Multigene families encoding the major hemagglutinins in phylogenetically distinct mycoplasmas

Differential systemic antibody responses to Mycoplasma synoviae MSPA variants after vaccination and/ or field challenge

Mycoplasma synoviae has a major immunodominant surface protein VlhA (variable lipoprotein and haemagglutinin) which undergoes post-translational cleavage to form two separate proteins, MSPA and MSPB. Both these proteins are targets of the host immune response undergo high frequency antigenic variation and are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of M. synoviae infection. In order to assess variation of MSPA in response to vaccination and/ or field challenge host systemic humoral responses after inoculation with M. synoviae strain 86079/7NS (7NS), vaccine strain MS-H and/or field strain 94011/v-18d (v-18d) were evaluated against eight variable regions of MSPA derived from M. synoviae type strain WVU-1853. At 21 days post-infection, chickens inoculated with 7NS had significantly higher antibody levels against MSPA B3 and B4 compared to those inoculated with the vaccine strain MS-H. Also, at 21 days post-challenge, chickens which had been inoculated with the MS-H vaccine strain prior to challenge had significantly lower antibody responses against MSPA C2 compared to those which had not been. This suggests that variants of MSPA are differentially expressed after vaccination and/ or challenge and antibodies against these variants may be strain dependent. The results of this study have implications for the differentiation of serological responses after M. synoviae vaccination and field challenge.

Indirect ELISA developed to detect antibodies against Mycoplasma synoviae P50 protein via immunoproteomic screening

Mycoplasma synoviae infection is a chronic disease of poultry with significant economic impacts. An efficient diagnostic tool for M. synoviae infection is in great demand. This study aimed to develop a novel indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) method based on antigens identified by pull-down assay combined with mass spectrometry. Using these methods and anti-M. synoviae serum, we identified an uncharacterized protein with a molecular weight of 53 kDa (named P50 protein) and then established a recombinant P50 protein-based ELISA (rP50-ELISA) to detect antibodies against P50 protein. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate the optical density (OD) cut-off value that maximized the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the rP50-ELISA, which had a mean Se of 93% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 86.25-96.57%) and a mean Sp of 100% (95% CI = 91.80-100%), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9979 (95% CI = 99.41-100%). The rP50-ELISA showed no cross-reactivity with antibodies against other avian pathogens. Serum samples from 164 clinical chickens were tested with the rP50-ELISA, and the results revealed a high concordance rate of 93.29% with commercial diagnostic kits. KEY POINTS: • Screening for the major antigen of M. synoviae for ELISA development. • The P50 protein was selected as a coating antigen for ELISA. • rP50-ELISA was successfully developed for detecting anti-M. synoviae antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity.

Rationally designed Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccine using a recombinant subunit approach

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is an avian respiratory pathogen causing significant global economic losses to the poultry industries. Current live-attenuated and bacterin vaccines provide some measures of protective immunity but exhibit suboptimal efficacy, utility, or safety. To address these shortcomings, we utilized knowledge of MG biology and virulence to develop a subunit vaccine containing recombinantly produced primary adhesin GapA, cytadhesin-related molecule CrmA, and four early-phase-expressed variable lipoprotein hemagglutinins (VlhAs) (3.03, 3.06, 4.07, 5.05) of the virulent strain Rlow. The vaccine was tested in chickens using a subcutaneous dose of 50 µg per protein, a prime-boost schedule, and strain Rlow challenge in multiple studies to compare adjuvant formulations. While different adjuvants resulted in variable levels of protection, only CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN 2007) resulted in significant reductions of both MG recovery and tracheal pathology. These results demonstrate that a rationally designed and safe subunit vaccine is efficacious against MG disease.

Unveiling genome plasticity and a novel phage in Mycoplasma felis: Genomic investigations of four feline isolates

Mycoplasma felis has been isolated from diseased cats and horses, but to date only a single fully assembled genome of this species, of an isolate from a horse, has been characterized. This study aimed to characterize and compare the completely assembled genomes of four clinical isolates of M. felis from three domestic cats, assembled with the aid of short- and long-read sequencing methods. The completed genomes encoded a median of 759 ORFs (range 743-777) and had a median average nucleotide identity of 98.2 % with the genome of the available equid origin reference strain. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the occurrence of multiple horizontal gene transfer events and significant genome reassortment. This had resulted in the acquisition or loss of numerous genes within the Australian felid isolate genomes, encoding putative proteins involved in DNA transfer, metabolism, DNA replication, host cell interaction and restriction modification systems. Additionally, a novel mycoplasma phage was detected in one Australian felid M. felis isolate by genomic analysis and visualized using cryo-transmission electron microscopy. This study has highlighted the complex genomic dynamics in different host environments. Furthermore, the sequences obtained in this work will enable the development of new diagnostic tools, and identification of future infection control and treatment options for the respiratory disease complex in cats.

Mycoplasma synoviae LP78 is a fibronectin/plasminogen binding protein, putative adhesion, and potential diagnostic antigen

Mycoplasma synoviae (M. synoviae) is one of the major poultry pathogens causing infectious synovitis, airsacculitis, a high incidence of shell breakage, and egg production loss. However, the pathogenesis of M. synoviae remains unclear. Adhesion of mycoplasmas to host cells is a crucial step in infection and colonization. The purpose of this study was to determine the adhesive function of a putative P80 family lipoprotein (LP78) and evaluate its application in the detection of antibodies against M. synoviae. Recombinant LP78 (rLP78) was expressed in the supernatant component of Escherichia coli and mouse anti-rLP78 serum was prepared. Bioinformatic analysis and western blotting results revealed that LP78 was conservative among M. synoviae strains. It was distributed not only in the cytoplasm but also on the membrane of M. synoviae through western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). The adherence of M. synoviae to DF-1 cells was significantly inhibited by mouse anti-rLP78 serum (p < 0.01). IFA revealed that rLP78 adhered to DF-1 cells, and this adherence was prevented by mouse anti-rLP78 serum. Furthermore, rLP78 was found to bind to the DF-1 cells membrane proteins in a dose-dependent manner by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Screening of DF-1 cells membrane proteins by western blotting showed that proteins with molecular weight of 35-40 kDa and 55-70 kDa bound to rLP78. Moreover, rLP78 was identified to be a fibronectin/plasminogen binding protein. The sensitivity and specificity of rLP78-based iELISA were 85.7 and 94.1%, respectively. The maximum dilution of positive serum (HI titer, 1:128) detected via rLP78-based iELISA was 1:6,400, whereas that detected using a commercial ELISA kit was 1:12,800-1:25,600. Both rLP78-based iELISA and the commercial ELISA kit detected seroconversion after 7 days of challenge and immunization. No cross-reactivity with positive sera against other avian pathogens was observed in rLP78-based iELISA. Collectively, these results indicate that LP78 is a fibronectin/plasminogen-binding adhesion protein of M. synoviae and a potential diagnostic antigen. The present study will facilitate a better understanding of the pathogenesis of M. synoviae and the development of new diagnostic.

Evaluation of the protective efficacy of six major immunogenic proteins of Mycoplasma Synoviae

Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is a primary avian pathogen prevalent worldwide that causes airsacculitis and synovitis in birds. Vaccination is recommended as the most cost-effective strategy in the control of MS infection. Novel alternative vaccines are needed for eradicating and controlling MS infection in flocks. DnaK, enolase, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu), MSPB, NADH oxidase and LP78 are the major immunogenic antigens of MS and are promising targets for subunit vaccine candidates. In the present study, genes encoding DnaK, enolase, EF-Tu, MSPB, LP78, and NADH oxidase were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that the six recombinant proteins were recognized by convalescent sera, indicating that they were expressed during infection. Two injections of the six subunit vaccines induced a robust antibody response and increased the concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-4, especially rEnolase and rEF-Tu. The proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes was enhanced in all of the immunized groups. Chickens immunized with rEnolase, rEF-Tu, rLP78, and rMSPB conferred significant protection against MS infection, as indicated by significantly lower DNA copies in the trachea, lower scores of air sac lesions, and lesser tracheal mucosal thickness than that in the challenge control. Especially, rEnolase provided the best protective efficacy, followed by rEF-Tu, rMSPB, and rLP78. Our finds demonstrate that the subunit vaccines and bacterin can only reduce the lesions caused by MS infection, but not prevent colonization of the organism. Our findings may contribute to the development of novel vaccine agents against MS infection.

Genomic characterization of Mycoplasma edwardii isolated from a dog bite induced cat wound reveals multiple horizontal gene transfer events and loss of the CRISPR/Cas system

A domestic short hair cat (Felis catus) suffering from a purulent wound infection resulting from a dog bite was sampled for bacterial culture and isolation as the wound had been unresponsive to prolonged antimicrobial treatment. A mycoplasma was isolated from the wound. Whole genome sequencing of the isolate was performed using short-read Illumina and long-read Oxford Nanopore chemistry, and the organism was identified as Mycoplasma edwardii. Comparison of the genome sequence of the isolate to a reference M. edwardii genome sequence (canid isolate) identified the loss of several key bacterial factors involved in genome editing, as well the insertion of several novel ORFs most closely related to those found in other canine mycoplasmas, specifically Mycoplasma canis, M. cynos, M. molare and M. maculosa. This is only the second known report of disease caused by M. edwardii in a non-canid species, and the first report of it infecting and causing clinical disease in a cat.

Comparative Genomics of Mycoplasma synoviae and New Targets for Molecular Diagnostics

Mycoplasma synoviae is an important pathogen of poultry, causing significant economic losses in this industry. Analysis of the unique genes and shared genes among different M. synoviae strains and among related species is helpful for studying the molecular pathogenesis of M. synoviae and provides valuable molecular diagnostic targets to facilitate the identification of M. synoviae species. We selected a total of 46 strains, including six M. synoviae strains, from 25 major animal (including avian) Mycoplasma species/subspecies that had complete genome sequences and annotation information published in GenBank, and used them for comparative genomic analysis. After analysis, 16 common genes were found in the 46 strains. Thirteen single-copy core genes and the 16s rRNA genes were used for genetic evolutionary analysis. M. synoviae was found to have a distant evolutionary relationship not only with other arthritis-causing mycoplasmas, but also with another major avian pathogen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, that shares the major virulence factor vlhA with M. synoviae. Subsequently, six unique coding genes were identified as shared among these M. synoviae strains that are absent in other species with published genome sequences. Two of the genes were found to be located in the genetically stable regions of the genomes of M. synoviae and were determined to be present in all M. synoviae isolated strains (n = 20) and M. synoviae-positive clinical samples (n = 48) preserved in our laboratory. These two genes were used as molecular diagnostic targets for which SYBR green quantitative PCR detection methods were designed. The two quantitative PCR methods exhibited good reproducibility and high specificity when tested on positive plasmid controls and genomic DNA extracted from different M. synoviae strains, other major avian pathogenic bacteria/mycoplasmas, and low pathogenic Mycoplasma species. The detection limit for the two genes was 10 copies or less per reaction. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the quantitative PCR methods were both 100% based on testing chicken hock joint samples with positive or negative M. synoviae infection. This research provides a foundation for the study of species-specific differences and molecular diagnosis of M. synoviae.

Phylogenetic and pathogenic analysis of Mycoplasma Synoviae isolated from native chicken breeds in China

Mycoplasma synoviae (M. synoviae) infection leads to serious economic losses in the world every year. Between 2013 and 2014, the infectious synovitis, caused by M. synoviae infection, occurred in native chickens in China and resulted in the loss of millions of chickens in Chinese poultry farms. However, there has been no data about phylogenetic and pathogenic analysis of Chinese M. synoviae isolates. In this study, a total of 110 M. synoviae strains were isolated from M. synoviae infected chickens. The isolates identified in the present study were classified into a new distinct subgroup based on analysis of the 5'-end vlhA sequences, tentatively termed the K group. In addition, though the pathogenicity was significantly different among isolates, there was no close relationship between pathogenicity and genotype for Chinese M. synoviae based on a pathogenic analysis of the 5'-end of the vlhA gene.

Genome analysis of Mycoplasma synoviae strain MS-H, the most common M. synoviae strain with a worldwide distribution

BACKGROUND

The bacterial pathogen Mycoplasma synoviae can cause subclinical respiratory disease, synovitis, airsacculitis and reproductive tract disease in poultry and is a major cause of economic loss worldwide. The M. synoviae strain MS-H was developed by chemical mutagenesis of an Australian isolate and has been used as a live attenuated vaccine in many countries over the past two decades. As a result it may now be the most prevalent strain of M. synoviae globally. Differentiation of the MS-H vaccine from local field strains is important for epidemiological investigations and is often required for registration of the vaccine.

RESULTS

The complete genomic sequence of the MS-H strain was determined using a combination of Illumina and Nanopore methods and compared to WVU-1853, the M. synoviae type strain isolated in the USA 30 years before the parent strain of MS-H, and MS53, a more recent isolate from Brazil. The vaccine strain genome had a slightly larger number of pseudogenes than the two other strains and contained a unique 55 kb chromosomal inversion partially affecting a putative genomic island. Variations in gene content were also noted, including a deoxyribose-phosphate aldolase (deoC) fragment and an ATP-dependent DNA helicase gene found only in MS-H. Some of these sequences may have been acquired horizontally from other avian mycoplasma species.

CONCLUSIONS

MS-H was somewhat more similar to WVU-1853 than to MS53. The genome sequence of MS-H will enable identification of vaccine-specific genetic markers for use as diagnostic and epidemiological tools to better control M. synoviae.

Characterization of Thai Mycoplasma synoviae Isolates by Sequence Analysis of Partial vlhA Gene

Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), a remarkable pathogen in poultry, causes subclinical infection of the upper respiratory tract and an infectious synovitis, especially in the tendon sheaths and synovial membranes of joints. Because the specific detection of MS 16S rRNA gene-based PCR was unsuitable for strain differentiation, vlhA gene-based PCR was designed to differentiate the MS strains. The vlhA gene of MS encodes for hemagglutinin and other immunodominant membrane proteins involved in colonization, antigenic variations, and virulence. Sequence analysis of the vlhA gene based on the nucleotide insertion/deletion of the proline-rich repeat (PRR) region and the nucleotide polymorphisms of the RIII region in vlhA gene fragments was useful for typing and subtyping of MS strains. This study aimed to characterize the Thai MS field isolates and to differentiate the field and vaccine strains in Thailand by using sequence analysis of the partial vlhA gene. In total, 20 MS field isolates submitted from registered chicken farms in Thailand during 2015 were identified as Type C1 (n = 1), C2 (n = 4), E1 (n = 9), E2 (n = 1), and L (n = 5). The results revealed that six of the nine isolates resulting in respiratory signs were Type E1. In addition, four isolates from lame chickens showing joint swelling were identified as Type L, with a length of 105 nucleotides. This study provides the first molecular data of Thai MS isolates and the first evidence of Type L for being an arthropathic strain that differs from a previous study demonstrating that only MS Type B, with a longer PRR of 135 nucleotides, could be highly invasive strains and associated with infectious synovitis in chickens. Furthermore, one farm showed coinfection of MS Types E and L, but most of the farms were affected by only one type of MS. The results indicated that sequence analysis of the partial vlhA gene can be used as a tool for tracing MS characterization.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Mycoplasma synoviae by an insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction-based assay on a field-deployable device

Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), causing respiratory diseases, arthritis, and eggshell apex abnormalities in avian species, is an important pathogen in the poultry industry. Implementation of a biosecurity plan is important in MS infection management. Working on a field-deployable POCKIT™ device, an insulated isothermal polymerase chain reaction (iiPCR) assay has a potential for timely MS detection on the farm. The MS iiPCR assay had limit of detection 95% of about 9 genome equivalents by testing serial dilutions of a standard DNA. The detection endpoint of the assay for detection of MS genomic DNA was comparable to a reference real-time PCR. The assay did not crossreact with other important avian pathogens, including avian reovirus, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, and Salmonella Pullorum. When 92 synovial fluid and respiratory tract swab samples collected from chickens, turkeys, and geese suspected of MS infection were tested, the clinical performance of the MS iiPCR had 97.8% agreement (Cohen's kappa value, 0.95) with that of the reference real-time PCR. In conclusion, the MS iiPCR/POCKIT™ system, working with field-deployable manual or automatic nucleic acid extraction methods, has potential to serve as a rapid and sensitive on-site tool to facilitate timely detection of MS.

A sialoreceptor binding motif in the Mycoplasma synoviae adhesin VlhA

Mycoplasma synoviae depends on its adhesin VlhA to mediate cytadherence to sialylated host cell receptors. Allelic variants of VlhA arise through recombination between an assemblage of promoterless vlhA pseudogenes and a single transcription promoter site, creating lineages of M. synoviae that each express a different vlhA allele. The predicted full-length VlhA sequences adjacent to the promoter of nine lineages of M. synoviae varying in avidity of cytadherence were aligned with that of the reference strain MS53 and with a 60-a.a. hemagglutinating VlhA C-terminal fragment from a Tunisian lineage of strain WVU1853^T. Seven different sequence variants of an imperfectly conserved, single-copy, 12-a.a. candidate cytadherence motif were evident amid the flanking variable residues of the 11 total sequences examined. The motif was predicted to adopt a short hairpin structure in a low-complexity region near the C-terminus of VlhA. Biotinylated synthetic oligopeptides representing four selected variants of the 12-a.a. motif, with the whole synthesized 60-a.a. fragment as a positive control, differed (P<0.01) in the extent they bound to chicken erythrocyte membranes. All bound to a greater extent (P<0.01) than scrambled or irrelevant VlhA domain negative control peptides did. Experimentally introduced branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) substitutions Val3Ile and Leu7Ile did not significantly alter binding, whereas fold-destabilizing substitutions Thr4Gly and Ala9Gly tended to reduce it (P<0.05). Binding was also reduced to background levels (P<0.01) when the peptides were exposed to desialylated membranes, or were pre-saturated with free sialic acid before exposure to untreated membranes. From this evidence we conclude that the motif P-X-(BCAA)-X-F-X-(BCAA)-X-A-K-X-G binds sialic acid and likely mediates VlhA-dependent M. synoviae attachment to host cells. This conserved mechanism retains the potential for fine-scale rheostasis in binding avidity, which could be a general characteristic of pathogens that depend on analogous systems of antigenically variable adhesins. The motif may be useful to identify previously unrecognized adhesins.

Characterization of the antigenic and functional domains of a Mycoplasma synoviae variant vlhA gene

The Mycoplasma synoviae haemagglutinin gene, vlhA, encodes two major immunodominant and surface-exposed membrane proteins, MSPB and MSPA. Both products are antigenically variable but only MSPA mediates binding to erythrocytes. Previously we have shown that M. synoviae type strain WVU 1853 could express a variant vlhA gene, referred to as MS2/28.1, with a considerably shorter and divergent MSPA region. A finding that prompted detailed characterization of its antigenic and functional properties. Here we mutagenized each of the six opal codons of the variant MS2/28.1 vlhA member into tryptophan, thus allowing its expression in Escherichia coli as well as its cleavage products, MSPB and MSPA. In addition, we expressed 5 contiguous regions of MS2/28.1 extending from the last part of MSPB to the C-terminus of MSPA. Colony immunostaining with region-specific antisera mapped antigenic variation to the N-terminal half of MS2/28.1 MSPA. No haemagglutinating activity was observed for MSPB, but consistent haemadsorption inhibition was mapped to the region extending from amino acid 325 to 344. Inhibition of both haemagglutination and haemadsorption activities were obtained with sera directed against the C-terminal region of MSPA, with the highest titers (1/320 and 1/160, respectively) being recorded for its last 60 residues. Importantly, antibodies to this region also yielded the highest metabolic inhibition titer of 1/1280. Overall, aside from mapping the functional domains of a M. synoviae highly divergent haemagglutinin gene, this study shows that the C-terminal half of its MSPA region induced the highest titers of antibodies inhibiting haemagglutination, haemadsorption, and metabolism.

Variation of vlhA gene in Mycoplasma synoviae clones isolated from chickens

Mycoplasma synoviae synthesizes haemagglutinin VlhA, which cleaves into the N-terminal part, a lipoprotein MSPB, and a C-terminal part MSPA. Previous studies have shown that the 3'-end of the expressed vlhA gene can recombine with vlhA pseudogenes in a process called gene conversion, but there have been no data about diversification of the expressed vlhA gene in M. synoviae populations replicating in chickens. Following intratracheal inoculation with the M. synoviae strain ULB 02/T6, which showed only minor vlhA gene variation prior to inoculation, we investigated temporal changes in MSPB epitopes defined by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) 3B4 and 50, as well as diversification of the vlhA gene sequence in M. synoviae populations recovered from chicken tracheas. In cultures isolated 8 and 18 days post inoculation (p.i.), most colonies showed variation of MSPB epitopes for mAbs 3B4 and 50. They also changed 3'-end vlhA gene sequences. Further diversity of the vlhA gene occurred in cultures isolated 8 weeks and 5 months p.i. The vlhA gene sequences from isolated cultures shared only 65 to 80% sequence identity with vlhA gene of the inoculated ULB 02/T6 culture. Notably, in most of those cultures their vlhA gene sequences contained stop codons potentially causing premature terminations of translation. Interestingly, in one culture isolated 8 weeks p.i. (clone T6-8W/IT2A) the 3'-vlhA gene sequence was identical in the last 1140 bases to that of the first vlhA pseudogene positioned the most far (upstream) of the expressed vlhA gene. This is the first demonstration of temporal diversity of the vlhA gene in M. synoviae populations isolated from chicken tracheas.

The central role of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of mycoplasmoses

Mycoplasmas are a diverse group of pathogens responsible for disease in a wide range of animal species. In recent years there have been considerable advances in knowledge of the proteins and structures involved in adherence in some mycoplasmas, but understanding of the biochemical functions and roles in virulence of another central feature of mycoplasmas, their lipoproteins, continues to develop. The aim of this review is to examine current knowledge of the roles of lipoproteins in the pathogenicity and the evolution of virulence in those mycoplasmas causing disease in domestic animals. Those lipoproteins that have been characterised have roles in adherence, in transport of nutrients into the mycoplasma cell, and in enzymatic interactions with the host. Furthermore they appear to play a prominent role in both inducing the host immune response to infection and in facilitating evasion of this response, particularly through the generation of dramatic levels of antigenic variation on the cell surface. Recent genomic comparisons of several pathogenic mycoplasmas have identified a further level of interaction between lipoproteins and pathogenicity. In several pathogens large scale horizontal gene transfer between distantly related mycoplasma species has resulted in the acquisition of a large number of genes, including those encoding lipoproteins thought to play a role in virulence, by one mycoplasma from another inhabiting the same host species. The interactions between these horizontally transferred genes, their new mycoplasma host and the animal that it infects may be an important contributing factor in the pathogenesis of some mycoplasmoses.

Diversity of expressed vlhA adhesin sequences and intermediate hemagglutination phenotypes in Mycoplasma synoviae

A reservoir of pseudogene alleles encoding the primary adhesin VlhA occurs in the avian pathogen Mycoplasma synoviae. Recombination between this reservoir and its single expression site was predicted to result in lineages of M. synoviae that each express a different vlhA allele as a consequence of host immune responses to those antigens. Such interstrain diversity at the vlhA expression site, including major differences in the predicted secondary structures of their expressed adhesins, was confirmed in 14 specimens of M. synoviae. Corresponding functional differences in the extent to which they agglutinated erythrocytes, a quantitative proxy for VlhA-mediated cytadherence, were also evident. There was a >20-fold difference between the highest- and lowest-agglutinating strains and a rheostatic distribution of intermediate phenotypes among the others (Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference [HSD], P < 0.001). Coincubation with the sialic acid analog 2-deoxy-2,3-didehydro-N-acetylneuraminate inhibited hemagglutination in a pattern correlated with endogenous sialidase activity (r = 0.91, P < 0.001), although not consistently to the same extent that erythrocyte pretreatment with sialidase purified from Clostridium perfringens did (P < 0.05). The striking correlation between the ranked hemagglutination and endogenous sialidase activities of these strains (Spearman's r = 0.874, P < 0.001) is evidence that host-induced vlhA allele switching indirectly drives sequence diversity in the passenger sialidase gene of M. synoviae.

Revised Mycoplasma synoviae vlhA PCRs

Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is an important pathogen of chickens and turkeys. In recent years sequence analysis of the partial MS variable lipoprotein and hemagglutinin A (vlhA) gene PCR product has been utilized routinely for MS strain genotyping. Several PCR assays have been proposed for the amplification of the conserved upstream region of the MS vlhA gene; however, in several clinical instances the published assays failed to generate vlhA PCR products from confirmed MS-positive cases. These occurrences hindered our capability to genotype those cases. In silico analysis of the published MS vlhA PCRs raised concerns, which were addressed by the design of revised MS vlhA PCRs. The published and revised assays were tested for their relative sensitivity and specificity with laboratory and clinical MS-positive samples. One of the revised MS vlhA PCRs (revised Hong) was demonstrated to be more sensitive and specific, and amplified all clinical samples analyzed in this study.

Bi-antigenic immunoassay models based on the recombinant PvpA proteins for Mycoplasma gallisepticum diagnosis in chickens

The present study aimed to produce the relatively conserved central fragment of the Mycoplasma gallisepticum PvpA cytadhesin as recombinant antigen and to determine its species-specific diagnostic potential in comparison with the full-length recombinant rPvpA336 protein. For this purpose, a recombinant protein (rPvpA134) consisting of 134 amino acids with apparent molecular mass of 27 kD was produced and highly purified. The rPvpA134 protein was composed of the amino acid residues at positions 133-265 with respect to the wild-type PvpA. Two bi-antigenic diagnostic models based on Western blot and enzymatic rapid immunofiltration assay (ERIFA) were developed to compare simultaneously the diagnostic potential of the recombinant antigens rPvpA134 and rPvpA336. Although 40% of the confirmed rPvpA336-positive chicken sera were detected as reactive with rPvpA134, this protein would be a useful secondary diagnostic antigen with which to confirm species-specific antibody response for monitoring M. gallisepticum infections. It can be concluded from the present study that 2 bi-antigenic models were successfully adapted to the specific diagnosis of chicken M. gallisepticum. Furthermore, by virtue of its simplicity and rapidity, the ERIFA model has multi-antigenic application potential, making it an alternative field test that is widely applicable in the veterinary diagnostic field.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae express a cysteine protease CysP, which can cleave chicken IgG into Fab and Fc

Major poultry pathogens M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae share a gene encoding a putative cysteine protease CysP similar to papain cysteine protease (C1A subfamily). Comparison of the cysP gene sequences of 18 M. synoviae and 10 M. gallisepticum strains sequenced in this study showed polymorphisms, including deletions. Seven M. synoviae strains, including the type strain WVU 1853, had a 39&emsp14;bp deletion in the 3' end of the cysP gene. In the same cysP region, all M. gallisepticum strains showed a deletion of 66&emsp14;bp. Immunoblot analysis with specific antibodies demonstrated that M. synoviae strains expressed CysP, which was approximately 65&emsp14;kDa. Both M. synoviae and M. gallisepticum were able to digest chicken IgG (cIgG). Incubation of cIgG (∼170&emsp14;kDa) with M. synoviae or M. gallisepticum cells (∼15&emsp14;h at 37&emsp14;°C) resulted in a papain-like cleavage pattern of cIgG and fragments corresponding to the antigen-binding fragment of IgG (Fab, ∼45&emsp14;kDa) and the crystallizable region fragment (Fc) of the IgG heavy chain (dimer of ∼60&emsp14;kDa). Iodoacetamide (50&emsp14;mM) prevented cleavage of cIgG by both Mycoplasma species. Following site-directed mutagenesis (eight TGA codons were changed to TGG) the cysP gene of M. synoviae ULB 925 was expressed as a His-tagged protein in a cell-free system. Purified recombinant CysP (rCysP; ∼67&emsp14;kDa, pI∼8) cleaved cIgG into Fab and Fc fragments. This indicates that CysP is responsible for the cIgG cleavage caused by M. synoviae and, probably, by M. gallisepticum. This is the first evidence to our knowledge that mycoplasmas have enzymes that can cleave the host IgG and indicates a novel strategy used by M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae for prolonged survival despite the antibody response of their host.

Phase and antigenic variation in mycoplasmas

With their reduced genome bound by a single membrane, bacteria of the Mycoplasma species represent some of the simplest autonomous life forms. Yet, these minute prokaryotes are able to establish persistent infection in a wide range of hosts, even in the presence of a specific immune response. Clues to their success in host adaptation and survival reside, in part, in a number of gene families that are affected by frequent, stochastic genotypic changes. These genetic events alter the expression, the size and the antigenic structure of abundant surface proteins, thereby creating highly versatile and dynamic surfaces within a clonal population. This phenomenon provides these wall-less pathogens with a means to escape the host immune response and to modulate surface accessibility by masking and unmasking stably expressed components that are essential in host interaction and survival.

