How is mycoplasmosis transmitted among rats? - briefly
Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions, or uterine discharge, and indirectly via contaminated bedding or food. Vertical spread from dam to offspring may also take place during gestation or birth.
How is mycoplasmosis transmitted among rats? - in detail
Mycoplasma infection in rats spreads primarily through direct contact and environmental exposure. Infected individuals shed the organism in respiratory secretions, urine, and feces, creating multiple pathways for propagation.
- Aerosol transmission – breathing droplets expelled during sneezing or grooming introduces the pathogen to the nasal passages of nearby rodents.
- Fomite-mediated spread – contaminated bedding, food dishes, water bottles, and cage accessories retain viable organisms, allowing indirect infection when other rats handle these items.
- Vertical transmission – infected females can pass the agent to offspring during gestation or through milk, establishing infection in neonates without external exposure.
- Sexual contact – mating behavior facilitates exchange of genital secretions that may contain the bacteria, contributing to spread within breeding colonies.
Environmental conditions influence the efficiency of each route. High humidity and moderate temperatures prolong bacterial survival on surfaces, enhancing fomite transmission. Overcrowding increases aerosol exposure by reducing the distance between individuals. Poor sanitation accelerates accumulation of contaminated material, raising the risk of indirect infection.
Control measures target these mechanisms. Regular cage cleaning, use of autoclaved bedding, and provision of fresh water reduce environmental reservoirs. Isolation of symptomatic animals limits aerosol and direct contact spread. Routine health monitoring and breeding management prevent vertical and sexual transmission within colonies.