Current Distribution of Rodentibacter Species Among the Mice and Rats of an Experimental Facility.

The uncertain taxonomy of [Pasteurella] pneumotropica and other rodent Pasteurellaceae has hindered the acquisition of knowledge on the biology and disease for this group of bacteria. Recently, these organisms have been reclassified within the new genus Rodentibacter. In this study, we documented which of the new described Rodentibacter spp. are present in the mouse and rat microbiologic units of an experimental facility. Screening all of the microbiologic units populated with mice and rats yielded 51 Rodentibacter isolates. Molecular and phenotypic diagnosis indicated the colonization of mice by R. pneumotropicus and R. heylii, whereas R. ratti and R. heylii were found in rats. Overall, we document the association of laboratory rodents with 3 of the newly described Rodentibacter. Diagnostics of the Rodentibacter spp. at the species level can decisively contribute to the progress of knowledge on these bacteria.