Pathological and molecular investigation of Mycoplasma agalactiae infection in aborted fetuses of small ruminants northwest Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

3 Veterinary Organization, East Azerbaijan Province, Tabriz, Iran

10.66224/ari.2026.370899.3881

Abstract

Mycoplasma infection mainly affects small ruminants, leading to mastitis, arthritis, keratoconjunctivitis, and abortion. This disease not only reduces reproductive efficiency but can also negatively impact milk production and the overall health of the flock. Therefore, the present study was carried out to recognize Mycoplasma infection caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae) in aborted fetuses of small ruminants, including sheep and goats in East Azerbaijan province, northwest Iran, using pathological and molecular studies. For this purpose, a total of 62 aborted fetuses were obtained from local flocks in autumn and winter 2023. Tissue samples were collected during necropsy for molecular (PCR) and pathological studies. A conventional PCR method using specific primers (MYC1 and MYC2) was performed for the detection of the M. agalactiae genome (373 bp). Besides, the collected tissue samples were routinely prepared for histopathological studies and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Of note, present PCR results revealed the presence of the M. agalactiae genome in 38 out of 62 samples (61.29%, and 95%CI: 0.49 - 0.73). Also, histopathological examinations showed multifocal hepatitis, interstitial pneumonia, and multifocal nephritis in addition to vascular hyperemia and focal hemorrhage in the heart and brain. According to these finding, it is concluded that the high prevalence of Mycoplasma infection in aborted fetuses indicates that this infection can play a remarkable role in the abortion of small ruminants in East Azerbaijan province. Therefore, rapid diagnosis of these infections is necessary for effective prevention, vaccination strategies, control and treatment of disease outbreaks in livestock herds.

Keywords

Archives of Razi Institute

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 August 2026

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics