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Chlamydiosis is one of the main causes of the progressive decline of koala populations in eastern Australia. While histologic, immunologic, and molecular studies have provided insights into the basic function of the koala immune system, the in situ immune cell signatures during chlamydial infection of the reproductive tract in koalas have not been investigated. Thirty-two female koalas and 47 males presented to wildlife hospitals with clinical signs suggestive of Chlamydia infection were euthanized with the entire reproductive tract collected for histology; immunohistochemistry (IHC) for T-cell (CD3ε, CD4, and CD8α), B-cell (CD79b), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR markers; and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) for Chlamydia pecorum . T-cells, B-cells, and HLA-DR-positive cells were observed in both the lower and upper reproductive tracts of male and female koalas with a statistically significant associations between the degree of the inflammatory reaction; the number of CD3, CD4, CD79b, and HLA-DR positive cells; and the PCR load. CD4-positive cells were negatively associated with the severity of the gross lesions. The distribution of immune cells was also variable according to the location within the genital tract in both male and female koalas. These preliminary results represent a step forward towards further exploring mechanisms behind chlamydial infection immunopathogenesis, thus providing valuable information about the immune response and infectious diseases in free-ranging koalas., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become the predominant etiology in bovine female reproductive tract infections and thus require effective treatment approaches. The main goal of this study was the molecular detection of mecA, blaZ, tetK, and aacA-aphD genes in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) responsible for methicillin, beta-lactam, tetracycline, and aminoglycoside resistance respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to check the homology of staphylococcal genes with NCBI sequences. The in-vitro efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination therapies against MDR S. aureus was evaluated using well diffusion assay and checkerboard method. Vaginal swab samples (n = 384) collected from bovines suffering from endometritis, pyometra, and retained placenta were tested for S. aureus. Results showed a 17.96% overall prevalence. Both phenotypic and genotypic resistance was observed among S. aureus isolates with 50.72% and 37.68% isolates being confirmed as methicillin-resistant (MRSA), 36.23% and 18.84% isolates exhibiting beta-lactam, 40.58%, and 27.54% isolates showing tetracycline, and 33.33% and 36.23% isolates showing aminoglycosides resistance based on disc diffusion and gene confirmation, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated homology with previously reported Pakistani isolates suggesting the possibility of MDR S. aureus transmission within and between animals. Synergy testing indicated that combinations of ceftriaxone-ketoprofen (153.77%), ceftriaxone-meloxicam (149.55%), amoxiclav-flunixin meglumine (106.06%), and oxytetracycline-flunixin meglumine (104.47%) showed synergy on well diffusion assay. Based on the fractional inhibitory concentration index by checkerboard method, oxytetracycline-meloxicam and gentamicin-ketoprofen combinations exhibited synergistic interaction. In conclusion, MDR S. aureus resistance was mitigated in-vitro through the combination of antibiotics (oxytetracycline, gentamicin) with NSAIDs (meloxicam, ketoprofen) that could be used to create therapeutic strategies for bovine reproductive issues., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background: Inflammatory diseases of reproductive tract in bitches are a common problem in veterinary practice. The inflammation can lead to serious health problems. Research to determine the correlation between the health status of females, phase of the cycle, age and bacterial flora of the genital tract has been ongoing for years, but the results obtained by individual authors are often contradictory., Results: A total of 39 dogs were included in this study. Ten were qualified to the 1st group with genital tract infections (8 in anestrus and 2 in proestrus) and 29 to the 2nd group without such infections (16 in anestrus, 9 in proestrus and 4 in diestrus). The most common bacterial isolates obtained from the vaginal tract of all dogs were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Streptococcus canis. The prevalence of Gram-negative rods (other than E. coli) was significantly higher in the group with genital tract infections versus healthy dogs. There was no presence of Chlamydiaceae, Chlamydia abortus and lactic acid-producing bacteria in tested swabs., Conclusions: Our study identified the most common bacteria in the genital tract of bitches. The total number of bacteria was almost the same in the healthy and infected dogs, as well as between the cycle stages. In our opinion, bacterial culturing of vaginal swab specimens from bitches without signs of genital disease is of little value. Furthermore, it should always be preceded by clinical examination and cytological examination of the vaginal epithelium.

Gallibacterium anatis is considered one of the most common bacterial causative agents of reproductive tract disorders in poultry. In this study, phylogenetic analysis of partial rpoB sequences and biotyping using MALDI-TOF MS was done in order to investigate the genetic diversity of Gallibacterium isolates from 13 farms with different biosecurity measures and management practices. Sampling was done as a part of regular monitoring, except for Farms 9-13 that were included in the study to represent extensive production systems with lowest biosecurity levels. Pharyngeal and cloacal swabs were taken from live birds, while swabs from trachea, liver, peritoneum and oviduct were taken during necropsies. After cultivation and identification, strains from each farm were randomly selected for sequencing and biotyping. Both results showed high level of heterogeneity among the isolates originating from farms with low biosecurity levels, unlike isolates from farms with higher biosecurity levels and proper management that were more closely related and clustered together. Such correlation was statistically significant. Low biosecurity levels enable horizontal transmission of the pathogens, as well as gene transfer. The results confirm the importance of adequate biosecurity measures and management on poultry farms as they greatly affect the genetic diversity of the pathogens. Therefore, implementation of basic biosecurity measures could help control the heterogeneity of Gallibacterium strains, which would alleviate control of the infection prevalence on farms through immunoprophylaxis, and consequently improve poultry production. Also, the genetic diversity of G. anatis on poultry farms could be a good bioindicator of management practices and biosecurity measures used. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS High correlation between low biosecurity and high diversity of Gallibacterium anatis . Diversity of Gallibacterium is a good bioindicator of management practices on farms.

