Biological Features of Mycoplasma synoviae and Their Impact on Vaccine Development

This article examines the biological and epizootic characteristics of Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) that determine the challenges and prospects for developing effective vaccines in industrial poultry farming. MS is a highly contagious pathogen that causes infectious synovitis and airsacculitis in birds, leading to significant economic losses. Key features of the pathogen are outlined, including morphological and genetic plasticity, lack of a cell wall, persistence, and high antigenic variability—particularly in variable lipoproteins. These factors complicate the standardization of cultivation, antigen purification, and the development of vaccines with broad cross-protection. The advantages and limitations of existing platforms—live attenuated and inactivated vaccines—are analyzed, with an emphasis on their immunological characteristics, safety, and production technologies. Particular attention is paid to the potential of recombinant and vector vaccines aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional approaches. The need to focus on conserved antigens, mucosal adjuvants, and the implementation of DIVA technologies is emphasized. The presented findings may serve as a foundation for shaping new strategies for MS vaccine prevention in poultry farming.