Comparative genomic analyses of attenuated strains of Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a significant respiratory and reproductive pathogen of domestic poultry. While the complete genomic sequence of the virulent, low-passage M. gallisepticum strain R (R(low)) has been reported, genomic determinants responsible for differences in virulence and host range remain to be completely identified. Here, we utilize genome sequencing and microarray-based comparative genomic data to identify these genomic determinants of virulence and to elucidate genomic variability among strains of M. gallisepticum. Analysis of the high-passage, attenuated derivative of R(low), R(high), indicated that relatively few total genomic changes (64 loci) occurred, yet they are potentially responsible for the observed attenuation of this strain. In addition to previously characterized mutations in cytadherence-related proteins, changes included those in coding sequences of genes involved in sugar metabolism. Analyses of the genome of the M. gallisepticum vaccine strain F revealed numerous differences relative to strain R, including a highly divergent complement of vlhA surface lipoprotein genes, and at least 16 genes absent or significantly fragmented relative to strain R. Notably, an R(low) isogenic mutant in one of these genes (MGA_1107) caused significantly fewer severe tracheal lesions in the natural host compared to virulent M. gallisepticum R(low). Comparative genomic hybridizations indicated few genetic loci commonly affected in F and vaccine strains ts-11 and 6/85, which would correlate with proteins affecting strain R virulence. Together, these data provide novel insights into inter- and intrastrain M. gallisepticum genomic variability and the genetic basis of M. gallisepticum virulence.

Characterization of a variant vlhA gene of Mycoplasma synoviae, strain WVU 1853, with a highly divergent haemagglutinin region

Background

In Mycoplasma synoviae, type strain WVU 1853, a single member of the haemaglutinin vlhA gene family has been previously shown to be expressed. Variants of vlhA are expressed from the same unique vlhA promoter by recruiting pseudogene sequences via site-specific recombination events, thus generating antigenic variability. Using a bacterial stock of M. synoviae WVU 1853 that had been colony purified thrice and maintained in our laboratory at low passage level, we previously identified a vlhA gene-related partial coding sequence, referred to as MS2/28.1. The E. coli-expressed product of this partial coding sequence was found to be immunodominant, suggesting that it might be expressed.

Results

Reverse transcription-PCR amplification (RT-PCR), using a sense primer located at the 5'-end region of the expected vlhA transcript and a reverse primer located at the 3' end of MS2/28.1 coding sequence, yielded a consistent amplification product showing that MS2/28.1 was indeed transcribed. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the RT-PCR product identified an 1815-nucleotide full-length open reading frame (ORF), immediately preceded by a nucleotide sequence identical to that previously reported for expressed vlhA genes. PCR amplifications using genomic DNA isolated from single colonies further confirmed that the full-length ORF of MS2/28.1 was located downstream of the unique vlhA promoter sequence. The deduced 604-amino acid (aa) sequence showed a perfect sequence identity to the previously reported vlhA expressed genes along the first 224 residues, then highly diverged with only 37.6% aa identity. Despite the fact that this M. synoviae clone expressed a highly divergent and considerably shorter C-terminal haemagglutinin product, it was found to be expressed at the surface of the bacterium and was able to haemagglutinate chicken erythrocytes. Importantly, the E. coli-expressed C-terminal highly divergent 60 residues of MS2/28.1 proved haemagglutination competent.

Conclusions

In contrast to the previously characterized vlhA expressedvariants, MS2/28.1 displayed a highly divergent sequence, while still able to haemagglutinate erythrocytes. Overall, the data provide an indication as to which extent the M. synoviae vlhA gene could vary its antigenic repertoire.

Rapid serodiagnosis with the use of surface plasmon resonance imaging for the detection of antibodies against major surface protein A of Mycoplasma synoviae in chickens

Mycoplasma synoviae, a major worldwide pathogen in poultry, causes respiratory tract infection and arthritis in chickens and turkeys. Two major surface antigens of M. synoviae are encoded by a single gene, vlhA (variably expressed lipoprotein and hemagglutinin). The gene product is cleaved post-translationally to yield the lipoprotein major surface protein (MSP) B (MSPB) and the hemagglutinin MSPA. The availability of MSPA as an antigen for serodiagnosis was studied by means of a protein chip based on surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi). The diagnostic potential of SPRi for measurement of levels of antibody to MSPA was compared with that of a conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The results from SPRi, a process that took only 1 h, were similar to those from ELISA. Therefore, MSPA can be used as an antigen for serologic studies, and SPRi, a label-free and high-throughput method, may be a valuable tool in avian serodiagnostic studies.

Mycoplasma synoviae cell invasion: elucidation of the Mycoplasma pathogenesis in chicken

Fluorochrome-labelled cells of two field isolates and Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms) were inoculated onto monolayer cultures of fluorochrome-labelled HEp-2 cells and monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Ms was detected initially adhered to and subsequently inside the host cells. Between 24 and 48 h of infection, Ms was detected in the perinuclear region, and after 72 h of infection was confirmed by gentamicin invasion assay. High and low passage Ms strains showed no differences in adherence or invasion. The morphology and the actin filaments of the infected HEp-2 cells were preserved throughout the study period. The observed invasion by Ms is consistent with the biology of Mollicutes, and could explain the difficulties in recovering field isolates of the mycoplasma and in controlling the infection in birds even after long-term antibiotic treatment.

Diversifying and stabilizing selection of sialidase and N-acetylneuraminate catabolism in Mycoplasma synoviae

Sialidase activity varies widely among strains and tends to correlate with strain virulence in the avian pathogen Mycoplasma synoviae. To characterize the forms of selection acting on enzymes required for sialic acid scavenging and catabolism, the ratios of nonsynonymous (K(a)) to synonymous (K(s)) mutation frequency were calculated for codons in the sialidase gene of 16 strains of M. synoviae and for its nearly identical homolog in four strains of Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The K(a)/K(s) (omega) values for the linked genes required for nutritive N-acetylneuraminate catabolism (nanA, nagC, nanE, nagA, and nagB) from nine strains of M. synoviae were also determined. To provide context, omega was determined for all corresponding genes of 26 strains of Clostridium perfringens and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bayesian models of sequence evolution showed that only the sialidase of M. synoviae was under significant (P < 0.001) diversifying selection, while the M. synoviae genes for N-acetylneuraminate catabolism and all genes examined from M. gallisepticum, C. perfringens, and S. pneumoniae were under neutral to stabilizing selection. Diversifying selection acting on the sialidase of M. synoviae, but not on the sialidase of M. gallisepticum or the sialidases or other enzymes essential for sialic acid scavenging in other Firmicutes, is evidence that variation in specific activity of the enzyme is perpetuated by a nonnutritive function in M. synoviae that is influenced by the genomic context of the organism.

Identification of major immunogenic proteins of Mycoplasma synoviae isolates

Mycoplasma synoviae isolates differ in patterns of immunogenic proteins, but most of them have not been identified yet. The main aim of this study was their identification in two closely related M. synoviae isolates, ULB 02/P4 and ULB 02/OV6, recovered recently from chickens in Slovenia. N-terminal sequencing identified 17 M. synoviae proteins. Amongst them were 14 major, highly expressed but previously unidentified proteins, including enzymes, chaperones and putative lipoproteins. ULB 02/P4 proteins with increasing molecular weight (M(w)) in the region above the lipoprotein MSPB (approximately 40 kDa) were elongation factor EF-Tu, enolase, NADH oxidase, haemagglutinin MSPA, ATP synthase beta chain, trigger factor, pyruvate kinase and chaperone DnaK. Enolase (approximately 47 kDa) seemed to be immunogenic for chickens infected with M. synoviae, whereas EF-Tu, which might cross-react with antibodies to the P1 adhesin of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, was not. ULB 02/OV6 synthesized several immunogenic proteins and those with M(w) of approximately 70, 78, 82, 90, 110 and 160 kDa, cross-reacted with antibodies to Mycoplasma gallisepticum. They remain to be identified, because besides putative lipoproteins, protein bands of 78, 82, 85 and 110 kDa contained also dehydrogenase PdhD, elongation factor EF-G, enzyme PtsG and putative neuraminidase, respectively.

