Immunoblot profiles of sera from laboratory rats naturally infected with Mycoplasma pulmonis and technicians exposed to infected animal facilities

Mycoplasma pulmonis have been isolated in about 10(5)CFU/mL from tracheal aspirates of rats from conventional animal facilities in São Paulo. The mycoplasma tranmission by aerosol may happen from an infected rat to a healthy one at distances up to 120 cm. This condition also favors the technicians contamination. As this infection is unknown, in humans, in this study the immunoblot profiles to M. pulmonis of sera from rats were compared to those presented by animal facility technicians. About 32 proteins from 11 to 230 kDa (kilodaltons) were recognized by the sera from rats naturally infected with M. pulmonis. Sera from technicians responsible for the cleaning and sanitation of cages of infected animals for more than seven years recognized about 10 proteins of this bacteria. Sera from individuals with shorter working time or that had never been exposed to such environment recognized few proteins. Proteins about 117 and 95 kDa were recognized by human and rat sera and by the negative controls. Although a positive human serm against M. pulmonis is unknown, this study stablished a temporary profile of protein recognition of human serum against such mycoplasma.

role of mycoplasma in acute exacerbation of chronic otitis media

Clinical and bacteriological study of 73 patients suffering from acute exacerbation of chronic otitis media. Showed that mycoplasma infection is not uncommon cause of acute exacerbation of chronic ear [13.7%]. The commonest affected age is below 5 years. There is no particular clinical features which may attract the attension of the otologist to the mycoplasma infection. The infection of the middle ear by mycoplasma may be either, blood born or via the Eustachian tube. There may be some factors, that inhibit the growth of mycoplasma on culturing

Synovial fluid changes in mycoplasma induced septicaemic polyarthritis of goat kids.

Synovial fluid samples of goat kids inoculated (ip) with 5 ml of 48 hr log phase culture of Mycoplasma mycoides sub sp. mycoides (large colony type) containing 10(7) cfu/ml were analysed for physical, cytological and biochemical properties. The synovial effusions were exudative in nature with increased volume. Gross appearances were serofibrinous, haemorrhagic and turbid containing flocculent materials with immediate clot formation. Mucinous precipitate quality was very poor having friable precipitates with cloudy supernatant. There were high total leucocytic and erythrocytic counts with significant high numbers of both neutrophils and lymphocytes. Synovial fluid sugar contents were significantly reduced, whereas total protein contents were significantly increased with concomitant reduction in albumin:globulin ratio. The alkaline phosphatase and transaminase values were also markedly increased in the synovial fluids of mycoplasma induced polyarthritic goat kids. The results may provide a clinical guideline for diagnosis, chemotherapy and prognosis of different joint diseases in domesticated animals.