Investigation on eggshell apex abnormality (EAA) syndrome in France: isolation of Mycoplasma synoviae is frequently associated with Mycoplasma pullorum

Abstract

Background: Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is known to cause Eggshell Apex Abnormality (EAA) syndrome characterized by an altered shell surface with increased translucency on the apex. However, no large-scale studies have been conducted to obtain prevalence data of EAA and MS isolates associated to this syndrome. This manuscript reports the results of two field studies performed in the French poultry industry (2015-2017): focusing mainly on investigation of presence and prevalence of EAA in different types of laying hen flocks (phase 1), and isolation of MS strains from EAA-infected flocks (phase 2). Results: The first survey included 77 farms of commercial layers in three French egg-production regions, hosting 40 flocks in alternative systems (ALT) and 56 in furnished cages (FC). Seven flocks (4 FC and 3 ALT) presented EAA clinical signs, giving a prevalence of 7.3% in this studied sample. A second independent field study was conducted to identify MS by in vitro cultivation and PCR in samples from 28 flocks with clinical signs of EAA. Different types of biological specimens were collected in EAA-affected flocks and submitted to the laboratory. M. synoviae was detected in 25/28 flocks, from both production systems (5/5 ALT and 20/23 FC). Detection of MS was significantly higher in tracheal swabs (59%) than in cloacal (10.5%), albumen (3.6%) and egg yolk (1.1%) swabs. It is worth to mention that attempts to clone MS from positive samples were often hampered by the presence of another Mycoplasma species, which showed fast growing behaviour in the selective media used in this study (Frey Medium 4 and Frey Medium 4 supplemented with erythromycin). The use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in combination with next-generation sequencing (NGS) results allowed the identification of this fast growing mycoplasma as Mycoplasma pullorum, which was detected in 14 of the 25 (56%) MS-positive flocks.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry in veterinary medicine: Recent advances (2019–present)

“…From various species over 10 years and antibiotic resistance [83] Mycoplasmas MALDI for screening of poultry flocks [84]…”

“…In the work of Cisneros-Tamayo et al [84], MALDI-TOF was used to screen poultry flocks for Mycoplasma and it was found that Mycoplasma synoviae was detected in 25/28 flocks tested while Mycoplasma pullorum was observed in 56% of flocks considered. In addition to providing data on prevalence, the paper demonstrates the use of MALDI-TOF technology for rapid screening of poultry flocks for Mycoplasma infection.…”

Mycoplasma synoviae LP78 is a fibronectin/plasminogen binding protein, putative adhesion, and potential diagnostic antigen

“…Mycoplasma synoviae ( M. synoviae ) is one of the most important poultry pathogens, leading significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. M. synoviae infection can cause infectious synovitis, airsacculitis, a high incidence of shell breakage, and egg production loss ( Kleven et al, 1975 ; Cisneros-Tamayo et al, 2020 ). Substantial variations in pathogenicity and tissue tropism are observed among M. synoviae isolates, and some strains cause no infection whereas others cause respiratory disease or synovitis ( Lockaby et al, 1998 ; Lockaby and Hoerr, 1999 ).…”

Evaluation of the protective efficacy of six major immunogenic proteins of Mycoplasma Synoviae

“…Mycoplasma synoviae ( MS ) has been described as a major pathogen involved in synovitis, airsacculitis, eggshell apex abnormality, and egg drops ( 1 , 2 ). MS cooperates with other pathogens, such as infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and tends to exacerbate pathogenesis in chickens ( 3 , 4 ).…”