-
Emerging Infectious Diseases Nov 2012We report an outbreak of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel Mycoplasma species in ferrets. During 2009-2012, a respiratory disease characterized by...
We report an outbreak of severe respiratory disease associated with a novel Mycoplasma species in ferrets. During 2009-2012, a respiratory disease characterized by nonproductive coughing affected ≈8,000 ferrets, 6-8 weeks of age, which had been imported from a breeding facility in Canada. Almost 95% became ill, but almost none died. Treatments temporarily decreased all clinical signs except cough. Postmortem examinations of euthanized ferrets revealed bronchointerstitial pneumonia with prominent hyperplasia of bronchiole-associated lymphoid tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis with polyclonal antibody against Mycoplasma bovis demonstrated intense staining along the bronchiolar brush border. Bronchoalveolar lavage samples from 12 affected ferrets yielded fast-growing, glucose-fermenting mycoplasmas. Nucleic acid sequence analysis of PCR-derived amplicons from portions of the 16S rDNA and RNA polymerase B genes failed to identify the mycoplasmas but showed that they were most similar to M. molare and M. lagogenitalium. These findings indicate a causal association between the novel Mycoplasma species and the newly recognized pulmonary disease.
Topics: Animals; Canada; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Ferrets; Genes, Bacterial; Lung; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasma Infections; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; United States
PubMed: 23092744
DOI: 10.3201/eid1811.120072 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Sep 2019The pathogenic role of mycoplasmas in the lower respiratory tract (LRT) of dogs is debated, because mycoplasmas can be isolated from both healthy and sick dogs. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The pathogenic role of mycoplasmas in the lower respiratory tract (LRT) of dogs is debated, because mycoplasmas can be isolated from both healthy and sick dogs.
OBJECTIVES
To critically assess available data from controlled observational studies on the role of 4 mycoplasma species in LRT disease of dogs.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analyses.
METHODS
Seven electronic databases were searched for relevant publications. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses, stratified by mycoplasmal species, were performed using a random effects Bayesian model with noninformative priors to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between Mycoplasma cynos, Mycoplasma canis, Mycoplasma spumans, and Mycoplasma edwardii and LRT disease in dogs.
RESULTS
Five studies were included from 1201 references identified. All studies dealt with M. cynos, whereas 3 dealt with the other mycoplasma species. A significant association was found between M. cynos and LRT disease (Bayesian OR, 3.60; CI, 1.31-10.29). Conversely, M. canis, M. spumans, and M. edwardii were not significantly associated with LRT signs (Bayesian OR, 1.06; CI, 0.10-14.63; Bayesian OR, 3.40; CI, 0.16-54.27; and Bayesian OR, 1.04; CI, 0.05-23.54, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Results support a pathogenic role of M. cynos and a commensal role of M. canis and M. edwardii in LRT in dogs. Although the association was not significant based on the CI, the point estimate of the Bayesian OR was relatively high for M. spumans, making its role less clear. Mycoplasma cynos-specific polymerase chain reaction should be considered on samples from dogs with LRT.
Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasma Infections; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 31297880
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15568 -
Virulence Dec 2021Mycoplasmas, the smallest bacteria lacking a cell wall, can cause various diseases in both humans and animals. Mycoplasmas harbor a variety of virulence factors that... (Review)
Review
Mycoplasmas, the smallest bacteria lacking a cell wall, can cause various diseases in both humans and animals. Mycoplasmas harbor a variety of virulence factors that enable them to overcome numerous barriers of entry into the host; using accessory proteins, mycoplasma adhesins can bind to the receptors or extracellular matrix of the host cell. Although the host immune system can eradicate the invading mycoplasma in most cases, a few sagacious mycoplasmas employ a series of invasion and immune escape strategies to ensure their continued survival within their hosts. For instance, capsular polysaccharides are crucial for anti-phagocytosis and immunomodulation. Invasive enzymes degrade reactive oxygen species, neutrophil extracellular traps, and immunoglobulins. Biofilm formation is important for establishing a persistent infection. During proliferation, successfully surviving mycoplasmas generate numerous metabolites, including hydrogen peroxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide; or secrete various exotoxins, such as community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome toxin, and hemolysins; and express various pathogenic enzymes, all of which have potent toxic effects on host cells. Furthermore, some inherent components of mycoplasmas, such as lipids, membrane lipoproteins, and even mycoplasma-generated superantigens, can exert a significant pathogenic impact on the host cells or the immune system. In this review, we describe the proposed virulence factors in the toolkit of notorious mycoplasmas to better understand the pathogenic features of these bacteria, along with their pathogenic mechanisms.
Topics: Animals; Biofilms; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Mice; Mycoplasma; Phagocytosis; Virulence; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 33704021
DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1889813 -
Research in Veterinary Science Oct 2023Mycoplasma infections are commonly found in the respiratory system of small ruminants; the species most commonly detected are Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma...
The role of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma arginini in the respiratory mycoplasmosis of sheep and goats in Italy: Correlation of molecular data with histopathological features.