Being pathogenic, plastic, and sexual while living with a nearly minimal bacterial genome

Mycoplasmas are commonly described as the simplest self-replicating organisms, whose evolution was mainly characterized by genome downsizing with a proposed evolutionary scenario similar to that of obligate intracellular bacteria such as insect endosymbionts. Thus far, analysis of mycoplasma genomes indicates a low level of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) implying that DNA acquisition is strongly limited in these minimal bacteria. In this study, the genome of the ruminant pathogen Mycoplasma agalactiae was sequenced. Comparative genomic data and phylogenetic tree reconstruction revealed that ∼18% of its small genome (877,438 bp) has undergone HGT with the phylogenetically distinct mycoides cluster, which is composed of significant ruminant pathogens. HGT involves genes often found as clusters, several of which encode lipoproteins that usually play an important role in mycoplasma–host interaction. A decayed form of a conjugative element also described in a member of the mycoides cluster was found in the M. agalactiae genome, suggesting that HGT may have occurred by mobilizing a related genetic element. The possibility of HGT events among other mycoplasmas was evaluated with the available sequenced genomes. Our data indicate marginal levels of HGT among Mycoplasma species except for those described above and, to a lesser extent, for those observed in between the two bird pathogens, M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae. This first description of large-scale HGT among mycoplasmas sharing the same ecological niche challenges the generally accepted evolutionary scenario in which gene loss is the main driving force of mycoplasma evolution. The latter clearly differs from that of other bacteria with small genomes, particularly obligate intracellular bacteria that are isolated within host cells. Consequently, mycoplasmas are not only able to subvert complex hosts but presumably have retained sexual competence, a trait that may prevent them from genome stasis and contribute to adaptation to new hosts.

Mycoplasmas are cell wall–lacking prokaryotes that evolved from ancestors common to Gram-positive bacteria by way of massive losses of genetic material. With their minimal genome, mycoplasmas are considered to be the simplest free-living organisms, yet several species are successful pathogens of man and animal. In this study, we challenged the commonly accepted view in which mycoplasma evolution is driven only by genome down-sizing. Indeed, we showed that a significant amount of genes underwent horizontal transfer among different mycoplasma species that share the same ruminant hosts. In these species, the occurrence of a genetic element that can promote DNA transfer via cell-to-cell contact suggests that some mycoplasmas may have retained or acquired sexual competence. Transferred genes were found to encode proteins that are likely to be associated with mycoplasma–host interactions. Sharing genetic resources via horizontal gene transfer may provide mycoplasmas with a means for adapting to new niches or to new hosts and for avoiding irreversible genome erosion.

Mycoplasma synoviae lipoprotein MSPB, the N-terminal part of VlhA haemagglutinin, induces secretion of nitric oxide, IL-6 and IL-1β in chicken macrophages

Mycoplasma synoviae is a major pathogen of chickens and turkeys, causing respiratory disease and infectious synovitis. M. synoviae haemagglutinin VlhA is an abundant surface-exposed lipoprotein and immunodominant antigen. Post-translational cleavage of VlhA generates two proteins, MSPB and MSPA. MSPB, the amino-terminal end of VlhA, is a lipoprotein of about 40-50 kDa but can appear in truncated forms (tMSPB) of about 20-30 kDa. The aim of this study was to determine whether MSPB and tMSPB can stimulate chicken macrophages to secrete NO and cytokines. Macrophages derived from chicken monocytes (MDM) or the MQ-NCSU macrophage cell line were stimulated with M. synoviae protein extracts containing MSPB or tMSPB, as well as with purified MSPB and tMSPB. Proteins from detergent extractions induced IL-6 secretion in MDM and NO secretion in MQ-NCSU. Both MSPB and tMSPB were capable of inducing NO secretion in MQ-NCSU, as well as IL-6 and IL-1beta in MDM. The activity of IL-6 induced by purified tMSPB was similar to the effect of 60 pg/ml of recombinant chicken IL-6. The effect of IL-1beta induced by tMSPB was comparable to the effect of 10 ng/ml of recombinant IL-1beta. Whereas all samples containing MSPB were able to induce NO, IL-6 and IL-1beta, it seemed that the purified tMSPB of about 20 kDa was the most potent in its ability to induce IL-6 and IL-1beta in MDM. Compared to MSPB, tMSPB lacks about 200 amino acids in its carboxyl-terminal part. Therefore, our results suggest that the major part of the stimulating activity is associated with the amino-terminal part of MSPB, most likely with its lipid moiety.

Organization of theMycoplasma synoviaeWVU 1853TvlhAgene locus

Mycoplasma synoviae cause respiratory disease and synovitis in poultry. It has two major membrane antigens of approximately 45 to 50 kDa, MSPA and MSPB. Both MSPA and MSPB ar encoded by a single gene, vlhA (variable lipoprotein and haemagglutinin), possibly with a post-translational cleavage generating the two proteins. The vlhA gene belongs to a large multigene family, but only one vlhA gene is expressed in any single cell; the other vlhA genes/fragments are transcriptionally silent. In order to characterize the vlhA gene locus, DNA fragments were cloned from three different M. synoviae WVU 1853(T) genomic DNA libraries and their nucleotide sequences were fully or partially determined. Analysis of the resultant nucleotide sequences identified a transcriptional termination signal for the expressed vlhA gene, determined the genes located downstream of the expressed vlhA gene and revealed that vlhA pseudogenes were arranged as tandem repeats upstream of the expressed vlhA gene. In order to determine whether vlhA was expressed as a monocistronic or polycistronic message, RNA from two M. synoviae clones expressing truncated or full-length versions of the vlhA gene product were purified and examined by northern blotting. Messages corresponding to the full length of the vlhA gene (approximately 2.4 kb) were detected in both clones, suggesting that truncation of the vlhA gene product was probably post-transcriptional. These studies have revealed the organization of the M. synoviae vlhA gene locus and established that the vlhA gene transcript is monocistronic.

Molecular cloning of a Mycoplasma meleagridis-specific antigenic domain endowed with a serodiagnostic potential

A recombinant phage library harbouring Mycoplasma meleagridis (MM) genomic DNA fragments was generated in the bacteriophage lambda gt11 expression vector. The library was screened for expression of MM specific antigens with a polyclonal antiserum that had been preadsorbed with antigens of the most common unrelated avian mycoplasma species. A 49-amino acid antigenic domain unique to MM was isolated, expressed in Escherichia coli, and its serodiagnostic potential was demonstrated. An antiserum raised against this MM-specific antigenic domain recognized a cluster of seven membrane-associated MM proteins with molecular masses ranging from 34 to 75 kDa. Overall, this study resulted in the identification of a potent serodiagnostic tool and revealed the complex antigenic nature of MM.

Swine and poultry pathogens: the complete genome sequences of two strains of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and a strain of Mycoplasma synoviae

This work reports the results of analyses of three complete mycoplasma genomes, a pathogenic (7448) and a nonpathogenic (J) strain of the swine pathogen Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and a strain of the avian pathogen Mycoplasma synoviae; the genome sizes of the three strains were 920,079 bp, 897,405 bp, and 799,476 bp, respectively. These genomes were compared with other sequenced mycoplasma genomes reported in the literature to examine several aspects of mycoplasma evolution. Strain-specific regions, including integrative and conjugal elements, and genome rearrangements and alterations in adhesin sequences were observed in the M. hyopneumoniae strains, and all of these were potentially related to pathogenicity. Genomic comparisons revealed that reduction in genome size implied loss of redundant metabolic pathways, with maintenance of alternative routes in different species. Horizontal gene transfer was consistently observed between M. synoviae and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Our analyses indicated a likely transfer event of hemagglutinin-coding DNA sequences from M. gallisepticum to M. synoviae.

