Mycoplasma conjunctivae

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Joachim Frey - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • infectious keratoconjunctivitis and occurrence of Mycoplasma conjunctivae and chlamydiaceae in small domestic ruminants from central karakoram pakistan
    Veterinary Record, 2017
    Co-Authors: Xavier Fernandezaguilar, Joachim Frey, Oscar Cabezón, Luca Rossi, Andrea Giorgino, Isis Victoriano Llopis, Jorge Ramon Lopezolvera
    Abstract:

    Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is a contagious eye disease primarily caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae in domestic and wild Caprinae. Chlamydophila species have also been detected in ruminants with IKC. The objectives of this study are to investigate the ocular infection of M. conjunctivae and Chlamydiaceae and assess its interaction in relation to IKC in sheep and goats from remote communities around the Central Karakoram National Park in Pakistan, performing a combination of cross-sectional and case–control study design. Mostly asymptomatic and endemic infections of M. conjunctivae and Chlamydiaceae were found in sheep (19.3 per cent and 4.5 per cent, respectively) and goats (9.5 per cent and 1.9 per cent, respectively) from all communities, assessed by qPCR. Prevalence significantly differed between species only for M. conjunctivae (P=0.0184), which was also more prevalent in younger sheep (P<0.01). Chlamydophila pecorum was identified by sequencing and was related with IKC only when coinfection with M. conjunctivae occurred, which suggest a synergic interaction. Cluster analysis of M. conjunctivae strains revealed higher diversity of strains than expected, evidenced interspecific transmission and suggested a higher local livestock trade than previously assumed. These results highlight the widespread occurrence of M conjunctivae in sheep worldwide and its implications for wildlife should be assessed from a conservation perspective.

  • postepizootic persistence of asymptomatic Mycoplasma conjunctivae infection in iberian ibex
    Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Xavier Fernandezaguilar, Joachim Frey, Oscar Cabezón, Gregorio Mentaberre, Roser Velarde, Emmanuel Serrano, Jose E Granados, Francisco Javier Canomanuel, Arian Raezbravo
    Abstract:

    The susceptibility of the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) to Mycoplasma conjunctivae ocular infection and the changes in their interaction over time were studied in terms of clinical outcome, molecular detection, and IgG immune response in a captive population that underwent a severe infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) outbreak. Mycoplasma conjunctivae was detected in the Iberian ibex, coinciding with the IKC outbreak. Its prevalence had a decreasing trend in 2013 that was consistent with the clinical resolution (August, 35.4%; September, 8.7%; November, 4.3%). Infections without clinical outcome were, however, still detected in the last handling in November. Sequencing and cluster analyses of the M. conjunctivae strains found 1 year later in the ibex population confirmed the persistence of the same strain lineage that caused the IKC outbreak but with a high prevalence (75.3%) of mostly asymptomatic infections and with lower DNA load of M. conjunctivae in the eyes (mean quantitative PCR [qPCR] cycle threshold [CT ], 36.1 versus 20.3 in severe IKC). Significant age-related differences of M. conjunctivae prevalence were observed only under IKC epizootic conditions. No substantial effect of systemic IgG on M. conjunctivae DNA in the eye was evidenced with a linear mixed-models selection, which indicated that systemic IgG does not necessarily drive the resolution of M. conjunctivae infection and does not explain the epidemiological changes observed. The results show how both epidemiological scenarios, i.e., severe IKC outbreak and mostly asymptomatic infections, can consecutively occur by entailing Mycoplasma persistence.IMPORTANCEMycoplasma infections are reported in a wide range of epidemiological scenarios that involve severe disease to asymptomatic infections. This study allows a better understanding of the transition between two different Mycoplasma conjunctivae epidemiological scenarios described in wild host populations and highlights the ability of M. conjunctivae to adapt, persist, and establish diverse interactions with its hosts. The proportion of asymptomatic and clinical M. conjunctivae infections in a host population may not be regarded only in response to intrinsic host species traits (i.e., susceptibility) but also to a specific host-pathogen interaction, which in turn influences the infection dynamics. Both epidemic infectious keratoconjunctivitis and a high prevalence of asymptomatic M. conjunctivae infections may occur in the same host population, depending on the circulation of M. conjunctivae, its maintenance, and the progression of the host-pathogen interactions.

  • Detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae by species and ocular clinical signs.
    2017
    Co-Authors: Xavier Fernández-aguilar, Joachim Frey, Oscar Cabezón, Ignasi Marco, Gregorio Mentaberre, Roser Velarde, Emmanuel Serrano, Andreu Colom-cadena, Giuseppina Gelormini, Santiago Lavín
    Abstract:

    Detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae by species and ocular clinical signs.

  • infectious keratoconjunctivitis in wild caprinae merging field observations and molecular analyses sheds light on factors shaping outbreak dynamics
    BMC Veterinary Research, 2016
    Co-Authors: Giuseppina Gelormini, Joachim Frey, Edy M. Vilei, Dominique Gauthier, Jeanpaul Crampe, Mariepierre Ryserdegiorgis
    Abstract:

    Background Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is an ocular infectious disease caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae which affects small domestic and wild mountain ruminants. Domestic sheep maintain the pathogen but the detection of healthy carriers in wildlife has raised the question as to whether M. conjunctivae may also persist in the wild. Furthermore, the factors shaping the dynamics of IKC outbreaks in wildlife have remained largely unknown. The aims of this study were (1) to verify the etiological role of M. conjunctivae in IKC outbreaks recorded between 2002 and 2010 at four study sites in different regions of France (Pyrenees and Alps, samples from 159 Alpine ibex Capra ibex, Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra and Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica); (2) to establish whether there existed any epidemiological links between the different regions through a cluster analysis of the detected strains (from 80 out of the 159 animals tested); (3) to explore selected pathogen, host and environmental factors potentially influencing the dynamics of IKC in wildlife, by joining results obtained by molecular analyses and by field observations (16,609 animal observations). All of the samples were tested for M. conjunctivae by qPCR, and cluster analysis was based on a highly variable part of the lppS gene.

