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Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the main coagulase-positive staphylococci associated with canine skin/soft tissue infections (SSTI), otitis externa, and surgical site infections. The international spread of an epidemic and multiresistant lineage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), the so-called European clone-displaying sequence type (ST) 71-requires attention. The first isolation of an MRSP ST71 isolate in South America was reported in Rio de Janeiro city, in 2010; however, a limited number of canine isolates were analyzed. Thus, to have a better panel of the MRSP spread in this city, we were stimulated to continue this study and search for the presence of MRSP in 282 colonized or infected dogs in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Among the MRSP isolates collected (N = 17; 6.1%), the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns were similar to those of European clone. All 17 isolates were classified as ST71 by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). In order to assess whether isolates of MRSP ST71 may have also spread to the Rio de Janeiro state countryside, we collected samples from 124 infected dogs in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes (232 km away from Rio de Janeiro city). Our data showed the presence of ST71 lineage in one isolate among three MRSP detected. S. pseudintermedius was isolated from 40.6% of the clinical samples (N = 165/406). A relatively high incidence of methicillin resistance, detected by a PCR-based method, was found in 12.1% of the S. pseudintermedius recovered from animals (N = 20/165). The resistance profile of these isolates was similar to that described for the international ST71 strains whose genomes are publicly available in the GenBank. The prospect of ST71 isolates being resistant to virtually all antimicrobials used in veterinary medicine is alarming and should be considered a central issue considering that MRSP ST71 spreads over large geographic distances and its transmission from animals to humans.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common opportunistic pathogens in humans and several animals. Some strains can form a biofilm, which is related to chronic diseases. Green Propolis are used frequently in alternative medicine. Several studies have demonstrated the chemical similarities between Green Propolis and its botanical source Baccharis dracunculifolia. This study evaluated the antibacterial profile of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Green Propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia against S. aureus. The antibiofilm effect of the extracts was also evaluated against a reference strain of S. aureus. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for each isolate were assessed. MIC and MBC values for both extracts were similar against all bacterial strains. The extracts demonstrated good performance against the biofilm of the S. aureus ATCC 25923. Green Propolis and Baccharis dracunculifolia extract antibiofilm activities were mainly on biofilm’s newly formed and consolidated moments.

Segundo o Plano Municipal de Saneamento Basico de Agua e Esgoto de Belem (PMSB), o servico de abastecimento de agua esta sujeito a ocorrencias que podem influenciar seu pleno desenvolvimento, resultando em condicoes desfavoraveis a adequada realizacao dos servicos. Estas ocorrencias podem estar associadas a realizacao de servicos de forma direta ou indireta, devendo em qualquer situacao serem previstas acoes para garantia da continuidade dos mesmos.O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as causas das ocorrencias informadas pela Companhia de Saneamento do Para (COSANPA) para a Agencia Reguladora Municipal de Agua e Esgoto de Belem (AMAE), com o intuito de avaliar as dificuldades enfrentadas pela Prestadora. Nos dois anos analisados houveram mais ocorrencias eletromecânicas do que em relacao a rede geral, no entanto a retirada de vazamentos em rede se destaca tendo numeros expressivos em ambos os anos, o que demonstra a necessidade de um plano de gerenciamento dos setores pela COSANPA com metas que visem prevenir que nos proximos anos esses numeros voltem a se repetir.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the primary cause of pyoderma and surgical site infection (SSI) in dogs, and biofilm formation is the main reason for persistent SSI. The presence of biofilm in medical devices can directly impact treatment. Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) emerged rapidly in companion animals, limiting treatment options. MRSP is a public health problem since zoonotic transmission can occur. The study seeks to evaluate biofilm formation capacity via Staphylococcus pseudintermedius collected from dogs affected by topical infections, in suture materials commonly used in companion animal surgery. We tested segments of four types of sutures. Biofilm production was measured by staining with safranin and colorimetric absorbance measurement. We calculated colony-forming units (CFUs) for each type of sutures and visualized biofilm via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. The genes associated with biofilm formation (icaA and icaD) were identified using PCR. The colorimetric tests showed that the biofilm is most abundantly formed on the cotton sutures and polyglactin 910. The ability to form biofilm on polypropylene and nylon sutures has also been demonstrated, although at varying intensities. PCR revealed the presence of the two genes (icaA and icaD) in all the isolates. We used a positive control using a reference strain and negative control without bacteria for comparisons. Suture material allowing biofilm formation makes it difficult to prevent and treat surgical site infections. Therefore, it is important to know which suture thread is more susceptible to biofilm formation by bacteria to prevent possible secondary infections at surgical sites.

