How can you treat Mycoplasma infection in rats? - briefly
Treat the infection with a tetracycline‑class drug (e.g., doxycycline or enrofloxacin) delivered in drinking water or by oral gavage for 2–3 weeks, guided by susceptibility testing. Supportive measures such as improved sanitation and monitoring of clinical signs help prevent recurrence.
How can you treat Mycoplasma infection in rats? - in detail
Treating Mycoplasma infection in rats requires a combination of accurate diagnosis, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and supportive management.
First, confirm the presence of Mycoplasma spp. using culture, PCR, or serology. Collect oropharyngeal swabs, lung tissue, or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid under aseptic conditions. PCR provides rapid, species‑specific results; culture, though slower, allows susceptibility testing.
Select antimicrobials based on known susceptibility patterns. Effective agents include:
- Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO or IM every 12 h for 7–14 days).
- Macrolides (e.g., tylosin 10 mg/kg PO once daily for 10 days; azithromycin 10 mg/kg PO once daily for 5 days).
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg PO once daily for 5–7 days; use with caution due to potential cartilage toxicity).
Avoid β‑lactams, as Mycoplasma lacks a cell wall and is intrinsically resistant. Adjust dosage for age, weight, and renal or hepatic impairment. Monitor serum drug concentrations when possible to avoid sub‑therapeutic levels and resistance development.
Supportive care includes:
- Environmental control: maintain temperature ≥ 20 °C, humidity 70–80 %, and adequate ventilation to reduce stress.
- Nutritional support: provide high‑calorie, easily digestible feed; consider supplemental electrolyte solutions if dehydration occurs.
- Hydration: administer subcutaneous or intraperitoneal lactated Ringer’s solution (5–10 mL/kg) as needed.
Implement biosecurity measures to prevent reinfection: isolate affected animals, use dedicated equipment, and sterilize cages with autoclaving or chemical disinfectants effective against Mycoplasma (e.g., 0.1 % sodium hypochlorite).
Re‑evaluate infection status after completion of therapy using PCR or culture. A negative result on two consecutive samples collected 7 days apart confirms clearance. If relapse occurs, repeat susceptibility testing and consider combination therapy (e.g., doxycycline plus a macrolide).
Document all treatments, dosages, and outcomes to inform future colony management and to comply with institutional animal care guidelines.