  • Mycoplasma conjunctivae in domestic small ruminants from high mountain habitats in Northern Spain.
    BMC veterinary research, 2013
    Co-Authors: Xavier Fernández-aguilar, Joachim Frey, Oscar Cabezón, Ignasi Marco, Gregorio Mentaberre, Santiago Lavín, Jorge Ramón López-olvera
    Abstract:

    Background Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is a clinical condition affecting eyes of domestic and wild Caprinae worldwide, and Mycoplasma conjunctivae is considered the primary causative agent of IKC in sheep, goats and wild Caprinae. Domestic ruminants from high mountain habitats share grazing areas with wild mountain ungulates, such as chamois (Rupicapra spp.), Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) and European mouflon (Ovis aries musimon), and domestic sheep seem to act as M. conjunctivae reservoir. In this study, the presence of M. conjunctivae in domestic sheep and goats from the two main mountain ranges of Northern Spain, the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains, has been investigated.

Marco Giacometti - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • effect of domestic sheep on chamois activity distribution and abundance on sub alpine pastures
    European Journal of Wildlife Research, 2008
    Co-Authors: Silvan Ruttimann, Marco Giacometti, Alan G Mcelligott
    Abstract:

    Resource competition and disease transmission may occur when domestic and wild ungulates live sympatricly. We investigated if the release of sheep (Ovis aries) onto alpine pasture in Switzerland affected chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) activity budgets, local population size and spatial distribution. We also evaluated the risk of transmission of Mycoplasma conjunctivae (causing a contagious eye disease) from sheep to chamois by examining if the two species had close contact with one another. We carried out the study in an alpine valley containing two adjacent areas: one containing sheep (Fochsenflue) and one where sheep were excluded (Spitzflue). We found no difference between the activity budgets of the chamois at the two sites. At the Fochsenflue, chamois and sheep mainly used separate areas. However, after approximately 1 month, sheep started to move twice per day, into the main area of the chamois. The percentage time feeding, spatial distribution and numbers of chamois did not change in response. Sheep were responsible for all encounters in which the two species came closer than 50 m to each other. The encounters were brief, body contact never occurred, they were not concentrated at saltlicks and chamois mainly ended them. The results suggest that the presence of sheep had little effect on the chamois. However, competition between the two species could still be occurring over a longer time scale. Finally, we found that the risk of inter-specific transmission of IKC through direct body contact is likely to be low, but the risk through indirect means (flies or aerosols) remains.

  • Specificity of Mycoplasma conjunctivae strains for alpine chamois Rupicapra r. rupicapra
    Wildlife Biology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Liza Zimmermann, Marco Giacometti, Shelley Jambresic, Joachim Frey
    Abstract:

    Abstract Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is worldwide known as a common infection by Mycoplasma conjunctivae affecting the eyes of domestic sheep and goats where it generally leads to moderate symptoms known as ‘pink eye’. IKC also occurs in severe outbreaks in free-ranging alpine chamois Rupicapra r. rupicapra and alpine ibex Capra i. ibex. It is characterised by grave clinical symptoms resulting in blindness and perforations of the cornea of the affected animals, and finally leads to their death. Transmission of M. conjunctivae from domestic sheep to wild Caprinae has been demonstrated by molecular epidemiological studies of the infectious agent. The relatively high prevalence of M. conjunctivae in sheep populations that share pastures in the Alps with wild Caprinae, in which outbreaks occur infrequently but with high virulence, raised an important question concerning the role of host-specificity of various strains of M. conjunctivae. Investigations on genetic variations of M. conjunctivae strains...

  • Validation and diagnostic efficacy of a TaqMan real-time PCR for the detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in the eyes of infected Caprinae.
    Journal of microbiological methods, 2007
    Co-Authors: Edy M. Vilei, Marco Giacometti, Liza Zimmermann, Laetitia Bonvin-klotz, Marie-pierre Ryser-degiorgis, Joachim Frey
    Abstract:

    Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC), caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae, is a highly contagious ocular disease in Caprinae. To detect rapidly and sensitively M. conjunctivae from individual conjunctival swabs of infected domestic and wild animals, a specific real-time PCR was developed using an lppS-directed hydrolysis probe in a TaqMan platform.

  • Serosurvey of roe deer, chamois and domestic sheep in the central Italian Alps.
    Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2006
    Co-Authors: A. Gaffuri, Marco Giacometti, Vito Massimo Tranquillo, Simone Magnino, Paolo Cordioli, Paolo Lanfranchi
    Abstract:

    Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), chamois (Rupicapra rupricapra rupicapra), and domestic sheep in the Orobie Alps, Italy, were serologically tested for antibodies to selected pathogens that may be transmitted across species. Antibodies against Brucella spp. and bovine herpesvirus 1 (roe deer and chamois only) were not detected in any species. In roe deer, antibodies were detected against Toxoplasma gondii (13%) and Neospora caninum (3%). Chamois tested positive for antibodies to T. gondii (5%), N. caninum (21%), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) (41%), bovine parainfluenza type-3 virus (17%), pestiviruses (18%), and Mycoplasma conjunctivae (17%). In the sheep, particularly high antibody prevalence rates were found for T. gondii (78%), Chlamydophila spp. (20%), pestiviruses (90%), BRSV (82%), and M. conjunctivae (81%).

