How to treat Mycoplasma in a rat? - briefly
Treat the infection with a macrolide or tetracycline antibiotic—such as enrofloxacin, doxycycline, or azithromycin—administered according to veterinary dosing guidelines, and enforce strict biosecurity measures to prevent reinfection. Monitor clinical signs and confirm clearance with PCR testing.
How to treat Mycoplasma in a rat? - in detail
Mycoplasma infection in laboratory rats commonly involves the respiratory pathogen «Mycoplasma pulmonis». Clinical presentation includes sneezing, nasal discharge, dyspnea, and reduced weight gain. Early detection prevents spread to colony mates and minimizes morbidity.
Diagnosis relies on culture of respiratory specimens, polymerase chain reaction targeting specific 16S rRNA sequences, and serological assays detecting IgG antibodies. Confirmation by two independent methods strengthens reliability.
Therapeutic intervention consists of antimicrobial therapy, supportive measures, and environmental control. Antimicrobials with proven activity against mycoplasmas are limited to a few classes; selection must consider pharmacokinetics in rodents and potential impact on research outcomes.
- Tetracycline derivatives (doxycycline 5 mg/kg, oral, twice daily) for 14 days.
- Macrolides (azithromycin 10 mg/kg, oral, once daily) for 7–10 days.
- Fluoroquinolones (enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg, subcutaneous, once daily) for 5 days, reserved for resistant cases.
Dosage adjustments required for pregnant or immunocompromised animals. Treatment should commence promptly after positive diagnosis; continuation beyond the prescribed period is unnecessary unless clinical signs persist.
Supportive care includes humidified cages to ease respiratory distress, nutritional supplementation with high‑calorie diet, and isolation of treated individuals to prevent cross‑infection. Disinfection of bedding, equipment, and surfaces with agents effective against mycoplasmas (e.g., 70 % ethanol, chlorine‑based solutions) reduces environmental load.
Preventive strategies emphasize strict barrier housing, regular health monitoring, and quarantine of new arrivals. Routine screening of breeding stock, combined with validated sanitation protocols, maintains a mycoplasma‑free colony and eliminates the need for repeated therapeutic cycles.