Virulence, persistence and dissemination of Mycoplasma bovis

•Mycoplasma bovis pathogenesis is multifactorial.•Highly variable surface lipoproteins contribute to rapid evolution of M. bovis.•Adhesion to host cells is an essential step in M. bovis infection.•M. bovis survives intracellularly in multiple host cells.•Synergistic interactions with other pathogens may induce more severe lung lesions. Bovine mycoplasmosis due to Mycoplasma bovis causes several important bovine diseases such as pneumonia, mastitis, arthritis, otitis, genital disorders or keratoconjunctivitis. Variable surface lipoproteins, adhesion, invasion of host cells, modulation of the host immune system, biofilm formation and the release of secondary metabolites like hydrogen peroxide, as well as synergistic infections with other bacterial or viral pathogens are among the more significantly studied characteristics of the bacterium. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the virulence of M. bovis and additionally, factors contributing to the dissemination and persistence of this pathogen in the bovine host will be discussed.