Prevalence of Mollicutes among men who have sex with men and transgender women aged 15 to 19 years in Salvador, North-eastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Some species of Mollicutes have been associated with different pathologies of the urogenital tract in humans, with a high prevalence among adult men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). However, few studies have been performed to investigate its prevalence among adolescents. In this study, we estimated the initial prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), and Ureaplasma parvum (UP); the rate of misdiagnosis at different anatomical sites; and the associated factors with positive tests for Mollicutes among MSM and TGW aged 15 to 19 years enrolled in the PrEP1519 study. METHODS: PrEP-1519 is the first study to investigate the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus among adolescent MSM and TGW aged 15 to 19 in Latin America. Oral, anal, and urethral swabs were taken from 246 adolescents upon enrolment in the study to detect MG, MH, UU, and UP by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted by Poisson regression and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. RESULTS: The prevalence of Mollicutes was 32.1%. UU was the most prevalent species (20.7%), followed by MH (13.4%), MG (5.7%), and UP (3.2%); 67.3% of the positive samples would have been missed if only urethral samples had been taken. Receptive anal sex (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.07-3.01) and clinical suspicion of sexually transmitted infection (PR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.01-2.61) were factors associated with the detection of Mollicutes in general. Group sex (PR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.12-3.50) and receptive anal sex (PR = 2.36; 95% CI = 0.95-5.86) were associated with the detection of Mycoplasma spp. No sociodemographic, clinical, or behavioural variable was significantly associated with the detection of Ureaplasma spp. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of Mollicutes was observed among adolescent MSM and TGW, especially at extragenital sites. Further research is required to understand the epidemiological profile of high-risk adolescents in different regions and contexts, and to investigate the pathogenesis of Mollicutes in the oral and anal mucosa before routine screening can be recommended in clinical practice.

Acerola shoot proliferation induced by a phytoplasma enclosed in the subgroup 16SrIII-F

Acerola bushes were observed showing symptoms of shoot proliferation, generalized stunting, yellowing and decline. Since these symptoms are typically induced by phytoplasmas, this survey was carried out with the aim of detecting, identifying and classifying the supposed phytoplasma present in symptomatic bushes. Total DNA was extracted from symptomatic and asymptomatic samples and used in nested PCR conducted by the primer pairs R16mF2/mR1 followed by R16F2n/R2. Amplifications of expected genomic fragments of 1.2 kb revealed the presence of phytoplasma in 73 % of the symptomatic samples. Molecular analyses, using computer-simulated RFLP patterns, similarity coefficient calculation and phylogenetic analysis allowed for classifying the bacterium as a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pruni' - related strain (subgroup 16SrIII-F). The phytoplasma induced the same symptoms in healthy acerola plants inoculated by grafting and showed molecular identity with the strain identified in naturally infected bushes. Although various strains belonging to distinct subgroups within the 16SrIII group have been previously identified in Brazil, this is the first report of the presence of a representative of the 16SrIII-F subgroup in the Brazilian agroecosystem. Considering that phytoplasmas can be systemically distributed throughout the plant and acerola plants are vegetatively propagated, it is recommended that propagation material be obtained from mother plants free of the pathogen.

Presença de Mollicutes e Mycoplasma bovis em swabs nasais de bezerros e na secreção mastítica de vacas / Presence of Mollicutes and Mycoplasma bovis in nasal swabs from calves and in mastitic secretion from cows / Presencia de Mollicutes e Mycoplasma bovis en hisopos nasalses de terneros y secrecion de mastitis de vacas

Mycoplasma bovis faz parte da microbiota do trato respiratório bovino, mas é considerado um patógeno oportunista de extrema importância nas doenças respiratórias de bezerros. Causa ao rebanho diversas doenças como mastite, poliartrite, pneumonia e endometrite. Esse patógeno é altamente contagioso e os animais com mastite são potenciais disseminadores da infecção para o rebanho, pois liberam de 106a 108UFC por mL de leite. Da mesma forma, animais com pneumonia eliminam, por meio de secreções respiratórias, altas cargas microbianas do agente. O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar a detecção molecular de Mycoplasma bovis em 185 amostras de secreção mastítica de vacas, bem como em 50 amostras de swab nasal de bezerros saudáveis com ou sem sinais de pneumonia e nascidos de vacas com mastite, pertencentes a quatro fazendas leiteiras do estado do Paraná, onde foram diagnosticados casos de mastite. A extração do DNA de ambas as secreções foi realizada pelo método de termólise. Para a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), primers genéricos foram empregados para amplificar o DNA dos Mollicutes e as amostras positivas foram submetidas à PCR com primers específicos para M. bovis. A positividade para M. bovis foi de 3,78% nas amostras de secreção mastítica, independente da fazenda, e de 20% nos swabs nasais.(AU)

Mycoplasma bovis is part of the bovine respiratory tract microbiota but is considered an opportunistic pathogen of extreme importance in respiratory diseases of calves. It causes to the herd several diseases such as mastitis, polyarthritis, pneumonia and endometritis. This pathogen is highly contagious and animals with mastitis are potential disseminators of infection to the herd since they release from 106 to 108CFU per mL milk. Similarly, animals with pneumonia eliminate, through respiratory secretions, high microbial loads of the agent. The present study aimed to perform molecular detection of Mycoplasma bovis in 185 milk samples from cows with clinical mastitis, as well as in 50 nasal swab samples from healthy calves with or without signs of pneumonia and born from cows with mastitis, all belonging to four dairy farms in Paraná State, where cases of mastitis had been diagnosed. DNA extraction from both secretions was carried out according to the thermolysis method. For polymerase chain reaction (PCR), generic primers were employed to amplify the Mollicutes DNA and positive samples were subjected to PCR with primers specific for M. bovis. Positivity for M. bovis was 3.78% in mastitic samples, regardless of the farm, and 20% in nasal swabs.(AU)

