Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Mycoplasma pulmonis of Rodents as a Possible Human Pathogen
Tomasz Piasecki1, Klaudia Chrzastek1, Urszula Kasprzykowska2
11 Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Bird and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences , Wrocław, Poland .
Abstract:
Mycoplasma pulmonis is a naturally occurring respiratory pathogen in rodents. To date, this pathogen was not isolated from humans. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and seropositivity to M. pulmonis in humans who have had direct contact with rats. Moreover, the prevalence of M. pulmonis in pet and laboratory rats was assessed. Overall, 131 and 235 oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from human individuals and rats, respectively. In humans, M. pulmonis was detected by PCR in 21 of 86 pet rat keepers (24.42%), 10 of 13 technicians (76.32%), and 8 of 32 (25.0%) veterinarians. In rats, M. pulmonis was identified by PCR in 86 of 122 pet rats (70.49%) and 56 of 113 (49.56%) laboratory rats. Seroprevalence in humans was examined by screening sera from 44 individuals for M. pulmonis-specific IgG using ELISA. In total, 26 out of 44 (59.09%) humans were seropositive to M. pulmonis (4 out of 9 technicians, 8 of 12 veterinarians, and 15 of 23 pet rat keepers).The high antibody titer was found in 4 individuals (2 pet rat keepers and 2 veterinarians), whereas the moderate and low antibody titers were found in 8 and 14 individuals, respectively. The high antibody titer found in humans might indicate an active infection. However, it is unknown whether the presence of M. pulmonis in humans might be associated with disease and whether the foreign Mycoplasma can survive for long in its new environment.
Insights
Mycoplasma pulmonis, a rodent respiratory pathogen, was detected in humans with rat contact, including pet rat keepers, technicians, and veterinarians. High antibody titers suggest potential active infection in humans, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Human Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis is a common respiratory pathogen in rodents.
- Previously, M. pulmonis had not been isolated from human populations.
- Rodents, particularly pet and laboratory rats, can serve as reservoirs for various pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of M. pulmonis in humans with direct rat contact.
- To assess the seroprevalence of M. pulmonis in these human populations.
- To evaluate the occurrence of M. pulmonis in pet and laboratory rats.
Main Methods:
- Oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from 131 humans and 235 rats.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to detect M. pulmonis DNA.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was employed to screen human sera for M. pulmonis-specific IgG antibodies.
Main Results:
- M. pulmonis was detected in 24.42% of pet rat keepers, 76.32% of technicians, and 25.0% of veterinarians.
- Prevalence in rats was 70.49% in pet rats and 49.56% in laboratory rats.
- Overall human seroprevalence was 59.09%, with 4 individuals showing high antibody titers, possibly indicating active infection.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the presence of Mycoplasma pulmonis in humans with rat contact.
- The high seroprevalence and detection rates suggest zoonotic transmission is possible.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance and long-term survival of M. pulmonis in humans.
More Related Videos
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
07:43A Non-invasive and Technically Non-intensive Method for Induction and Phenotyping of Experimental Bacterial Pneumonia in Mice
Published on: September 28, 2016