Duplex PCR to differentiate between Mycoplasma synoviae and Mycoplasma gallisepticum on the basis of conserved species-specific sequences of their hemagglutinin genes

We developed a duplex PCR assay targeting the hemagglutinin multigene families, vlhA and pMGA, of Mycoplasma synoviae and Mycoplasma gallisepticum, respectively. The assay proved to be specific and sensitive enough to justify its use for the simultaneous detection of the two major avian mycoplasma species from field isolates.

The vlhA loci of Mycoplasma synoviae are confined to a restricted region of the genome

Mycoplasma synoviae, a major pathogen of poultry, contains a single expressed, full-length vlhA gene encoding its haemagglutinin, and a large number of vlhA pseudogenes that can be recruited by multiple site-specific recombination events to generate chimaeric variants of the expressed gene. The position and distribution of the vlhA pseudogene regions, and their relationship with the expressed gene, have not been investigated. To determine the relationship between these regions, a physical map of the M. synoviae genome was constructed using the restriction endonucleases SmaI, I-CeuI, BsiWI, ApaI and XhoI and radiolabelled probes for rrnA, recA and tufA. A cloned fragment encoding the unique portion of the expressed vlhA gene and two PCR products containing conserved regions of the ORF 3 and ORF 6 vlhA pseudogenes were used to locate the regions containing these genes on the map. The chromosome of M. synoviae was found to be 890·4 kb and the two rRNA operons were in the same orientation. Both the expressed vlhA gene and the vlhA pseudogenes were confined to the same 114 kb region of the chromosome. These findings indicate that, unlike Mycoplasma gallisepticum, in which the vlhA genes are located in several loci around the chromosome and in which antigenic variation is generated by alternating transcription of over 40 translationally competent genes, M. synoviae has all of the vlhA sequences clustered together, suggesting that close proximity is needed to facilitate the site-specific recombinations used to generate diversity in the expressed vlhA gene.

Phase and antigenic variation in bacteria

Phase and antigenic variation result in a heterogenic phenotype of a clonal bacterial population, in which individual cells either express the phase-variable protein(s) or not, or express one of multiple antigenic forms of the protein, respectively. This form of regulation has been identified mainly, but by no means exclusively, for a wide variety of surface structures in animal pathogens and is implicated as a virulence strategy. This review provides an overview of the many bacterial proteins and structures that are under the control of phase or antigenic variation. The context is mainly within the role of the proteins and variation for pathogenesis, which reflects the main body of literature. The occurrence of phase variation in expression of genes not readily recognizable as virulence factors is highlighted as well, to illustrate that our current knowledge is incomplete. From recent genome sequence analysis, it has become clear that phase variation may be more widespread than is currently recognized, and a brief discussion is included to show how genome sequence analysis can provide novel information, as well as its limitations. The current state of knowledge of the molecular mechanisms leading to phase variation and antigenic variation are reviewed, and the way in which these mechanisms form part of the general regulatory network of the cell is addressed. Arguments both for and against a role of phase and antigenic variation in immune evasion are presented and put into new perspective by distinguishing between a role in bacterial persistence in a host and a role in facilitating evasion of cross-immunity. Finally, examples are presented to illustrate that phase-variable gene expression should be taken into account in the development of diagnostic assays and in the interpretation of experimental results and epidemiological studies.

The complete genome sequence of the avian pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum strain R(low)

The complete genome of Mycoplasma gallisepticum strain R(low) has been sequenced. The genome is composed of 996,422 bp with an overall G+C content of 31 mol%. It contains 742 putative coding DNA sequences (CDSs), representing a 91 % coding density. Function has been assigned to 469 of the CDSs, while 150 encode conserved hypothetical proteins and 123 remain as unique hypothetical proteins. The genome contains two copies of the rRNA genes and 33 tRNA genes. The origin of replication has been localized based on sequence analysis in the region of the dnaA gene. The vlhA family (previously termed pMGA) contains 43 genes distributed among five loci containing 8, 2, 9, 12 and 12 genes. This family of genes constitutes 10.4% (103 kb) of the total genome. Two CDSs were identified immediately downstream of gapA and crmA encoding proteins that share homology to cytadhesins GapA and CrmA. Based on motif analysis it is predicted that 80 genes encode lipoproteins and 149 proteins contain multiple transmembrane domains. The authors have identified 75 proteins putatively involved in transport of biomolecules, 12 transposases, and a number of potential virulence factors. The completion of this sequence has spawned multiple projects directed at defining the biological basis of M. gallisepticum.

Homologue of macrophage-activating lipoprotein in Mycoplasma gallisepticum is not essential for growth and pathogenicity in tracheal organ cultures

While the genomes of a number of Mycoplasma species have been fully determined, there has been limited characterization of which genes are essential. The surface protein (p47) identified by monoclonal antibody B3 is the basis for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serological detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection and appears to be constitutively expressed. Its gene was cloned, and the DNA sequence was determined. Subsequent analysis of the p47 amino acid sequence and searches of DNA databases found homologous gene sequences in the genomes of M. pneumoniae and M. genitalium and identity with a gene family in Ureaplasma urealyticum and genes in M. agalactiae and M. fermentans. The proteins encoded by these genes were found to belong to a family of basic membrane proteins (BMP) that are found in a wide range of bacteria, including a number of pathogens. Several of the BMP family members, including p47, contain selective lipoprotein-associated motifs that are found in macrophage-activating lipoprotein 404 of M. fermentans and lipoprotein P48 of M. agalactiae. The p47 gene was predicted to encode a 59-kDa peptide, but affinity-purified p47 had a molecular mass of approximately 47 kDa, as determined by polyacrylamide gel analysis. Analysis of native and recombinant p47 by mass peptide fingerprinting revealed the absence of the carboxyl end of the protein encoded by the p47 gene in native p47, which would account for the difference seen in the predicted and measured molecular weights and indicated posttranslational cleavage of the lipoprotein at its carboxyl end. A DNA construct containing the p47 gene interrupted by the gene encoding tetracycline resistance was used to transform M. gallisepticum cells. A tetracycline-resistant mycoplasma clone, P2, contained the construct inserted within the genomic p47 gene, with crossovers occurring between 73 bp upstream and 304 bp downstream of the inserted tetracycline resistance gene. The absence of p47 protein in clone P2 was determined by the lack of reactivity with rabbit anti-p47 sera or monoclonal antibody B3 in Western blots of whole-cell proteins. There was no difference between the p47(-) mutant and wild-type M. gallisepticum in pathogenicity in chicken tracheal organ cultures. Thus, p47, although homologous to genes that occur in many prokaryotes, is not essential for growth in vitro or for attachment and the initial stages of pathogenesis in chickens.

