[Experimental pathogenicity of so-called atypical mycobacteria in mice, hamsters and meriones. Anatomo-pathological...

Three animal species were used for the experimental pathogenicity of fourteen out of a total of thirty strains of atypical mycobacteria which were isolated from lymph nodes of healthy pigs in the surrounding area of Montevideo. White mice, hamsters and meriones were inoculated by intraperitoneal, intravenous or intracardiac routes. These animals were observed for either one year or until death, if death occurred during that year. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions were studied. Smears and cultures were also performed. This method led to a better knowledge of the pathogenicity of the following atypical mycobacteria species: Mycobacterium kansasii, MAIS complex and M. chelonae. It showed that some saprophyte strains belonging to terrae and vaccae complex were able to develop a pathogenicity. The hamster appeared to be the most sensitive animal.