In vitro susceptibilities to fluoroquinolones in current and archived Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae isolates from meat-type turkeys

Abstract

Monitoring of susceptibility to antibiotics in field isolates of pathogenic avian mycoplasmas is important for appropriate choice of treatment. Our study compared in vitro susceptibility to enrofloxacin and difloxacin in recent (2005–2006) isolates of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae from meat-type turkey flocks with archived (1997–2003) isolates and reference strains. Comparison of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values determined by microtest, agar dilution and commercial Etest showed good agreement, but underscored the need for standardized methods for testing. Notably, while the commercial Etest was convenient and accurate for determining MICs for enrofloxacin in the range 0.002–0.094 μg/ml, the endpoint of inhibition for M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae strains with MIC values ≥1.0 μg/ml could not be determined. A decrease in susceptibility to both fluoroquinolones was detected in archived strains but to a greater degree in recent isolates, most of which had MICs above the NCCLS susceptibility breakpoint for these antibiotics (≤0.5 μg/ml). In contrast, except for one flock, M. synoviae isolates were susceptible, although intrinsically less susceptible than M. gallisepticum. Overall for the 88 strains tested (45 M. gallisepticum, 43 M. synoviae), the MIC 50 for both enrofloxacin and difloxacin was 0.5 μg/ml. The isolation of fluoroquinolone-resistant M. gallisepticum isolates from breeder and broiler flocks as well as from meat-type turkeys suggests that these strains have become established in Israel, necessitating a reevaluation of antibiotic therapy. Periodic survey of MICs in field isolates of avian mycoplasmas to monitor for the possible appearance of resistant strains is recommended.