How long do rats live with mycoplasmosis? - briefly
Rats infected with Mycoplasma spp. typically survive 2–4 weeks without intervention, although mild infections may persist for several months under optimal conditions. Mortality rises sharply after the third week due to respiratory and systemic complications.
How long do rats live with mycoplasmosis? - in detail
Rats infected with mycoplasma species typically experience a reduced lifespan compared with healthy individuals. The exact duration depends on several variables, including the mycoplasma strain, infection route, age at exposure, and the presence of secondary infections or stressors.
Key determinants of survival time:
- Pathogen virulence – Highly pathogenic Mycoplasma pulmonis strains can cause severe respiratory disease, leading to death within 2–4 weeks after clinical signs appear. Less aggressive strains may allow survival for several months.
- Age and immune status – Juvenile rats with immature immune systems succumb more rapidly, often within 1–3 weeks post‑infection. Adult rats with robust immunity may persist for 2–6 months before fatal complications develop.
- Environmental conditions – Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate nutrition exacerbate disease progression, shortening survival by up to 50 percent.
- Co‑infection – Concurrent bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections accelerate morbidity, potentially reducing lifespan to a few days after symptom onset.
Clinical progression generally follows a predictable pattern:
- Incubation (3–7 days) – Subclinical colonization without observable signs.
- Acute respiratory phase (1–3 weeks) – Nasal discharge, sneezing, labored breathing; systemic effects such as weight loss and lethargy become evident.
- Chronic phase (4 weeks onward) – Persistent cough, bronchopneumonia, and secondary opportunistic infections; mortality risk peaks during this stage.
Without therapeutic intervention, most infected rats will not exceed six months of age, with many succumbing within the first two months after disease onset. Early detection and appropriate antimicrobial treatment (e.g., macrolides or tetracyclines) can extend survival, sometimes allowing affected individuals to live beyond one year, although complete eradication of the pathogen is rare. Regular health monitoring and environmental management remain essential for mitigating the impact of mycoplasma infections on rodent colonies.