How is infectious pneumonia treated in rats? - briefly
Treatment involves pathogen‑specific antibiotics delivered by oral gavage or intraperitoneal injection, coupled with fluid therapy, analgesia, and respiratory support. Adjunctive care includes temperature regulation, monitoring of clinical signs, and humane endpoints.
How is infectious pneumonia treated in rats? - in detail
In experimental rodent models, bacterial pneumonia is addressed through a combination of antimicrobial agents, supportive interventions, and monitoring protocols designed to reflect clinical practice while accommodating the species‑specific pharmacology of rats.
The first step after confirming pulmonary infection—typically by culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, radiographic assessment, or histopathology—is the selection of an appropriate antibiotic. Empirical regimens often start with a broad‑spectrum β‑lactam (e.g., ampicillin‑sulbactam) administered intraperitoneally at 100 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, divided into two doses. When Gram‑negative pathogens predominate, a fluoroquinolone such as enrofloxacin (10 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, subcutaneously) may be added. For atypical organisms, macrolides (e.g., azithromycin, 10 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, oral gavage) are preferred. Antibiotic choice is refined after susceptibility testing, and therapy typically continues for 5–7 days, extending to 10 days if bacterial clearance is delayed.
Supportive care includes:
- Fluid therapy: lactated Ringer’s solution, 10 mL kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, subcutaneously or intravenously, to maintain hydration and perfusion.
- Analgesia and anti‑inflammatory control: buprenorphine (0.05 mg kg⁻¹ q12h, subcutaneously) and, when needed, a low‑dose corticosteroid (dexamethasone 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, intraperitoneally) to reduce pulmonary edema.
- Respiratory support: supplemental oxygen delivered via a cage‑mounted flow meter at 1–2 L min⁻¹; in severe cases, non‑invasive positive‑pressure ventilation may be employed using a small‑animal ventilator.
Monitoring parameters encompass daily body weight, temperature, respiratory rate, and arterial blood gas analysis when feasible. Serial chest X‑rays or micro‑CT scans document resolution of infiltrates. Repeat cultures are obtained on days 3 and 7 to verify eradication.
Adjunctive measures that enhance outcomes include:
- Probiotic administration (e.g., Lactobacillus spp., 10⁸ CFU day⁻¹, oral) to modulate gut‑lung axis immunity.
- Immunomodulatory agents such as recombinant interferon‑γ (0.1 µg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, intraperitoneally) for immunocompromised models.
- Environmental controls: temperature maintained at 22 ± 2 °C, humidity 40–60 %, and reduced stressors to prevent secondary infections.
Upon completion of therapy, euthanasia is performed according to institutional animal care guidelines, and lungs are harvested for histological evaluation of inflammation, fibrosis, and bacterial load. Data generated from these protocols inform translational research on pneumonia treatment strategies.