Molecular Characterization of Mycoplasma Species Isolated from Broilers and Breeder Chickens by Real Time PCR

Mycoplasmosis is a major and economic threat currently facing the poultry industry worldwide. The main pathogenic mycoplasmas species are Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae. The aim of this study was to identify and molecular characterization of Mycoplasma species from broilers and breeder chickens. Two hundred samples were collected and cultured onto specific PPLO medium and then tested by real time PCR approaches. The results reported that 15 (7.5%) and 50 (25%) were positive by culture and PCR respectively. Among the positive samples, Mycoplasma synoviae was high prevalent 45 (90%) by real time PCR, and low prevalent 12(24%) detected by culture as well as Mycoplasma gallisepticum were positive 5 (10%) and 3(6%) with real time PCR and culture respectively. In conclusion, our study confirmed that the real time PCR was most sensitive and reliable tool for the diagnosis of avian mycoplasmosis in field samples than culture method.