From July 7th to 11th, the 25th International Organization for Mycoplasmology (IOM) Conference was grandly held in Gran Canaria, Spain. Over 100 Mycoplasma researchers from more than 20 countries attended this conference. The Animal Mycoplasma Innovation Team, led by Professor Feng Zhixin, participated in the conference, organizing two oral presentations and four poster sessions.

At the conference, Professor Feng Zhixin delivered an academic report titled "Mycoplasma Shares a Similar Immune Escape Mechanism to Mediate Persistent Infection." He presented the team's research findings on the mechanisms of persistent infection of Mycoplasma in humans and animals, including breaking through the mucosal barrier system, inhibiting complement activation, and evading immune cell phagocytosis. He also proposed the research concept of "One Health, One Mycoplasma." Professor Xiong Qiyan gave an academic report titled "Efficacy Evaluation in Pigs of a Combined Inactivated Vaccine Against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis." She systematically introduced the research progress of the bivalent inactivated vaccine against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Mycoplasma hyorhinis in pigs, proposing the latest technologies and tools for clinical control of Mycoplasma diseases in pigs. The content of the reports was highly recognized and sparked great interest among the attendees.

During the conference, the team also showcased the latest scientific research advancements in Mycoplasma in pigs, poultry, and cattle and sheep through poster presentations. The posters were provided by Professor Liu Maojun, Associate Professor Zhang Zhenzhen, Associate Professor Xie Xing, and Assistant Professor Zhang Wenwen.

In the International Research Programme on Comparative Mycoplasmology (IRPCM) discussion and poster exchange sessions, the participants engaged in in-depth discussions with international experts on mycoplasma diagnosis techniques, infection models, rapid viable bacteria quantification, serum-free culture techniques, immune evasion and regulation, and mycoplasma bioengineering and applications. These discussions established bridges for future collaborations.

Participation in this conference enhanced the dissemination and exchange of our institute's research in the mycoplasma field and deepened our understanding of international academic focuses and trends. We engaged in in-depth exchanges with Meghan May, the chair of IOM, Ana S. Ramírez, the chair of Local Organizing Committee, Chih-Horng Kuo, the chair of IRPCM, and Christine Citti, the chair of the Scientific Committee of IOM. These interactions laid a solid foundation for future in-depth international cooperation and further enhancement of our institute's international status in Mycoplasmology.

Professor Feng Zhixin delivering an academic report

Professor Xiong Qiyan delivering an academic report

Poster exhibition by the Animal Mycoplasma Innovation Team

IRPCM meeting discussions and poster exchanges

Group photo of participants with international experts (from left: Meghan May, the chair of IOM; center: Chih-Horng Kuo, the chair of IRPCM; top right: Christine Citti, the chair of the Scientific Committee of IOM; bottom right: Ana S. Ramírez, the chair of Local Organizing Committee)