The protozoan parasite Tritrichomonas foetus causes early embryonic death in cattle which results in severe economic loss. In the United States, there are no drugs are approved for treatment of this pathogen. In this study, we evaluated in vitro anti-protozoal effects of compounds from an open access chemical library against T. foetus trophozoites. An initial high-throughput screen identified 16 compounds of interest. Further investigation revealed 12 compounds that inhibited parasite growth and 4 compounds with lethal effects. For lethal compounds, dose-response curves were constructed and the LD 50 was calculated for laboratory and field strains of T. foetus. Our experiments revealed chemical scaffolds that were parasiticidal in the micromolar range, and these scaffolds provide a starting point for drug discovery efforts. Further investigation is still needed to investigate suitability of these scaffolds and related compounds in food animals. Importantly, open access chemical libraries can be useful for identifying compounds with activity against protozoan pathogens of veterinary importance., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Female reproductive tract disorders are common conditions of backyard poultry with an increasing demand for individual veterinary care. However, only limited case reports are available on diagnostic workup and outcomes of individual cases. This study aims at giving an overview of usually presented reproductive tract disorders, comparing diagnostic imaging findings with final diagnoses, and summarizing the outcome of the respective diseases., Material and Methods: The digital medical records archive of the University for Veterinary Medicine in Vienna was searched for chickens that were finally diagnosed with diseases of the reproductive tract, including all patients from May 1st, 2009 to May 31st, 2019. Information such as patient age, medical history, results of diagnostic imaging, final confirmed diagnosis, outcome, surgical protocol and necropsy findings was extracted., Results: Finally confirmed reproductive tract diseases were found in 57 of 315 female chickens. The most common conditions were egg-related coelomitis along with salpingitis or impacted salpinx (25/57), followed by ovarian or oviductal neoplasia (17/57). Clinical findings were unspecific in the majority of cases, but most conspicuous were chickens presented with a distended coelomic cavity and apathy. Coelomic ultrasonography as well as computed tomography proved to be valuable tools for distinguishing between the respective conditions. However, ultrasonography alone mainly failed (10/11) to differentiate between ovary or oviductal neoplasia and egg-related coelomitis with salpingitis or impacted salpinx, respectively. Computed tomography was perceived as a superior tool for final diagnosis. In total 6/6 CT-scans correctly made a definitive diagnosis. Nevertheless, accurate diagnosis was only possible after celiotomy with the necessity of consecutive surgery for most of the reported cases. As an overall outcome 34 of 57 patients were either euthanised or died, whereas only 23 chickens could be successfully treated and discharged. Several hens were reported to be doing well at home, according to regular check-up procedures within 4 years post-surgery., Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Diagnostic work-up and treatment of hens with reproductive tract diseases can be challenging. Clinical presentation and diagnostic imaging provide important information, still celiotomy is often required for final diagnosis. The condition of the chickens is usually serious. Within our study, 40 % of the hens could be treated successfully. Therefore, a realistic assessment of each individual case and clarification for the owners are important., Competing Interests: The authors confirm that they do not have any conflict of interest., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) and human uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) harbour common virulence factors in spite of being associated with disease in different hosts. APEC strains have been shown to have zoonotic potential. In contrast, it is not known whether UPEC strains can cause infection in immunologically competent hens. The objective of the current study was to compare the ability of the well-characterized UPEC strain, UTI89, and the APEC strain, F149H1S2, to infect human and avian cells in culture and to cause salpingitis in an infection model in adult laying hens. In vitro characterization showed that the strains grew equally well in human urine, and both were able to infect human intestinal (Int407) and bladder (J82) epithelial cell lines, and they survived in avian macrophages (HD11) to the same extent. Groups of adult birds were inoculated with 10 8 bacteria directly into the oviduct using a surgical procedure. After an infection period of 48 h, bacterial load in the oviduct was determined by dilution series, and pathology was determined based on gross lesions and histological observations. Similar counts of UPEC UTI89 (ST95) and the APEC strain F149H1S2 (ST117) were obtained from tissues of infected birds, and salpingitis as evaluated by clinical score and histopathology was observed to a similar extent after infection with the two strains. Together, the results showed that UPEC UTI89 and APEC F149H1S2 have a similar potential for causing salpingitis in laying hens in the model used. No infection differences were observed between the UPEC UTI89 wild type and a mutant strain with knock-out of the well-known virulence gene, fimH, (UPEC UTI89ΔfimH), showing that the salpingitis model is not suitable for the detection of all UPEC virulence factors., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We report herein the use of crude extracts obtained from samples of Taylorella equigenitalis -infected horses for the purpose of multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Samples ( n = 36) were collected from horses in South Africa from 1996 to 2017: 34 from genital swabs (stored at -20°C for 2-3 y) and 2 from cryopreserved raw semen aliquots (stored at -70°C for 18 y) prior to assay. The MLST assay showed a single sequence type (ST), designated ST4, that supported a point introduction and thus a common source for the South African outbreak of contagious equine metritis.

Background: Although artificial insemination (AI) was developed as a means of controlling disease transmission, pathogens can still be transmitted to females in semen used for AI. In addition, bacteria can cause deterioration in sperm quality during storage. Semen becomes contaminated by the male's normal bacterial flora as it passes out of the reproductive tract but potential pathogens may also contaminate the semen. Therefore, semen samples from stallions to be used for AI are tested before the breeding season to minimize transmission of pathogens to inseminated mares. In Sweden, semen samples are tested at the National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala (SVA). For the present study, a retrospective analysis was made of potentially pathogenic bacteria isolated from samples submitted to the SVA from 2007 to 2017., Results: In our study, Taylorella equigenitalis was found infrequently (53 out of 25,512 samples), representing 11 out of 2308 stallions. If T. equigenitalis was detected, the stallions were treated with antibiotics and re-tested later in the same year. Klebsiella pneumoniae and beta haemolytic streptococci were the most commonly found potential pathogens, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also isolated occasionally. There were considerable differences in the number of species isolated each year., Conclusions: Potential pathogens were identified in relatively few of the samples submitted to SVA during this period, with T. equigenitalis not being identified since 2015. Of the other potential pathogens, K. pneumoniae and beta haemolytic streptococci were the most common. The information is relevant for determining guidelines on the testing and treatment of stallions before breeding.