Hospitalizations related to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are frequent, increasing mortality and health costs. In this way, this study aimed to compare the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of MRSA isolates that colonize and infect patients seen at two hospitals in the city of Niter&oacute, i&mdash, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 147 samples collected between March 2013 and December 2015 were phenotyped and genotyped to identify the protein A (SPA) gene, the mec staphylococcal chromosomal cassette (SCCmec), mecA, Panton-Valentine Leucocidin (PVL), icaC, icaR, ACME, and hla virulence genes. The strength of biofilm formation has also been exploited. The prevalence of SCCmec type IV (77.1%) was observed in the colonization group, however, in the invasive infection group, SCCmec type II was prevalent (62.9%). The Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST), ST5/ST30, and ST5/ST239 analyses were the most frequent clones in colonization, and invasive infection isolates, respectively. Among the isolates selected to assess the ability to form a biofilm, 51.06% were classified as strong biofilm builders. Surprisingly, we observed that isolates other than the Brazilian Epidemic Clone (BEC) have appeared in Brazilian hospitals. The virulence profile has changed among these isolates since the ACME type I and II genes were also identified in this collection.

MRSA infection and colonization have been reported in both companion and food-chain animals, highlighting MRSA as an important veterinary and zoonotic pathogen. Another mec allele, the mecC gene, also confers beta-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and shows 69% nucleotide identity to mecA. The main aim of this study was to investigate the genotypic and clonal profile of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from cows with mastitis in dairy herds. Thirty-five samples suggestive of bovine subclinical mastitis were evaluated, and S. aureus were detected in all of them using both phenotypic and molecular approaches. According to the multilocus sequence typing (MLST), the S. aureus isolates were assigned in five different STs, 21 (60%) showed ST 742, 6 (17%) ST97, 4 (11%) ST1, 2 (6%) ST30, and 2 (6%) ST126. The presence of mecA was not observed in any of these isolates whereas mecC was detected in nine of them (9/35; 26%). The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes were detected in a total of 4 isolates. Among the 35 isolates analyzed, 26 showed resistance to penicillin. Changes in the S. aureus epidemiology due to the detection of MRSA in milk samples from cows presenting with bovine subclinical mastitis may have consequences for public health in Brazil, challenging the empirical therapy and animal management, with potential medical and social outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing mecC MRSA in Southeastern Brazil.

Background Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) have been widely used as animal models; however, the occurrence of Staphylococcus sp in their vaginal microbiota remains to be described. Methods Samples were collected from 175 adult squirrel monkeys to isolate Staphylococcus sp and to test for susceptibility to a panel of nine antimicrobial agents. Results Isolates with characteristics of the genus Staphylococcus were detected in 95 of 175 samples. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the most common (95.8%, 91/95) isolates. Resistance to antibiotics was observed in 47.3% (45/95) of isolates. Resistance to tetracycline was observed in 28.5% (26/91), chloramphenicol in 15.4% (14/91), and methicillin in 13.2% (12/91) of CoNS. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, and methicillin. Conclusions The presence of Staphylococcus sp in vaginal samples obtained from squirrel monkeys suggests that these animals were in a carrier state. Furthermore, isolating strains resistant to methicillin reinforces the biosafety care of a colony.