Mycoplasma bovis forma parte de la microbiota del tracto respiratorio bovino, pero se considera un patógeno oportunista de extrema importancia en las enfermedades respiratorias de los terneros. Provoca en el rebaño diversas enfermedades como mastitis, poliartritis, neumonía y endometritis. Este patógeno es altamente contagioso y los animales con mastitis son potenciales diseminadores de la infección al hato, ya que liberan de 106 a 108 UFC por ml de leche. Asimismo, los animales con neumonía eliminan, através de secreciones respiratorias, altas cargas microbianas del agente. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar la detección molecular de Mycoplasma bovis en 185 muestras de secretion de mastitis de vacas con mastitis clínica, así como en 50 muestras de hisopos nasales de terneros sanos con o sin signos de neumonía y nacidos de vacas con mastitis, todos pertenecientes a cuatro granjas lecheras en el estado de Paraná, donde se diagnosticaron casos de mastitis. La extracción de ADN de ambas secreciones se realizó mediante el método de termólisis. Para la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), se utilizaron cebadores genéricos para amplificar el ADN de los Mollicutes y las muestras positivas se sometieron a PCR con cebadores específicos para M. bovis. La positividad para M. bovis fue del 3,78% en muestras de mastitis, independientemente de la granja, y del 20% en hisopos nasales.(AU)

Presença de Mollicutes e Mycoplasma bovis em swabs nasais de bezerros e na secreção mastítica de vacas / Presence of Mollicutes and Mycoplasma bovis in nasal swabs from calves and in mastitic secretion from cows / Presencia de Mollicutes e Mycoplasma bovis en hisopos nasalses de terneros y secrecion de mastitis de vacas

Mycoplasma bovis faz parte da microbiota do trato respiratório bovino, mas é considerado um patógeno oportunista de extrema importância nas doenças respiratórias de bezerros. Causa ao rebanho diversas doenças como mastite, poliartrite, pneumonia e endometrite. Esse patógeno é altamente contagioso e os animais com mastite são potenciais disseminadores da infecção para o rebanho, pois liberam de 106a 108UFC por mL de leite. Da mesma forma, animais com pneumonia eliminam, por meio de secreções respiratórias, altas cargas microbianas do agente. O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar a detecção molecular de Mycoplasma bovis em 185 amostras de secreção mastítica de vacas, bem como em 50 amostras de swab nasal de bezerros saudáveis com ou sem sinais de pneumonia e nascidos de vacas com mastite, pertencentes a quatro fazendas leiteiras do estado do Paraná, onde foram diagnosticados casos de mastite. A extração do DNA de ambas as secreções foi realizada pelo método de termólise. Para a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), primers genéricos foram empregados para amplificar o DNA dos Mollicutes e as amostras positivas foram submetidas à PCR com primers específicos para M. bovis. A positividade para M. bovis foi de 3,78% nas amostras de secreção mastítica, independente da fazenda, e de 20% nos swabs nasais.

Mycoplasma bovis is part of the bovine respiratory tract microbiota but is considered an opportunistic pathogen of extreme importance in respiratory diseases of calves. It causes to the herd several diseases such as mastitis, polyarthritis, pneumonia and endometritis. This pathogen is highly contagious and animals with mastitis are potential disseminators of infection to the herd since they release from 106 to 108CFU per mL milk. Similarly, animals with pneumonia eliminate, through respiratory secretions, high microbial loads of the agent. The present study aimed to perform molecular detection of Mycoplasma bovis in 185 milk samples from cows with clinical mastitis, as well as in 50 nasal swab samples from healthy calves with or without signs of pneumonia and born from cows with mastitis, all belonging to four dairy farms in Paraná State, where cases of mastitis had been diagnosed. DNA extraction from both secretions was carried out according to the thermolysis method. For polymerase chain reaction (PCR), generic primers were employed to amplify the Mollicutes DNA and positive samples were subjected to PCR with primers specific for M. bovis. Positivity for M. bovis was 3.78% in mastitic samples, regardless of the farm, and 20% in nasal swabs.

Mycoplasma bovis forma parte de la microbiota del tracto respiratorio bovino, pero se considera un patógeno oportunista de extrema importancia en las enfermedades respiratorias de los terneros. Provoca en el rebaño diversas enfermedades como mastitis, poliartritis, neumonía y endometritis. Este patógeno es altamente contagioso y los animales con mastitis son potenciales diseminadores de la infección al hato, ya que liberan de 106 a 108 UFC por ml de leche. Asimismo, los animales con neumonía eliminan, através de secreciones respiratorias, altas cargas microbianas del agente. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar la detección molecular de Mycoplasma bovis en 185 muestras de secretion de mastitis de vacas con mastitis clínica, así como en 50 muestras de hisopos nasales de terneros sanos con o sin signos de neumonía y nacidos de vacas con mastitis, todos pertenecientes a cuatro granjas lecheras en el estado de Paraná, donde se diagnosticaron casos de mastitis. La extracción de ADN de ambas secreciones se realizó mediante el método de termólisis. Para la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), se utilizaron cebadores genéricos para amplificar el ADN de los Mollicutes y las muestras positivas se sometieron a PCR con cebadores específicos para M. bovis. La positividad para M. bovis fue del 3,78% en muestras de mastitis, independientemente de la granja, y del 20% en hisopos nasales.