Background: Dourine, a venereal transmitted trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma equiperdum, has different clinical signs related to the reproductive and nervous system. Pathologic tissue changes associated with the disease are poorly described. The present study describes the histopathological lesions in naturally T. equiperdum-infected horses in the chronical stage of dourine., Results: Four chronically dourine diseased horses underwent a post-mortem examination. They were Woo test negative, but CATT/T. evansi positive, had a low packed cell volume (PCV) and exhibited obvious clinical signs of dourine. Post-mortem examination did not reveal gross lesions in the organs assumed to be responsible for the symptomatology. On histopathology, genital organs were affected, with mononuclear cell infiltration and erosions and degeneration of seminiferous tubules and perivascular lymphoplasmacytic cuffing in the uterus. In the nervous system, mononuclear cell infiltration was located in peripheral nerves, ganglia and in the spinal cord, leading to axonal degeneration. Real-time PCR using ITS primer revealed the presence of trypanosomes in these organs and conventional PCRs using maxicircle and RoTat1.2 primers further confirmed the involvement of T. equiperdum since the DNAs from the vagina, testicle, distal spinal cord, sciatic and obturator nerves found to be positive for maxicircle and negative for RoTat 1.2., Conclusions: The histopathological lesions in the spinal cord and peripheral nerves explain the incoordination of the hind legs in T. equiperdum-infected horses, whilst its presence in the genital tract exemplifies the venereal transmission.

Diseases of postpartum dairy cows impair reproductive processes, resulting in prolonged anestrus, reduced conception, and increased pregnancy attrition, regardless of whether the initial disease precedes insemination (even by many weeks), occurs close to insemination, or follows fertilization. Bacteria and their products activate pattern recognition receptors that respond to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP). These receptors include toll-like receptors (TLR), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors and others, and their activation culminates in upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α. These may have direct effects on the uterus and conceptus. Importantly, however, these inflammatory mediators, as well as the bacterial products, make their way to the ovary via the general circulation (even from distant sites) or possibly by using the countercurrent vascular mechanism that normally transports endometrial prostaglandin to the ipsilateral ovary. Endotoxin reaches concentrations in follicular fluid that exceed those found in the circulation or even in the infected uterus. Ovarian follicular cells also express TLR and can respond directly to bacterial products including endotoxin, impairing their function. Inflammation is accompanied by increased oxidative stress. The process of oocyte development from activation of primordial oocytes to potential ovulation spans 4 mo. Competence by an oocyte encompasses the ability to undergo not only fertilization but also a complex cytoplasmic maturation that lays the foundation for completion of meiosis at the appropriate time, the transition to mitosis in the zygote, and further development of the conceptus. Oocyte maturation relies on intimate association between cumulus cells and the oocyte, characterized by gap junctions through which molecules of various sizes pass. Signaling also occurs in the oocyte-to-cumulus cell direction. Because both granulosa and theca interna cells are capable of responding to inflammatory mediators, with observed alterations in some functions, it seems likely that disturbed ovarian follicular function may contribute to failure of oocytes to become fully competent, even if the insult occurs well before ovulation. Therefore, interruption of normal fertility by uterine infections may be mediated at the level of the uterine environment but the effect on the ovary and oocyte is likely to be even more important., (Copyright © 2019 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chlamydiosis is the most documented and serious disease of koalas, characterized by ocular, urinary, and reproductive lesions. Since little attention has been paid to the pathological effects of this infection in the male reproductive system, we aimed to determine the incidence and severity of reproductive pathology associated with chlamydial infection in male koalas submitted to koala hospitals in southeast Queensland. The entire reproductive tract from 62 sexually mature male koalas not suitable for rehabilitation was evaluated and 677 tissue samples were collected for histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Lymphoplasmacytic inflammation was observed in 178 of 677 (26.3%) tissue samples from the upper and lower reproductive tract, mainly in the prostatic, penile, and membranous urethra. IHC was positive for the chlamydial antigen in 19 of 451 normal samples (4.2%) and 46 of 178 samples with inflammation (25.8%), located within the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, bulbourethral glands, and the prostatic membranous and penile urethra. Chlamydia pecorum was detected via qPCR in 319 of 451 normal samples (70.7%) and 159 of 178 samples with inflammation (89.3%), with the highest incidence in the penile urethra, prostate, membranous urethra, and bulbourethral glands. This study suggests that Chlamydia infection in the male reproductive tract is more widespread than originally thought. Furthermore, the male reproductive tract might be a reservoir for persistent chlamydial infections in koalas, with important implications for prophylactic strategies and epidemiology.

