The use of organ cultures and animal models in the study of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.

摘要: Organ cultures of ciliated tracheal epithelium derived from various animal species have been used to study several different mycoplasma infections. Human and hamster in particular studyMycoplasma pneumoniae which, all the human mycoplasmas, is only one which damages cultures. One reason for this capacity virulent organisms attach cells; strains are prevented attaching or lost do not damage The organ culture system therefore valuable looking at organisms-cell relationship but it necessary use models immunological processes. Hamsters, more recently guinea pigs, respect. model has pathogenesis ofM. pneumonia also recovery resistance infection. Humoral immune mechanisms seem important than cell-mediated resistance, probable importance local immunity discussed. It pointed out that should be possible establish underlying development sequelae where conditions, similar those seen man, occur animals. Finally, way effect tetracycline erythromycin on course disease As therapy often improves does eradicate organisms. This probably due, least part, fact antibiotics mycoplasmastatic. Drugs with mycoplasmacidal properties needed would obviously prove helpful evaluating these.