Mycoplasma infections are commonly found in the respiratory system of small ruminants; the species most commonly detected are Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma arginini, associated with the so-called "atypical non-progressive pneumonia". The pathogenic role of M. ovipneumoniae in pneumonia has been demonstrated in sheep but still needs to be verified in goats; on the other hand, the role of M. arginini in sheep is not well understood, while in goats seems to be of low pathogenic value. The present study aims to investigate the aetiology of pneumonia in sheep and goats that died from respiratory disease using anatomopathological, histopathological, and molecular investigations and to clarify the role of respiratory mycoplasmas by the association of molecular data with histopathological features. First, to better understand which histological changes are actually suggestive of atypical pneumonia in sheep and goats, the study identified the histological lesions significantly associated with Mycoplasma spp. infection. Then, the histological score of lesions considered suggestive of atypical pneumonia was used to estimate the pathogenicity of each mycoplasma detected. The results showed that M. ovipneumoniae and M. arginini (alone or in mixed infections) are pathogenic both in sheep, as well as in goats with similar histology and severity of lesions. Moreover, young animals were statistically more susceptible to M.ovipneumoniae and M. arginini infection than adults. Animals appeared more at risk to the development of M. ovipneumoniae and M. arginini infection in summer.
Topics: Sheep; Animals; Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae; Goats; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasma Infections; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Italy; Goat Diseases; Sheep Diseases
PubMed: 37639802
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.104983 -
Microbiological Reviews Jun 1978
Review
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Bacteriophages; Cell Division; Cell Membrane; Culture Media; DNA, Bacterial; Ecology; Membrane Lipids; Membrane Proteins; Movement; Mycoplasma; RNA, Bacterial; RNA, Ribosomal; RNA, Transfer; Species Specificity
PubMed: 353482
DOI: 10.1128/mr.42.2.414-470.1978 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Nov 2021To determine the presence and genotypic macrolide susceptibility of Mycoplasma amphoriforme, and the presence of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma fermentans among clinical...
Molecular exploration for Mycoplasma amphoriforme, Mycoplasma fermentans and Ureaplasma spp. in patient samples previously investigated for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the presence and genotypic macrolide susceptibility of Mycoplasma amphoriforme, and the presence of Ureaplasma spp. and Mycoplasma fermentans among clinical samples from England previously investigated for Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
METHODS
Quantitative and conventional PCR methods were used to retrospectively screen a collection of 160 clinical samples previously submitted to Public Health England (PHE) for the detection of M. pneumoniae between October 2016 and December 2017. Samples which were positive for M. amphoriforme DNA were further investigated for mutations associated with genotypic macrolide resistance by sequencing domain V of the 23s rRNA.
RESULTS
M. amphoriforme was detected in 10/160 samples (6.3%), Ureaplasma parvum was detected in 4/160 samples (2.5%), and M. fermentans was not detected in any samples (0/160). Of the nine individuals (two samples were from the same patient) in which M. amphoriforme was detected, eight were male (age range 10-60 years) and one was female (age range 30-40 years). One individual with cystic fibrosis was positive for both M. amphoriforme and U. parvum. All M. amphoriforme DNA was genotypically susceptible to macrolides.
CONCLUSIONS
Mycoplasma amphoriforme was found in clinical samples, including lower respiratory tract samples of patients with pneumonia. In the absence of other respiratory pathogens, these data suggest a potential role for this organism in human disease, with no evidence of acquired macrolide resistance. Ureaplasma parvum was detected in cerebrospinal fluid and respiratory tract samples. These data suggest that there is a need to consider these atypical respiratory pathogens in future diagnostic investigations.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Female; Humans; Macrolides; Male; Middle Aged; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasma Infections; Mycoplasma fermentans; Retrospective Studies; Ureaplasma; Young Adult
PubMed: 34186210
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.06.021 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Jul 2019The identification of avian spp. by conventional immunologic, phenotypic, and molecular methods can be demanding and time-consuming. We evaluated MALDI-TOF MS for its...
The identification of avian spp. by conventional immunologic, phenotypic, and molecular methods can be demanding and time-consuming. We evaluated MALDI-TOF MS for its suitability to identify avian mycoplasmas at the species level. We generated a mycoplasma spectral database of 36 main spectrum profiles (MSPs) representing 23 avian spp. using 23 type and reference strains, 1 live vaccine strain, and 8 clinical isolates. We then used 112 avian clinical isolates of different avian mycoplasmas, 4 live vaccine strains, and 1 type strain, previously cultured and identified to the species level by molecular methods, to evaluate the MSP database. Protein extraction and MALDI-TOF MS analysis were performed with a maximum of 3 repetitions per isolate. MALDI-TOF MS resulted in accurate species-level identification with a score of ≥2.0 for 112 of 117 (96%) isolates. The MALDI-TOF MS analysis of 4 of 5 isolates that did not yield a score of ≥2.0 resulted in best-match identifications that were still concordant at species level with the molecular method used for previous identification. Therefore, MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool for reliable identification of avian spp.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Humans; Mycoplasma; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
PubMed: 31184287
DOI: 10.1177/1040638719856932 -
Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and... 2010Recent work on the Molicutes that associate with genital tract tissues focuses on four species that may be of interest in potential maternal, fetal, and neonatal... (Review)
Review
Recent work on the Molicutes that associate with genital tract tissues focuses on four species that may be of interest in potential maternal, fetal, and neonatal infection and in contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum have historically been the subject of attention, but Mycoplasma genitalis which causes male urethritis in addition to colonizing the female genital tract and the division of Ureaplasma into two species, urealyticum and parvum, has also added new taxonomic clarity. The role of these genital tract inhabitants in infection during pregnancy and their ability to invade and infect placental and fetal tissue is discussed. In particular, the role of some of these organisms in prematurity may be mechanistically related to their ability to induce inflammatory cytokines, thereby triggering pathways leading to preterm labor. A review of this intensifying exploration of the mycoplasmas in relation to pregnancy yields several questions which will be important to examine in future research.
Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Female; Fetal Diseases; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasma Infections; Mycoplasma genitalium; Mycoplasma hominis; Obstetric Labor, Premature; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Ureaplasma; Ureaplasma Infections; Ureaplasma urealyticum
PubMed: 20706675
DOI: 10.1155/2010/521921 -
Journal of Bacteriology Jun 2012Within the genus Mycoplasma are species whose cells have terminal organelles, polarized structures associated with cytadherence and gliding motility. Mycoplasma... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Within the genus Mycoplasma are species whose cells have terminal organelles, polarized structures associated with cytadherence and gliding motility. Mycoplasma penetrans, found mostly in HIV-infected patients, and Mycoplasma iowae, an economically significant poultry pathogen, are members of the Mycoplasma muris phylogenetic cluster. Both species have terminal organelles that interact with host cells, yet the structures in these species, or any in the M. muris cluster, remain uncharacterized. Time-lapse microcinematography of two strains of M. penetrans, GTU-54-6A1 and HF-2, and two serovars of M. iowae, K and N, show that the terminal organelles of both species play a role in gliding motility, with differences in speed within and between the two species. The strains and serovars also differed in their hemadsorption abilities that positively correlated with differences in motility speeds. No morphological differences were observed between M. penetrans and M. iowae by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM and light microscopy of M. penetrans and M. iowae showed the presence of membranous filaments connecting pairs of dividing cells. Breaking of this filament during cell division was observed for M. penetrans by microcinematography, and this suggests a role for motility during division. The Triton X-100-insoluble fractions of M. penetrans and M. iowae consisted of similar structures that were unique compared to those identified in other mycoplasma species. Like other polarized mycoplasmas, M. penetrans and M. iowae have terminal organelles with cytadherence and gliding functions. The difference in function and morphology of the terminal organelles suggests that mycoplasmas have evolved terminal organelles independently of one another.
Topics: Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Mycoplasma iowae; Mycoplasma penetrans; Organelles; Time-Lapse Imaging
PubMed: 22447904
DOI: 10.1128/JB.00060-12 -
Journal of Bacteriology Mar 2023Mycoplasma mobile is a fish pathogen that glides on solid surfaces by means of its own gliding machinery composed of internal and surface structures. In the present...
Mycoplasma mobile is a fish pathogen that glides on solid surfaces by means of its own gliding machinery composed of internal and surface structures. In the present study, we focused on the function and structure of Gli123, a surface protein that is essential for the localization of other surface proteins. The amino acid sequence of Gli123, which is 1,128 amino acids long, contains lipoprotein-specific repeats. We isolated the native Gli123 protein from M. mobile cells and a recombinant protein, rGli123, from Escherichia coli. The isolated rGli123 complemented a nonbinding and nongliding mutant of that lacked Gli123. Circular dichroism and rotary-shadowing electron microscopy (EM) showed that rGli123 has a structure that is not significantly different from that of the native protein. Rotary-shadowing EM suggested that Gli123 adopts two distinct globular and rod-like structures, depending on the ionic strength of the solution. Negative-staining EM coupled with single-particle analysis revealed that Gli123 forms a globular structure featuring a small protrusion with dimensions of approximately 15.7, 14.7, and 14.1 nm for the "height," major axis and minor axis, respectively. Small-angle X-ray scattering analyses indicated a rod-like structure composed of several tandem globular domains with total dimensions of approximately 34 nm in length and 6 nm in width. Both molecular structures were suggested to be dimers, based on the predicted molecular size and structure. Gli123 may have evolved by multiplication of repeating lipoprotein units and acquired a role for Gli521 and Gli349 assembly. Mycoplasmas are pathogenic bacteria that are widespread in animals. They are characterized by small cell and genome sizes but are equipped with unique abilities for infection, such as surface variation and gliding. Here, we focused on a surface-localizing protein named Gli123 that is essential for Mycoplasma mobile gliding. This study suggested that Gli123 undergoes drastic conformational changes between its rod-like and globular structures. These changes may be caused by a repetitive structure common in the surface proteins that is responsible for the modulation of the cell surface structure and related to the assembly process for the surface gliding machinery. An evolutionary process for surface proteins essential for this mycoplasma gliding was also suggested in the present study.
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Mycoplasma; Microscopy, Electron; Membrane Proteins
PubMed: 36749051
DOI: 10.1128/jb.00340-22