Kingdom Bacteria Order Mycoplasmatales Genus Mycoplasma Higher classification Mycoplasma | Division Firmicutes Family Mycoplasmataceae Scientific name Mycoplasma hyorhinis Rank Species | |
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Similar Bacteria, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Mycoplasma fermentans, Acholeplasma laidlawii, Acholeplasma | ||
Mycoplasma hyorhinis is a member of the Mycoplasmatales family. This bacterium is often found as a commensal in the respiratory tract of pigs. It is thought to facilitate and exacerbate the development of diseases such as porcine enzootic pneumonia and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Rarely, it may cause mycoplasma arthritis, mycoplasmal polyserositis or mycoplasma septicaemia in piglets without the involvement of other bacteria. This presents as polyarthritis or polyserositis.
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Clinical signs and diagnosis
A variety of clinical signs are seen in piglets less than 10-weeks old.
Lameness, polyserositis and joint swelling are the most common symptoms. A foul-smelling discharge from the ears can occur secondary to otitis. Less specific signs include poor coat quality, pyrexia, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological and respiratory signs.
Bacterial culture, immunofluorescent antibody testing (IFAT), complement fixation test and haemagglutination can all be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Scleroderma
There is some evidence implicating Mycoplasma hyorhinis in the pathogenesis of Scleroderma. One study found it has been isolated from Scleroderma patients. Another study found that injecting Mycoplasma hyorhinis into mice induces a scleroderma-like autoimmune disease. However, more research is needed to confirm or refute the link between Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Scleroderma.
Treatment
Antibiotics are the treatment of choice.