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Natural uterine Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in female rats
Abstract:
Uterine washings from 124 apparently healthy and non-pregnant female Wistar rats of different ages were cultured for mycoplasmas and bacteria. The animals originated from four conventional breeding colonies which were known to be chronically infected with M. pulmonis from the previous microbiological examination. Mycoplasmas were isolated from the uterus in 30.6% of examined females. All the isolates were biochemically and seriologically identified as M. pulmonis. Uterine colonization with this organism was first evidenced in non-mated female rats at the age of three months. After mating the number of infected females rapidly increased. This observation points out the microbiologically uncontrolled mating as an important factor in the distribution of genital infection within the colony. Bacterial examination of uterine washings revealed only ubiquitous organisms in some animals. Gross lesions in the form of purulent salpingitis and mild endometritis were observed only in two animals.
Insights
Mycoplasma pulmonis, a common rat pathogen, frequently infects the uteri of female Wistar rats. Uncontrolled mating significantly increases the spread of this genital infection within breeding colonies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Reproduction
- Rodent Disease Research
Background:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis is a prevalent pathogen in conventional rat breeding colonies.
- Previous examinations confirmed chronic M. pulmonis infection in the source colonies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and transmission dynamics of Mycoplasma pulmonis in the female Wistar rat reproductive tract.
- To assess the role of mating in the dissemination of genital mycoplasma infections.
Main Methods:
- Uterine washings were collected from 124 healthy, non-pregnant female Wistar rats of varying ages.
- Samples were cultured for mycoplasmas and bacteria.
- Mycoplasma isolates were identified using biochemical and serological methods.
Main Results:
- Mycoplasmas were isolated from 30.6% of the female rats.
- All isolates were identified as Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Uterine colonization was observed in three-month-old non-mated rats, with a rapid increase post-mating.
- Bacterial findings were limited to ubiquitous organisms; gross lesions were rare.
Conclusions:
- Mycoplasma pulmonis is a significant cause of uterine infection in female Wistar rats.
- Mating is a critical factor in the rapid spread of genital M. pulmonis infections.
- Maintaining microbiological control during mating is essential for preventing disease transmission in rat colonies.