Where within the avian respiratory system does Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) localize, and how does it physically compromise ciliary defense mechanisms?

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) has a strong tropism for the respiratory mucosal epithelium of poultry. Upon inhalation, the bacterium localizes primarily in the trachea, primary bronchi, and the abdominal air sacs. MG attaches tightly to host cells using its specialized tip organelle (terminal bleb), which contains adhesins that bind to sialic acid receptors. Once bound, it releases hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals, causing severe deciliation—the physical paralysis and destruction of the protective mucosal cilia. This compromises the mucociliary escalator, allowing opportunistic bacteria like E. coli to invade the lower respiratory tract, leading to airsacculitis and high mortality. Farmers can access respiratory disease guides in the Poultry Encyclopedia, buy targeted mycoplasmabusters and tylosin-based medications on Poultry Plaza, check daily market rates on Poultry Rates, and trade vaccinated laying flocks on Murghi Mandi.