S. schleiferi is one of the main species isolated from canine otitis externa, pyoderma and from apparently healthy dogs. The species is divided into two subspecies, S. schleiferi schleiferi and S. schleiferi coagulans. MALDI-TOF MS does not distinguish correctly these two subspecies. This study aimed to identify biomarkers that could possibly discriminate Staphylococcus schleiferi subspecies by MALDI-TOF MS. Twelve strains (eight S. schleiferi schleiferi and four S. schleiferi coagulans) were firstly identified. Each isolate was submitted to a protein extraction protocol and subjected to spectrometry on Bruker Microflex LT mass spectrometer. Spectra were analyzed with the BioNumerics software v7.6. Our results showed that spectra clustered according to subspecies, and a set of five MALDI-TOF MS biomarkers were selected to enable the discrimination of S. schleiferi subspecies. In addition, these biomarkers were predicted to represent highly conserved proteins, which could contribute to the identification of subspecies-specific proteins that could be used for improved subspecies identification in clinical samples.

The antibiotic resistance among coagulase - negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) species towards methicillin is rarely reported in veterinary medicine. Under the aspect/concept of One Health, those strains pose a risk to human health due to the presence in canine pets where the transfer of resistant genetic markers might occur to other staphylococci species. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance pattern among Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from asymptomatic dogs and those affected by topic infections. Swabs from 254 dogs were first seeded in Mannitol Salt Agar. Species identification was conducted by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption ionization - time of flight (MALDI-TOF ms) as previously described. The susceptibility test was performed by disk diffusion according to CLSI standards. Detection of mecA gene was performed. CoNS could be recovered from both groups of dogs and an alarming presence of methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) was confirmed, in 10.2% (17/166) of the samples. Eight of those methicillin resistant strains were isolated from asymptomatic dogs whereas nine were present in dogs affected by pyoderma and otitis externa.

