Development and optimization of a cell-associated challenge model for Mycoplasma hyorhinis in 7-week-old cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived pigs

Mycoplasma hyorhinis (MHR) causes polyserositis and lameness in grower pigs. While herd-specific vaccines for this bacterium are being marketed, there are currently no licensed, commercially available vaccines for MHR. The objective of this study was to develop a challenge model in cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived (CDCD) pigs using cell-associated MHR that results in both severe pericarditis and lameness, in order to evaluate suitable vaccine candidates. We investigated administering MHR to 7-week-old pigs over 3 d using 3 different routes compared to administering MHR on a single day using 1 of 3 routes. Pigs were monitored for 21 d for signs of lameness and well-being. At the end of the study, pigs were examined for evidence of polyserositis and arthritis associated with Mycoplasma. Results indicate that clinical manifestation of disease depended more on the route of administration than on the total dose given. A single intravenous (IV) administration of MHR resulted in extensive polyserositis, while a single intranasal (IN) administration showed little to no signs of disease. A single intraperitoneal (IP) administration did not induce the same level of polyserositis as observed in the IV group, but did result in an increased incidence of lameness. Furthermore, pigs administered MHR by IP (Day 0), IV (Day 1), and IN (Day 2) on 3 consecutive days showed a more robust disease manifestation, which resulted in both polyserositis and lameness. Optimization of this group showed that elimination of the 3rd-day IN challenge had no detrimental effect on clinical outcomes. The consecutive day administration of cell-associated MHR will allow polyserositis and lameness to be simultaneously evaluated in future vaccine trials