The aim of this study was to develop a multiple PCR assay based on the suspension array system for the simultaneous detection of respiratory and reproductive pathogens in swine. Pseudorabies virus (PRV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), classic swine fever virus (CFSV), African swine fever virus (ASFV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) are the major respiratory and reproductive viral pathogens in pig farms. Seven pairs of specific primers and probes were designed, and the multiple PCR was performed, with the PCR products hybridized to beads coupled to probes, which were then detected by Bio-Plex suspension array system. The limit of detection, specificity and repeatability of this method was determined. The assay was further tested using 137 clinical samples, and the results were compared with conventional PCR to evaluate the ability of the method to diagnose porcine viruses. The results showed that the assay had a high degree of specificity and repeatability, and the simultaneous detection limit for the seven viruses reached 10 3 copies/μL. Forty-nine of the clinical samples tested positive for at least one of the viruses, the principal viral infections in the clinical samples were PCV-2 and PRRSV. The suspension method represented a rapid, specific and high-throughput tool for single or mixed detection of the seven porcine viruses simultaneously, and has great significance for the development of liquid chip techniques for the diagnosis of diseases in animals., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chlamydia is a major bacterial pathogen in humans and animals globally. Yet 80% of infections never progress to clinical disease. Decades of research have generated an interconnected network linking pathogen, host, and environmental factors to disease expression, but the relative importance of these and whether they account for disease progression remains unknown. To address this, we used structural equation modeling to evaluate putative factors likely to contribute to urogenital and ocular chlamydial disease in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). These factors include Chlamydia detection, load, and ompA genotype; urogenital and ocular microbiomes; host sex, age, weight, body condition; breading season, time of year; location; retrovirus co-infection; and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) alleles. We show different microbiological processes underpin disease progression at urogenital and ocular sites. From each category of factors, urogenital disease was most strongly predicted by chlamydial PCR detection and load, koala body condition and environmental location. In contrast, ocular disease was most strongly predicted by phylum-level Chlamydiae microbiome proportions, sampling during breeding season and co-infection with koala retrovirus subtype B. Host MHCII alleles also contributed predictive power to both disease models. Our results also show considerable uncertainty remains, suggesting major causal mechanisms are yet to be discovered.

After the complete extinction from the wild of European bison (Bison bonasus) at the beginning of the twentieth century, the worldwide species population was restored to approximately 5500 individuals, with the species however remaining endangered. Despite numerous studies on the ecology and genetics of European bison, the threats of infectious diseases have been largely unexamined. The aim of this study was to screen the exposure of the world's largest population of European bison to the pathogens, which may influence the condition and development of the endangered species. A total of 240 free-ranging and captive European bison from eight main Polish populations sampled were tested for the presence of specific antibodies against ten different viruses, bacteria or protozoan. The samples were collected from chemically immobilized, selectively culled or found dead animals. Based on serology, the exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1), Mycoplasma and Brucella spp. was determined as rather accidental. Using gamma-interferon assay followed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis subs. caprae detection in tissues, diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis was made for 6 out of 78 (7.7%) bison from one captive herd. The highest seroprevalence was found for bovine adenovirus type 3 (BAdV-3) -60.2% and bovine parainfluenza type 3 (PIV-3) -34.0%, while the antibodies against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. were found in 10.4%, 10.4% and 8.7% of samples, respectively. In the multivariable statistical analysis using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMS), the risk factors for PIV-3 seropositivity included population type (free-living/captive), age and health status (apparently healthy/eliminated due to the poor condition). Higher risk of BAdV-3 seropositive result was observed in free-living female European bison. The high BAdV-3 and PIV-3 seroprevalences may suggest involvement of these pathogens in the most frequently observed respiratory disorders in European bison. Moreover, this is the first study demonstrating BAdV-3 exposure in the species., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

OBJECTIVE To describe ultrasonographic characteristics of the reproductive tract and serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations in captive female red wolves (Canis rufus) with and without reproductive tract disease. DESIGN Prospective study. ANIMALS 13 adult female red wolves. PROCEDURES Wolves with varying parity and history of contraceptive treatment were anesthetized to facilitate ultrasonographic examination and measurement of the reproductive tract and blood collection for determination of serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations in December 2011 and June 2012. Additionally, during the December evaluation, fine-needle aspirate samples of the uterus were obtained for cytologic evaluation. Measurements were compared between wolves with and without reproductive tract disease and between wolves that had and had not received a contraceptive. RESULTS 7 of 13 wolves had or developed reproductive tract disease during the study. Ranges for measurements of reproductive tract structures overlapped between ultrasonographically normal and abnormal tracts, but measurements for abnormal tracts were generally greater than those for normal tracts. The ultrasonographic diagnosis was consistent with the histologic diagnosis for reproductive tracts obtained from wolves that were sterilized, were euthanized, or died during the study. Cytologic results for fine-needle aspirate samples of the uterus and serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations were unable to distinguish wolves with and without reproductive tract disease. Reproductive tract disease was not associated with parity or contraceptive administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The ultrasonographic images, reproductive tract measurements, and descriptions of reproductive tract lesions provided in this study can be used as diagnostic guidelines for the treatment and management of red wolves with reproductive tract disease.

Escherichia coli is a natural colonizer of the urogenital mucosa of healthy females; however it is one of the pathogens associated to reproductive failures in cows and sows. A better knowledge about the characteristics of native E. coli will allow us to differentiate them from pathogenic strains. Ninety autochthonous isolates from the reproductive tract of sows and cows were characterized to determine the phylogenetic profile, antibiotic resistance and virulence factors; also, comparisons between different breeding systems were performed. Vaginal colonization of E. coli was statistically higher in cows (57.5%) than sows (23.8%), and most isolates belonged to the phylogenetic group A: 79.69 and 80.77%, respectively; moreover phylo-groups B1 (12.5 and 11.54%) and D (7.81 and 7.69%) were significantly lower; however, none was classified as B2. Positive associations between virulence factors and group D were found. Isolates with antimicrobial susceptibility were associated with group A and the MDR (Multiple Drug Resistance) was related to the porcine source. These results contribute to the knowledge of extra-intestinal E. coli populations; which could affect the reproductive performance of females., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Phodopus sungorus papillomavirus type 1 (PsuPV1), naturally infecting Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) and clustering in the genus Pipapillomavirus (Pi-PV), is only the second PV type isolated from the subfamily of hamsters. In silico analysis of three independent complete viral genomes obtained from cervical adenocarcinoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma and normal oral mucosa revealed that PsuPV1 encodes characteristic viral proteins (E1, E2, E4, E6, E7, L1 and L2) with conserved functional domains and a highly conserved non-coding region. The overall high prevalence (102/114; 89.5 %) of PsuPV1 infection in normal oral and anogenital mucosa suggests that asymptomatic infection with PsuPV1 is very frequent in healthy Siberian hamsters from an early age onward, and that the virus is often transmitted between both anatomical sites. Using type-specific real-time PCR and chromogenic in situ hybridization, the presence of PsuPV1 was additionally detected in several investigated tumours (cervical adenocarcinoma, cervical adenomyoma, vaginal carcinoma in situ, ovarian granulosa cell tumour, mammary ductal carcinoma, oral fibrosarcoma, hibernoma and squamous cell papilloma) and normal tissues of adult animals. In the tissue sample of the oral squamous cell carcinoma individual, punctuated PsuPV1-specific in situ hybridization spots were detected within the nuclei of infected animal cells, suggesting viral integration into the host genome and a potential etiological association of PsuPV1 with sporadic cases of this neoplasm.