  • characterization of lpps an adhesin of Mycoplasma conjunctivae
    Microbiology, 2003
    Co-Authors: Luc Belloy, Marco Giacometti, Edy M. Vilei, Joachim Frey
    Abstract:

    A serine-rich membrane protein named LppS from Mycoplasma conjunctivae, the aetiological agent of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) of domestic and wild Caprinae, was characterized. Gene cloning and sequence analysis of the lppS gene revealed that it encoded a membrane protein precursor. The protein had a typical signal sequence and a signal peptidase II cleavage site followed by a cysteine residue representing a potential acylation site. The mature LppS protein had an apparent molecular mass of 150 kDa and was found in the detergent-associated fraction of Tween 20 extracted M. conjunctivae proteins. It possessed a serine-rich domain of 41 aa with 37 (90·2 %) serine residues. Twenty-seven of these serine residues were contiguous. The protein adhered to lamb joint synovial cells. Using an in vitro adhesion model, Fab fragments from IgG directed against recombinant purified LppS were shown to specifically inhibit adhesion of M. conjunctivae to lamb cells. Thus, LppS is likely to be an adhesin of M. conjunctivae that may play an important role in the pathogenesis of IKC.

Edy M. Vilei - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • infectious keratoconjunctivitis in wild caprinae merging field observations and molecular analyses sheds light on factors shaping outbreak dynamics
    BMC Veterinary Research, 2016
    Co-Authors: Giuseppina Gelormini, Joachim Frey, Edy M. Vilei, Dominique Gauthier, Jeanpaul Crampe, Mariepierre Ryserdegiorgis
    Abstract:

    Background Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is an ocular infectious disease caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae which affects small domestic and wild mountain ruminants. Domestic sheep maintain the pathogen but the detection of healthy carriers in wildlife has raised the question as to whether M. conjunctivae may also persist in the wild. Furthermore, the factors shaping the dynamics of IKC outbreaks in wildlife have remained largely unknown. The aims of this study were (1) to verify the etiological role of M. conjunctivae in IKC outbreaks recorded between 2002 and 2010 at four study sites in different regions of France (Pyrenees and Alps, samples from 159 Alpine ibex Capra ibex, Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra and Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica); (2) to establish whether there existed any epidemiological links between the different regions through a cluster analysis of the detected strains (from 80 out of the 159 animals tested); (3) to explore selected pathogen, host and environmental factors potentially influencing the dynamics of IKC in wildlife, by joining results obtained by molecular analyses and by field observations (16,609 animal observations). All of the samples were tested for M. conjunctivae by qPCR, and cluster analysis was based on a highly variable part of the lppS gene.

  • OCCURRENCE, QUANTIFICATION, AND GENOTYPING OF Mycoplasma conjunctivae IN WILD CAPRINAE WITH AND WITHOUT INFECTIOUS KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS
    Journal of wildlife diseases, 2012
    Co-Authors: Fabien Mavrot, Joachim Frey, Edy M. Vilei, Nelson Marreros, Claudio Signer, Marie-pierre Ryser-degiorgis
    Abstract:

    Mycoplasma conjunctivae, the causative agent of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC), was recently detected in asymptomatic Alpine ibex (Capra ibex ibex). This suggested that an external source of infection may not be required for an IKC outbreak in wildlife but might be initiated by healthy carriers, which contradicted previous serologic investigations in chamois. Our aims were to 1) assess the prevalence of M. conjunctivae among asymptomatic ibex and Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) and its frequency in IKC-affected animals, 2) determine Mycoplasma loads in different disease stages, and 3) characterize the M. conjunctivae strains involved. Eye swabs from 654 asymptomatic and 204 symptomatic animals were collected in diverse Swiss regions between 2008 and 2010, and tested by TaqMan real-time PCR. Data analysis was performed considering various patterns of IKC occurrence in the respective sampling regions. Strains from 24 animals were compared by cluster analysis. Prevalence of M. conjunctivae was 5.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7-8.1%) in asymptomatic ibex and 5.8% (CI: 3.0-9.9%) in asymptomatic chamois, with significant differences between years and regions in both species. Detection frequency in symptomatic animals was significantly higher during IKC outbreaks than in nonepidemic situations (i.e., regular but low incidence or sporadic occurrence). Mycoplasma load was significantly lower in eyes from healthy carriers and animals with mild signs than from animals with moderate and severe signs. Although some strains were found in both asymptomatic and diseased animals of the same species, others apparently differed in their pathogenic potential depending on the infected species. Overall, we found a widespread occurrence of M. conjunctivae in wild Caprinae with and without IKC signs. Our results confirm the central role of M. conjunctivae in outbreaks but suggest that other infectious agents may be involved in IKC cases in nonepidemic situations. Additionally, presence and severity of signs are related to the quantity of M. conjunctivae in the eyes rather than to the strain. We propose that individual or environmental factors influence the clinical expression of the disease and that persistence of M. conjunctivae in populations of wild Caprinae cannot be excluded.

  • occurrence of chlamydiaceae Mycoplasma conjunctivae and pestiviruses in alpine chamois rupicapra r rupicapra of grisons switzerland
    Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2011
    Co-Authors: Nathalie Holzwarth, Edy M. Vilei, Andreas Pospischil, Fabien Mavrot, Monika Hilbe, K Zlinszky, Nadine Regenscheit, Mirjam Pewsner, Rudolf Thoma, Nicole Borel
    Abstract:

    Because interactions between livestock and chamois occur on Alpine pastures, transmission of infectious diseases is considered possible. Thus, the occurrence of Chlamydiaceae, Mycoplasma conjunctivae, and pestiviruses in Alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) of the Surselva region (eastern Swiss Alps) was investigated. In total, 71 sera, 158 eye swabs, 135 tissue samples, and 23 fecal samples from 85 chamois were analyzed. The sera were tested by 2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits specific for Chlamydophila abortus. Eye swabs, tissue, and fecal samples were examined by a Chlamydiaceae-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Positive cases were further investigated by microarray method. One serum sample (1.4%) was positive in 1 of the ELISAs. Eye swabs of 3 chamois (3.8%) were positive for Chlamydiaceae. The microarray method revealed the presence of Chlamydophila abortus, C. pecorum, and C. pneumoniae. All tissue and fecal samples were negative. With real-time PCR, 3.9% of the chamois tested positive for Mycoplasma conjunctivae. One chamois had a simultaneous infection with M. conjunctivae and 2 chlamydial species (C. abortus, C. pecorum). Skin and tongue tissue samples of 35 chamois were negative for pestivirus antigen by immunohistochemistry. It was concluded that in contrast to the findings in Pyrenean chamois (Capra p. pyrenaica) of Spain, the occurrence of Chlamydiaceae in Alpine chamois of the Surselva region is low, and the transmission between domestic and wild Caprinae seems not to be frequent. Comparably, persistent pestiviral infections do not seem to be common in chamois of the Surselva region.

  • detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in the eyes of healthy free ranging alpine ibex possible involvement of alpine ibex as carriers for the main causing agent of infectious keratoconjunctivitis in wild caprinae
    Veterinary Microbiology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Mariepierre Ryserdegiorgis, Joachim Frey, Daniela F. Bischof, Nelson Marreros, Claudio Signer, Christian S Willisch, Flurin Filli, Georg Brosi, Edy M. Vilei
    Abstract:

    Mycoplasma conjunctivae is considered the major cause of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) in Alpine ibex (Capra i. ibex) and chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra). While it is known that domestic sheep can act as healthy carriers for M. conjunctivae, this question has not been addressed in wild ungulates so far. In this study, bacteriological investigations and field observations were performed to assess whether free-ranging Alpine ibex can be healthy carriers of M. conjunctivae. Among 136 ibex without clinical signs of IKC, M. conjunctivae was identified 26 times (19.1%) by TaqMan PCR. To assess the potential pathogenicity of M. conjunctivae strains isolated from asymptomatic eyes, strains from three healthy ibex and from 15 IKC-ibex and IKC-chamois were analysed genetically by DNA sequence analysis of the variable part of the lppS gene. No significant differences were observed between strains from asymptomatic and clinically affected animals, reflecting the assumption that healthy ibex may act as carriers for M. conjunctivae strains that may be pathogenic for other individuals. Our results further indicate that development of IKC is associated with M. conjunctivae load in the eyes. In addition, a questionnaire survey revealed that IKC is generally less common in ibex than chamois and that infection in wild ungulates is not necessarily linked to the presence of sheep. These data support the hypothesis that apparently healthy ibex may be important in the epizootiology of IKC and indicate that host predilection may play a role in IKC development.

  • First report of Mycoplasma conjunctivae from wild Caprinae with infectious keratoconjunctivitis in the Pyrenees (NE Spain).
    Journal of wildlife diseases, 2009
    Co-Authors: Ignasi Marco, Gregorio Mentaberre, Santiago Lavín, Cristina Ballesteros, Daniela F. Bischof, Edy M. Vilei
    Abstract:

    Frequent outbreaks of infectious keratoconjunctivitis have been reported in wild Caprinae in Europe. While etiologic studies in the Alps indicate that the main etiologic agent is Mycoplasma conjunctivae, there are few reports from other mountain areas, such as the Pyrenees, where M. conjunctivae has never been reported. In 2006 and 2007, five adult Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica; two males and three females) and one adult male European mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon) were studied; they exhibited clinical symptoms of infectious keratoconjunctivitis such as blindness, corneal opacity, and ulceration. In three of the five chamois tested, and in the mouflon, Mycoplasma conjunctivae was identified from conjunctival swabs by means of a TaqMan® polymerase chain reaction based on the lipoprotein gene lppS. Cluster analysis indicated that the three southern chamois isolates form a cluster that is distinct from the mouflon isolate. This is the first report of M. conjunctivae in Pyrenean chamois, and it sup...

Oscar Cabezón - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Mycoplasma conjunctivae in insect vectors and anatomic locations related to transmission and persistence
    Veterinary Microbiology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Xavier Fernandez Aguilar, Roser Velarde, Jorge Ramon Lopezolvera, Maria P Ribas, Mattia Begovoeva, Jesus Cardells, Oscar Cabezón
    Abstract:

    Mycoplasma conjunctivae is an obligate microparasite that causes Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) in Caprinae species. IKC is a long-recognised disease, but little attention has been paid to the mechanisms of transmission of the Mycoplasma and its occurrence in locations other than the eyes. In this study, the presence of M. conjunctivae is assessed in the eyes, external ear canals (EEC), nasal cavity, and vagina of host species as well as in potential vectors, which may be involved in the transmission and persistence of infection within the host. M. conjunctivae was detected by qPCR in 7.2 % (CI 95% 4.7-11.0) of the ear swabs and 9.5 % (CI 95% 6.4-13.9) of the nasal swabs from Pyrenean chamois, Iberian ibex, domestic sheep and mouflon without statistical differences between species. Mycoplasma detection in nasal swabs was mostly associated with ocular infection (95.6%), but this was not the case for EEC (52.6%). Among the eye-positive ruminants, 27.3% were positive in ear swabs and 64.7% in nasal swabs, and the threshold cycle values of the qPCR were correlated only between eye and nasal swabs (p < 0.01; r2 = 0.56). M. conjunctivae was detected in 1.7% - 7.1 % of Musca spp. captured during an IKC outbreak in Iberian ibex and in one out of three endemic sheep flocks. The results indicate that the transmission of M. conjunctivae may occur by direct contact with eye or nasal secretions and/or indirectly through flies. The M. conjunctivae DNA detection in EEC suggests that it can colonise the auditory tract, but the significance for its persistence within the host should be further assessed.

