Isolation Of Mycoplasma-Mycoides, Mycoides (Lc Variant), From 2 Naturally Aborted Caprine Fetuses

Abstract

Described in this study are 2 cases of caprine abortion associated with the LC type of Mycoplasma mycoides, subsp. mycoides. This mycoplasma and Mycoplasma mycoides, subsp. capri had been previously reported in adult goats in this herd. The abortion took place in the latter part of gestation. Samples from heart blood, lung and pleural exudate were collected for the isolation of mycoplasmas and other bacterials in both fetuses. Two strains of Mycoplasma mycoides, subsp. mycoides (LC variant) were isolated. The only gross lesion of the internal organs in the aborted fetuses was congestion of the lungs. Microscopic lesions were encountered in the lungs, and these were characterized by patchy to diffuse pneumonia. Exfoliated cells, many alveolar macrophages, scattered neutrophils and lymphocytes were seen in the lumen of the terminal airways and alveolar spaces. This report appears to be the first isolation of Mycoplasma mycoides, subsp. mycoides (LC variant) from aborted caprine fetuses.