Orthologous surface proteins from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma flocculare: in silico comparison and heterologous expression of differential extracellular domains

Background Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma flocculare are two closely related mycoplasma species often found in the porcine respiratory tract[1]. However, M. hyopenumoniae is pathogenic, being the causative agent of enzootic pneumonia, while M. flocculare is a commensal bacterium. Enzootic pneumonia is a contagious respiratory disease characterized by chronic cough, growth retardation, low mortality, and a high morbidity. It causes significative economic losses in pig industry worldwide. Some of main interactions between the host and the bacteria are mediated by surface proteins, and a comparison of surface proteins between these two mycoplasmas species can lead to identification of determinants of pathogenicity or commensalism.