Swine mycoplasmoses

Mycoplasmal diseases have a considerable impact on pig production. Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, whether alone or in combination with other pathogens, is a major concern worldwide. Culture and isolation of M. hyopneumoniae are difficult and often unsuccessful. However, gene amplification techniques (PCR) and serological analyses produce very interesting results. Antigenic diversity and differences in virulence between isolates have been demonstrated. Vaccines are effective to reduce symptoms and lung lesions, but they do not prevent the multiplication of M. hyopneumoniae in pigs. M. hyorhinis and M. hyosynoviae cause polyserositis and arthritis, generally in growing animals. The other species of mycoplasma appear to be non-pathogenic in swine.