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[Experimental magnesium ammonium phosphate lithiasis induced by Ureaplasma in the rat]
Abstract:
Struvite urinary stones are commonly associated with infections by urease possessing bacteria (Proteus). Ureaplasma urealyticum, a genital mycoplasma, is predominantly located in the human genito-urinary tract and produces urease. Its possible role in the formation of infection stones was studied in the rat model described by Friedlander and Braude. Struvite bladder stones were produced in 60% of Sprague-Dawley male rats after infection of ureaplasmas (serotype 1, 2, 3, 7) into the renal medulla. Mycoplasma hominis, another genital mycoplasma, produced bladder stones in only 10% of animals. A kinetic study showed that pure struvite stones appeared into the bladder 4 to 5 days after inoculation and that U. urealyticum did not usually remain viable more than 6 days. Acetohydroxamic acid and doxycycline prevented the formation of the stones.
Insights
Ureaplasma urealyticum, a urease-producing bacteria, can cause struvite bladder stones in rats. Acetohydroxamic acid and doxycycline effectively prevented stone formation in this infection model.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Microbiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Struvite urinary stones are frequently linked to urease-producing bacteria, such as Proteus.
- Ureaplasma urealyticum, a common inhabitant of the human genito-urinary tract, possesses urease activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of Ureaplasma urealyticum in the formation of infection-induced struvite bladder stones.
- To evaluate the efficacy of acetohydroxamic acid and doxycycline in preventing stone formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rat model (Sprague-Dawley male rats) previously established by Friedlander and Braude.
- Infected the renal medulla of rats with Ureaplasma urealyticum (serotypes 1, 2, 3, 7) and Mycoplasma hominis.
- Monitored stone formation and bacterial viability over time.
- Administered acetohydroxamic acid and doxycycline to assess their preventative effects.
Main Results:
- Ureaplasma urealyticum infection led to struvite bladder stone formation in 60% of rats.
- Mycoplasma hominis infection resulted in stone formation in only 10% of rats.
- Pure struvite stones appeared within 4-5 days post-inoculation; U. urealyticum viability was typically limited to 6 days.
- Acetohydroxamic acid and doxycycline successfully prevented struvite stone formation.
Conclusions:
- Ureaplasma urealyticum is implicated in the pathogenesis of struvite bladder stones.
- The urease activity of U. urealyticum plays a key role in stone formation.
- Pharmacological interventions, including acetohydroxamic acid and doxycycline, can prevent infection-induced struvite stones.