Flow-Cytometric Method for Viability Analysis of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Other Cell-Culture-Contaminant Mollicutes.

Mycoplasma is the smallest self-replicating bacteria, figuring as common contaminant of eukaryotic cell cultures. Production inputs and operator's manipulation seem to be the main sources of such contamination. Many analytical approaches have been applied for mycoplasma detection in cell cultures and also in biological products. However, unless they were validated, only indicator cell culture and bacteriological culture are considered as compendial methods for quality control of biological products. Nano-flow cytometry has been pointed out as an alternative technique for addressing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell viability being a substantial tool for reference material production. In this study, a viability-flow-cytometry assay was standardized for M. gallisepticum and then applied to other cell-culture-contaminant mycoplasmas. For this, M. galliseticum's growth rate was observed and different treatments were evaluated to establish low viability cultures (cell death-induced control). Distinct viability markers and their ideal concentrations (titration) were appraised. Ethanol treatment showed to be the best death-inducing control. CFDA and TOPRO markers revealed to be the best choice for detecting live and dead mycoplasma frequencies, respectively. The standardized methodology was applied to Mycoplasma arginini, M. hyorhinis, M. orale, Spiroplasma citri and Acholeplasma laidlawii. Significant statistical difference was observed in the percentage of viable cells in comparison to ethanol treatment for A. laidlawii in CFDA and in both markers for M. gallisepticum, M. hyorhinis and S. citri. In summary, we standardized a flow cytometry assay for assessing M. gallisepticum - and potentially other species - viability and ultimately applied for reference material production improving the quality control of biological products.

Mycoplasma spp. in captive snakes (Boa constrictor and Bothrops atrox) from Brazil / Mycoplasma spp. em cobras de cativeiro (Boa constrictor e Bothrops atrox) do Brasil

Although rare, mycoplasmas are included among the causes of respiratory diseases in reptiles and, in the order Squamata, three reports of these microorganisms causing diseases in pythons have already been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Mycoplasma species in captive snakes. A total of 26 snakes of the families Pythonidae (13), Boidae (7), Viperidae (5) and Colubridae (1) from RioZoo, Brazil, were evaluated. Animals were examined to determine clinical signs consistent with any infectious disease. Tracheal swab samples from snakes were collected in Frey medium and analyzed for the presence of Mycoplasma spp.by isolation and a genus-specific PCR. DNA sequencing analyses of six positive samples by PCR were carried out to identify the species. Using isolation 19.23% (5/26) was positive, while 65.38% (17/26) of the animals were positive by PCR. Based on the analyses of the six sequences obtained, there was similarity with a Mycoplasma spp. previously described in a phyton and, M. agassizii and M. testudineum reported in chelonians. This is the first report of Mycoplasma spp. in animals of the families Boidae and Viperidae. Mycoplasma spp. were detected in snakes with and without clinical signs. The mycoplasmas reported resented identity (range, 95% to 100%) to others already described in reptiles. There was no relationship between the presence of Mycoplasma spp. and clinical signs.(AU)

Embora raros, os micoplasmas estão incluídos entre as causas de doenças respiratórias em répteis e, na ordem Squamata, já foram realizados três relatos destes microrganismos causando doença em pítons. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a ocorrência de espécies de Mycoplasma em serpentes em cativeiro. Foram avaliadas 26 serpentes das famílias Pythonidae (13), Boidae (7), Viperidae (5) e Colubridae (1) do RioZoo, Brasil. Os animais foram examinados para determinar sinais clínicos consistentes com qualquer doença infecciosa. Amostras de swab traqueal de cobras foram coletadas em meio Frey e analisadas por isolamento microbiológico e pela técnica da PCR para identificar Mycoplasma spp. As amostras positivas para o gênero Mycoplasma spp. foram submetidas ao sequenciamento genético para identificação das espécies. No isolamento, 19,23% (5/26) foram positivos, enquanto 65,38% (17/26) dos animais foram positivos por PCR. Com base nas análises das seis sequências obtidas, houve similaridade com o Mycoplasma spp. descrito anteriormente em um píton e M. agassizii e M. testudineum encontrados em quelônios. Este é o primeiro relato de Mycoplasma spp. em animais das famílias Boidae e Viperidae. Mycoplasma spp. foi detectado em serpentes com e sem sinais clínicos. Os micoplasmas encontrados apresentaram semelhança genética com outros já descritos em répteis. Não houve relação entre a presença de Mycoplasma spp. e sinais clínicos.(AU)

Microbiological and molecular detection of Mycoplasma bovis in milk samples from bovine clinical mastitis / Detecção microbiológica e molecular de Mycoplasma bovis em amostras de leite oriundas de mastite clínica bovina

The genus Mycoplasma includes more than 200 bacterial species that cause disease in animals. It is responsible for causing mastitis in bovines and may be related to other manifestations, such as arthritis and pneumonia in calves and heifers. The present study aimed to detect Mycoplasma bovis isolated from milk samples of bovine clinical mastitis, and to compare the isolation rates in two culture media: Hayflick and SP4. An initial screening was performed in order to detect the presence of the class Mollicutes in 1166 milk samples from clinical mastitis by the conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. According to the 1166 milk samples evaluated, 8.6% (100/1166) were positive to class Mollicutes. Regarding molecular analyses, 1.1% (13/1166) of conventional PCR for positive M. bovis was obtained and 0.9% (11/1166) in real-time PCR. The results of the microbiological culture of the 100 samples previously screened demonstrated that 6% (6/100) of colony growth have been developed when using the Hayflick medium, and 11% (11/100) when using the SP4 medium (including the positive on Hayflick medium). Concerning the 11 isolates obtained in the microbiological culture, conventional PCR confirmed M. bovis in nine of them, and two cultures were negative. In the phylogenetic analysis of the isolates, all of them were grouped in M. bovis and M. agalactiae clusters. The results confirmed the importance of the presence of M. bovis in the etiology of bovine clinical mastitis and reinforced the need for further studies to elucidate other Mycoplasma species that may be involved in bovine clinical mastitis in Brazil.(AU)

