Mycoplasma canis

Test code:  B0049 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of Mycoplasma canis by real time polymerase chain reaction

Approximately 30% to 50% male dogs and 23% to 75% female dogs have mycoplasmas in the genital tract, and mixed infections with other bacteria and mycoplasma species are common. Mycoplasma canis has frequently been isolated from dogs with urogenital disease and infertility. Even after prolonged antibiotic therapy, M. canis can still be cultured from the prostate, epididymis and chronically inflamed bladder wall in some dogs. Experimental infection of male dogs with M. canis produced chronic urethritis and epididymitis in 50% of cases and in female dogs, enlarged uterus and endometritis was seen.

Males infected with mycoplasma canis can produce fertility problems with or without evidence of testicular infection, prostatitis, or scrotal swelling. Infection leads to inflammatory processes that create an unfavorable condition for production of sperm. Additional effects on sperm may include alteration of sperm motility, interference with normal sperm metabolism by which the sperm recognizes the ova, impairment of ova-penetrating ability, and autoimmune damage to sperm.

Since infection of dogs with this microorganism can significantly reduce their fertility, dogs infected with Mycoplasma should not be used for breeding until antibiotic treatment is completed and followup testing is performed to confirm that the dog is no longer a carrier. Stud dogs should not be allowed to naturally breed bitches suspected of carrying Mycoplasma.

Antibiotic treatment is available to eradicate Mycoplasma; typical treatment lasts for a minimum of 10 to 14 days. Some Mycoplasma strains, however, are resistant to the standard erythromycin treatment and may require therapy with Tylosin, which has a broader-spectrum action on various Mycoplasma strains. Semen cultures may be performed before and after completion of therapy to ensure complete elimination of the infectious organisms. However, semen culture is not a very sensitive method to detect this organism because of its fastidious growth requirements. Molecular detection by PCR, which offers a high degree of sensitivity and specificity, is the preferred method and is much faster than culture.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of Mycoplasma canis infection
• Ensure that dog populations are free of M. canis
• Early prevention of spread of M. canis among a group of dogs
• Minimize human exposure to M. canis

Specimen requirement: 0.5 ml semen or urine, or urogenital swab, or 0.5 ml fresh or paraffin-embedded tissue, shipped overnight at room temperature; or frozen tissue shipped frozen.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected