Mycoplasmosis

Abstract

Mycoplasmosis refers to a group of saprophytic or pathogenic bacterial agents of the genus Mycoplasma and other related genera affecting man and animals, including birds. Several Mycoplasma species were recorded in dromedary camels using different cultural, serological, and/or molecular methods. Both clinically affected camels and pulmonary lesions detected during abattoir surveys were investigated. Different parts of the body including lungs, skin, urinary tract, joints, nasal tract, ears, and other organs may be affected by Mycoplasma, depending on the species of Mycoplasma causing the infection. In some cases, the cervix and vagina revealed chronic, granular inflammation and diffuse or focal infiltration by lymphocytes and plasma cells. Mammary gland lesions ranged from acute diffuse purulent mastitis and chronic mastitis with galactophoritis and extensive alveolar atrophy. Diagnosis of mycoplasmosis is based on the isolation of mycoplasma organisms from diseased tissues, coupled with a series of biochemical, serological, and molecular tests to identify the isolate.