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Naturally occurring erysipelas in rats
1National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden.
Laboratory Animals
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was identified in the joints of rats with polyarthritis, endocarditis, and myocarditis. This finding highlights a potential link between this bacterium and spontaneous inflammatory conditions in rodents.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Rodent Models
Background:
- Spontaneous polyarthritis, endocarditis, and myocarditis are debilitating conditions in laboratory animals.
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a known pathogen in various animal species, but its role in spontaneous rat diseases is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of spontaneous chronic fibrinopurulent polyarthritis, endocarditis, and myocarditis in Sprague Dawley rats.
- To investigate the presence and role of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in these specific pathological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of bacteria from affected tissues, specifically limb joints.
- Histopathological examination of lesions in joints, heart valves, and myocardium.
Main Results:
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was successfully isolated from the main limb joints of affected rats.
- The bacterium was identified as the likely causative agent in the observed polyarthritis, endocarditis, and myocarditis.
Conclusions:
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae can cause spontaneous chronic polyarthritis, endocarditis, and myocarditis in Sprague Dawley rats.
- This study underscores the importance of considering Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory diseases in rodent research models.