PATHOBIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF AVIAN MYCOPLASMOSIS: TRENDS IN DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION

Abstract

Avian mycoplasmosis, which is mainly caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum (M G) and Mycoplasma synoviae (M S), remains an economical and health load to the poultry industry of the world. The review gives an in-depth coverage of the pathobiology and management of avian mycoplasmosis and gives current updates in diagnosis, treatment and prevention strategies of avian mycoplasmosis. We address the etiology and taxonomy of the most important pathogenic Mycoplasma species, bring to light their genetic details and their strategy of infection, not to mention adhesion, immune escape and cyto-toxicity. The section on epidemiology reports on prevalence in different parts of the world, route of transmission of the disease (vertical and horizontal), risk factors that influence disease spread in commercial as well as backyard flocks. Clinical presentations, lesions and how subclinical infections and carrier conditions are more critical are discussed as well. The review is a critical assessment of the modern diagnostic methods, starting with traditional culture and serologic methods through to more complex molecular-based methods, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays, and their relative performance and applicability in the field. We enter into antimicrobial therapy, briefly describing some commonly encountered antibiotics, and discussing the rising problem of antimicrobial resistance and how it occurs and develops. In addition, the paper explores the current mechanisms of vaccination, like the live attenuated and inactivated vaccines and how newer technology, including the recombinant, subunit, and DNA vaccine, can be constructively applied. More importantly, the role of high biosecurity and management, such as environmental control, segregation of flocks, and surveillance programs are discussed, which is a fundamental element when dealing with an effective disease control. Lastly, we discuss some of the challenges that lay ahead, as diagnostic complexities of mixed infections, opportunity of genomics and proteomics in future vaccine development, the need of global surveillance and harmonization of policies and the overall perspectives of One Health. The proposed synthesis will provide the veterinarians, researchers and poultry producers with integrated measures that can curb the effect of avian mycoplasmosis, ensure the safety of the poultry industry as a source of food security in the world.