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.