Molecular detection and characterization of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M. synoviae from Brazilian laying hens

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and M. synoviae (MS) are important pathogens in the poultry industry, causing substantial economic losses. Genotyping these pathogens is essential, as they exhibit variations in pathogenicity and impact on poultry flocks. This study aimed to detect the presence of MG and MS and to genotype isolates from Brazilian laying hens. A total of 172 tracheal swabs were collected from laying hens at different production stages. Mycoplasma detection was performed using PCR and culture methods. The mgc2 gene was sequenced to genotype MG clones. Among the 172 samples, 43 (25.00%) tested positive for MG by PCR, while 123 (71.51%) tested positive for MS. Culture analysis identified four MG-positive flocks, whereas none tested positive for MS. PCR analysis revealed a high occurrence of both MG and MS. The strains demonstrated distinct clustering patterns, with our isolates forming closely related groups.