Methods of isolation and identification of mycoplasma species of ruminants in Africa - A review

Abstract

Mycoplasmas are responsible for causing many important diseases of ruminants in Africa. Of particular importance are Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides  and Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae, the causative agents of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) and contagious caprine  pleuropneumonia (CCPP) respectively. These are the two most important diseases of ruminants causing significant losses in livestock production and have been reported to be widely  distributed in Africa. Diagnosis of CBPP and CCPP can be performed by taking a good quality samples either in live animals or at necropsy. Culturing of these agents is difficult and time consuming; therefore, the method of choice is molecular identification by polymerase chain reaction, which has been recommended by various studies for disease surveillance, control and eradication.

Key words: Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia , Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia , Mycoplasma, Africa