Equine arteritis virus (EAV) has the ability to establish persistent infection in the reproductive tract of the stallion (carrier) and is continuously shed in its semen. We have recently demonstrated that EAV persists within stromal cells and a subset of lymphocytes in the stallion accessory sex glands in the presence of a significant local inflammatory response. In the present study, we demonstrated that EAV elicits a mucosal antibody response in the reproductive tract during persistent infection with homing of plasma cells into accessory sex glands. The EAV-specific immunoglobulin isotypes in seminal plasma included IgA, IgG1, IgG3/5, and IgG4/7. Interestingly, seminal plasma IgG1 and IgG4/7 possessed virus-neutralizing activity, while seminal plasma IgA and IgG3/5 did not. However, virus-neutralizing IgG1 and IgG4/7 in seminal plasma were not effective in preventing viral infectivity. In addition, the serological response was primarily mediated by virus-specific IgM and IgG1, while virus-specific serum IgA, IgG3/5, IgG4/7, and IgG6 isotype responses were not detected. This is the first report characterizing the immunoglobulin isotypes in equine serum and seminal plasma in response to EAV infection. The findings presented herein suggest that while a broader immunoglobulin isotype diversity is elicited in seminal plasma, EAV has the ability to persist in the reproductive tract, in spite of local mucosal antibody and inflammatory responses. This study provides further evidence that EAV employs complex immune evasion mechanisms during persistence in the reproductive tract that warrant further investigation., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.)

Dromedary camels complaining from conception failure or abortion were investigated and their herders interviewed in Al Ahsa province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during 2013 and 2015. The most important reproductive disorder according to the responders is uterine infection (60.2%) followed by obesity (22.3%) then physiological conditions (hormonal disturbances; 7.8%), adhesions (3.9%) and repeat breeders (2.9%). Of the camel herders, 78.6% reported previous occurrence of abortion in their herds and 46% reported abortion cases in the last season (2015/2016), while 21.4% reported no history of abortion. Most of the responders (97.1%) do not call a veterinarian for cases of abortion in their herds and 53.4% do not discard aborted materials. The majority of the herders (76.7%) deny that handling aborted materials or touching vaginal fluids can result in human infection, or replied they do not know. Uterine swab samples were collected and tested by PCR for seven potential pathogens and sera tested for antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and Brucella. Five pathogens were identified in infected uterine samples, namely Coxiella burnetii (36%), Campylobacter spp. (27%), Brucella spp. (17%), Salmonella spp. (13%), and Chlamydia spp. (7%). Sero-prevalence of Brucella and BVDV was 8.2 and 29.1% in overall sera, respectively, and varies with regard to the region. The findings of the present study demonstrate that reproductive disorders dominated by uterine infections and abortions are widespread in dromedary camels in KSA.

Trichodinid ciliophorans are opportunistic parasites of many species of fish, amphibians, and molluscs, but yet never reported in association with lesions in birds. Postmortem and histopathological evaluation of a commercial adult Toulouse gander and female goose, and a wild Mallard drake revealed the presence of severe pathological parasitic colonization of their reproductive tracts. Histopathological findings included moderate to severe granulocytic inflammation, acanthosis, accentuation of the rete pegs, and proliferative hyperplastic squamous metaplasia of the mucosa of the ejaculatory ducts and groove, sulcus spermaticus, glandular part of the phallus (cavum penis), and oviduct in association with large numbers of ciliated protozoa anchored to the tissues or free in the lumen. These protozoa had characteristic morphological features analogous to the family of Trichodinidae. The source of this parasitism could not be determined. To our knowledge, this is the first report of trichodinosis associated with pathology in birds.

A new high-throughput GenomeLab Gene Expression Profiler (GeXP) analyser-based multiplex PCR assay was developed for the detection of eight reproductive and respiratory pathogens in swine. The reproductive and respiratory pathogens include North American porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV-NA), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2), swine influenza virus (SIV) (including H1 and H3 subtypes), porcine parvovirus (PPV), pseudorabies virus (PRV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Nine pairs of specific chimeric primers were designed and used to initiate PCRs, and one pair of universal primers was used for subsequent PCR cycles. The specificity of the GeXP assay was examined using positive controls for each virus. The sensitivity was evaluated using serial ten-fold dilutions of in vitro-transcribed RNA from all of the RNA viruses and plasmids from DNA viruses. The GeXP assay was further evaluated using 114 clinical specimens and was compared with real-time PCR/single RT-PCR methods. The specificity of the GeXP assay for each pathogen was examined using single cDNA/DNA template. Specific amplification peaks of the reproductive and respiratory pathogens were observed on the GeXP analyser. The minimum copies per reaction detected for each virus by the GeXP assay were as follows: 1000 copies/μl for PRV; 100 copies/μl for CSFV, JEV, PCV-2 and PPV; and 10 copies/μl for SIV-H1, SIV-H3 and PRRSV-NA. Analysis of 114 clinical samples using the GeXP assay demonstrated that the GeXP assay had comparable detection to real-time PCR/single RT-PCR. This study demonstrated that the GeXP assay is a new method with high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of these swine reproductive and respiratory pathogens. The GeXP assay may be adopted for molecular epidemiological surveys of these reproductive and respiratory pathogens in swine populations., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance, and has a worldwide distribution. Equine leptospirosis is commonly manifested by recurrent uveitis, reproductive disorders, as abortions, embryonic absorption, stillbirth and the birth of weak foals. The aim of this study was to verify the presence of Leptospira sp or its DNA in genital tract of mares with reproductive problems. A total of 38 mares with reproductive problems were studied. All the mares were sampled for blood (for serology), urine (for culturing and qPCR), vaginal fluid-VF and endometrial biopsy-EB (for culturing, qPCR and indirect immunofluorescence). PCRs products were sequenced for secY gene. Seventeen (44.7%) serum samples were reactive, predominantly against serogroups Australis (76.4%) and Pomona (23.6%). No positive culture was obtained, but DNA was detected by qPCR on urine samples (26.3%), VF (44.7%) and EB (18.4%) collected 2 months or longer following diagnosis of early fetal death and endometritis. Leptospira cell aggregations were visible by indirect immunofluorescence on 57.1% (4/7) EBs and 17.6% (3/17) VFs. A total of 18 amplicons showed interpretable sequences. Out of those 18 amplicons, 15 presented 100% of identity with the species L. interrogans (sv Bratislava and Pomona), while three were L. borgpertersenii. This study suggests the presence of leptospires in the uterus of mares with reproductive problems. Moreover, serology was shown not to be indicated for the diagnosis of presumptive Leptospira infection in early gestation. The most common agent of the genital infection in those mares was L. interrogans, most probably sg Australis., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The purposes of this study were to investigate the enzymatic activity of different Candida species and their antifungal susceptibility patterns. The study involved a total of 83 isolates of Candida from the genital tract of the female Camelus dromedarius. After species identification, the isolates were analysed for the production/activity of phospholipase, proteinase and haemolysin. In addition, the agar disc diffusion method was performed on the basis of CLSI guidelines M44-A2 protocol for antifungal susceptibility testing. All the isolates were able to produce phospholipase, proteinase and haemolysin. A total of 35.48%, 87.09% and 64.51% of C. albicans isolates exhibited very high phospholipase, proteinase and haemolytic activities, respectively, whereas very high phospholipase, proteinase and haemolytic activities were determined in 5.76%, 23.07% and 45.16% of non-C. albicans isolates respectively. Overall, 61 (73.5%) of Candida isolates were susceptible to fluconazole, 70 (84.3%) susceptible to clotrimazole, 82 (98.8%) susceptible to voriconazole, 76 (91.6%) susceptible to itraconazole, 75 (90.4%) susceptible to ketoconazole, 83 (100%) susceptible to amphotericin B, 81 (97.6%) susceptible to nystatin and 36 (43.4%) susceptible to flucytosine. Candida isolates showed higher haemolytic activity than that of other secreted hydrolases among vaginal Candida species. In addition, amphotericin B was the most in vitro effective antifungal drug and flucytosine had the poorest activity under such conditions., (© 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

The microbial community of the reproductive appara-tus, when known, can provide information about the health of the host. Metagenomics has been used to characterize and obtain genetic infor-mation about microbial communities in various environments and can relate certain diseases with changes in this community composition. In this study, samples of vaginal surface mucosal secretions were col-lected from five healthy cows and five cows that showed symptoms of reproductive disorders. Following high-throughput sequencing of the isolated microbial DNA, data were processed using the Mothur soft-ware to remove low-quality sequences and chimeras, and released to the Ribosomal Database Project for classification of operational taxo-nomic units (OTUs). Local BLASTn was performed and results were loaded into the MEGAN program for viewing profiles and taxonomic microbial attributes. The control profile comprised a total of 15 taxa, with Bacteroides, Enterobacteriaceae, and Victivallis comprising the highest representation of OTUs; the reproductive disorder-positive profile comprised 68 taxa, with Bacteroides, Enterobacteriaceae, His-tophilus, Victivallis, Alistipes, and Coriobacteriaceae being the taxa with the most OTU representation. A change was observed in both the community composition as well as in the microbial attributes of the profiles, suggesting that a relationship might exist between the patho-gen and representative taxa, reflecting the production of metabolites to disease progression.