O gênero Mycoplasma inclui mais de 200 espécies que causam doenças nos animais. É responsável por quadros de mastite em bovinos, podendo também estar relacionado à outras manifestações como artrite e pneumonia em bezerros e novilhas. O presente estudo objetivou a detecção de Mycoplasma bovis isolados a partir de amostras de leite de mastite clínica bovina, bem como, a comparação da taxa de isolamento em dois meios de cultura: Hayflick e SP4. Para efeito de triagem amostral, foram avaliadas quanto à presença da classe Mollicutes 1166 amostras de leite de casos de mastite clínica pela técnica de PCR convencional. Das 1166 amostras de leite avaliadas, 8,6% (100/1166) foram positivas à classe. Nas análises moleculares, obteve-se 1,1% (13/1166) de positividade para Mycoplasma bovis na PCR convencional e 0,9% (11/1166) na PCR em tempo real. Os resultados do cultivo microbiológico das 100 amostras triadas previamente demonstraram 6% (6/100) de crescimento de colônias ao se utilizar o meio Hayflick e 11% (11/100) ao se utilizar o meio SP4 (incluindo as positivas ao primeiro). A partir dos 11 isolados obtidos no cultivo microbiológico, a PCR convencional confirmou Mycoplasma bovis em nove deles, e dois foram negativos para o agente. Na análise filogenética dos isolados, todos agruparam no cluster Mycoplasma bovis e Mycoplasma agalactiae. Frente aos resultados, ressalta-se a importância da presença de Mycoplasma bovis na etiologia da mastite clínica bovina e reforça a necessidade de estudos mais aprofundados para a elucidação de outras espécies de micoplasmas que possam estar envolvidas na mastite bovina.(AU)

Microbiological and molecular detection of Mycoplasma bovis in milk samples from bovine clinical mastitis / Detecção microbiológica e molecular de Mycoplasma bovis em amostras de leite oriundas de mastite clínica bovina

The genus Mycoplasma includes more than 200 bacterial species that cause disease in animals. It is responsible for causing mastitis in bovines and may be related to other manifestations, such as arthritis and pneumonia in calves and heifers. The present study aimed to detect Mycoplasma bovis isolated from milk samples of bovine clinical mastitis, and to compare the isolation rates in two culture media: Hayflick and SP4. An initial screening was performed in order to detect the presence of the class Mollicutes in 1166 milk samples from clinical mastitis by the conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. According to the 1166 milk samples evaluated, 8.6% (100/1166) were positive to class Mollicutes. Regarding molecular analyses, 1.1% (13/1166) of conventional PCR for positive M. bovis was obtained and 0.9% (11/1166) in real-time PCR. The results of the microbiological culture of the 100 samples previously screened demonstrated that 6% (6/100) of colony growth have been developed when using the Hayflick medium, and 11% (11/100) when using the SP4 medium (including the positive on Hayflick medium). Concerning the 11 isolates obtained in the microbiological culture, conventional PCR confirmed M. bovis in nine of them, and two cultures were negative. In the phylogenetic analysis of the isolates, all of them were grouped in M. bovis and M. agalactiae clusters. The results confirmed the importance of the presence of M. bovis in the etiology of bovine clinical mastitis and reinforced the need for further studies to elucidate other Mycoplasma species that may be involved in bovine clinical mastitis in Brazil.(AU)

O gênero Mycoplasma inclui mais de 200 espécies que causam doenças nos animais. É responsável por quadros de mastite em bovinos, podendo também estar relacionado à outras manifestações como artrite e pneumonia em bezerros e novilhas. O presente estudo objetivou a detecção de Mycoplasma bovis isolados a partir de amostras de leite de mastite clínica bovina, bem como, a comparação da taxa de isolamento em dois meios de cultura: Hayflick e SP4. Para efeito de triagem amostral, foram avaliadas quanto à presença da classe Mollicutes 1166 amostras de leite de casos de mastite clínica pela técnica de PCR convencional. Das 1166 amostras de leite avaliadas, 8,6% (100/1166) foram positivas à classe. Nas análises moleculares, obteve-se 1,1% (13/1166) de positividade para Mycoplasma bovis na PCR convencional e 0,9% (11/1166) na PCR em tempo real. Os resultados do cultivo microbiológico das 100 amostras triadas previamente demonstraram 6% (6/100) de crescimento de colônias ao se utilizar o meio Hayflick e 11% (11/100) ao se utilizar o meio SP4 (incluindo as positivas ao primeiro). A partir dos 11 isolados obtidos no cultivo microbiológico, a PCR convencional confirmou Mycoplasma bovis em nove deles, e dois foram negativos para o agente. Na análise filogenética dos isolados, todos agruparam no cluster Mycoplasma bovis e Mycoplasma agalactiae. Frente aos resultados, ressalta-se a importância da presença de Mycoplasma bovis na etiologia da mastite clínica bovina e reforça a necessidade de estudos mais aprofundados para a elucidação de outras espécies de micoplasmas que possam estar envolvidas na mastite bovina.(AU)

Ureaplasma diversum protein interaction networks: evidence of horizontal gene transfer and evolution of reduced genomes among Mollicutes.

