August 31, 2005

Brazilian researchers sequence genes of damaging pig and poultry bacteria

Brazilian researchers have reportedly sequenced the genomes of mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and mycoplasma synoviae bacteria, both of which caused devastation to the country's pig and poultry farming.

The results were being analysed in an effort to identify bacterial proteins that could be used to develop vaccines and diagnostic kits against the bacteria.

Brazil's pig industry reportedly suffered US$200 million in losses yearly as a result of pneumonia in pigs, brought about by mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Meanwhile, chickens and turkeys suffered respiratory diseases caused by mycoplasma synoviae, a related bacterium.

In addition, the genetic sequence of a non-pathogenic strain of mycoplasma hyopneumoniae was identified and compared with the pathogenic strain.