Reproductive tract bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes, can have a negative impact on reproductive performance. It has been hypothesized that the presence of E coli early postpartum may increase the risk of isolation of T pyogenes later postpartum. The objective of the present study was to examine associations between intrauterine bacterial infections with E coli and T pyogenes and any bacterial growth (irrespective of bacterial species), purulent vaginal discharge (PVD), cytologic evidence of endometritis (an increased proportion of polymorphonuclear cells [PMNs]), and reproductive performance. Dairy cows (n = 272) from six herds were examined at Days 0 (median, 2 days in milk), 21 and 42 postpartum. From each cow two intrauterine samples were collected via triple-guarded cytobrush at Days 0 and 21. The first cytobrush was used for bacteriologic culture. Escherichia coli and T pyogenes were isolated by culture, and E coli isolates were assigned to one of four phylogenetic groups using a two-step triplex polymerase chain reaction. In addition, T pyogenes was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. The second cytobrush was used to prepare a cytology slide. Nucleated cells (n = 200) were categorized as epithelial cells, PMNs, or macrophages. Cows were also assessed for body condition score, PVD score, the presence of a CL, and pregnancy. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariable models. There was no association between the presence of E coli at Day 0 and probability of isolation of T pyogenes 3 weeks later; however, E coli positive cows at Day 0 were more likely to be diagnosed with E coli at Day 21 (relative risk [RR] = 2.0, P < 0.01). Escherichia coli at Day 0 or T pyogenes at Day 21 increased the risk of PVD diagnosis 3 weeks later (RR = 1.9; P = 0.04 and RR = 3.0; P = 0.05, respectively). Cows with any bacterial growth at Day 21, irrespective of species, were less likely to conceive within 3 weeks after the start of the seasonal breeding program (RR = 0.8; P = 0.05). Interestingly, cows with 25% PMNs or greater at Day 0 had shorter time to pregnancy (hazard ratio = 1.32; P = 0.05). Intrauterine bacterial infection may impair reproductive performance but the presence of E coli was not associated with isolation of T pyogenes 3 weeks later. Increased endometrial flux of PMNs in cows early postpartum may be a physiological process and improve reproductive performance., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Microbes commonly infect the female reproductive tract of cattle, causing infertility, abortion and post partum uterine diseases. When organisms reach the uterus, the resistance to disease depends on the balance between the classic triad of the virulence of the microbes, the host defence systems and the environment. The present review considers each aspect of this triad, using postpartum uterine disease as an exemplar for understanding disease resistance. The bacteria that cause postpartum uterine disease are adapted to the endometrium, and their microbial toxins cause tissue damage and inflammation. However, non-specific defence systems counter ascending infections of the female reproductive tract, and inflammatory responses in the endometrium are driven by innate immunity. Disease resistance to bacterial infection involves many genes involved in the maintenance or restoration of tissue homeostasis in the endometrium, including antimicrobial peptides, complement, cytokines, chemokines and Toll-like receptors. The most important environmental factors facilitating the development of postpartum uterine disease are related to trauma of the reproductive tract and to the metabolic stress of lactation in dairy cows. Long-term solutions for uterine disease will include genetic selection for disease resistance and optimising the care of the animal before, during and after parturition.

Concurrent infection of pigs with two or more pathogens is common in pigs under intensive rearing conditions. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and pseudorabies virus (PRV) are all associated with reproductive or respiratory disorders or both and can cause significant economic losses in pig production worldwide. An EvaGreen-based multiplex real-time PCR (EG-mPCR) with melting curve analysis was developed in this study for simultaneous detection and differentiation of these six viruses in pigs. This method is able to detect and distinguish PCV2, PPV, PRRSV, CSFV, JEV and PRV with the limits of detection ranging from 100 to 500 copies/μL, high reproducibility, and intra-assay and inter-assay variation ranging from 0.11 to 3.20%. After validation, a total of 118 field samples were tested by the newly developed EG-mPCR. PCV2 was identified in 23%, PPV in 15%, PRRSV in 17% and PRV in 5% of the samples. Concurrent PCV2 and PRRSV infection was detected in 6.7%, PCV2 and PPV in 5% and PPV2 and PRRSV infection was detected in 5% of the cases. The agreement of the EG-mPCR and conventional PCR tests was 99.2%. This EG-mPCR will be a useful, rapid, reliable and cost-effective alternative for routine surveillance testing of viral infections in pigs., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of the present study was to reveal the characteristic features of genital Chlamydia suis infection and re-infection in female pigs by studying the immune response, pathological changes, replication of chlamydial bacteria in the genital tract and excretion of viable bacteria. Pigs were intravaginally infected and re-infected with C. suis strain S45, the type strain of this species. We demonstrated that S45 is pathogenic for the female urogenital tract. Chlamydia replication occurred throughout the urogenital tract, causing inflammation and pathology. Furthermore, genital infection elicited both cellular and humoral immune responses. Compared to the primo-infection of pigs with C. suis, re-infection was characterized by less severe macroscopic lesions and less chlamydial elementary bodies and inclusions in the urogenital tract. This indicates the development of a certain level of protection following the initial infection. Protective immunity against re-infection coincided with higher Chlamydia-specific IgG and IgA antibody titers in sera and vaginal secretions, higher proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), higher percentages of blood B lymphocytes, monocytes and CD8⁺ T cells and upregulated production of IFN-γ and IL-10 by PBMC.

Canine herpesvirus 1 (CaHV-1) is known to cause reproductive disorders in adult dogs and neonatal mortality in puppies. The seroprevalence of CaHV-1 has not been documented in Italy. Sera from 865 dogs were screened for CaHV-1 using a serum neutralization assay (SN). All CaHV-1 positive sera and 100 CaHV-1 negative sera were also tested using an in-house immunofluorescence (IF) test. Thirteen bitches with reproductive disorders and three bitches with no history of reproductive diseases were also examined clinically so that lesions associated with CaHV-1 and CaHV-1 DNA could be identified using PCR analysis of vaginal swabs. An overall seroprevalence of 14.6% was observed using SN, and 18.6% using IF. The correlation between SN and IF was moderate. The SN assay demonstrated a greater sensitivity than IF, with a few exceptions. None of the vaginal swabs tested positive for CaHV-1 DNA. The differences in the seropositivity rates between SN and IF were not statistically significant (P = 0.16). Using the SN test as the reference standard, the sensitivity and specificity of IF were 29% and 95%, respectively. These results suggest that CaHV-1 is common in canine populations and could pose a threat to neonatal survival and canine fertility in breeding kennels in Italy. Vaccination of breeding bitches should be recommended if there is a history of reproductive disorders., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Two separate bird trials were performed to establish a reliable route of infection for Gallibacterium anatis in chickens, comparing intranasal (i.n.) and intravenous (i.v.) applications. Additionally, three mutually divergent isolates from three geographical locations, as shown by MALDI-TOF-MS and partial rpoB gene sequence analysis, were compared. In the first trial, birds were infected with one of the selected isolates by the i.v. or i.n. route. Subsequently, birds were killed 3, 12 and 24 h post infection following i.v. infection while at 3, 7 and 10 days post infection (dpi) in the case of i.n. infection along with birds of the control group. As a result, i.n. infection showed prominent and consistent bacterial tissue distribution in different organs persisting until 10 dpi, which was a striking contrast to the i.v. infection route. Likewise, histopathology revealed mild to severe tracheal lesions following i.n. infection. The second trial was set up to confirm both the achieved results and the robustness of i.n. infection but with an extended observation period, until 28 dpi In agreement with the preceding trial, identical results for bacteriological and histopathological examinations were obtained with persistency of bacteria until 28 dpi Comparing the three different isolates from Mexico, China and Austria, the Mexican isolate showed a somewhat higher pathogenicity than the other strains. Consequently, pathogenesis of G. anatis strains was studied in chickens elucidating i.n. infection as the most reliable route characterized by a long-lasting bacteraemia, targeting the respiratory and reproductive tract.