Ureaplasma diversum is a member of the Mollicutes class responsible for urogenital tract infection in cattle and small ruminants. Studies indicate that the process of horizontal gene transfer, the exchange of genetic material among different species, has a crucial role in mollicute evolution, affecting the group's characteristic genomic reduction process and simplification of metabolic pathways. Using bioinformatics tools and the STRING database of known and predicted protein interactions, we constructed the protein-protein interaction network of U. diversum and compared it with the networks of other members of the Mollicutes class. We also investigated horizontal gene transfer events in subnetworks of interest involved in purine and pyrimidine metabolism and urease function, chosen because of their intrinsic importance for host colonization and virulence. We identified horizontal gene transfer events among Mollicutes and from Ureaplasma to Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium, bacterial groups that colonize the urogenital niche. The overall tendency of genome reduction and simplification in the Mollicutes is echoed in their protein interaction networks, which tend to be more generalized and less selective. Our data suggest that the process was permitted (or enabled) by an increase in host dependence and the available gene repertoire in the urogenital tract shared via horizontal gene transfer.

Sesame phyllody associated with a 16SrI-B phytoplasma, a Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris-related strain, in Paraguay

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) plants exhibiting symptoms of phyllody disease were observed in commercial fields in Paraguay. The symptoms were indicative of infection by phytoplasmas. Thus, the present study investigated the association between affected plants and phytoplasma, which was later analyzed using molecular and phylogenetic methods. Total DNA was extracted from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants and used in nested PCR assays using primers R16SN910601/R16SN011119 and R16F2n/16R2. Amplified products of 1.2 Kb revealed the presence of phytoplasma in all diseased plants, and electron microscopy confirmed the presence of phytoplasmas within phloem vessels. Nucleotide sequences from sesame phytoplasma shared 99 % similarity with phytoplasmas belonging to group 16SrI. Computer-simulated RFLP indicated that the detected phytoplasma is representative of the 16SrI-B, therefore, a Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris-related strain. Phylogenetic analysis was in agreement with virtual RFLP. Our findings expand the current knowledge regarding distribution of representatives of the aster yellows group in a new agroecosystem and implicate sesame as a new host of 16SrI-B phytoplasma in Latin America.

Sesame phyllody associated with a 16SrI-B phytoplasma, a Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris-related strain, in Paraguay

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) plants exhibiting symptoms of phyllody disease were observed in commercial fields in Paraguay. The symptoms were indicative of infection by phytoplasmas. Thus, the present study investigated the association between affected plants and phytoplasma, which was later analyzed using molecular and phylogenetic methods. Total DNA was extracted from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants and used in nested PCR assays using primers R16SN910601/R16SN011119 and R16F2n/16R2. Amplified products of 1.2 Kb revealed the presence of phytoplasma in all diseased plants, and electron microscopy confirmed the presence of phytoplasmas within phloem vessels. Nucleotide sequences from sesame phytoplasma shared 99 % similarity with phytoplasmas belonging to group 16SrI. Computer-simulated RFLP indicated that the detected phytoplasma is representative of the 16SrI-B, therefore, a Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris-related strain. Phylogenetic analysis was in agreement with virtual RFLP. Our findings expand the current knowledge regarding distribution of representatives of the aster yellows group in a new agroecosystem and implicate sesame as a new host of 16SrI-B phytoplasma in Latin America.(AU)

Highly divergent Mollicutes symbionts coexist in the scorpion Androctonus australis.

Androctonus australis is one of the most ubiquitous and common scorpion species in desert and arid lands from North Africa to India and it has an important ecological role and social impact. The bacterial community associated to this arachnid is unknown and we aimed to dissect its species composition in the gut, gonads, and venom gland. A 16S rRNA gene culture-independent diversity analysis revealed, among six other taxonomic groups (Firmicutes, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Flavobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria), a dominance of Mollicutes phylotypes recorded both in the digestive tract and the gonads. These related Mollicutes include two Spiroplasma phylotypes (12.5% of DGGE bands and 15% of clones), and a new Mycoplasma cluster (80% of clones) showing 16S rRNA sequence identities of 95 and 93% with Mollicutes detected in the Mexican scorpions Centruroides limpidus and Vaejovis smithi, respectively. Such scorpion-associated Mollicutes form a new lineage that share a distant ancestor with Mycoplasma hominis. The observed host specificity with the apparent phylogenetic divergence suggests a relatively long co-evolution of these symbionts with the scorpion hosts. From the ecological point of view, such association may play a beneficial role for the host fitness, especially during dormancy or molt periods.

Etioligia de las mastitis: participación de microorganismos de la clase Mollicutes / Etiology of mastitis: participation of mocroorganisms of the class Mollicutes / Etiologia das mastites: pesquisa de micro-organismos da classe Mollicutes

La mastitis es la principal afección del ganado destinado a la producción lechera, que pesa el productor y la industria láctea. En el primer caso por la pérdida en cuanto a la producción, y en el segundo por el menor rendimiento industrial de los derivados lácteos. Es una enfermedad multifactorial, de múltiple etiología, incluyendo microorganismos como bacterias, virus, hongos, levaduras y algas. Entre los microorganismos bacterianos se destacan los estafilococos coagulosa-positivos (SCP) y la negativa (SCN), siendo el principal Staphylococcus aureus y varias especies de SCN, todas caracterizadas como contagiosas, además de Corynebacterium bovis. Con una elevada contagiosidad se tiene Mycoplasma spp., Con destaque para M. bovis importante patógeno en otros países, sin embargo, menos estudiado en Brasil. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la presencia de bacterias de la clase Mollicutes, en muestras de leche bovina con mastitis clínica, a partir de técnicas moleculares. De las 170 muestras de leche evaluadas, procedentes de cuatro propiedades lecheras de pequeño porte de la región de Botucatu, no fue posible detectar la presencia de Mollicutes.(AU)

