Detection of Mycoplasma DNA Using Conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction in Canine Abortion, Stillbirth, and Neonatal Mortality Cases in Central Italy

<i>Mycoplasma</i> spp. has been involved in canine infertility, but research on this topic is limited and shows conflicting results, as it has also been isolated from vaginal swabs of healthy dogs. This study aimed to retrospectively research <i>Mycoplasma</i> DNA by a conventional dual Polymerase Chain Reaction from 114 cases of canine abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality that occurred in Central Italy. In addition, four fetal membranes from dystocic dams were analyzed. In total, 7 out of 114 cases (6.14%) and one of the fetal membranes tested positive for <i>Mycoplasma</i> DNA. From five of them (62.5%), other microorganisms were identified, particularly <i>Canid herpesvirus-1</i> (2/8, 25%) and <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, and/or <i>Staphylococcus pseudintermedius</i> (3/8, 37.5%), notoriously responsible for infertility in bitches or neonatal mortality. In two different litters, only one puppy of each one tested positive for <i>Mycoplasma</i> DNA. Additionally, <i>Mycoplasma</i> DNA was detected in fetal membranes collected during a cesarean section of a bitch whelping <i>Mycoplasma</i>-negative puppies, supporting that <i>Mycoplasma</i> spp. is part of the normal genital microflora of the female. The detection of <i>Mycoplasma</i> DNA in association with other major pathogens and its detection in the female genital tract without transmission to puppies support the hypothesis that <i>Mycoplasma</i> belongs to the autochthonous genital microflora or, at most, may play a secondary role in canine abortion and neonatal mortality.