major economic losses to the pig industry. Commercial vaccines are widely used in the control of this disease, however, they provide only partial protection. The aim of this study was to evaluate 34 recombinant proteins of M. hyopneumoniae expressed in Escherichia coli. Antigenic and immunogenic properties of these proteins were analyzed. For this, the proteins were tested against hyperimmune and convalescent pig sera through ELISA and Western blot. Immunogenicity of the recombinant proteins was evaluated in BALB/c mice following intramuscular inoculation. Most antigens were able to induce a strong immune response and sera from inoculated mice were able to recognize native proteins by cell ELISA and Western blot. Several recombinant proteins were specifically recognized by convalescent pig sera, indicating they are expressed during infection. These data may help to develop more efficacious vaccines against M. hyopneumoniae.     

猪支原体肺炎疫苗研究进展

猪肺炎支原体是引起猪支原体肺炎的病原,该病呈世界性流行,死亡率虽然不高,但由于长期性和消耗性的流行,使饲料转化率降低,并引起猪的多种并发病,是造成养猪业经济损失最重要的疾病之一.目前疫苗免疫是预防猪支原体肺炎和减少经济损失最有效的手段之一,猪支原体肺炎疫苗主要有灭活疫苗和减毒活疫苗.这些疫苗已得到广泛的应用,并在临床上...     

猪肺炎支原体 MY-99株的致病性

将猪肺炎支原体MY-99株人工培养F100株经鼻腔接种于健康成华×大约克杂交猪,2周后60%的猪出现气喘,个别猪伴有轻微咳嗽;病理切片可见到支气管周围多量淋巴样细胞浸润、肺泡壁增厚等典型的间质性肺炎病变.试验猪平均日增重比对照猪显著降低,接种后0～14 d期间降低了31.05%(P<0.01),15～28 d期间降低了42.01%(P<0.01),29～42 d期间降低了0.1%(P>0.05).试验猪血清中的猪肺炎支原体抗体水平在2周后最高(1∶24.2),4周后降至1∶23.9,6周后最低(1∶22.5),显示猪肺炎支原体MY-99株诱发了急性猪地方流行性肺炎,同时从试验猪肺脏中分离出了猪肺炎支原体.超微切片显示,其菌体大小为0.33～0.48 μm,并缺乏细胞壁;革兰氏染色为阴性类球形菌体,在压力下可以通过0.45 μm的细菌滤膜,菌落呈现煎蛋状.     

Experimental evaluation of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin against a Korean M. hyopneumoniae challenge

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin against a Korean M. hyopneumoniae challenge under experimental conditions. Fifteen pigs were allocated randomly into 3 groups (5 pigs per group) that were designated in 1 of 3 ways: vaccinated-challenged, unvaccinated-challenged, or unvaccinated-unchallenged. The pigs in the vaccinated-challenged group were immunized with an M. hyopneumoniae whole-cell bacterin at a 1.0 mL dose-level at 21 d old. At 42 d old (0 d post-challenge), the pigs in the vaccinated-challenged and unvaccinated-challenged groups were inoculated intranasally with a strain of Korean M. hyopneumoniae. Vaccinated-challenged pigs elicited a strong cell-mediated immunity as measured by M. hyopneumoniae-specific interferon-γ secreting cells when compared with unvaccinated-challenged pigs. Vaccination of pigs with this new M. hyopneumoniae bacterin reduced nasal shedding and lung lesions. The evaluated vaccine was therefore considered effective in controlling M. hyopneumoniae infection.