Detection of Antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri in Goats with the Complement Fixation Test

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri is the causative agent of severe and acute respiratory problems in goats, which spreads rapidly and represents high mortality. The serological profile of the goat population, from nine regions in seven states of Mexico, was screened by the Complement Fixation test (CF) in sera from asymptomatic goats and animals with mild respiratory symptoms. Sera and nasal swabs of 827 goats were collected for the isolation of the organism. An antiserum was prepared against a previously isolated field strain of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri. CF Antibody titers were associated with the results of the isolates to determine the cutoff point. The CF was considered as positive if its result was ≥1/16. The CF registered 251 positive goats (30.35%) and 576 (69.65%) negative;the test showed high sensitivity (93.33%) and specificity (72.27%). In the specific case of diagnosis for mycoplasmosis associated with respiratory problems in goats, the CF proved to be a good diagnosis test, this study determined that 30% of the goat population showed antibody titers against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri and revealed those animals who have had contact with this microorganism during their lives regardless of the presence or absence of respiratory symptoms.