Comparison of PCR tests for the detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae in sheep and goats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare PCR tests for the detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae in sheep and goats. Samples obtained from sheep and goats in Turkey were tested to determine the presence of M. agalactiae. Mycoplasma culture and two direct PCR methods based on the uvrC gene and polC gene were compared with PCR of the 16S rRNA gene followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR/DGGE) on DNA extracted from clinical samples (following culture enrichment). A total of 234 samples were examined: 9.4% and 13.2% were positive for M. agalactiae based on the uvrC gene and polC gene PCRs, respectively, while the culture method revealed that 12.8% of the samples were mycoplasma-positive. The PCR/DGGE method identified M. agalactiae in 15.0% of the samples; it also detected and identified other Mycoplasma species in the samples. M. agalactiae was only detected in goats in this study. This is the first time 16S rRNA PCR/DGGE was performed on various samples from sheep and goats in Turkey. This study confirmed that M. agalactiae and other Mycoplasma species are present in goats, indicating a requirement for effective control strategies for contagious agalactia and Mycoplasma species in Turkey.