  • postepizootic persistence of asymptomatic Mycoplasma conjunctivae infection in iberian ibex
    Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Xavier Fernandezaguilar, Joachim Frey, Oscar Cabezón, Gregorio Mentaberre, Roser Velarde, Emmanuel Serrano, Jose E Granados, Francisco Javier Canomanuel, Arian Raezbravo
    Abstract:

    The susceptibility of the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) to Mycoplasma conjunctivae ocular infection and the changes in their interaction over time were studied in terms of clinical outcome, molecular detection, and IgG immune response in a captive population that underwent a severe infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) outbreak. Mycoplasma conjunctivae was detected in the Iberian ibex, coinciding with the IKC outbreak. Its prevalence had a decreasing trend in 2013 that was consistent with the clinical resolution (August, 35.4%; September, 8.7%; November, 4.3%). Infections without clinical outcome were, however, still detected in the last handling in November. Sequencing and cluster analyses of the M. conjunctivae strains found 1 year later in the ibex population confirmed the persistence of the same strain lineage that caused the IKC outbreak but with a high prevalence (75.3%) of mostly asymptomatic infections and with lower DNA load of M. conjunctivae in the eyes (mean quantitative PCR [qPCR] cycle threshold [CT ], 36.1 versus 20.3 in severe IKC). Significant age-related differences of M. conjunctivae prevalence were observed only under IKC epizootic conditions. No substantial effect of systemic IgG on M. conjunctivae DNA in the eye was evidenced with a linear mixed-models selection, which indicated that systemic IgG does not necessarily drive the resolution of M. conjunctivae infection and does not explain the epidemiological changes observed. The results show how both epidemiological scenarios, i.e., severe IKC outbreak and mostly asymptomatic infections, can consecutively occur by entailing Mycoplasma persistence.IMPORTANCEMycoplasma infections are reported in a wide range of epidemiological scenarios that involve severe disease to asymptomatic infections. This study allows a better understanding of the transition between two different Mycoplasma conjunctivae epidemiological scenarios described in wild host populations and highlights the ability of M. conjunctivae to adapt, persist, and establish diverse interactions with its hosts. The proportion of asymptomatic and clinical M. conjunctivae infections in a host population may not be regarded only in response to intrinsic host species traits (i.e., susceptibility) but also to a specific host-pathogen interaction, which in turn influences the infection dynamics. Both epidemic infectious keratoconjunctivitis and a high prevalence of asymptomatic M. conjunctivae infections may occur in the same host population, depending on the circulation of M. conjunctivae, its maintenance, and the progression of the host-pathogen interactions.

  • infectious keratoconjunctivitis and occurrence of Mycoplasma conjunctivae and chlamydiaceae in small domestic ruminants from central karakoram pakistan
    Veterinary Record, 2017
    Co-Authors: Xavier Fernandezaguilar, Joachim Frey, Oscar Cabezón, Luca Rossi, Andrea Giorgino, Isis Victoriano Llopis, Jorge Ramon Lopezolvera
    Abstract:

    Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is a contagious eye disease primarily caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae in domestic and wild Caprinae. Chlamydophila species have also been detected in ruminants with IKC. The objectives of this study are to investigate the ocular infection of M. conjunctivae and Chlamydiaceae and assess its interaction in relation to IKC in sheep and goats from remote communities around the Central Karakoram National Park in Pakistan, performing a combination of cross-sectional and case–control study design. Mostly asymptomatic and endemic infections of M. conjunctivae and Chlamydiaceae were found in sheep (19.3 per cent and 4.5 per cent, respectively) and goats (9.5 per cent and 1.9 per cent, respectively) from all communities, assessed by qPCR. Prevalence significantly differed between species only for M. conjunctivae (P=0.0184), which was also more prevalent in younger sheep (P<0.01). Chlamydophila pecorum was identified by sequencing and was related with IKC only when coinfection with M. conjunctivae occurred, which suggest a synergic interaction. Cluster analysis of M. conjunctivae strains revealed higher diversity of strains than expected, evidenced interspecific transmission and suggested a higher local livestock trade than previously assumed. These results highlight the widespread occurrence of M conjunctivae in sheep worldwide and its implications for wildlife should be assessed from a conservation perspective.

  • Detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae by species and ocular clinical signs.
    2017
    Co-Authors: Xavier Fernández-aguilar, Joachim Frey, Oscar Cabezón, Ignasi Marco, Gregorio Mentaberre, Roser Velarde, Emmanuel Serrano, Andreu Colom-cadena, Giuseppina Gelormini, Santiago Lavín
    Abstract:

    Detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae by species and ocular clinical signs.

  • Mycoplasma conjunctivae in domestic small ruminants from high mountain habitats in Northern Spain.
    BMC veterinary research, 2013
    Co-Authors: Xavier Fernández-aguilar, Joachim Frey, Oscar Cabezón, Ignasi Marco, Gregorio Mentaberre, Santiago Lavín, Jorge Ramón López-olvera
    Abstract:

    Background Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is a clinical condition affecting eyes of domestic and wild Caprinae worldwide, and Mycoplasma conjunctivae is considered the primary causative agent of IKC in sheep, goats and wild Caprinae. Domestic ruminants from high mountain habitats share grazing areas with wild mountain ungulates, such as chamois (Rupicapra spp.), Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) and European mouflon (Ovis aries musimon), and domestic sheep seem to act as M. conjunctivae reservoir. In this study, the presence of M. conjunctivae in domestic sheep and goats from the two main mountain ranges of Northern Spain, the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains, has been investigated.

