Use of a Mycoplasma suis-PCR protocol for screening a population of captive peccaries (Tayassu tajacu and Tayassu pecari)

Rafael Felipe Da Costa Vieira,Luciene Popp,Manoel Lucas Javorouski,Alexander Welker Biondo,Marcelo Beltrão Molento,Marcelo Bonat,Ana Marcia Sá Guimarães,Joanne Belle Messick,Andrea Pires Dos Santos,Thállitha Samih Wischral Jayme Vieira,Wanderlei Moraes,Zalmir Silvino Cubas,Leonilda Correia Dos Santos,Odilon Vidotto,Ivan Roque Barros Filho

doi:10.1590/s1984-29612011000100016

Abstract

Mycoplasma suis is a hemotropic bacteria of red blood cells and the causative agent of swine eperythrozoonosis. Diagnosis of infection may be reached by direct examination of blood smears; however, the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the 16S RNA gene of M. suis improves the sensitivity and specificity of detection. The aim of this study was to screen peccaries (Tayassu tajacu and T. pecari) for M. suis infection using a specific conventional PCR. A total of 28 blood samples from captive collared and white-lipped peccaries were collected, DNA extracted and a specific M. suis PCR assay performed. All samples were negatives by both blood smear examination and PCR testing. To verify the presence of amplifiable DNA, PCR for beta-actin gene was performed in all samples. This study was part of an active surveillance program, which is crucial for monitoring animal health status, particularly in wildlife species.

Highlights

Mycoplasma suis is a hemotropic bacteria of red blood cells and the causative agent of swine eperythrozoonosis
Mycoplasma suis, the causative agent of eperythrozoonosis in swine, is a small pleomorphic bacterium that attaches to porcine red blood cells and it is known as hemotropic mycoplasma (MESSICK, 2004)
Mycoplasma suis has been detected in domestic pigs throughout the world, including Brazil (GUIMARÃES et al, 2007; HOELZLE et al, 2007)

Summary

Introduction

Mycoplasma suis is a hemotropic bacteria of red blood cells and the causative agent of swine eperythrozoonosis. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar catetos e queixadas (Tayassu tajacu e T. pecari) para a infecção por M. suis, utilizando PCR convencional específico. Um total de 28 amostras de sangue de catetos e queixadas de cativeiro foram coletadas, o DNA foi extraído e a PCR específica para a detecção de M. suis realizada.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion