Bacteria Genomes - MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM

Mycoplasma gallisepticum are Gram-negative , coccoid, ovoid and elongated pear-shaped cells that are bounded only by a plasma membrane and do not have a cell-wall and are usually non-motile. It is facultatively anaerobic and requires cholesterol or related sterols for growth.

One of the major health problems in the poultry industry is infection by this bacterium, which causes chronic respiratory disease in chickens and other fowl. The disease affects the production of eggs and can spread quickly through an entire flock.

Signs of M. gallisepticum may develop slowly in the flock. Respiratory signs usually persist for weeks. The first sign is a nasal discharge followed by a foamy or bubbly condition of the eyes. Birds may show a persistent hacking cough, sneezing and sniffing, and tracheal rales. Poor physical condition and loss of weight are usually apparent. Internally one may see marked swelling of nasal passages, sinuses, trachea, and bronchi. Air sacs are often thick and opaque and may contain slimy or cheesy exudate.

References:

Microbiology 149 2307-16 (2003)
http://genomenewsnetwork.org/sequenced_genomes/genome_guide_p2.shtml#mycopga
http://www.ag.state.co.us/animals/livestock_disease/mycopl.html