Detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in sheep affected with conjunctivitis and infectious keratoconjunctivitis

Authors: Motha MXJ, Tham KM, Frey J, Hansen MF, Jamaludin R
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 51, Issue 4, pp 186-190, Aug 2003
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Biosecurity, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Eye/opthalmology, Inflammation, Disease/defect, Integument/skin/wool/hair/fur/feather, Disease surveillance, Bacterial, Infectious disease, Clinical examination
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: AIM: To determine the aetiology of a recurring and severe form of infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) in sheep.
METHODS: Five sheep flocks that had experienced a severe form of IKC were examined. Clinical history, conjunctival swabs and blood samples were collected from affected animals. Culture for bacteria, and also specifically for Mycoplasma and Chlamydophila spp, and detection of Mycoplasma conjunctivae DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were attempted. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to M. agalactiae, M. capricolum, M. conjunctivae and Chlamydophila spp.
RESULTS: Mycoplasma conjunctivae DNA was detected using PCR in 3/5 flocks, and in all flocks antibodies to M. conjunctivae were detected in sera. A pure growth of Branhamella ovis was cultured from conjunctival swabs from a small proportion of sheep in two flocks. No other pathogens were detected.
CONCLUSIONS: This investigation demonstrated that M. conjunctivae was a primary pathogen causing severe IKC in sheep, and is the first report of detection of this organism in sheep in New Zealand. Introduction of clinically normal carrier sheep appeared to have caused the outbreaks.
KEYWORDS: Infectious keratoconjunctivitis, Mycoplasma conjunctivae, Chlamydophila pecorum, Branhamella ovis, polymerase chain reaction, ELISA, complement fixation test

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