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'''''Mycoplasma meleagridis''''' is a '''small [[Bacteria|bacterial]] pathogen''' that causes '''air sacculitis, musculoskeletal disease/deformities''' and '''reproductive problems''' in turkeys and occasionally wild birds.

'''''Mycoplasma meleagridis''''' is a '''small [[Bacteria|bacterial]] pathogen''' that causes '''air sacculitis, musculoskeletal disease/deformities''' and '''reproductive problems''' in turkeys and occasionally wild birds.

It shares antigens with many other members of its [[Mycoplasmas|''Mycoplasma'' family]] but is serologically distinct.  

It shares antigens with many other members of the [[Mycoplasmas|''Mycoplasma'' genera]] but is serologically distinct.  

==Distribution==

==Distribution==

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

''M. meleagridis'' can be '''isolated''' from the upper respiratory tract, air sacs, phallus, semen, cloaca and sinuses. Swabs or exudates can be cultured on '''Mycoplasma agar and broth media'''. It is important that this is either done immediately, or that transport to a laboratory is rapid and in a cool, moist environment. Colonies may take up to 7 days to appear and often eventually form a '''typical fried egg appearance''': small and flat with rough centres.

''M. meleagridis'' can be '''isolated''' from the upper respiratory tract, air sacs, phallus, semen, cloaca and sinuses. Swabs or exudates can be cultured on '''Mycoplasma agar and broth media containing arginine'''. It is important that this is either done immediately, or that transport to a laboratory is rapid and in a cool, moist environment. Colonies may take up to 7 days to appear and often eventually form a '''typical fried egg appearance''': small and flat with rough centres.

The bacterium can then be identified using '''PCR''' or serological tests including '''growth inhibition, metabolic inhibition and [[immunofluorescence]]''', of which immunofluorescence is preferred due to its efficacy even in mixed cultures. PCR can sometimes also be performed directly on tracheal or cloacal swabs.

The bacterium can then be identified using '''PCR''' or serological tests including '''growth inhibition, metabolic inhibition and [[immunofluorescence]]''', of which immunofluorescence is preferred due to its efficacy even in mixed cultures. PCR can sometimes also be performed directly on tracheal or cloacal swabs.

'''[[ELISA testing|ELISAs]]''' are available and effective for antibody detection and can also be used on egg yolk. They have almost totally replaced the slide [[agglutination]] test which was insensitive.

'''[[ELISA testing|ELISAs]]''' are available and effective for antibody detection and can also be used on egg yolk. However the slide agglutination test (SAT) is still widely used. Specific immunoblotting tests are available at some specialist laboratories to confirm results of ELISA and SATs.

On '''post-mortem, air sacculitis''' is the most common lesion found, featuring thickened air sac walls with a caseous exudate within the sacs. Lymphoid nodules have been found in the air sacs of some affected turkeys. Changes usually become less marked with age. '''Synovitis''' and '''ascites''' are also regularly noted.

On '''post-mortem, air sacculitis''' is the most common lesion found, featuring thickened air sac walls with a caseous exudate within the sacs. Lymphoid nodules have been found in the air sacs of some affected turkeys. Changes usually become less marked with age. '''Synovitis''' and '''ascites''' are also regularly noted.

|date =1 July 2011

|date =1 July 2011

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[[Category:Mycoplasmas]] [[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Birds]] [[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Birds]] [[Category:Musculoskeletal Diseases - Birds]]

[[Category:Mycoplasmas]] [[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Birds]] [[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Birds]] [[Category:Musculoskeletal Diseases - Birds]]

[[Category:CABI Expert Review]]

[[Category:CABI Expert Review]]