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Published on: March 17, 2014
Curative effects of tobramycin or gentamicin therapy on mouse arthritis caused by Mycoplasma pulmonis
Abstract:
Inbred mice infected intravenously with Mycoplasma pulmonis develop a severe and persistent arthritis. Maximal severity of the arthritis is reached 10 to 14 days postinfection, and in some animals, ian arthritic condition subsequently persists throughout life. Chemotherapy was given either at the time of infection or during the acute phase of the disease. Tobramycin, gentamicin, and, to a lesser extent, kanamycin delayed the development of arthritis when administered at the time of infection, and, when given therapeutically, they all reduced inflammation and swelling of arthritic joints. Recovery of the mycoplasma was lowest from the joints of more treated with tobramycin or gentamicin, indicating that these two antibiotics were mycoplasmacidal and that the remission of arthritis was correlated with the eradication of the organisms.
Insights
Aminoglycoside antibiotics like tobramycin and gentamicin effectively treat Mycoplasma pulmonis-induced arthritis in mice. Treatment reduced joint inflammation and swelling by eradicating the mycoplasma infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in inbred mice leads to severe, persistent arthritis.
- Arthritis severity peaks 10-14 days post-infection, potentially becoming chronic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of aminoglycoside antibiotics against Mycoplasma pulmonis-induced arthritis.
- To determine if antibiotic treatment can eradicate the pathogen and resolve arthritis.
Main Methods:
- Inbred mice were infected intravenously with Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (tobramycin, gentamicin, kanamycin) were administered either prophylactically or therapeutically.
- Arthritis development, severity, and Mycoplasma pulmonis recovery from joints were assessed.
Main Results:
- Tobramycin and gentamicin delayed arthritis onset when given prophylactically.
- Therapeutic administration of tobramycin, gentamicin, and kanamycin reduced joint inflammation and swelling.
- Lowest Mycoplasma pulmonis recovery rates were observed in joints treated with tobramycin and gentamicin.
Conclusions:
- Tobramycin and gentamicin exhibit mycoplasmacidal activity against Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Antibiotic-mediated eradication of Mycoplasma pulmonis correlates with arthritis remission.
- Aminoglycosides are effective therapeutic agents for Mycoplasma pulmonis arthritis.
