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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Animal Disease Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #375263
Research Project: Identification of Host Factors and Immunopathogenesis of Pneumonia in Domestic and Bighorn Sheep

Location: Animal Disease Research

Title: Laboratory concordance study for the molecular detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae

Author
item LIESKE, CAMILLA - Alaska Department Of Fish And Game
item Herndon, David
item HIGHLAND, MARGARET - Kansas State University
item BECKMEN, K - Alaska Department Of Fish And Game

Submitted to: Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/17/2021
Publication Date: 2/2/2022
Citation: Lieske, C.L., Herndon, D.R., Highland, M.A., Beckmen, K.F. 2022. Laboratory concordance study for the molecular detection of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae. Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 58(2):257-268. https://doi.org/10.7589/JWD-D-21-00118.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7589/JWD-D-21-00118

Interpretive Summary: Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is associated with multi-factorial, polymicrobial respiratory disease in both domestic and wild members of the subfamily Caprinae. This bacterium was recently detected in Dall's sheep and other non-Caprinae species in Alaska. In addition to detection, inter-laboratory and inter-assay differences in detection rates were observed. The focus of this study was to assess the concordance levels among three PCR detection assays from two laboratories, including a comparison of protocol parameters that may affect detection rates. Overall concordance across all assays was good, ranging from 93-99%. This work will help to guide future research and management efforts related to respiratory disease in Alaskan wildlife.

Technical Abstract: As part of a respiratory pathogen survey of Alaska wildlife, a concordance study was conducted to assess Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae detection between three different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Two PCR assays were performed at a federal research laboratory (LM40, IGS), the third (UM) at a state diagnostic laboratory. Overall concordance was good, ranging from 93-99%. M. ovipneumoniae was detected in non-Caprinae species (caribou, Rangifer tarandus granti) by each PCR method. One of the PCR assays (LM40) detected M. ovipneumoniae in more samples and in additional species than did the other two assays. Because of potential differences in detection rates, it is critical to consider test parameters when evaluating a host population for the presence of M. ovipneumoniae.