Infection of the turkey embryonic trachea with Mycoplasma meleagridis

Abstract

Mycoplasma meleagridis was used to infect turkey embryos and tracheal explants. In the embryonic trachea, there was a decrease in the number of cilia and the sloughing of epithelial cells. In the tracheal explants, thedeciliation was more severe and erosion of the tracheal surface was also evident; additionally, the cells of the trachea showed prominent perforation. These results indicate that M. meleagridis infection can result in damageto cells and to the surface of the trachea, which may have pathological consequences.