Polymerase Chain Reaction of Mgc2 and 16S rRNA Genes for Detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum

Mycoplasmas are very small bacteria lacking cell walls that belong to various genera within the class Mollicutes, and also the smallest organisms that can live independently. They are able to cause serious and chronic disease because of some unique characteristics. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is an important avian pathogen causing significant economical losses within the poultry industry. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of M. gallisepticum in poultry by PCR of mgc2 and 16 s rRNA. We examined the differentiating potential of diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers targeted to the 16S rRNA and mgc2 genes present in MG. For serological screaming test, we selected 26 farms and took blood samples for RSAT assay. For 16S rRNA and mgc2 PCR assay, we took 109 samples from 10 rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT) positive farms, including: lung, air sacs and tracheal swabs. The 16S rRNA and mgc2 PCR diagnostic primers are specific for MG in tests of all avian Mycoplasmas or bacteria present in the chicken trachea and are sensitive enough to readily detect MG in tracheal swabs from field outbreaks. 530 bp and 300 bp PCR products on electrophoresis gel appeared respectively with 16S rRNA and mgc2 PCR diagnostic primers, specific for MG. The test was successfully applied in vivo for detection of MG in clinical samples.