Mastitis is the main disease of livestock destined for dairy production, which affects the dairy producer and the dairy industry. In the first case the loss of production, and the second because of the lower industrial yield of dairy products. It is a multifactorial, multiple etiology, including microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts and algae. Staphylococcus aureus and several species of SCN, all characterized as contagious, in addition to Corynebacterium bovis, are prominent among bacterial microorganisms (SCP) and negative (SCN) staphylococci. Mycoplasma spp. Is highly contagious, with M. bovis being an important pathogen in other countries, but less studied in Brazil. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence of bacteria of the class Mollicutesin samples of bovine milk with clinical mastitis, based on molecular techniques. Of the 170 milk samples evaluated, from four small dairy farms in the Botucatu region, it was not possible to detect the presence of Mollicutes.(AU)

A mastite é a principal afecção do gado destinado à produção leiteira, que onera o produtor e a indústria de laticínios. No primeiro caso pela perda quanto a produção, e no segundo pelo menor rendimento industrial dos derivados lácteos. É uma enfermidade multifatorial, de múltipla etiologia, incluindo micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus, fungos, leveduras e algas. Entre os micro-organismos bacterianos ganham destaque os estafilococos coagulase-positivas (SCP) e negativa (SCN), sendo o principal Staphylococcus aureus e várias espécies de SCN, todas caracterizadas como contagiosos, além de Corynebacterium bovis. Com elevada contagiosidade tem-se Mycoplasma spp., com destaque para M. bovis importante patógeno em outros países, entretanto, menos estudado no Brasil. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença de bactérias da classe Mollicutes, em amostras de leite bovino com mastite clinica, a partir de técnicas moleculares. Das 170 amostras de leite avaliadas, procedentes de quatro propriedades leiteiras de pequeno porte da região de Botucatu, não foi possível detectar a presença de Mollicutes.(AU)

Etioligia de las mastitis: participación de microorganismos de la clase Mollicutes / Etiology of mastitis: participation of mocroorganisms of the class Mollicutes / Etiologia das mastites: pesquisa de micro-organismos da classe Mollicutes

La mastitis es la principal afección del ganado destinado a la producción lechera, que pesa el productor y la industria láctea. En el primer caso por la pérdida en cuanto a la producción, y en el segundo por el menor rendimiento industrial de los derivados lácteos. Es una enfermedad multifactorial, de múltiple etiología, incluyendo microorganismos como bacterias, virus, hongos, levaduras y algas. Entre los microorganismos bacterianos se destacan los estafilococos coagulosa-positivos (SCP) y la negativa (SCN), siendo el principal Staphylococcus aureus y varias especies de SCN, todas caracterizadas como contagiosas, además de Corynebacterium bovis. Con una elevada contagiosidad se tiene Mycoplasma spp., Con destaque para M. bovis importante patógeno en otros países, sin embargo, menos estudiado en Brasil. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la presencia de bacterias de la clase Mollicutes, en muestras de leche bovina con mastitis clínica, a partir de técnicas moleculares. De las 170 muestras de leche evaluadas, procedentes de cuatro propiedades lecheras de pequeño porte de la región de Botucatu, no fue posible detectar la presencia de Mollicutes.

Mastitis is the main disease of livestock destined for dairy production, which affects the dairy producer and the dairy industry. In the first case the loss of production, and the second because of the lower industrial yield of dairy products. It is a multifactorial, multiple etiology, including microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts and algae. Staphylococcus aureus and several species of SCN, all characterized as contagious, in addition to Corynebacterium bovis, are prominent among bacterial microorganisms (SCP) and negative (SCN) staphylococci. Mycoplasma spp. Is highly contagious, with M. bovis being an important pathogen in other countries, but less studied in Brazil. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence of bacteria of the class Mollicutesin samples of bovine milk with clinical mastitis, based on molecular techniques. Of the 170 milk samples evaluated, from four small dairy farms in the Botucatu region, it was not possible to detect the presence of Mollicutes.

A mastite é a principal afecção do gado destinado à produção leiteira, que onera o produtor e a indústria de laticínios. No primeiro caso pela perda quanto a produção, e no segundo pelo menor rendimento industrial dos derivados lácteos. É uma enfermidade multifatorial, de múltipla etiologia, incluindo micro-organismos como bactérias, vírus, fungos, leveduras e algas. Entre os micro-organismos bacterianos ganham destaque os estafilococos coagulase-positivas (SCP) e negativa (SCN), sendo o principal Staphylococcus aureus e várias espécies de SCN, todas caracterizadas como contagiosos, além de Corynebacterium bovis. Com elevada contagiosidade tem-se Mycoplasma spp., com destaque para M. bovis importante patógeno em outros países, entretanto, menos estudado no Brasil. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença de bactérias da classe Mollicutes, em amostras de leite bovino com mastite clinica, a partir de técnicas moleculares. Das 170 amostras de leite avaliadas, procedentes de quatro propriedades leiteiras de pequeno porte da região de Botucatu, não foi possível detectar a presença de Mollicutes.

A nested-PCR strategy for molecular diagnosis of mollicutes in uncultured biological samples from cows with vulvovaginitis.

