Pooled molecular occurrence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma
synoviae in poultry: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Worldwide, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and M. synoviae
(MS) are the main agents responsible for chronic respiratory disease in
poultry. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis
to estimate their occurrence. We searched electronic databases to find
peer-reviewed publications reporting the molecular detection of MG and
MS in poultry and used meta-analysis to estimate their pooled occurrence
(combined flock and individual), aggregating results at the regional and
national levels. We performed a subgroup meta-analysis for
subpopulations (broilers, layers, breeders, and diverse poultry
including turkeys, ducks, and ostriches) and used meta-regression with
categorical modifiers. We retrieved 2,294 publications from six
electronic databases and included 85 publications from 33 countries that
reported 62 studies with 22,162 samples for MG and 48 studies with
26,413 samples for MS. The pooled occurrence was 38.4% (95% CI:
23.5-54.5) for MS and 27.0% (20.4-34.2) for MG. Among regions, Europe
and Central Asia had the lowest occurrence for both pathogens, while MG
and MS were highly prevalent in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa,
respectively. MG occurrence was higher in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and
Sudan, whereas China, Egypt, and Ethiopia reported a higher occurrence
of MS. MS and MG were more prevalent in the breeders and layers (62.6%
and 31.2%, respectively) than in diverse poultry. The year of
publication, the sample size, and the level of ambient air pollution
(measured indirectly by PM2.5) were associated with the occurrence of
both mycoplasmas. Our study revealed a high and heterogeneous occurrence
of MG and MS and justifies the need for an early detection and improved
control measures to reduce the spread of these pathogens.