Key Points
Mycoplasma related lameness in pigs contributes to economic loss and decreased animal welfare.
Lameness caused by M hyosynoviae and M hyorhinis is widespread in the swine population.
Mycoplasma can be quickly identified from clinical specimens using real-time PCR.
Currently, only autogenous vaccines are available for protection against M hyosynoviae and M hyorhinis.
Introduction
Arthritis caused by Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Mycoplasma hyosynoviae continues to be an ongoing issue for pork producers and veterinarians. In addition to the economic loss (up to $23 per pig)8, there is the issue of decreased animal welfare due to reduced locomotion, pain, and general discomfort and sickness6.
Studies have indicated the within-herd prevalence of sow lameness to range between 8.8% and 16.9%6. When considering all cases of lameness in swine, it is estimated that approximately 26% are a result of Mycoplasma infection2.
Mycoplasma can affect pigs of all ages. Sows are presumed to be the primary carriers, with piglets being affected prior to weaning or via horizontal transmission post-weaning. There are numerous factors affecting whether or not a pig infected with Mycoplasma develops lameness, including; age, immunity, virulence factors and/or infection pressure, and, in some herds, stress and low general resistance5.
A small, fragile, bacteria-like organism, Mycoplasma hyosynoviae is easily spread in the air and feces. It has been suggested that it can spread in the wind between farms. Mycoplasma hyorhinis, can cause respiratory disease and, occasionally, lameness7. In evaluating 431 cases of lameness seen at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, between 2003 and 2010, M. hyorhinis was diagnosed more frequently in animals 10 weeks of age or younger, while M. hyosynoviae was more common in animals older than 10 weeks3.
Disease
Mycoplasma spp.-associated arthritis is more commonly seen in gilts than in boars, particularly in older animals7.
Pigs infected with M. hyorhinis will generally begin to show clinical signs of polyserositis and polyarthritis 3 to 10 days after exposure. The pathogen tends to primarily affect 3 to 10 week-old pigs, although occasionally, older animals may be affected. Infected pigs may appear lethargic and unthrifty, have swollen joints, and be unwilling to move3. The pathogen colonizes the upper respiratory tract of pigs. Acute inflammation of the serosa of body cavities and synovium may occur, and if not stopped can become chronic1.
M. hyosynoviae tends to affect older animals, generally between the ages of 3 to 5 months. Infected pigs may appear to be uncomfortable, with swollen joints and stiff movement. Many animals will recover without treatment, although clinical signs may persist, especially if there is co-infection or joint lesions present3. Arthritis tends to show up 2 to 3 weeks following initial exposure, and the infection is often located in the tonsils. An acute infection will last approximately 2 weeks, during which time the pathogen may spread to the joints and various tissues. In some cases, infection will persist to adult age and become systemic4.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Mycoplasma spp. is best done via real-time PCR, which can be conducted directly on clinical specimens, joint or nasal swabs, or tonsil scrapings. Danielle McKeown, Diagnostics Manager at Cambridge Technologies, explains their approach: “We offer a Mycoplasma Multiplex qPCR that identifies and quantifies the amount of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, hyorhinis, and/or hyosynoviae present in a given sample. We are able to conduct this test in a matter of hours. If the sample is negative for these three Mycoplasmas, we also offer a Mycoplasma species PCR that detects any Mycoplasma spp. that may be present in the sample. We can then conduct 16s sequencing to help us identify the specific species of Mycoplasma.”
Vaccination and Treatment Issues
There is no known cross-immunity between M. hyosynoviae and M. hyorhinis, and no commercial vaccine available for either pathogen7. This leaves producers and veterinarians faced with either antibiotic therapy or vaccination with an autogenous bacterin.
There are a number of antibiotic therapies available, with acute cases requiring 3-5 days of treatment7. However, the recent implementation of FDA guidance 209 and 213 along with the expansion of the Veterinary Feed Directive has created a need for an alternative. Autogenous vaccines offer veterinarians and their clients a flexible management tool.
The Cambridge Advantage
A quarter of all lameness in swine is caused by infection with Mycoplasma hyorhinis and/or Mycoplasma hyosynoviae2. The condition not only brings animal welfare issues, but also causes pork producers to suffer economic loss. Mycoplasma can affect pigs of all ages. In addition to lameness, swine infected with M. hyorhinis can also develop respiratory issues7.
With no known cross-immunity between M. hyosynoviae and M. hyorhinis, and no commercial vaccine available for either pathogen7, veterinarians and producers often find themselves utilizing antibiotic therapy to treat. However, new FDA guidelines and the VFD are creating a need for an alternative.
Cambridge Technologies utilizes cutting-edge diagnostic technology to precisely identify the strains of Mycoplasma hyorhinis and/or Mycoplasma hyosynoviae contributing to an infection. Once the threats have been identified, a targeted, autogenous vaccine can be formulated. Ongoing diagnostic monitoring and the flexible nature of autogenous products enable veterinarians and producers to modify the product as needed should the disease threats change.
Conclusion
Precision Vaccinology® raises the bar in the creation of herd-specific, custom vaccines. These vaccines are constantly evolving in terms of diagnostics/isolate selection, method and timing of administration, and flexibility. As new challenges evolve and new strains of known diseases are discovered, custom products continue to grow in importance. Backed by science and based on veterinary experience in the field, the next generation of custom vaccines is here and Cambridge Technologies is here to provide them to veterinarians and producers with a fast, flexible and uncomplicated process.
Sources
- Browning GF, Marenda MS, Markham PF, Noormohammadi AH, Whitear KG. Mycoplasma. In: Gyles CL, Prescott JF, Songer JG, Thoen CO, eds. Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infection in Animals. 4th ed. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publish- ing Professional. 2010:549-573.
- Clavijo MJ, Anderson A, Gei- ger J, Lyons W. Can we eliminate Mycoplasma hyosynoviae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis? http://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/animal-health/can-we-eliminate-mycoplasma-hyosynoviae-and-mycoplasma-hyorhinis National Hog Farmer online. January 3, 2017. Accessed June 18, 2017.
- Hagendorn-Olsen T, Nielsen NC, Friis NF. Induction of arthritis with Mycoplasma hyosynoviae in pigs: Clinical response and re-isolation of the organism from body fluids and organs. J Vet Med A. 1999;46:317-325.
- Gomes Neto JC, Gauger PC, Strait EL, et al. Mycoplasma-associated arthritis: Critical points for diagnosis. J Swine Health Prod. 2012;20(2):82-86.