Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
A Reproducible Cartilage Impact Model to Generate Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis in the Rabbit
Published on: November 21, 2023
EXPERIMENTAL ARTHRITIS IN THE RABBIT, PRODUCED WITH STREPTOCOCCUS MITIS
1Pathological Laboratory of the Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.
Abstract:
1. We have produced arthritis in 50 per cent. of the rabbits injected with Streptococcus mitis. 2. The character of the arthritis is identical with that produced by Micrococcus rheumaticus. 3. The exudate in and about the joints partakes of the same nature as that caused by Streptococcus rheumaticus. 4. Bacteriological studies show that Streptococcus mitis can be recovered from about one third of the affected joints. 5. Arthritis produced by other types of streptococci differs by reason of greater destruction of tissue, by being more permanent in character, and by the exudate containing large numbers of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. 6. The deduction of a distinct variety or species of streptococcus based upon the power to cause arthritis in rabbits is unwarranted.
Insights
Injecting rabbits with Streptococcus mitis induced arthritis, similar to that caused by Micrococcus rheumaticus. This suggests that arthritis induction in rabbits does not warrant classifying distinct streptococcal varieties.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Streptococcus mitis is a common bacterium.
- The relationship between streptococcal species and arthritis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the arthritogenic potential of Streptococcus mitis in rabbits.
- To compare the induced arthritis with that caused by other streptococci.
Main Methods:
- Arthritis was induced in rabbits by injecting Streptococcus mitis.
- Bacteriological analysis of affected joints was performed.
- Arthritis characteristics were compared to those induced by Micrococcus rheumaticus and other streptococci.
Main Results:
- Fifty percent of rabbits injected with Streptococcus mitis developed arthritis.
- The induced arthritis and joint exudate were similar to those caused by Micrococcus rheumaticus.
- Streptococcus mitis was recovered from one-third of affected joints.
- Arthritis from other streptococci showed greater tissue destruction and persistence.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus mitis can induce arthritis in rabbits.
- The arthritis produced by Streptococcus mitis is similar to that of Micrococcus rheumaticus.
- Arthritogenic potential in rabbits is insufficient to classify distinct streptococcal species.