Sporotrichosis is an infection with zoonotic potential caused by the Sporothrix schenckii complex. It is widely distributed worldwide. The cutaneous form is the most common presentation of the disease. The cat is one of the main animals affected, having numerous fungal cells in its lesions, becoming an important fungi disseminator. Due to the type of skin lesion caused by the fungus, secondary bacterial infections commonly occur. The aim of the present study was to learn about the most common bacterial agents involved in feline lesions with sporotrichosis, as well as their resistance profile to antimicrobial agents. The faster the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections is controlled, the faster the lesions heal. Consequently, the transmission of the disease is controlled. Samples of skin lesions or nasal discharge from 18 domiciled or semi-domiciled cats diagnosed with sporotrichosis were collected. Cats were evaluated for secondary bacterial infections. The samples were processed to isolate aerobic bacteria that were later identified by MALDI TOF. Susceptibility was assessed using the disk diffusion method for a total of 17 antimicrobial agents. The main species identified were Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus felis. Proteus mirabilis has also been identified in some samples. Among these microorganisms, two strains of S. aureus were identified as resistant to methicillin. The TSA's results showed sensitivity to most of the tested antimicrobials. Staphylococcus was the most identified genus in skin lesions and nasal secretions of cats with sporotrichosis. Most microorganisms were sensitive to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Penicillins and cephalosporins showed less potential for action on these bacteria, which showed greater resistance to these classes. La esporotricosis es una infección con potencial zoonótico causada por el complejo Sporothrix schenckii. Se distribuye ampliamente en todo el mundo. La forma cutánea es la presentación más común de la enfermedad. El gato es uno de los principales animales afectados, presentando numerosas células fúngicas en sus lesiones, convirtiéndose en un importante diseminador de hongos. Debido al tipo de lesión cutánea causada por el hongo, comúnmente ocurren infecciones bacterianas secundarias. El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer los agentes bacterianos más comunes implicados en las lesiones felinas con esporotricosis, así como su perfil de resistencia a los agentes antimicrobianos. Cuanto más rápido se controle el tratamiento de las infecciones bacterianas y fúngicas, más rápido se curarán las lesiones. En consecuencia, se controla la transmisión de la enfermedad. Se recolectaron muestras de lesiones cutáneas o secreciones nasales de 18 gatos domiciliados o semidomisos diagnosticados de esporotricosis. Los gatos fueron evaluados para detectar infecciones bacterianas secundarias. Las muestras se procesaron para aislar bacterias aeróbicas que luego fueron identificadas por MALDI TOF. La susceptibilidad se evaluó mediante el método de difusión en disco para un total de 17 agentes antimicrobianos. Las principales especies identificadas fueron Staphylococcus aureus y Staphylococcus felis. También se ha identificado Proteus mirabilis en algunas muestras. Entre estos microorganismos, se identificaron dos cepas de S. aureus como resistentes a la meticilina. Los resultados de la TSA mostraron sensibilidad a la mayoría de los antimicrobianos probados. Staphylococcus fue el género más identificado en lesiones cutáneas y secreciones nasales de gatos con esporotricosis. La mayoría de los microorganismos fueron sensibles a las fluoroquinolonas y aminoglucósidos. Las penicilinas y cefalosporinas mostraron menor potencial de acción sobre estas bacterias, que mostraron mayor resistencia a estas clases. A esporotricose é uma infecção com potencial zoonótico causada pelo complexo Sporothrix schenckii. É amplamente distribuído em todo o mundo. A forma cutânea é a apresentação mais comum da doença. O gato é um dos principais animais afetados, possuindo inúmeras células fúngicas em suas lesões, tornando-se um importante disseminador dos fungos. Devido ao tipo de lesão cutânea causada pelo fungo, infecções bacterianas secundárias comumente ocorrem. O objetivo do presente estudo foi conhecer os agentes bacterianos mais comuns envolvidos em lesões de felinos com esporotricose, bem como seu perfil de resistência aos agentes antimicrobianos. Quanto mais rápido o tratamento de infecções bacterianas e fúngicas for controlado, mais rápido as lesões se consolidam. Consequentemente, a transmissão da doença é controlada. Foram coletadas amostras de lesões de pele ou secreção nasal de18 gatos domiciliados ou semi-domiciliados com diagnóstico de esporotricose. Os gatos foram avaliados para infecções bacterianas secundárias. As amostras foram processadas para isolamento de bactérias aeróbias que foram posteriormente identificadas por MALDI TOF. A suscetibilidade foi avaliada pelo método de difusão em disco para um total de 17 agentes antimicrobianos. As principais espécies identificadas foram Staphylococcus aureus e Staphylococcus felis. Proteus mirabilis também foi identificado em algumas amostras. Dentre esses microrganismos, duas cepas de S. aureus foram identificadas como resistentes à meticilina. Os resultados dos TSA's mostraram sensibilidade à maioria dos antimicrobianos testados. Staphylococcus foi o gênero mais identificado nas lesões cutâneas e secreções nasais de gatos com esporotricose. A maioria dos microrganismos foi sensível as fluoroquinolonas e aminoglicosídeos. As penicilinas e cefalosporinas mostraram menor potencial de ação sobre essas bactérias, que apresentaram maior resistência a essas classes.