Fernández-aguilar Xavier - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • La queratoconjuntivitis es manté en les poblacions d'isard del Pirineu
    2018
    Co-Authors: Fernández-aguilar Xavier, López Olvera, Jorge R.
    Abstract:

    Des del servei d'Ecopatologia de la Fauna Salvatge de la UAB, en col·laboració amb el Centre de Recerca en Salut Animal (IRTA-UAB) i l'Institut de Bacteriologia de la Universitat de Berna s'ha dut a terme un estudi de 9 anys de durada sobre la dinàmica de la infecció del bacteri Mycoplasma conjunctivae, causant de la queratoconjuntivitis, entre les poblacions d'ungulats salvatges de muntanya i el bestiar domèstic al Pirineu Català i en la Serralada Cantàbrica

  • Postepizootic Persistence of Asymptomatic Mycoplasma conjunctivae Infection in Iberian Ibex
    'American Society for Microbiology', 2017
    Co-Authors: Fernández-aguilar Xavier, Mentaberre García Gregorio, Frey Joachim, Cabezón Oscar, Granados, José Enrique, Serrano Ferron Emmanuel, Velarde Roser, Cano-manuel, Francisco Javier, Ráez-bravo Arián, Fandos Paulino
    Abstract:

    The susceptibility of the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) to Mycoplasma conjunctivae ocular infection and the changes in their interaction over time were studied in terms of clinical outcome, molecular detection, and IgG immune response in a captive population that underwent a severe infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) outbreak. Mycoplasma conjunctivae was detected in the Iberian ibex, coinciding with the IKC outbreak. Its prevalence had a decreasing trend in 2013 that was consistent with the clinical resolution (August, 35.4%; September, 8.7%; November, 4.3%). Infections without clinical outcome were, however, still detected in the last handling in November. Sequencing and cluster analyses of the M. conjunctivae strains found 1 year later in the ibex population confirmed the persistence of the same strain lineage that caused the IKC outbreak but with a high prevalence (75.3%) of mostly asymptomatic infections and with lower DNA load of M. conjunctivae in the eyes (mean quantitative PCR [qPCR] cycle threshold [CT], 36.1 versus 20.3 in severe IKC). Significant age-related differences of M. conjunctivae prevalence were observed only under IKC epizootic conditions. No substantial effect of systemic IgG on M. conjunctivae DNA in the eye was evidenced with a linear mixed-models selection, which indicated that systemic IgG does not necessarily drive the resolution of M. conjunctivae infection and does not explain the epidemiological changes observed. The results show how both epidemiological scenarios, i.e., severe IKC outbreak and mostly asymptomatic infections, can consecutively occur by entailing Mycoplasma persistence

  • Long-term dynamics of Mycoplasma conjunctivae at the wildlife-livestock interface in the Pyrenees.
    'Public Library of Science (PLoS)', 2017
    Co-Authors: Fernández-aguilar Xavier, Frey Joachim, Cabezón Oscar, Velarde Roser, Serrano Emmanuel, Colom-cadena Andreu, Gelormini Giuseppina, Marco Ignasi, Mentaberre Gregorio, Lavín Santiago
    Abstract:

    Functional roles of domestic and wild host populations in infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) epidemiology have been extensively discussed claiming a domestic reservoir for the more susceptible wild hosts, however, based on limited data. With the aim to better assess IKC epidemiology in complex host-pathogen alpine systems, the long-term infectious dynamics and molecular epidemiology of Mycoplasma conjunctivae was investigated in all host populations from six study areas in the Pyrenees and one in the Cantabrian Mountains (Northern Spain). Detection of M. conjunctivae was performed by qPCR on 3600 eye swabs collected during seven years from hunted wild ungulates and sympatric domestic sheep (n = 1800 animals), and cluster analyses of the strains were performed including previous reported local strains. Mycoplasma conjunctivae was consistently detected in three Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra p. pyrenaica) populations, as well as in sheep flocks (17.0% of sheep) and occasionally in mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) from the Pyrenees (22.2% in one year/area); statistically associated with ocular clinical signs only in chamois. Chamois populations showed different infection dynamics with low but steady prevalence (4.9%) and significant yearly fluctuations (0.0%- 40.0%). Persistence of specific M. conjunctivae strain clusters in wild host populations is demonstrated for six and nine years. Cross-species transmission between chamois and sheep and chamois and mouflon were also sporadically evidenced. Overall, independent M. conjunctivae sylvatic and domestic cycles occurred at the wildlife-livestock interface in the alpine ecosystems from the Pyrenees with sheep and chamois as the key host species for each cycle, and mouflon as a spill-over host. Host population characteristics and M. conjunctivae strains resulted in different epidemiological scenarios in chamois, ranging from the fading out of the Mycoplasma to the epidemic and endemic long-term persistence. These findings highlight the capacity of M. conjunctivae to establish diverse interactions and persist in host populations, also with different transmission conditions

  • Infectious keratoconjunctivitis and occurrence of Mycoplasma conjunctivae and Chlamydiaceae in small domestic ruminants from Central Karakoram, Pakistan
    'BMJ', 2017
    Co-Authors: Fernández-aguilar Xavier, Cabezón Ponsoda Óscar, Frey Joachim, Rossi Luca, Giorgino Andrea, Victoriano Llopis Isis, López Olvera, Jorge R.
    Abstract:

    Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is a contagious eye disease primarily caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae in domestic and wild Caprinae. Chlamydophila species have also been detected in ruminants with IKC. The objectives of this study are to investigate the ocular infection of M. conjunctivae and Chlamydiaceae and assess its interaction in relation to IKC in sheep and goats from remote communities around the Central Karakoram National Park in Pakistan, performing a combination of cross-sectional and case-control study design. Mostly asymptomatic and endemic infections of M. conjunctivae and Chlamydiaceae were found in sheep (19.3 per cent and 4.5 per cent, respectively) and goats (9.5 per cent and 1.9 per cent, respectively) from all communities, assessed by qPCR. Prevalence significantly differed between species only for M. conjunctivae (P=0.0184), which was also more prevalent in younger sheep (P

