Mycoplasma Corogypsi–Associated Polyarthritis and Tenosynovitis in Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus)

Abstract

Three wild American black vultures (Coragyps atratus) were presented to rehabilitation centers with swelling of multiple joints, including elbows, stifles, hocks, and carpal joints, and of the gastrocnemius tendons. Cytological examination of the joint fluid exudate indicated heterophilic arthritis. Radiographic examination in 2 vultures demonstrated periarticular soft tissue swelling in both birds and irregular articular surfaces with subchondral bone erosion in both elbows in 1 bird. Prolonged antibiotic therapy administered in 2 birds did not improve the clinical signs. Necropsy and histological examination demonstrated a chronic lymphoplasmacytic arthritis involving multiple joints and gastrocnemius tenosynovitis. Articular lesions varied in severity and ranged from moderate synovitis and cartilage erosion and fibrillation to severe synovitis, diffuse cartilage ulceration, subchondral bone loss and/or sclerosis, pannus, synovial cysts, and epiphyseal osteomyelitis. No walled bacteria were observed or isolated from the joints. However, mycoplasmas polymerase chain reactions were positive in at least 1 affected joint from each bird. Mycoplasmas were isolated from joints of 1 vulture that did not receive antibiotic therapy. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons from joint samples and the mycoplasma isolate identified Mycoplasma corogypsi in 2 vultures and was suggestive in the third vulture. Mycoplasma corogypsi identification was confirmed by sequencing the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region of mycoplasma isolates. This report provides further evidence that M. corogypsi is a likely cause of arthritis and tenosynovitis in American black vultures. Cases of arthritis and tenosynovitis in New World vultures should be investigated for presence of Mycoplasma spp, especially M. corogypsi.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Amendment Alter the Bacterial Community Structure in the Rhizosphere of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Improve Crop Yield

“…(Li et al, 1997) and Alu I 250 ( Paenibacillus curdlanolyticus ) (Schoina et al, 2011), bacteria involved in N cycle including Alu I 228 ( Moorella thermoacetica ) (Silaghi-Dumitrescu et al, 2003), in nitrification, Hae II 331 ( Nitrospira ) (Dionisi et al, 2002), bacteria linked to pathogenicity, Msp I 538 ( Spiroplasma ) (Tully et al, 1977) and Hae III 209 ( Staphylococcus kloosii ) (Peer et al, 2011), and those of unknown function including Alu I 282 ( Haemophilus ), Alu I 229 ( Aquifex pyrophilus ), Msp I 538 ( Spiroplasma ) (Supplementary Table S1). The bacteria identified in NT soil included the S cycle bacteria, Msp I 74 ( Desulfohalobium retbaense ) (Ollivier et al, 1991), denitrification bacteria, Msp I 88 ( Neisseria denitrificans) (Stupak et al, 2015), mosquito eradication bacteria, Hae III 308 ( Bacillus sphaericus ) (Myers and Yousten, 1978), the C cycle bacteria including Hae III 338 ( Weissella ) (Choi et al, 2002), Alu I 232 ( Lactobacillus ) (Cheng et al, 1991) and bacteria associated with pathogenicity are Hae III 310 ( Staphylococcus ) (Lowy, 1998), Msp I 148 ( Aerococcus urinae ) (Aguirre and Collins, 1992), Afa I 100 ( Mycoplasma corogypsi ) (Wettere et al, 2013), Afa I 106 ( Mycoplasma neurolyticum ) (Aleu and Thomas, 1966), and Alu I 243 ( Mobiluncus curtisii ) (Meltzer et al, 2008) (Supplementary Table S2).…”

Occurrence of Mycoplasma spp. in wild birds: phylogenetic analysis and potential factors affecting distribution

“…Other mycoplasmas which can present respiratory signs in wild birds are M. buteonis , M. corogypsi , M. falconis , and M. gypis , that were found in raptors from the Falconiformes and Accipitriformes orders 24 . Black vultures ( Coragyps atratus ) infected with Mycoplasma corogypsi developed polyarthritis 25 , 26 . Erdélyi et al .…”