D369 - Ureaplasma spp.

Description:

Mycoplasmas (members of the class Mollicutes) are unique bacteria, being the smallest self-replicating organisms currently known. They lack the usual cell wall outer structure of most other bacteria, have very small amounts of genetic material (DNA), usually require cholesterol for growth and membrane function, are filterable through the usual bacteriological filters (450 nanometers), and are very dependent upon the host for nutritional support. Important mollicutes known to cause disease in animals include members of two genera, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma. Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis can be important respiratory pathogens in human neonates. Other Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species are pathogenic for the respiratory tract of an ever-expanding number of domestic and wild animal hosts, including avian, bovine, caprine, canine, equine, feline, murine, ovine, porcine, and reptilian hosts. Mollicutes involved in respiratory disease are inhabitants of mucous membranes. Host acquisition usually occurs through direct oral to oral contact with other infected hosts. Respiratory infections are also transferred via contact with respiratory aerosols, fomites from infected animals, or convalescent carriers. Colonization of the respiratory tract by these organisms is mediated through attachment to host target cells, frequently involving specialized attachment proteins (adhesins) on the organisms.
In canines, Ureaplasma species normally inhabit the canine urogenital and nasopharyngeal tracts, and can occasionally cause spontaneous abortion in the bitch. This may occur if there is an increase in the number of these organisms in comparison to the other common organisms also inhabiting the vaginal tract. Under these conditions, there can be an increase in infertility, spontaneous abortion resulting in resorption or premature birth, stillbirth, weak puppies, or neonatal death. Dogs that are kept in large overcrowded breeding kennels are at greatest risk for acquiring ureaplasmal infections. Exacerbation of infection in a host frequently occurs through intercurrent infections, environmental stress, or in immune deficiencies.

Diagnosis:

The prevalence of clinical disease associated with Ureaplasma species is probably underestimated due to the limitations of laboratory diagnosis. Ureaplasma spp. are fastidious organisms requiring vigorously quality-controlled medium for cultivation and several days of incubation. These procedures are costly and laborious and typically require special facilities. The treatment of Ureaplasma spp. is predicted upon rapid detection of infection. Using PCR, Ureaplasma spp. can be detected rapidly and accurately such that treatment may be established in the early stages of infection. Also, this method avoids the problems associated with culturing since the bacteria do not need to be grown in order to confirm their presence in a sample. The PCR specifically detects the genetic material of Ureaplasma, thus providing veterinarians a sensitive and definitive method of diagnosis.

Treatment:

Ureaplasma spp. are generally susceptible to the macrolides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, spiramycin, lincomycin, clidamycin, nitrofurantoin, and aminoglycoside in vitro. Because tetracycline and chloramphenicol should not be used in pregnant animals, erythromycin and lincomycin are safer, although less effective (Greene C. – Infectious diseases of the dog and cat. 1998, p 176-177).

Sample:

1. Whole blood (3 ml) in a lavender (EDTA) top tube.
2. Urine in a sterile container.

Special Handling:

Store samples at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

D369