Pathological Changes of Mycoplasma Agalactia Infection in Albino mice

Abstract

       Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae) is a significant pathogen known for causing contagious agalactia, primarily affecting sheep and goats, with widespread implications across the Mediterranean, including Iraq.Despite the prevalence of Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae) in livestock in various regions of Iraq, as evidenced by limited yet focused survey studies, detailed understanding of the pathological changes induced by this pathogen, particularly in animal models, remains sparse. The aim of this study was to fill this knowledge gap by studying the pathological manifestations of M. agalactiae infection in a controlled laboratory. A total of 200 milk samples were collected from sheep and goats with or without mastitis and cultured in pleuropneumonia-like organism (PPLO) broth containing agar. Morphologically, the colonies of M. agalactiae had a "fried egg" colony morphology and were positive for mycoplasma bacteria in PPLO agar broth. PCR was performed using specific primers that amplify the 375 bp agalactiae gene. PCR results showed the mycoplasma 16S rRNA gene.20 female lactating mice were used in this study, divided in two group positive group(15mice) which infected with (1×10⁴ CFU/ml)) in intraperitoneal injection route of  mycoplasma agalactia  and negative control. The clinical signs are reported from infected mice daily and after a month of infection the mice are euthanized and the joints and mammary glands are histopathological examined. Results:  The results of this study showed that 15 (5.5%) of the 200 isolates were positiveinPPLO agar,and7 (20%) were positivein theM.agalactiae primer.Four of the five isolates (75%)camefrom sheep and two (25%) from goats. PCRtestsof 200 milk samples showed that 7 (3%) were positive forM. agalactiae's16S rRNAgene.Histopathological examination of the mammary gland and joints showed severe inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis.