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The objective is to discuss sexually transmitted diseases caused by Tritrichomonas foetus (T foetus) and Campylobacter fetus (C fetus) subsp. venerealis, with a focus on prevalence, pathogenesis, and diagnosis in cows and bulls. Diagnosis and control are problematic because these diseases cause severe reproductive losses in cows, but in bulls are clinically asymptomatic, which allows the disease to flourish, especially in the absence of legislated control programs. We review research regarding prophylactic systemic immunization of bulls and cows with antigens of T foetus and C fetus venerealis and their efficacy in preventing or clearing preexisting infections in the genital tract. Current diagnostic methods of C fetus venerealis and T foetus (microbial culture and PCR) should be improved. Review of the latest advances in bovine trichomoniasis and campylobacteriosis should promote knowledge and provide an impetus to pursue further efforts to control bovine sexually transmitted diseases., (Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis is a reproductive disease that affects cattle production. It is caused by Campylobacter fetus subspecies, C. fetus fetus (Cff) and C. fetus venerealis (Cfv). The aim of this study was to identify the presence of C. fetus in genital fluids by bacteriological culture and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and to compare the results. Two groups of 6 heifers and 5 bulls, one infected with Cff (Cff group) and the other with Cfv (Cfv group) were formed. Two heifers and 2 bulls, all of them uninfected, made up the control group. Samples of cervicovaginal mucus and preputial fluid were processed by culture and DIF. In the Cff group, 100% of the heifers and 80% of the bulls were infected, while in the Cfv group, 50% of the heifers and 60% of the bulls were infected. The degree of agreement (Kappa values) from benchmarking diagnostic techniques were 0.57 for heifers in the Cff group and 0.52 for heifers in the Cfv group, whereas the values for bulls were 0.17 and 0.27, respectively. Heifers yielded more positive results in the DIF assay than in the culture, exhibiting 5.6% increase in the Cff group and 7.4% in the Cfv group. The lowest percentage of positive results for DIF in bulls, 40% less for the Cff group and 5.2% for the Cfv group, could be due to improper sampling. Kappa values showed moderate agreement for the heifers and low for the bulls., (Copyright © 2014 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC), caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis, is associated with production losses in cattle worldwide. This study aimed to develop a reliable BGC guinea pig model to facilitate future studies of pathogenicity, abortion mechanisms and vaccine efficacy. Seven groups of five pregnant guinea pigs (1 control per group) were inoculated with one of three strains via intra-peritoneal (IP) or intra-vaginal routes. Samples were examined using culture, PCR and histology. Abortions ranged from 0% to 100% and re-isolation of causative bacteria from sampled sites varied with strain, dose of bacteria and time to abortion. Histology indicated metritis and placentitis, suggesting that the bacteria induce inflammation, placental detachment and subsequent abortion. Variation of virulence between strains was observed and determined by culture and abortion rates. IP administration of C. fetus subsp. venerealis to pregnant guinea pigs is a promising small animal model for the investigation of BGC abortion., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Observations were carried out on 22 Hereford bulls to determine the age at which they bacame carriers of C. fetus. During preliminary investigations, 5 bulbs were repeatedly exposed to the organism by artificial or natural means from the age of 18 months. All animals became longterm carriers on reaching an age of between 40 and 70 months. Prior to this, a temporary carrier state lasting from 4 to 29 days was produced in 4 bulls. In a subsequent experiment, 17 bulls of 3 different age groups were artificially exposed to C. fetus on 5 occasions over a 2-year period. Thirteen bulls became long-term carriers, including 9 (53%) when less than 4 years old. A transient carrier state occurred in 4 bulls, 2 of which subsequently became long-term carriers. It usually lasted 1-2 weeks, although in 1 animal the organism persisted for 11 weeks. These results are discussed in relation to the findings of other workers and it is concluded that the use of young bulls to limit the spread of C. fetus in infected herds is of dubious value.

Fecal samples from 127 diarrheic and 3 healthy beef calves, representing 25 herds with enteric disease, were cultured for Campylobacter, using filtration and a selective medium. Campylobacter fetus subsp jejuni (CFJ) was isolated from 51 (40%) of the diarrheic calves representing 14 (56%) herds and from the 3 clinically healthy calves (1 each in 3 of these 14 herds). Campylobacter fetus subsp intestinalis was not isolated from the calves. Fecal samples from 36 diarrheic and 20 healthy lambs representing 8 ranches were negative for Campylobacter. Isolates of CFJ from aborted lambs and from the feces of calves, ducks, dogs, and persons, appeared identical from the standpoint of morphology and physiologic reactions. In 12 calves and 5 lambs fed cultures, CFJ became colonized. Three of the calves developed diarrhea, but 2 were compromised by other disorders at the time of challenge exposure. None of the other calves or lambs developed diarrhea, but 10 of the calves and all of the lambs had frank or occult blood in the feces. Lamb intestinal loops were not distended by cultures of CFJ, but some cultures caused pathologic changes in the loops. None of 10 cultures of CFJ tested caused diarrhea in infant mice. Campylobacter fetus subsp jejuni is apparently capable of causing irritation and pathologic changes in the intestinal tract of young calves and lambs. Additional studies are needed to assess the role of CFJ in spontaneous enteric disease of calves.