  • Infectious keratoconjunctivitis at the wildlife-livestock interface from mountain systems: dynamics, functional roles and host-Mycoplasma interactions
    'Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona', 2017
    Co-Authors: Fernández-aguilar Xavier
    Abstract:

    La queratoconjuntivitis infecciosa (QCI) és una malaltia ocular que afecta a ovins i caprins, tant domèstics com salvatges. La seva epidemiologia pot arribar a ser complexa i involucrar diverses espècies d’hostes a la interfase domèstic-salvatge de zones alpines. En aquest context, hipòtesis contràries sobre espècies reservori s’han formulat mitjançant dades epidemiològiques poc concloents. L’Objectiu principal d’aquesta tesi és proporcionar informació epidemiològica complerta per tal de inferir la funcionalitat de les diferents poblacions d’hostes presents als sistemes muntanyosos. En l’Estudi I i II, la situació epidemiològica de Mycoplasma conjunctivae es va avaluar en els ovins i caprins domèstics de tres zones muntanyoses, els Pirineus, la Serralada Cantàbrica (Nord Espanya) i la serralada del Karakorum (Himàlaia, Pakistan) per a tal d’avaluar quin risc poden suposar com a font de QCI per a la fauna salvatge simpàtrica. L’elevada prevalença trobada, junt amb la pràctica absència de signes clínics, suggereix que l’ovella (Ovis aries) és un bon hoste per al manteniment endèmic de M. conjunctivae. A més, Chlamydiaceae es va trobar de forma endèmica als ulls dels remugants domèstics de Pakistan i podria ser un factor predisposant per al desenvolupament clínica de QCI (Estudi II). A l’Estudi III, la dinàmica de M. conjunctivae i la seva epidemiologia molecular es va estudiar en les comunitats d’hostes domèstics i salvatges del Pirineu i la Serralada Cantàbrica. Els resultats van mostrar cicles epidemiològics selvàtics i domèstics separats al Pirineu. Clústers específics de soques de M. conjunctivae van ser mantinguts en algunes poblacions d’isards pirinencs (Rupicapra p. pyrenaica) sense la contribució substancial d’altres hostes. A més, es van observar diferents escenaris epidemiològics en les poblacions d’isard que van anar de la desaparició de M. conjunctivae a la persistència epidèmica i endèmica del micoplasma. La transmissió interespecífica de M. conjunctivae va ser puntualment constatada entre isard, mufló i ovella. Tot i que la gran majoria de casos de QCI trobats a l’isard no van ser originats per soques d’origen domèstic, les ovelles possiblement han tingut un paper històric important en la introducció de M. conjunctivae en les poblacions de fauna salvatge. Això és suggerit als Estudis II i III degut al consistent escenari epidemiològic trobat entre ovelles i isards simpàtrics. En l’Estudi IV, el curs d’una epizoòtia de QCI va ser estudiat en una població captiva de cabra salvatge (Capra pyrenaica), en la que la interacció micoplasma-hoste va evolucionar cap a signes clínics més lleus, menor càrrega bacteriana i possiblement una major persistència ocular del micoplasma. A més, aquest estudi proporciona evidències sobre el potencial rol que poden jugar els hostes salvatges en el manteniment de M. conjuntivae en diferents situacions epidemiològiques. Finalment, a l’Estudi V, es va explorar la presència de M. conjuntivae en localitzacions diferents als ulls i en relació amb la transmissió i persistència individual. La transmissió de M. conjuntivae és possible a través del contacte directe amb secrecions oculars i nasals i de forma indirecta mitjançant vectors (Musca sp.). A més, Mycoplasma conjunctivae es va detectar al conducte auditiu de diferents espècies d’hostes, fet que pot tenir implicacions epidemiològiques importants. En conclusió, els resultats d’aquesta tesi ressalten el capacitat de M. conjuntivae per a establir diferents interaccions amb els seus hostes i persistir a les poblacions mitjançant patrons de transmissió diferents. El paper de reservori o d’hospedador accidental està determinat tant per factors relacions amb el propi hospedador com amb el micoplasma. Les característiques de les poblacions d’hostes possiblement també modulen la interacció micoplasma-hoste mitjançant la connectivitat entre individus, la transmissió de M. conjuntivae i finalment determinar la seva persistència i el paper dels diferents hostes en el sistema.La queratoconjuntivitis infecciosa (QCI) es una enfermedad ocular que afecta a ovinos y caprinos, tanto domésticos como salvajes. Su epidemiología puede ser compleja e involucrar diversas especies de hospedadores en la interfaz domestico-salvaje de zonas alpinas. En este contexto, hipótesis contrarias sobre especies reservorio se han formulado mediante datos epidemiológicos poco concluyentes. El objetivo principal de esta tesis es proporcionar información epidemiológica completa a fin de inferir la funcionalidad de los distintos hospedadores presentes en los sistemas montañosos. En el Estudio I y II, la situación epidemiológica sobre Mycoplasma conjunctivae se evaluó en ovinos y caprinos domésticos de tres zonas montañosas, Pirineo y Cordillera cantábrica (Norte Español) y la Cordillera del Karakorum (Himalaya, Pakistán), a fin de evaluar el riesgo que éstos pueden suponer como fuente de QCI para la fauna. Mycoplasma conjunctivae fue detectado frecuentemente en los rebaños de ovejas y cabras que pastan en las zonas alpinas de los Pirineos y del Karakorum, y de forma más esporádica en la Cordillera Cantábrica. La alta prevalencia encontrada, junto con la práctica ausencia de enfermedad ocular, sugiere que la oveja doméstica (Ovis aries) es un buen hospedador para el mantenimiento endémico de M. conjunctivae. Además, Chlamydiaceae se encontró presente en los ojos de rumiantes de Pakistán y podría ser un factor predisponente para el desarrollo clínico de la QCI (Estudio II). En el Estudio III, la dinámica de M. conjunctivae y su epidemiología molecular fue estudiada en la comunidad de hospedadores domésticos y salvajes del Pirineo y la Cordillera Cantábrica. Los resultados mostraron ciclos epidemiológicos selváticos y domésticos separados. Se observaron distintos escenarios epidemiológicos en las poblaciones de rebeco (Rupicapra p. pyrenaica), que fueron de la desaparición de M. conjunctivae a la persistencia endémica y epizoótica del micoplasma. La transmisión interespecífica de M. conjunctivae fue puntualmente constatada entre rebeco, muflón y oveja. A pesar