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Natural pathogens of laboratory animals and their effects on research
M D Connole1, H Yamaguchi, D Elad
1Department of Veterinary Pathology & Anatomy, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. c.wheatland@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Abstract:
The natural fungal pathogens of laboratory animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs are mainly dermatophyte species, most commonly Trichophyton mentagrophytes and also, less frequently Microsporum gypseum and M. canis. However, the incidences of infection and clinical disease are low in well-managed animal facilities. Young or immunocompromised rabbits are thought to be most susceptible. Dermatophytes infect the epidermis and adnexal structures, including hair follicles and shafts, usually on or around the head, and cause pruritus, patchy alopecia, erythema and crusting. Histopathological changes in the underlying skin occur and these changes could confound histological studies involving the skin. Yeast infections usually due to Candida spp. have been reported occasionally in laboratory animals. In this paper, the role of rodents in the evaluation of topical antifungal agents, dermatophytosis and two species of Candida, which are natural pathogens of laboratory animals, are discussed in relation to their effects on research. Pneumocystis carinii, an inhabitant of the respiratory tract of laboratory mice and rats, is a pathogen only under conditions of induced or inherent immunodeficiency. Infected mice and rats are likely to develop severe pneumocystosis following immunosuppression and will be rendered unsuitable for most experimental purposes.
Insights
Natural fungal pathogens like Trichophyton mentagrophytes can affect laboratory animals, particularly rabbits. These infections, though rare in well-managed facilities, can impact research by causing skin changes and affecting animal suitability for experiments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Laboratory Animal Science
Background:
- Common fungal pathogens in laboratory animals include dermatophytes (e.g., Trichophyton mentagrophytes) and yeasts (e.g., Candida spp.).
- Rodents are susceptible to Pneumocystis carinii, especially under immunodeficient conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of rodents in evaluating topical antifungal agents.
- To review dermatophytosis and Candida infections in laboratory animals and their research implications.
- To highlight the impact of Pneumocystis carinii on immunosuppressed rodents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on fungal pathogens in laboratory animals.
- Discussion of experimental models using rodents for antifungal drug evaluation.
- Analysis of the pathological effects of fungal infections on research animals.
Main Results:
- Dermatophytes typically cause superficial skin infections, leading to histopathological changes that can interfere with skin studies.
- Candida infections are occasionally reported in laboratory animals.
- Pneumocystis carinii infections in immunosuppressed rodents can lead to severe disease, rendering them unsuitable for research.
Conclusions:
- Fungal infections in laboratory animals, while infrequent, pose a risk to research integrity.
- Understanding these pathogens is crucial for maintaining healthy animal models and reliable experimental outcomes.
- Rodents serve as important models for studying fungal infections and testing antifungal therapies.