Multi-locus sequence typing of Mycoplasma bovis to assess its genetic diversity from 2009-2018 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China

Abstract Background: Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a highly contagious cattle pathogen spreading worldwide and especially in Ningxia province in China. Methods: For investing epidemiology and population structure, we isolated 65 strains of M. bovis from infectious cattle with pneumonia or mastitis or arthritis. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) analysis were used to compare these 65 strains isolated from 2009 to 2018. The molecular epidemiology and population structure of M. bovis of these strains were further compared to PG45 strain and HB0801 reported for the first time in China and others strains isolated from different province of China through MLST analysis. Seven gene sequences of 65 strains in Ningxia and the strains of different STs in China and PG45 reference strains were concatenated to constructe a phylogenetic tree. Results: Totally two types of ST, ST10 and ST134, were identified in Ningxia. 37 Ningxia strains were classified to ST10 and 28 Ningxia strains were classified to ST134. ST134 strain was a new ST and first found in 2009 and was only widely distributed in Ningxia at present. The M. bovis of ST10 was widely spread in many provinces in China and was widespread in Ningxia since 2010. It is speculated that the prevalence of M. bovis ST10 in Ningxia began in 2010. Conclusion: This study is the first report on the genetic diversity of M. bovis from 2009 to 2018 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and provides the epidemiological information, thus is meaningful for providing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of M.bovis in Ningxia, China.