This study evaluated the presence of vaginitis and the bacterial load associated with different intravaginal implants in ewes. Twenty-four Dorper and crossbred ewes were allocated into three groups and received intravaginal implant containing 0.3g progesterone (CIDR(r)), 60mg MAP or sponges without progesterone (CONTROL) for six days. Then, CIDR and MAP treated-ewes received 12.5mg dinoprost and 300IU eCG. Vaginal mucus samples were collected at four times: before device insertion, at the day of its removal, 24 and 48 hours after. The samples were cultured and the colonies were counted (CFU/mL) and identified. The results obtained from the counting of CFU mL-1 were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis H test, with P0.05) in comparison with MAP and CIDR-treated ewes. During the occurrence of vaginitis, the predominant isolates belonged to the coliform group, mainly Escherichia coli (72.7%). Such infection was not determined by the members of the vaginal microbiota that were present before implant insertion and normal microbiota was restored between 24 to 48 hours after insert removal. RESUMO: Este estudo avaliou a presença de vaginite e contagem bacteriana associada ao uso de diferentes dipositivos intravaginais em ovelhas. Vinte e quatro fêmeas Dorper e mestiças foram alocadas em três grupos e receberam implante intravaginal contendo 0,3g de progesterona (CIDR(r)), 60mg de acetato de medroxiprogesterona (MAP) ou esponjas sem progesterona (CONTROLE) por seis dias. Posteriormente, as ovelhas tratadas com CIDR e MAP receberam 12,5mg de dinoprost e 300 UI de eCG. Amostras do muco vaginal foram coletadas em quatro momentos: antes da inserção do dispositivo, no dia de sua retirada, 24 e 48 horas após. As amostras foram cultivadas e as colônias foram contadas (UFC mL-1) e identificadas. Os resultados obtidos da contagem das UFC mL-1 foram submetidos ao teste do qui-quadrado, com P0.05), em comparação com as ovelhas recebendo CIDR e MAP. Durante a ocorrência da vaginite, os isolados predominantes pertenciam ao grupo dos coliformes, principalmente Escherichia coli (72,7%). Tal infecção não foi determinada pelos membros da microbiota vaginal, que estavam presentes antes da inserção dos dispositivos, e a microbiota normal foi reestabelecida entre 24 e 48 horas após sua remoção.

Diagnosis of animal leptospirosis is still challenging. The microscopic agglutination test, is the current method for diagnosing leptospirosis. However, this technique requires specific equipment, highly trained staff and the maintenance of live cultures of several reference strains of Leptospira for use as antigens. Recently, an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) employing a Leptospira fainei serovar Hurstbridge based antigen for the early diagnostic of human leptospirosis was developed. In this study we estimate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this test in identifying acute canine leptospirosis. A total of 271 serum samples divided into five panels and tested by MAT as a reference test, were used to evaluate the ELISA. Comparing acutely and non-acutely infected dogs, ELISA-Hb showed 95.6% sensitivity and 93% specificity. L. fainei-based ELISA is adequate for diagnosing acute canine leptospirosis, with high sensitivity and specificity and presenting practical advantages when compared to current techniques.

Simple Summary Beyond their use of treating human and animal diseases, antimicrobial agents have also been employed in animal feeding as “growth promoters”, being administrated at low doses throughout the husbandry period, and leading to beneficial effects, mainly for large-scale production. However, the consequent selective pressure has helped to increase antimicrobial resistance frequencies in isolates from animals globally. Brazil is a major food producer and exporter; therefore, it is of great value to look at the panorama of bacterial resistance associated with farm animals. Since 1998, many drugs have been prohibited from being used as growth promoters in Brazil. However, neither data on the prophylactic and therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in farms, nor results of contemporary and integrated surveillance programs regarding antimicrobial resistance associated with food production animals, are still publicly available. This review aims to update and discuss the available Brazilian data on this topic emphasizing legal aspects, occurrence, and genetics of the resistance reported by studies published since 2009, focusing on producing animals and derived foods with the most global public health impact. Data here compiled may be useful to monitor and evaluate the local situation and serve as a basis for establishing parameters for the future. Abstract In animal husbandry, antimicrobial agents have been administered as supplements to increase production over the last 60 years. Large-scale animal production has increased the importance of antibiotic management because it may favor the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and select resistant strains. Brazil is a significant producer and exporter of animal-derived food. Although Brazil is still preparing a national surveillance plan, several changes in legislation and timely programs have been implemented. Thus, Brazilian data on antimicrobial resistance in bacteria associated with animals come from official programs and the scientific community. This review aims to update and discuss the available Brazilian data on this topic, emphasizing legal aspects, incidence, and genetics of the resistance reported by studies published since 2009, focusing on farm animals and derived foods with the most global public health impact. Studies are related to poultry, cattle, and pigs, and mainly concentrate on non-typhoid Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. We also describe legal aspects of antimicrobial use in this context; and the current occurrence of genetic elements associated with resistance to beta-lactams, colistin, and fluoroquinolones, among other antimicrobial agents. Data here presented may be useful to provide a better understanding of the Brazilian status on antimicrobial resistance related to farm animals and animal-derived food products.

