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Characterization of Mycoplasma pulmonis variants isolated from rabbits. I. Identification and properties of isolates
Abstract:
Mycoplasma showing at least two colony types were isolated from the nares and oropharynx of New Zealand white rabbits. Two strains were purified by single-colony passages and characterized. Morphology by phase-contrast and electron microscopy was typical of Mycoplasmataceae. Both grew anaerobically as well as aerobically, caused hemolysis of guinea pig, sheep, and horse red blood cells, and fermented glucose. These characteristics are shared by members of the species M. pulmonis, commonly isolated from the respiratory tracts of laboratory rats and mice. By use of the growth-inhibition test and agar-gel double-diffusion tests, the two strains were found to be serologically related to each other and to M. pulmonis ATCC 14267 but not to other representative Mycoplasma species from man and animals.
Insights
Researchers identified Mycoplasma strains from rabbit respiratory tracts. These rabbit isolates were serologically related to Mycoplasma pulmonis, a common pathogen in rodents.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Mycoplasmology
- Rabbit Pathology
Background:
- Mycoplasma species are significant pathogens in various animal species.
- The respiratory tract of New Zealand white rabbits can harbor Mycoplasma.
- Characterization of Mycoplasma isolates is crucial for understanding animal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize Mycoplasma strains from the nares and oropharynx of New Zealand white rabbits.
- To determine the serological relationship of these rabbit isolates to known Mycoplasma species, particularly Mycoplasma pulmonis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of Mycoplasma from rabbit swabs.
- Purification of strains by single-colony passages.
- Morphological characterization using phase-contrast and electron microscopy.
- Growth studies under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
- Hemolysis assays using various red blood cells.
- Biochemical tests, including glucose fermentation.
- Serological identification using growth-inhibition and agar-gel double-diffusion tests.
Main Results:
- Two Mycoplasma strains with distinct colony types were isolated from rabbit nares and oropharynx.
- Morphological, growth, hemolytic, and fermentative characteristics were consistent with the Mycoplasmataceae family.
- The isolates exhibited characteristics shared with Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Serological tests confirmed a relationship between the two rabbit strains and Mycoplasma pulmonis ATCC 14267.
- No serological relationship was found with other Mycoplasma species from humans and animals.
Conclusions:
- The isolated Mycoplasma strains from rabbits are likely Mycoplasma pulmonis or a closely related species.
- These findings suggest Mycoplasma pulmonis can colonize the respiratory tract of rabbits.
- Further investigation is warranted to understand the pathogenicity and prevalence of these Mycoplasma strains in rabbits.