Pathogenicity of Two Strains of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in Turkeys

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Strains F and R of M. gallisepticum (MG) were compared for their pathogenicity in broad-breasted white turkey poults in terms of induction of airsacculitis, depression of growth rate and induction of antibody production against MG. Eye-drop inoculation with the F or R strain produced only minimal lesions. Aerosol exposure with either MG strain resulted in a significantly higher incidence and severity of air-sac lesions (P < 0.001), reduction of growth rate (P < 0.005) and hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) antibody titers against MG than did eye-drop inoculation. There were no significant differences between the 2 MG strains in effects on incidence of air-sac lesions or on growth rate.