Immunohistochemical demonstration of Mycoplasma bovis in chronic lung lesions in feedlot cattle

Bovine feedlots are intensive production systems of significant importance in Mexico, United States of America and Canada. Respiratory diseases are the single most important cause of morbidity and mortality in feedlot cattle. Herein, the gross and microscopic findings in the lungs of cattle with unusually persistent pneumonia unresponsive to aggressive antibiotic treatment in feedlots localized in General Escobedo, Nuevo Leon; Morelia, Michoacan; Mexicali, Baja California, and Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico are described. Eight chronic suppurative bronchopneumonia cases with multifocal areas of casseous necrosis were selected. Microscopically, these lesions were bronchocentric and characterized by foci of necrosis surrounded by a pyogranulomatous reaction. Immunohistochemical studies revealed positive reaction to Mycoplasma bovis in all cases. Gross and microscopic lesions associated with M. bovis pneumonia have a conspicuous pattern. This is the first report of M. bovis causing pneumonia in feedlot cattle in Mexico.