How is mycoplasmosis in a rat treated? - briefly
Mycoplasma infection in rats is treated with tetracycline‑class antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) or macrolides such as tylosin, together with supportive care and thorough sanitation of the environment. Therapy usually lasts 7–14 days, with regular observation for clinical improvement.
How is mycoplasmosis in a rat treated? - in detail
Mycoplasma infection in laboratory rats requires a systematic therapeutic protocol that combines antimicrobial agents, supportive care, and environmental management.
The first step is to confirm the diagnosis through culture, polymerase chain reaction, or serology, allowing selection of an effective drug. Tetracyclines, especially doxycycline, are the drugs of choice because they achieve high intracellular concentrations where mycoplasmas reside. A typical regimen delivers doxycycline at 10 mg/kg body weight, administered orally or via drinking water for 7–14 days. When tetracycline resistance is suspected, macrolides such as azithromycin (15 mg/kg once daily) or clarithromycin (30 mg/kg twice daily) provide an alternative. Fluoroquinolones (enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg once daily) may be used in severe cases, but their use should be limited to avoid resistance development.
Supportive measures enhance recovery:
- Provide fresh, nutritionally balanced feed and ensure unrestricted access to clean water.
- Supplement drinking water with electrolytes or glucose to counteract dehydration.
- Maintain ambient temperature between 20 °C and 24 °C and humidity at 45–55 % to reduce stress.
- Isolate affected animals in a separate cage equipped with HEPA‑filtered airflow to prevent transmission.
Environmental control is critical for preventing reinfection. Implement the following sanitation steps:
- Autoclave bedding, feed, and cages before reuse.
- Disinfect surfaces with a 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite solution, allowing a 10‑minute contact time.
- Replace air filters in the animal facility weekly.
- Conduct routine health monitoring of the colony, including periodic PCR screening of sentinel animals.
If the infection persists after a full antimicrobial course, repeat testing is advised. A second treatment cycle may involve a different drug class, such as a macrolide following a tetracycline regimen, to address possible drug‑resistant strains.
Documentation of all therapeutic interventions, dosages, and outcomes is essential for traceability and for adjusting future protocols. Regular review of colony health records enables early detection of outbreaks and informs preventive strategies.