LESIONS CAUSED BY Mycoplasma bovis IN CATTLE

Abstract

Mycoplasma bovis infection is an important cause of morbidity in cattle herds, characterized by chronic lesions in multiple organ systems. This paper aims to describe and analyze the main pathological changes associated with the infection, with emphasis on respiratory, mammary, articular, otological, neurological and ocular manifestations. Pulmonary lesions include necrotizing bronchopneumonia and sequestrum formation, while mastitis causes extensive glandular destruction and functional loss. Arthritis, associated with proliferative synovitis and joint erosion, severely affects animal performance. Other manifestations, such as otitis media and meningoencephalitis, show the agent's capacity for systemic dissemination. Macroscopic and histopathological analysis of the lesions shows the persistence of the microorganism in the tissues and the difficulty of elimination by the immune response. In-depth knowledge of lesion patterns is essential for differential diagnosis and for improving health control strategies in herds. Thus, understanding the clinical and pathological aspects of M. bovis makes a significant contribution to tackling this disease, which is having a growing impact on livestock farming worldwide.