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Chronic arthritis of rabbits induced by mycoplasmas. I. Clinical microbiologic, and histologic features
Abstract:
Mycoplasma arthritidis and Mycoplasma pulmonis induced chronic arthritis in rabbits on intraarticular injection, characterized by joint swelling and histologic evidence of chronic active inflammation persisting at least one year. Cartilage and bone destruction was a prominent late feature of M arthritidis but not M pulmonis disease. Despite the progressive nature of the disease and persistence of active inflammation for many months after inoculation, mycoplasmas and mycoplasma antigens were not found in joint tissues after 7 weeks.
Insights
Mycoplasma arthritidis and Mycoplasma pulmonis cause chronic arthritis in rabbits, leading to joint swelling and inflammation. Despite persistent inflammation, the bacteria were undetectable in joint tissues after seven weeks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mycoplasma species are known causative agents of various infections in animals.
- Chronic arthritis can significantly impact animal welfare and research models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of Mycoplasma arthritidis and Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in a rabbit arthritis model.
- To characterize the pathological changes and the presence of mycoplasma in joint tissues over time.
Main Methods:
- Intraarticular injection of Mycoplasma arthritidis or Mycoplasma pulmonis into rabbit joints.
- Histological examination of joint tissues to assess inflammation and damage.
- Detection of mycoplasma and mycoplasma antigens in joint tissues at various time points.
Main Results:
- Both Mycoplasma species induced chronic arthritis with joint swelling and inflammation lasting over a year.
- Mycoplasma arthritidis infection led to significant cartilage and bone destruction, unlike Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Mycoplasma organisms and antigens were not detected in joint tissues beyond seven weeks post-inoculation.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma arthritidis and Mycoplasma pulmonis can induce persistent chronic arthritis in rabbits.
- Distinct pathological outcomes, including bone and cartilage destruction, are associated with each Mycoplasma species.
- The lack of detectable mycoplasma in later stages suggests immune-mediated or indirect mechanisms may sustain chronic inflammation.