Following a Mycoplasma eradication program it can difficult to determine whether the bacteria has been truly eliminated. After an extended period, traditional PCR tests can assist by identifying the presence of DNA, however in the weeks to months after, it is possible that traditional PCR tests will pick up residual DNA from non-living pathogens.
Recent work under taken at University of Minnesota by PhD candidate Albert Canturri has resulted in a re-design of the Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae PCR test to enable it to determine whether the pathogen is dead or alive! Read the article.
https://profiles-vetmed.umn.edu/article/pinpointing-pathogens-dead-or-alive
