Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mycoplasma bacteria found in barn swallow throat after window
By Klostermann, Theresa Sophie & Lierz, Michael·Published in BMC veterinary research·2023·Clinic for Birds, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The detection of Mycoplasma sturni and Mycoplasma moatsii from the choana of a barn swallow (Hirundo rustica): a case report.
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A barn swallow was brought to the vet after flying into a window. During a routine check, a swab was taken from its throat to test for mycoplasma bacteria, which can affect many birds. The tests revealed two types of mycoplasma: Mycoplasma sturni and Mycoplasma moatsii. Interestingly, these bacteria did not seem to cause any health problems for the swallow, and this is the first time M. moatsii has been found in the respiratory tract of this bird species. The significance of these bacteria in barn swallows is still unclear.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mycoplasmas are found in many different species. Until now 26 avian mycoplasma species have been described, but in the most free ranging bird species the prevalence and significance of Mycoplasma spp. is still unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: In May 2021 a barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) was brought to a veterinary clinic after it hit a window. As part of the routine exam a choanal swab was taken for mycoplasma culture and for the detection of mycoplasmas using a Mycoplasma-genus-specific Polymerase chain reaction. Six single colony subcultures were obtained by the cultivation. Obtained subcultures were investigated by sequencing the 16S rRNA and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer region sequence. The 16S rRNA gene sequence from one subculture had a homology of 99.03% and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer region sequence of 100% with the sequence of Mycoplasma sturni. The 16S rRNA gene sequence from the other five subcultures shared a homology of 99.89% and the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer region sequence of 99.81% with the sequence of Mycoplasma moatsii. CONCLUSIONS: According to the available literature this is the first report about the detection of M. moatsii, in the respiratory tract of a barn swallow. M. moatsii was previously only found in grivit monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and a mute swan (Cygnus olor). The role of mycoplasmas in barn swallows is still unknown, especially as in the present case both mycoplasma species do not seem to cause clinical symptoms.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36739410/