Pathogenesis of arthritis induced in chickens by Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

Abstract

Gross and microscopic changes of the joint, heart, and brain were studied in chickens infected intravenously with M. gallisepticum (S6 isolate). Synovitis occurred within 3 days, followed by suppurative arthritis at 7 days, and osteomyelitis 5 days later. The pathologic changes were attributed to a severe vasculitis characterized by extensive fibrinoid necrosis and endothelial swelling. Ischemic change was observed in the heart and brain as a result of the acute arteritis.