Katalin Matiz

Detection and identification of avian mycoplasmas by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers complementary to the 16S rRNA genes was used to detect avian mycoplasmas. A primer pair designed for the detection of human and rodent mycoplasmal species was examined for its ability to detect the most important avian mycoplasmas. After testing the respective reference strains, we found that Mycoplasma iowae, Mycoplasma meleagridis and Mycoplasma synoviae could be detected by PCR with this primer pair, and distinction could be made among them by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay with two restriction enzymes (BamHI and RsaI). For the detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum by PCR, we needed species-specific primers. The results of the PCR- and RFLP, based identification procedures of 17 different field isolates agreed with those obtained by conventional methods.

Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the protease gene, and genetic mapping of bovine adenovirus type 10 define its relatedness to other bovine adenoviruses

The complete genome of a bovine adenovirus (BAV) type 10 isolate was molecularly cloned and partially sequenced. The encoded proteins were predicted by computer analysis of the DNA sequences of the ends or the entire length of the cloned viral fragments, and thus a rough genetic map was constructed. The protease gene of BAV-10 was completely sequenced and used in phylogenetic analysis. Based on the results of the phylogenetic analysis, and the location and presence of certain genes thought to be specifically characteristic of subgroup 1 or subgroup 2 BAVs, it could be concluded that, in spite of the striking similarity in certain biological properties, BAV-10 is not related to subgroup 2 BAVs as originally described. It does not however fit clearly into subgroup 1 either, the members of which show closer relationship with human adenoviruses. BAV-10 therefore should best be considered as the first member of a third subgroup of BAVs.

Bovine abortion associated with Neospora caninum in Hungary

The authors report the first case of bovine neosporosis in Hungary based on investigations made on an aborted fetus. The diagnostic methods included traditional as well as molecular techniques. This record extends further the geographic range of the disease.