# Genomic Characterization of a Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae Strain from Hu Sheep in Inner Mongolia, China

## TL;DR

Researchers in China identified a new strain of a bacteria that causes pneumonia in sheep, which is linked to unusual lung tumors and could help improve disease control in farming.

## Contribution

The study provides the first complete genome of a Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae strain from Inner Mongolia associated with atypical lung lesions.

## Key findings

- The IM-DMQ strain shares 98.3% genetic similarity with a Chinese strain but has 14 unique genes.
- The strain was found in a sheep with unusual tumor-like lung changes, suggesting new disease mechanisms.
- The genome includes genes related to metabolism and virulence, offering targets for diagnostics and vaccines.

## Abstract

Sheep farming is a vital industry in Inner Mongolia, but respiratory diseases often threaten flock health and farmers’ livelihoods. In this study, we investigated a specific bacterium (Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae) that causes pneumonia in sheep. We isolated a new strain, named IM-DMQ, from a sheep that had unusual tumor-like changes in its lungs, which is a condition not typically linked to this infection. After decoding its complete genetic material, we discovered this strain is genetically most similar to others found in China. We also identified specific genes that may help the bacteria survive and cause disease. These findings provide an important foundation for developing better detection methods and vaccines, which could help protect sheep health and support sustainable farming in the region.

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae poses a major threat to sheep respiratory health, contributing to significant economic losses in farming communities. In this study, we isolated a novel strain, IM-DMQ, from a Hu sheep in Inner Mongolia that exhibited pulmonary adenomatous-like lesions, which is an uncommon pathological manifestation for this pathogen. The complete genome was sequenced using a hybrid Nanopore and Illumina approach, revealing a 1,039,804 bp circular chromosome with a GC content of 29.15%, encoding 1529 genes. Functional annotation highlighted genes involved in essential metabolic processes and potential virulence mechanisms. Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated that IM-DMQ shares the closest ancestry (ANI: 98.3%) with the Chinese strain NXNK2203, while structural variations and 14 unique genes distinguished it from other global strains. Furthermore, microbial community profiling of the original lung tissue revealed a co-infection background involving multiple bacterial pathogens, offering an etiological context for the severe disease presentation. These results provide the first complete genomic resource for an M. ovipneumoniae strain from Inner Mongolia associated with unusual pulmonary pathology, offering insights into its genetic diversity and supporting the future development of targeted diagnostics and vaccines for regional disease control.