Detection of Mycoplasma equigenitalium from Genital Tract of Healthy Domestic Donkeys (Equus africanus asinus)

Mycoplasma equigenitalium (M. equigenitalium) has been identified in the reproductive tracts of both fertile and infertile mares and stallions. However, there are scarce antecedents on its detection in the reproductive tract of donkeys. A cross-sectional study was conducted with healthy domestic donkeys. Jennies (n=6) and jacks (n=6) were sampled through the collection of vaginal and preputial swabs. The specimens were plated into a commercial Mycoplasma medium and analyzed through the use of a species-specific PCR. M. equigenitalium was detected by PCR in four specimens (4/12), one from a jack (1/6) and three from jennies (3/6). Moreover, from one of the PCR positive jennies, M. equigenitalium could be isolated. Presumably, this is the first report of M. equigenitalium detection from healthy domestic donkeys by both culture and PCR methods despite the small number of analyzed specimens. The obtained results are a starting point for the study of Mycoplasmas affecting donkeys.