de que la mayoría de casos de QCI encontrados en le rebeco no fueron originados por cepas de rebaños domésticos, las ovejas posiblemente han tenido un papel histórico importante en la introducción de M. conjunctivae en las poblaciones de fauna salvaje. Esto es sugerido en los Estudio II y III debido al consistente escenario epidemiológico encontrado entre ovejas y rebecos simpátricos. En el Estudio IV, el curso de una epizootía de QCI fue estudiada a largo plazo en una población cautiva de cabra montés (Capra pyrenaica), en la que la interacción micoplasma-hospedador evolucionó hacia signos clínicos más leves, menor carga bacteriana y posiblemente una mayor persistencia ocular del micoplasma. Este estudio además proporciona evidencias sobre el potencial rol que pueden jugar los hospedadores salvajes en el mantenimiento de M. conjunctivae en relación a distintas situaciones epidemiológicas. Finalmente, en el Estudio V, se exploró la presencia de M. conjunctivae en localizaciones distintas a los ojos en relación con su transmisión y persistencia individual. La transmisión de M. conjunctivae es posible a través de contacto directo con secreciones oculares y nasales y de forma indirecta mediante vectores (Musca sp.). Mycoplasma conjunctivae además se detectó en el conducto auditivo, lo cual puede tener implicaciones epidemiológicas importantes. En conclusión, los resultados de esta tesis resaltan la capacidad de M. conjunctivae para establecer distintas interacciones con sus hospedadores y persistir en las poblaciones mediante patrones de transmisión distintos. El papel de reservorio o hospedador accidental está determinado tanto por factores relacionados con el propio hospedador como con el micoplasma. Las características de las poblaciones susceptibles posiblemente también modulan la interacción micoplasma-hospedador mediante la conectividad entre individuos, transmisión de M. conjunctivae y finalmente determinar su persistencia y el papel de los distintos hospedadores en el sistema.Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is an ocular disease that affects wild and domestic Caprinae species. Epidemiology of IKC may rely in complex multi-host systems at the wildlife-livestock interface of alpine areas, where contrasting hypotheses of reservoir hosts have been proposed based on limited data. The main objective of this thesis is to provide comprehensive epidemiological data in order to infer the functional roles of domestic and wild host populations from mountain systems. In the Study I and Study II, the epidemiological situation of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in domestic small ruminants from mountain areas in two distant regions (Northern Spain and Pakistan), was studied in order to assess the potential source risk they suppose for their sympatric wild counterparts. Mycoplasma conjunctivae was commonly detected in the Pyrenees and the Karakoram mountain range, and more rarely in the Cantabrian Mountains. The relatively high prevalence of mostly asymptomatic infections observed suggests that sheep (Ovis aries) is a good host for the endemic maintenance of M. conjunctivae with a low cost (i.e. clinical signs and body condition). Chlamydiaceae was also endemic in the eyes of sheep and goats (Capra hircus) from Pakistan and could be a predisposing factor for IKC that needs of further research (Study II). The long-term dynamics of M. conjunctivae and its molecular epidemiology in the whole community of wild and domestic hosts from the Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains was assessed in the Study III. Results showed that independent M. conjunctivae sylvatic and domestic cycles occurred at the wildlife-livestock interface in the Pyrenees. Specific M. conjunctivae strain clusters were maintained in some Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra p. pyrenaica) populations without the substantial contribution of other hosts. Furthermore, host population characteristics and M. conjunctivae strains resulted in different epidemiological scenarios in chamois, ranging from the fading out and the epidemic persistence in lower density populations to the endemic persistence in a higher density population. Nevertheless, incidental cross-species transmission of M. conjunctivae occurred between chamois and mouflon and between chamois and sheep. Despite most of the IKC cases in free-ranging chamois were not associated with concurrent sheep strains, domestic sheep may have been historically important for the introduction of M. conjunctivae in wild hosts. This is suggested in the Studies II and III by the consistent epidemiological scenario observed in sympatric sheep and chamois from the Cantabrian Mountains and the Pyrenees. In the Study IV, the transition from epizootic IKC to high prevalence of asymptomatic M. conjunctivae infections is described in a captive Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) population, in which the host-Mycoplasma interaction evolved to decreased clinical signs, lower Mycoplasma loads and probably longer persistence in the eyes (Study IV). This study also provides evidences of the potential role of wild hosts in M. conjunctivae maintenance, associated to different and dynamic epidemiological scenarios. Finally, in the Study V, the detection of M. conjunctivae in other locations apart from the eyes was explored in different host species in relation to transmission routes and within-host persistence. Transmission of Mycoplasma conjunctivae has been reasserted to be possible through direct contact from ocular and nose secretions and indirectly by eye-frequenting flies (Musca sp.). Mycoplasma conjunctivae was also detected in the ear canals, which may have important epidemiological implications. Overall, the results obtained highlight the capacity of M. conjunctivae to establish diverse interactions with its hosts and persist in the population, also with different transmission patterns. Host populations and species can act either as maintenance hosts or as spill-over hosts depending on host- and M. conjunctivae-related factors. Population characteristics may also shape host-Mycoplasma interaction through connectivity among individuals, M. conjunctivae transmission, and ultimately may determine its persistence and host functionalities in the system

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