Surveillance of Mycoplasma spp. Among Cases of Viral Respiratory Affections in Broiler Chickens in Egypt

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Description of the disease:Avian mycoplasmosis is caused by several pathogenic mycoplasmas among which Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and M. synoviae (MS) are considered the most important.MG causes chronic respiratory disease of domestic poultry, especially when flocks are stressed and/or other respiratory pathogens are present.The disease is characterised by coryza, conjunctivitis, sneezing, and sinusitis, particularly in turkeys and game birds.It can result in significant production losses and downgrading of meat-type birds, and loss of egg production.MS may cause respiratory disease, synovitis, eggshell alteration, loss of egg production and carcass downgrading or it may result in a silent infection.MG and MS strains vary in infectivity and virulence, and infections may sometimes be inapparent. Detection of the agent: MG and MS can be identified by immunological methods after isolation in mycoplasma media or by detection of their DNA in field samples or cultures.Samples for isolation can be swabs of organs or tissues, exudates, diluted tissue homogenates, aspirates from the infraorbital sinuses or joint cavities, material from egg yolk or embryos.Clinical signs and lesions will influence the sample selection.Broth and agar combined with basic biochemical tests are used for isolation and first recognition of the Mycoplasma, but identification of the genus and species is made through immunological tests (e.g.fluorescent antibody or immunoperoxidase tests) and/or biomolecular tests.DNA detection methods based on the polymerase chain reaction are commonly used in several specialised laboratories.Serological tests: Several serological tests are used to detect MG or MS antibodies, but due to variations in test specificity and sensitivity, they are recommended only for flock screening rather than for testing individuals.