Detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from Clinical Samples and Air

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is the etiological agent of enzootic pneumonia, a worldwide disease that causes economic losses in swine production (1 ). Generally, transmission of M. hyopneumoniae occurs by direct contact or aerosol in chronically infected herds when young susceptible pigs are in contact with older pigs. Piglets can be infected by gilts, low parity sows, but also by older sows (2 ). According to these authors, the percentage of sows carrying M. hyopneumoniae decreased with age. However, carrier sows represent the most likely source of transmission, of M. hyopneumoniae to their piglets. Another risk of M. hyopneumoniae contamination is due to airborne transmission, which can occur over short distances inside the herd (3 ) and between herds (4 ). In these circumstances, specific and sensitive tests are necessary to control enzootic pneumonia.