Occurrence of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Ureaplasma diversum in dairy cattle from to Pernambuco state, Brazil / Ocorrência de Mycoplasma bovigenitalium e Ureaplasma diversum em bovinos leiteiros do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

The objective of this study was to conduct an investigation of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Ureaplasma diversum infections in cattle in the microregion of the Ipanema Valley, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Vaginal swabs were collected from 355 breeding cows in reproductive age and were analyzed by multiplex PCR (mPCR) and culture. An epidemiological investigation of risk factors was performed for Mollicutes. mPCR analysis showed that, 9.29% (33/355) of the cows were positive for M. bovigenitalium and 21.69% (77/355) for U. diversum; coinfection was observed in 2.81% (10/355) of the cows. The microbiological isolation showed, 81.81% (27/33) of Mycoplasma spp. and 24.67% (19/77) of Ureaplasma spp.. The risk factors related to Mollicutes infection identified were semi-intensive breeding system (OR= 4.6), pasture rent (OR= 3.6), non-isolation of animals with reproductive disorders (OR= 3.2), and natural mounting and artificial insemination (OR= 3.5). There was a significant association between Mollicutes infection and abortions in the first gestational third (P= 0.001). This is the first record of M. bovigenitalium and U. diversum infection in cows in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Preventive measures directed to the identified risk factors can decrease the occurrence of Mollicutes in these herds.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma investigação de Mycoplasma bovigenitalium e Ureaplasma diversum em bovinos leiteiros da microrregião do Vale do Ipanema, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram coletados suabes vaginais de 355 vacas em idade reprodutiva. As amostras foram analisadas por multiplex PCR (mPCR) e cultura. Foi realizada uma investigação dos fatores de risco para Mollicutes. Na mPCR, 9,29% (33/355) das vacas foram positivas para M. bovigenitalium e 21,69% (77/355) para U. diversum; coinfecção foi observada em 2,81% (10/355) das vacas. O isolamento microbiológico mostrou crescimento de Mycoplasma spp. em 81,81% (27/33) das amostras e em 24,67% (19/77) para Ureaplasma spp. Os fatores de risco relacionados à infecção por Mollicutes identificados foram sistema de produção semi-intensivo (OR= 4,6), aluguel de pastagem (OR= 3,6), não isolamento de animais com desordens reprodutivas (OR= 3,2) e monta natural e inseminação artificial (OR= 3,5). Houve uma associação significativa entre a infecção por Mollicutes e abortos no primeiro terço gestacional (P=0,001). Este é o primeiro relato da infecção por M. bovigenitalium e U. diversum em vacas na região semiárida do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. As medidas preventivas direcionadas aos fatores de risco identificados podem diminuir a ocorrência de Mollicutes nesses rebanhos.(AU)

Mastitis in a 7-week old calf caused by Mycoplasma bovigenitalium.

This is the first report of an intramammary infection caused by Mycoplasma bovigenitalium in a 7-week old Holstein calf. The calf was initially presented for a non-weight bearing lameness in the left hind limb. The clinical examination revealed not only a septic arthritis of the tarsus but also an infection affecting the right rear mammary gland. The source of M. bovigenitalium was not found but the most likely explanation is spread from the infected left tarsus. This case report demonstrates that mycoplasma mastitis can occur in pre-weaned calves, which could play a role in the epidemiology of mycoplasma mastitis in dairy herds.