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Studies on the pathogenicity for rat of a mycoplasma isolated from rheumatoid arthritis
Abstract:
The pathogenicity for rat of M. arthritidis strain Jasmin and strain 20-P from rheumatoid synovial tissue were studied. Only strain Jasmin produced signs of illness in four of the 12 rats infected. A mycoplasma was isolated from three tissue specimens. Ten of the 48 rats investigated showed mycoplasma antibodies. Five rats showed minor inflammatory changes in the distal joints of the limbs. The failure to induce arthritic symptoms in rats inoculated with strain 20-P from rheumatoid arthritis may be due to its 10-year long storage outside the animal host.
Insights
Mycoplasma arthritidis strain Jasmin caused illness in rats, while strain 20-P did not. Stored strain 20-P may have lost pathogenicity, highlighting the importance of M. arthritidis strain viability for studying arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Veterinary Pathology
Background:
- Mycoplasma arthritidis is a known pathogen that can cause arthritis in various animal models.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting joints.
- Understanding the pathogenicity of different M. arthritidis strains is crucial for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenicity of two Mycoplasma arthritidis strains (Jasmin and 20-P) in a rat model.
- To determine if M. arthritidis can induce arthritic symptoms and be isolated from infected tissues.
- To explore potential reasons for differing pathogenicity between strains.
Main Methods:
- Infection of rats with M. arthritidis strains Jasmin and 20-P.
- Clinical observation for signs of illness and arthritis.
- Isolation of mycoplasma from tissue specimens.
- Serological testing for mycoplasma antibodies.
- Histopathological examination of joint tissues.
Main Results:
- Strain Jasmin induced illness in 4 out of 12 infected rats.
- Mycoplasma was isolated from three tissue specimens.
- Ten out of 48 rats showed mycoplasma antibodies.
- Five rats exhibited minor inflammatory changes in distal limb joints.
- Strain 20-P failed to induce significant arthritic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma arthritidis strain Jasmin demonstrated pathogenicity in rats, causing illness and minor joint inflammation.
- Strain 20-P, stored for 10 years, showed reduced pathogenicity, suggesting loss of virulence over time.
- Further research is needed to understand strain-specific virulence factors and the impact of storage on M. arthritidis pathogenicity.