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Survival of feline mycoplasmas in urine
M B Brown1, M Stoll, J Maxwell
1Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0633.
Abstract:
The effects of length of incubation and urine osmolality on the survival of feline mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas and representative gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in synthetic urine which approximated the osmolality of normal cat urine were investigated. Both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus withstood the effects of increasing osmotic pressure. In the most concentrated urine, significant decreases (P less than 0.001) in CFU were observed for E. coli at exposure times of 30 min and longer. S. aureus was not affected by longer exposure or increased osmotic strength. Both Mycoplasma felis and Mycoplasma gateae were affected adversely by longer exposure times and high osmotic strength (P less than 0.001). A Ureaplasma sp. was not adversely affected except at very high (greater than or equal to 2,980 mosM) osmotic strengths or after prolonged incubation (120 min) at relatively high (1,976 mosM) osmotic strengths (P less than 0.001). The failure of both M. felis and M. gateae to survive under osmotic conditions present in normal feline urine suggests that it is unlikely that these mycoplasmas are involved in urinary disorders in cats.
Insights
Feline mycoplasmas like Mycoplasma felis and Mycoplasma gateae struggle to survive in normal cat urine osmolality. This suggests these specific mycoplasmas are unlikely causes of feline urinary disorders.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Urology
- Osmotic Physiology
Background:
- Feline urinary disorders are common, with various microorganisms implicated.
- The role of mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas in feline urinary health requires further investigation.
- Understanding microbial survival in urine is crucial for diagnosing and treating urinary tract infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival rates of feline mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas under varying urine osmolality and incubation times.
- To compare the osmotolerance of feline mycoplasmas with common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- To assess the potential involvement of specific feline mycoplasmas in feline urinary disorders based on their osmotolerance.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of Mycoplasma felis, Mycoplasma gateae, Ureaplasma sp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus in synthetic urine.
- Exposure of bacterial and mycoplasma cultures to a range of urine osmolalities simulating normal and concentrated feline urine.
- Incubation for varying durations (30 min, 60 min, 120 min) at different osmotic pressures.
- Quantification of colony-forming units (CFU) to determine survival rates.
Main Results:
- Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus demonstrated significant osmotolerance.
- Mycoplasma felis and Mycoplasma gateae exhibited significantly reduced survival with increased osmolality and prolonged incubation (P < 0.001).
- Ureaplasma sp. showed resilience, with adverse effects only at very high osmolalities (≥2,980 mosM) or prolonged incubation (120 min) at high osmolality (1,976 mosM).
Conclusions:
- The poor survival of Mycoplasma felis and Mycoplasma gateae in osmolalities mimicking normal feline urine suggests they are unlikely pathogens in feline urinary disorders.
- Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria like S. aureus and E. coli exhibit better survival under osmotic stress.
- Further research may focus on other potential uropathogens or contributing factors in feline urinary diseases.