Haemagglutinins of pathogenic avian mycoplasmas

The pathogenic avian mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma meleagridis, Mycoplasma iowae and Mycoplasma imitans, synthesize haemagglutinins that are immunogenic, variably expressed, surface proteins. The haemagglutinins of M. gallisepticum (pMGA), M. synoviae (VlhA) and M. imitans are lipoproteins, encoded by related multigene families that appear to have arisen by horizontal gene transfer. M. gallisepticum also has genes encoding cytadhesins in its genome but these are present as a single copies, while the pMGA gene family contains 30 to 70 genes. The switch in expression of distinct pMGA genes (e.g. pMGA1.1 to pMGA1.9) generates antigenic variation, which is thought to be important in immune evasion but also has significance in the preparation of M. gallisepticum antigens for serological diagnosis. In the majority of M. synoviae strains, post-translational cleavage of the VlhA protein generates an amino-terminal part (the lipoprotein MSPB) and a carboxyl-terminal part (MSPA), which mediates binding to erythrocytes. The 5'vlhA gene region, which encodes proline-rich repeats in the amino-terminal part of MSPB, is highly polymorphic among M. synoviae strains. Insertions or deletions in the part of vlhA encoding the proline-rich repeats cause MSPB length variation in different M. synoviae strains. Recombination between the 5'vlhA gene and pseudogenes in the genome generates changes in antigenic determinants in the carboxyl two-thirds of the MSPB molecule, and in MSPA, resulting in changes in the domains involved in the binding of M. synoviae to erythrocytes. Variant haemagglutinins of M. gallisepticum (pMGA1.7) and M. synoviae (diverse VlhA forms) share sequences that may be responsible for antigenic cross-reactions between M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae. Shared epitopes have been demonstrated using specific antibodies against MSPB that also recognize proteins of M. gallisepticum and of M. iowae (serotype N). Size and antigenic variants have also been reported for M. meleagridis and M. iowae proteins, but it is not known if these are their haemagglutinins. Advances in the molecular characterization of M. gallisepticum (pMGA, pvpA) and M. synoviae (vlhA) genes and their sequencing in numerous strains is likely to enable significantly improved epidemiological studies and improved tracing of M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae strains in different flocks.

Improved detection of antibodies to Mycoplasma synoviae vaccine MS-H using an autologous recombinant MSPB enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Mycoplasma synoviae is a poultry pathogen causing respiratory disease and synovitis. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has previously been devised in our laboratory using the major membrane antigen MSPB of M. synoviae strain WVU 1853 as antigen. However, sera from chickens inoculated with the M. synoviae vaccine strain MS-H showed lower optical densities in the assay than chickens infected with wild-type strains. In the present study, we investigate whether a low level of antibodies detected in MS-H-vaccinated birds is due to the limited ability of the vaccine to elicit antibodies, or to the reduced capacity of the antigen to specifically detect antibodies to this strain. Preliminary immunostaining experiments using native MSPBs from M. synoviae MS-H and WVU 1853 suggested that they were antigenically related but differed in at least some epitopes. Using a combination of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloning, the gene encoding MSPB (vlhA) was cloned from strain MS-H, and its nucleotide sequence was partially determined. Analysis of the partial nucleotide sequence of the cloned vlhA gene revealed that it had a high identity (86%) with the previously published vlhA sequence from strain WVU 1853, but differed from it in several regions. Also, several nucleotide substitutions/deletions were detected in the conserved region (nucleotides 1 to 700) of the MS-H vlhA gene. A polypeptide, containing amino acids 27 to 299 of the MS-H MSPB, was expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography. An indirect ELISA was developed using the MS-H MSPB as coating antigen and compared with that of WVU 1853 MSPB and the commercial rapid serum agglutination test using a panel of sera from MS-vaccinated and/or challenged or unvaccinated specific pathogen free and commercial field chickens. Analysis of the absorbance values from specific pathogen free and field chicken sera showed that MS-H MSPB was species specific and more sensitive than the WVU-MSPB ELISA or the rapid serum agglutination test in detecting antibodies to the MS-H vaccine strain. These results emphasize the importance of using appropriate diagnostic antigens for sensitive detection of antibodies following vaccination or challenge with a M. synoviae strain.

Cloning and analysis of the gene for a major surface antigen of Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Myplasma gallisepticum infects a wide variety of gallineaceous birds including chickens, turkeys, and pheasants. Infection occurs both horizontally and vertically. Thus, control of the spread of M. gallisepticum to noninfected flocks is difficult. Continual monitoring is necessary to identify infected flocks even under the most stringent infectious control practices. Monitoring, however, is usually performed by measuring hemagglutination activity (HA) in serum, an insensitive and variable test. Variability in the HA test arises differences in agglutination antigen, changes in antigenic profiles of the M. gallisepticum strain, and variability in reading the agglutination reaction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) are the preferred method of testing because of the ease in obtaining sera and the sensitivity and reproducibility of the assays, but the ELISA suffers from a lack of standardization in the test antigen. The ELISA test will be more easily accepted once the test antigen has been standardized. To this end, we have identified, cloned, and characterized the gene for an antigen that has potential as a species-specific antigen for M. gallisepticum The gene codes for a 75-kD protein, P75, that is recognized during natural infections. Recombinant P75 is not recognized in immunoblots by convalescent sera produced in chickens infected with Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma gallinarum, and Mycoplasma gallinaceum or in turkeys infected with Mycoplasma meleagridis.

Site-specific proteolysis of the MALP-404 lipoprotein determines the release of a soluble selective lipoprotein-associated motif-containing fragment and alteration of the surface phenotype of Mycoplasma fermentans

The mature MALP-404 surface lipoprotein of Mycoplasma fermentans comprises a membrane-anchored N-terminal lipid-modified region responsible for macrophage activation (P. F. Mühlradt, M. Kiess, H. Meyer, R. Süssmuth, and G. Jung, J. Exp. Med. 185:1951-1958, 1997) and an external hydrophilic region that contains the selective lipoprotein-associated (SLA) motif defining a family of lipoproteins from diverse but selective prokaryotes, including mycoplasmas (M. J. Calcutt, M. F. Kim, A. B. Karpas, P. F. Mühlradt, and K. S. Wise, Infect. Immun. 67:760-771, 1999). This family generally corresponds to a computationally defined group of orthologs containing the basic membrane protein (BMP) domain. Two discrete lipid-modified forms of the abundant MALP product which vary dramatically in ratio among isolates of M. fermentans occur on the mycoplasma surface: (i) MALP-404, the full-length mature product, and (ii) MALP-2, the Toll-like receptor 2-mediated macrophage-activating lipopeptide containing the N-terminal 14 residues of the mature lipoprotein. The role of posttranslational processing in the biogenesis of MALP-2 from the prototype MALP-404 SLA-containing lipoprotein was investigated. Detergent phase fractionation of cell-bound products and N-terminal sequencing of a newly discovered released fragment (RF) demonstrated that MALP-404 was subject to site-specific proteolysis between residues 14 and 15 of the mature lipoprotein, resulting in the cell-bound MALP-2 and soluble RF products. This previously unknown mechanism of posttranslational processing among mycoplasmas suggests that specific cleavage of some surface proteins may confer efficient "secretion" of extracellular products by these organisms, with concurrent changes in the surface phenotype. This newly identified form of variation may have significant implications for host adaptation by mycoplasmas, as well as other pathogens expressing lipoproteins of the SLA (BMP) family.

Gene transfer in Mycoplasma pulmonis

Experiments were undertaken to examine gene transfer in Mycoplasma pulmonis. Parent strains containing transposon-based tetracycline and chloramphenicol resistance markers were combined to allow transfer of markers. Two mating protocols were developed. The first consisted of coincubating the strains in broth culture for extended periods of time. The second protocol consisted of a brief incubation of the combined strains in a 50% solution of polyethylene glycol. Using either protocol, progeny that had acquired antibiotic resistance markers from both parents were obtained. Analysis of the progeny indicated that only the transposon and not flanking genomic DNA was transferred to the recipient cell. Gene transfer was DNase resistant and probably the result of conjugation or cell fusion.