Mycoplasma meleagridis and Escherichia coli Infections in Germfree and Specific-Pathogen-Free Turkey Poults: Production of Complicated Airsacculitis

Abstract

SUMMARY Naturally occurring airsacculitis complicated with purulent pneumonia, pericarditis, and peritonitis were observed in turkey poults. Mycoplasma meleagridis and Escherichia coli were isolated from the lesions. Six experiments were conducted with germfree and specific-pathogen-free (spf) poults to determine the role of M. meleagridis and a pathogenic strain of E. coli , singly and in combination, in the production of the disease. Mycoplasma meleagridis alone inoculated into the abdominal air sacs of poults caused an uncomplicated airsacculitis. Escherichia coli in the environment of turkey poults did not cause any disease. Complicated airsacculitis, similar to that seen under field conditions, was reproduced in germfree and spf turkey poults by inoculating M. meleagridis into the abdominal air sacs and by mixing E. coli in the feed and water. Environmental factors resulting in stress are considered important for the development of the disease.