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Acute Mycoplasma pulmonis infection associated with coagulopathy in C3H/HeN mice
C B Faulkner1, M K Davidson, J K Davis
1Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
Abstract:
Experimentally induced infection with high doses of Mycoplasma pulmonis results in acute pneumonia characterized by severe pulmonary hemorrhage, edema, and, often, death in C3H/HeN mice. To determine whether specific disease manifestations were associated with coagulopathy, we measured serum fibrin, fibrinogen degradation products, and plasma fibrinogen concentrations in C3H/HeN mice infected with high doses of a virulent strain of M. pulmonis. We also examined the lungs and other tissues from infected mice for the presence of intravascular fibrin clots and other lesions. Increased concentrations of fibrinogen degradation products indicated that coagulopathy occurs in acute M. pulmonis infection; however, intravascular fibrin clots were not present. Rather than decreasing, as might be expected during a consumptive coagulopathy, fibrinogen concentrations increased. The hyperfibrinogenemia probably is associated with an acute phase response to M. pulmonis infection.
Insights
Mycoplasma pulmonis infection causes acute pneumonia and coagulopathy, indicated by increased fibrinogen degradation products. However, fibrinogen levels rose, suggesting an acute phase response rather than consumptive coagulopathy.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in mice can cause severe pneumonia, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Coagulopathy, a disorder of blood clotting, is a potential complication of severe infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and nature of coagulopathy during acute Mycoplasma pulmonis pneumonia.
- To correlate specific coagulation markers with disease severity and pathological findings.
Main Methods:
- C3H/HeN mice were infected with a virulent strain of Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Serum fibrinogen degradation products and plasma fibrinogen concentrations were measured.
- Lung and other tissues were examined for intravascular fibrin clots and lesions.
Main Results:
- Increased fibrinogen degradation products confirmed coagulopathy in infected mice.
- No evidence of intravascular fibrin clots was found in examined tissues.
- Plasma fibrinogen concentrations unexpectedly increased, indicating hyperfibrinogenemia.
Conclusions:
- Acute Mycoplasma pulmonis infection induces coagulopathy, evidenced by elevated fibrinogen degradation products.
- The observed hyperfibrinogenemia is likely part of an acute phase response, not a consumptive coagulopathy.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the hemostatic alterations in this model.