Bacteria classified in Mycoplasma (M. bovis and M. bovigenitalium) and Ureaplasma (U. diversum) genera are associated with granular vulvovaginitis that affect heifers and cows at reproductive age. The traditional means for detection and speciation of mollicutes from clinical samples have been culture and serology. However, challenges experienced with these laboratory methods have hampered assessment of their impact in pathogenesis and epidemiology in cattle worldwide. The aim of this study was to develop a PCR strategy to detect and primarily discriminate between the main species of mollicutes associated with reproductive disorders of cattle in uncultured clinical samples. In order to amplify the 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer region of the genome, a consensual and species-specific nested-PCR assay was developed to identify and discriminate between main species of mollicutes. In addition, 31 vaginal swab samples from dairy and beef affected cows were investigated. This nested-PCR strategy was successfully employed in the diagnosis of single and mixed mollicute infections of diseased cows from cattle herds from Brazil. The developed system enabled the rapid and unambiguous identification of the main mollicute species known to be associated with this cattle reproductive disorder through differential amplification of partial fragments of the ITS region of mollicute genomes. The development of rapid and sensitive tools for mollicute detection and discrimination without the need for previous cultures or sequencing of PCR products is a high priority for accurate diagnosis in animal health. Therefore, the PCR strategy described herein may be helpful for diagnosis of this class of bacteria in genital swabs submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories, not demanding expertise in mycoplasma culture and identification.

Evaluation of Mollicutes Microorganisms in Respiratory Disease of Cattle and Their Relationship to Clinical Signs.

BACKGROUND: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an important problem in cattle production that is responsible for economic losses in dairy herds. Mycoplasma spp. are described as an important etiological agent of BRD. HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the occurrence of the most important mycoplasmas in the lower respiratory tract of healthy and BRD cattle in relationship to clinical signs of BRD. ANIMALS: Sixty young dairy cattle were classified as healthy (n = 32) or cattle showing clinical signs of BRD (n = 28). METHODS: Tracheal lavage samples were collected and added to tubes containing Hayflick media. Mycoplasma spp. were identified by the presence of "fried egg" like colonies, biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Occurrence of Mollicutes, M. bovis, M. mycoides subsp. mycoides SC and M. dispar was evaluated. The association between clinical signs of BRD and the presence of Mycoplasma spp. also was evaluated. RESULTS: Colonies were obtained from a 1-year-old BRD calf only. However, species identification was not possible. Mollicutes (P = .035) and M. dispar (P = .036) were more common in BRD cattle. The relationship between Mollicutes and crackle (P = .057) was not significant. M. dispar was associated to tachypnea (P = .045) and mixed dyspnea (P = .003). Relationships to heart rate (P = .062) and crackle (P = .062) were not significant. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results confirmed the importance of mycoplasma as an etiologic agent of BRD and suggested M. dispar as part of the respiratory microbiota and its possible role in the development of BRD.

Molecular biology of mycoplasmas: from the minimum cell concept to the artificial cell.

Mycoplasmas are a large group of bacteria, sorted into different genera in the Mollicutes class, whose main characteristic in common, besides the small genome, is the absence of cell wall. They are considered cellular and molecular biology study models. We present an updated review of the molecular biology of these model microorganisms and the development of replicative vectors for the transformation of mycoplasmas. Synthetic biology studies inspired by these pioneering works became possible and won the attention of the mainstream media. For the first time, an artificial genome was synthesized (a minimal genome produced from consensus sequences obtained from mycoplasmas). For the first time, a functional artificial cell has been constructed by introducing a genome completely synthesized within a cell envelope of a mycoplasma obtained by transformation techniques. Therefore, this article offers an updated insight to the state of the art of these peculiar organisms' molecular biology.

Detecção molecular e isolamento de Mycoplasma spp. em psitacídeos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / Molecular detection and isolation of Mycoplasma spp. in psittacines in Pernambuco state, Brazil

Objetivou-se com este estudo investigar a ocorrência de Mycoplasma spp., Mycoplasma galissepticum (MG) e Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) em psitacídeos de cativeiro localizado no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram estudadas 85 aves provenientes do Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, localizado no estado do Pernambuco, Brasil. De cada psitacídeo analisado foram obtidas três amostras por meio de swabs da cloaca, palato e conjuntiva totalizando 255 amostras. As amostras coletadas foram submetidas à extração de DNA e à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), sendo as positivas submetidas ao isolamento em ágar Frey. O DNA de Mycoplasma spp. foi detectado em 16,47% (14/85) dos psitacídeos estudados. Das 255 amostras analisadas, 6,66% (17/255) foram positivas para a presença de Mycoplasma spp., sendo 41,18% (7/17) provenientes da conjuntiva, 35,29% (6/17) do palato e 23,53% (4/17) da cloaca. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva para MG ou MS na PCR. Os resultados obtidos permitem confirmar a presença do DNA de Mycoplasma spp. em conjuntiva, palato e cloaca nas aves estudadas. Foram detectadas colônias semelhantes a membros da classe Mollicutes em 17,64% das amostras (3/17). Esse é o primeiro relato da presença de Mycoplasma spp. em psitacídeos de cativeiro no Nordeste do Brasil.(AU)

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma spp., Mycoplasma galissepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) in captive psittacines. Eighty-five wild birds from Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil, were used. From each psittacid analyzed three samples were obtained through cloaca, palate and conjunctiva swabs, totaling 255 samples. Samples collected were submitted to DNA extraction and Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in 16.47% (14/85) of psittacines studied. From 255 samples, 6.66% (17/255) were positive for Mycoplasma spp.: 41.18% (7/17) of positivity in conjunctiva, 35.29% (6/17) in palate and 23.53% (4/17) in cloaca. There was no positive sample for MG or MS in PCR. Similar colonies were found for members of the Mollicutes Class in 17.64% of the samples (3/17). The results confirmed Mycoplasma spp. DNA in conjunctiva, palate and cloaca from the wild birds analyzed. This is the first record of Mycoplasma spp. in captive psittacines from northeastern Brazil.(AU)

