What does Unidox treat in rats? - briefly
Unidox, an oxytetracycline preparation, is employed to treat bacterial infections in rats, particularly those affecting the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. It targets susceptible pathogens such as Mycoplasma spp. and various Enterobacteriaceae.
What does Unidox treat in rats? - in detail
Unidox, a formulation of oxytetracycline, is employed in laboratory rats to control bacterial infections that arise in experimental settings. The compound exhibits broad‑spectrum activity against Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative organisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Pasteurella multocida. Researchers use it to treat:
- Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pulmonis.
- Urinary tract infections resulting from E. coli colonisation.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances linked to Salmonella or Clostridium species.
- Systemic septicemia induced by various opportunistic bacteria.
Typical dosing regimens involve 20–30 mg kg⁻¹ body weight administered once daily by oral gavage or intraperitoneal injection. Treatment courses range from 5 to 10 days, depending on infection severity and pathogen susceptibility. Pharmacokinetic data indicate peak plasma concentrations within 1 h of administration, a half‑life of approximately 3 h, and renal excretion as the primary elimination pathway.
Efficacy assessments rely on clinical signs (reduced lethargy, normalised body temperature), microbiological cultures confirming bacterial clearance, and histopathological evaluation of affected tissues. Toxicological observations show minimal adverse effects at therapeutic levels; occasional transient gastrointestinal upset may occur, but no significant hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity has been reported in standard rodent studies.
Resistance monitoring is integral to protocol design. Oxytetracycline‑resistant strains can emerge after repeated exposure, prompting rotation with alternative antimicrobials or incorporation of susceptibility testing before initiating therapy.
In summary, Unidox serves as a versatile antibacterial agent for rats, addressing respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, and systemic infections through a well‑characterised dosing schedule, reliable pharmacodynamics, and a safety profile suitable for controlled experimental use.