Mycoplasma pulmonis is a bacteria that's very contagious and is present in most rats outside of labs. It primarily infects new hosts through airborne droplets, contact with infected secretions, and through the placenta. It colonizes the cell membranes of the respiratory epithelium. It may also colonize the inner ear.
Mycoplasma pulmonis may be subclinical, asymptomatic, or only show at certain times (flare-ups). There are a few certain factors that can cause flare-ups, ammonia being the biggest. Genetics may also affect how Mycoplasma presents. Possible symptoms include:
<aside> 🧬 Mycoplasma pulmonis is a bacterium that lacks a cell wall. Due to this, any antibiotic that targets the cell wall will be ineffective.
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Treatment includes mainly antibiotics, but that's usually only for secondary respiratory infections. The only option for treatment of colonies is depopulation and repopulation. The best treatment is prevention, which is why quarantine is always important. However, prevention of mycoplasma is really only necessary for labs where rats need to be myco-free. Most rats in the pet trade or in the wild already have it.
As pet owners, you’re not going to be worried about depopulation and repopulation; all you can do for your rats is watch for signs of respiratory infections. The best thing you can do for your rats is to get them the proper medical care when they need it. Vets can administer oxygen and prescribe antibiotics. You can try to prevent respiratory infections by using good, ammonia-controlling bedding, cleaning regularly, and avoiding the use of candles, incense, or air fresheners in the room your rats are in.
Effective Antibiotics (usually targets protein synthesis) ****Azithromycin (+ macrolides like Tylosin or Erythromycin) Doxycycline (+ other tetracyclines) Enrofloxacin (+ other fluoroquinolones) Amikacin (+ aminoglycosides should be a last resort)
Ineffective Antibiotics (targets cell wall synthesis) ****Amoxicillin + Penicillin (+ beta-lactams, also Clavamox) Cefadroxil (+ cephalosporins)