Clostridioides difficile is the major etiologic agent of nosocomial bacterial diarrhoea and pseudomembranous colitis. The pathogenesis of C. difficile infection (CDI)involves two cytotoxic enzymes (TcdA, TcdB) that cause colonic epithelial damage, fluid accumulation and enteritis. CDI has been demonstrated in a variety of animal species and some reports have recently raised the importance of wild animals as a reservoir of this pathogen and possible transmission to humans and domestic animals. The aim of this study was to characterize C. difficile isolates obtained from pet dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 50 faecal samples were obtained from healthy and diarrheic dogs. Five of fifty samples (10%) grew C. difficile. Of those, three belonged to the PCR ribotype 106 (ST 42) and were toxigenic (A+B+). The other two strains belonged to the PCR ribotype 010 (ST 15) and were not toxin producers (A−B-). None of the isolates tested positive for the binary toxin genes. Considering the antimicrobial resistance patterns of all isolates using EUCAST breakpoints, all strains were sensitive to metronidazole and vancomycin. However, two strains (ribotype 106 and ribotype 010), were resistant to clindamycin (≤256 μg/mL). All strains were strong biofilm producers. Our study provides evidence that dogs can act as reservoirs for C. difficile epidemic ribotypes.

The objective was to characterize vaginal bacteria, their antimicrobial sensitivity, and the incidence of vaginitis, in goats before and after insertion of intravaginal sponges containing progesterone. Sponges were inserted in 37 Saanen goats and removed after 6, 9 or 12d (G6, G9 and G12). At sponge removal, all goats had clinical signs of vaginitis. Sampling was conducted just before sponge insertion and at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after sponge removal. Vaginal secretions were subjected to standard bacteriological procedures, including isolation of bacteria, subculture, and determination of sensitivity to antimicrobials (gentamicin, cefalotin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, penicillin G and cefoxitin). Ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were the most effective for coliforms (100% sensitivity), whereas ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and tetracycline were the most effective for cocci (100, 98.6 and 97.2% sensitivity, respectively). In contrast, the least effective antimicrobials were cefalotin for the coliforms, and penicillin for the cocci (37.5 and 64.4% sensitivity, respectively), regardless of duration of implant presence and interval from implant removal to sampling. In conclusion, insertion of intravaginal progestin-impregnated sponges induced clinical vaginitis in goats. Members of Staphylococcus genus were the most frequently recovered species of the vaginal samples cultured, and all isolates were resistant to several antimicrobials.

The aim of this study was to characterise the changes in the vaginal flora of goats subjected to the induction and synchronisation of oestrus using intravaginal sponges (IVSs). Mucous samples were collected from the vaginas of 32 Toggenburg goats using sterile swabs. Samples were obtained on the day that the IVSs inserted (D0), the day they were withdrawn (D6), and 24 h (D7), 48 h (D8), and a week (D13) after the sponges were withdrawn. The samples were transferred to the laboratory in transport medium, inoculated on 5% sheep blood agar, and incubated at 37 °C (aerobic culture only). The susceptibility of the cultured bacteria to eight of the most frequently employed antimicrobial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method in Mueller–Hinton agar. Fewer colony-forming units (CFUs) were obtained from the samples that were taken before sponge insertion (D0) compared with those obtained on the other days. After the sponges were inserted, the number of CFUs obtained from the vaginal samples increased, reaching the highest value at the time of sponge withdrawal (D6), when 62.1% (18/29) of the samples yielded ≥105 CFU/ml. At this time, more than one type (genus) of bacterial colony was detected. The most prevalent bacterium belonged to the genus Staphylococcus sp., except at the time of sponge withdrawal, when the most prevalent bacterium was Escherichia coli. The results of this study demonstrated that changes in the prevalent bacterial isolate and the number of CFUs in the vaginal flora of goats subjected to a short-term protocol of oestrus induction and synchronisation using IVS occurred while the IVSs were present and that there was a rapid re-establishment of the normal microbiota after the IVSs were removed.