Detecção molecular e isolamento de Mycoplasma spp. em psitacídeos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / Molecular detection and isolation of Mycoplasma spp. in psittacines in Pernambuco state, Brazil

Objetivou-se com este estudo investigar a ocorrência de Mycoplasma spp., Mycoplasma galissepticum (MG) e Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) em psitacídeos de cativeiro localizado no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram estudadas 85 aves provenientes do Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, localizado no estado do Pernambuco, Brasil. De cada psitacídeo analisado foram obtidas três amostras por meio de swabs da cloaca, palato e conjuntiva totalizando 255 amostras. As amostras coletadas foram submetidas à extração de DNA e à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), sendo as positivas submetidas ao isolamento em ágar Frey. O DNA de Mycoplasma spp. foi detectado em 16,47% (14/85) dos psitacídeos estudados. Das 255 amostras analisadas, 6,66% (17/255) foram positivas para a presença de Mycoplasma spp., sendo 41,18% (7/17) provenientes da conjuntiva, 35,29% (6/17) do palato e 23,53% (4/17) da cloaca. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva para MG ou MS na PCR. Os resultados obtidos permitem confirmar a presença do DNA de Mycoplasma spp. em conjuntiva, palato e cloaca nas aves estudadas. Foram detectadas colônias semelhantes a membros da classe Mollicutes em 17,64% das amostras (3/17). Esse é o primeiro relato da presença de Mycoplasma spp. em psitacídeos de cativeiro no Nordeste do Brasil.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Mycoplasma spp., Mycoplasma galissepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) in captive psittacines. Eighty-five wild birds from Parque Estadual Dois Irmãos, Pernambuco state, northeastern Brazil, were used. From each psittacid analyzed three samples were obtained through cloaca, palate and conjunctiva swabs, totaling 255 samples. Samples collected were submitted to DNA extraction and Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in 16.47% (14/85) of psittacines studied. From 255 samples, 6.66% (17/255) were positive for Mycoplasma spp.: 41.18% (7/17) of positivity in conjunctiva, 35.29% (6/17) in palate and 23.53% (4/17) in cloaca. There was no positive sample for MG or MS in PCR. Similar colonies were found for members of the Mollicutes Class in 17.64% of the samples (3/17). The results confirmed Mycoplasma spp. DNA in conjunctiva, palate and cloaca from the wild birds analyzed. This is the first record of Mycoplasma spp. in captive psittacines from northeastern Brazil.

Recovery of Mollicutes from the reproductive tract of dairy cattle in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil / Recuperação de Mollicutes do trato reprodutivo de bovinos leiteiros no Estado de Pernambuco

The aim of the present study was to report the occurrence of members of the Mollicutesclass in the reproductive system of dairy cattle in Brazil. Five farms containing dairy cattle were visited in January of 2012. In total, 100 cows of different ages, breeds and stages of lactation were examined in the present study. The cows were part of intensive or semi-intensive management systems and were submitted to mechanical milking or hand milking. The samples were collected after washing the vulvar region with water and soap, and then drying it with paper towels and disinfecting the area with alcohol (70°GL). Vaginal mucous was collected using a sterile alginate cotton swab, which was rubbed on the vagina, as well as the lateral and internal walls. Vulvovaginal mucous samples were cultured in both liquid and solid modified Hayflick´s medium, for mycoplasmas, and UB medium, for ureaplasmas. The PCR assays for Mollicutesand Ureaplasmaspp. were performed according to the standard protocols described in the current literature. During isolation, the frequency of Mycoplasmaspp. was of 13.0% (13/100) and for Ureaplasmaspp. was of 6.0% (6/100). In the PCR assays the frequency of Mollicuteswas of 26.0% (26/100) and for Ureaplasmaspp. was of 13.0% (13/100) in the dairy cattle studied. This is the first report of these agents in reproductive system of bovine of the Pernambuco state. Further studies are necessary to determine the pathogenic potential and species of these field isolates.(AU)

O presente estudo relata a ocorrência de membros da Classe Mollicutesno sistema reprodutivo de bovinos leiteiros no Brasil. Foram visitadas em janeiros de 2012 cinco fazendas de bovinos leiteiros. Um total de 100 vacas de diferentes idades, raças e estágios de lactação foram examinadas. Os animais foram mantidos em sistema de manejo intensivo e/ou semi-intensivo, sendo submetidos aos sistemas de ordenha manual ou mecânica. As amostras de muco foram colhidas após a lavagem da região vulvar com água e sabão, com posterior desinfecção com álcool (70°GL). O muco vaginal foi colhido com suabe alginado estéril que foi friccionado nas paredes internas da vagina. Em seguida, as amostras foram cultivadas em meio Hayflick´s modificado, para micoplasmas, e em meio UB, para ureaplasmas, ambos caldo e placa. Os ensaios da PCR para Mollicutese Ureaplasmaspp. foram realizados de acordo com protocolo padrão descrito na literatura. No isolamento, a frequência de Mycoplasmaspp. foi de 13% (13/100) e para Ureaplasmaspp. foi de 6% (6/100). Nas reações da PCR a frequência para Mollicutesfoi de 26% (26/100) e para Ureaplasmas spp. foi de 13% (13/100) nos rebanhos bovinos leiteiros estudados. Este é o primeiro relato destes agentes no trato reprodutivo de bovinos no Estado de Pernambuco. Estudos adicionais são necessários para determinar as espécies e o potencial patogênico destes isolados de campo.(AU)