1 research outputs found
Detection and molecular characterisation of Mycoplasma spp. from respiratory tract infections in pigs
Achieving food security involves the maintenance of intensive production systems and
large animal populations where infectious diseases are the most important challenge that need to
be addressed. Respiratory infections in pigs are a formidable threat to swine farmers worldwide.
It is multifactorial and is caused by the interplay between bacterial pathogens, viral agents and
environmental factors. The present study aimed to identify mycoplasmal agents causing respiratory
infections in pigs. A total of 43 samples, comprising of nasal swabs, and necropsy samples with
pneumonic lesions were collected. The DNA extracted from the samples were subjected to
Mycoplasma genus-specific, followed by species-specific PCR. Twenty five samples were positive
for Mycoplasma spp., but further molecular detection performed through species-specific primers,
revealed that 12 samples were positive for M. hyorhinis. None of the samples were positive for M.
hyopneumoniae. The identity of the amplicons were confirmed by nucleic acid sequencing and
BLAST analysis. The evolutionary relationship between the detected organisms was also studied
by phylogenetic analysis. This study hints at the significance of M. hyorhinis in causing respiratory
infections in swine and also suggests that M. hyopneumoniae may not be a significant health
hazard for swine populations of north Kerala