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A natural outbreak of transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia in A/J mice

Laboratory Animal Science
|April 1, 1979
PubMed

Insights

Transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia, caused by Citrobacter freundii, affected A/J mice. Tetracycline treatment effectively controlled this bacterial infection and its associated clinical signs.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Microbiology
  • Animal Models

Background:

  • Murine models are crucial for understanding gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Citrobacter freundii is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections in various hosts.

Observation:

  • A transmissible colonic hyperplasia outbreak occurred in 6-month-old A/J mice.
  • Clinical signs included rough coats, fecal soiling, dehydration, and rectal prolapse.

Findings:

  • Bacterial cultures confirmed Citrobacter freundii as the causative agent.
  • Necropsy revealed non-clotting intestinal fluid and colonic thickening.
  • Morbidity reached approximately 50% with a 25% mortality rate.

Implications:

  • This study highlights Citrobacter freundii as a significant pathogen in laboratory mice.
  • Effective control was achieved with tetracycline, offering a treatment strategy.
  • Understanding this condition is vital for maintaining the health of research animal colonies.

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