Infection with high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) has been associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations in poultry, including severe depression in egg production and isolation of HPAIV from eggs laid by infected hens. To evaluate the pathobiology in the reproductive tract of chickens, adult hens were inoculated intranasally with 3 HPAIV strains. All 3 strains induced lesions in the reproductive tract 36 to 72 hours after inoculation. Positive immunostaining was observed in all segments of the reproductive tract, occurring predominantly in stromal cells and superficial germinal epithelium of the ovary, in mucosal epithelial cells and less often glandular epithelium throughout the oviduct, and in vascular endothelium. This study generates important data and explains previously reported virus isolation from yolk, due to ovarian virus replication, and virus recovery from albumin, due to virus replication in epithelial cells in several segments of the oviduct.

Caprine arthritis encephalitis is a worldwide, multisystemic disease caused by a small ruminant lentivirus. Although the main route of transmission is oral, detection of proviral DNA of the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) in caprine semen has been previously described. However, the presence of viral antigens in the male reproductive tract has apparently never been reported. The objective was to study lesions in the buck reproductive system and to detect, in these tissues, the presence of proviral DNA, viral RNA and CAEV antigens. Tissues from eight CAEV-infected bucks (one naturally and seven experimentally infected) were analyzed by histopathology, nested polymerase chain reaction, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. Interstitial pneumonia, synovitis, and lesions in the male reproductive tract were detected in some of the bucks. Proviral DNA was detected in the lungs and joints as well as in the reproductive systems of all animals, whereas viral RNA was detected only in the genital tract of the naturally infected buck. Viral antigens were immunostained in most of the organs of the male reproductive tract. This report was apparently the first to clearly demonstrate CAEV antigen expression in the male reproductive tract, which indicates the possibility of venereal transmission of CAEV., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

To understand its potential to cause invasive disease, the genome of Mycoplasma canis strain PG14(T) from a dog's throat was compared to those of isolates from the genital tract or brain of dogs. The average nucleotide identity between strain pairs is 98%, and their genome annotations are similar.

The aim of this study was to determine, in vivo, whether in vitro infected cryopreserved caprine sperm is capable of transmitting caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) vertically to early embryo development stages via artificial insemination with in vitro infected semen. Sperm was collected from CAEV-free bucks by electroejaculation. Half of each ejaculate was inoculated with CAEV-pBSCA at a viral concentration of 10(4) TCID(50)/mL. The second half of each ejaculate was used as a negative control. The semen was then frozen. On Day 13 of superovulation treatment, 14 CAEV-free does were inseminated directly into the uterus under endoscopic control with thawed infected semen. Six CAEV-free does, used as a negative control, were inseminated intrauterine with thawed CAEV-free sperm, and eight CAEV-free does were mated with naturally infected bucks. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect CAEV proviral-DNA in the embryos at the D7 stage, in the embryo washing media, and in the uterine secretions of recipient does. At Day 7, all the harvested embryos were PCR-negative for CAEV proviral-DNA; however, CAEV proviral-DNA was detected in 8/14 uterine smears, and 9/14 flushing media taken from does inseminated with infected sperm, and in 1/8 uterine swabs taken from the does mated with infected bucks. The results of this study confirm that (i) artificial insemination with infected semen or mating with infected bucks may result in the transmission of CAEV to the does genital tack seven days after insemination, and (ii) irrespective of the medical status of the semen or the recipient doe, it is possible to obtain CAEV-free early embryos usable for embryo transfer., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Clinically normal Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 43) were used to establish a relationship between the evaluations of the uterine condition by vaginoscopy, Metricheck, endometrial cytology (EC) and ultrasonography (US) during post-partum period (pp), and subsequent reproductive performance. The uterine status of the selected cows was evaluated by EC, Metricheck, US and vaginoscopy on a weekly basis from the third week (W3) to the seventh week (W7) pp. The animals were bred after a voluntary waiting period of 45-60 days pp and diagnosed for pregnancy status at 45 days after breeding by US. First service conception rate (FSCR) of bred animals was 32.6% (14/43). There was no significant difference in polymorphonuclear leucocyte percentage between conceived and non-conceived cows during different weeks post-partum. First service conception rate in animals with normal vaginal discharge as detected by Metricheck was significantly low when compared to those of abnormal discharge during W3 (2.3% vs 30.3%; p < 0.001) and W4 (4.7% vs 29.7%; p < 0.01) post-partum. Using US, the number of pregnant cows having fluid in uterus (FIU) during W6 (p < 0.01) and W7 (p < 0.001) post-partum was significantly lower (2/34, 4.7% and 1/43, 2.3%, respectively) than those that had no FIU (12/43, 27.9% and 13/43, 30.3%, respectively). Using vaginoscopy, FSCR in animals having abnormal discharge was significantly (p < 0.01) low when compared to that of normal discharge (2.4% vs 30.2%) during W5 and W6 post-partum. In conclusion, Metricheck during W3 and W4 and detection of FIU by US and vaginoscopy during W6 and W7 pp can be used as good predictive tools to anticipate the future reproductive performance of dairy cattle., (© 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Objective: To assess the status of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), identify extraintestinal virulence factors (VFs) and phylogenetic origins, and analyze relationships among these traits in extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) isolates from companion animals., Sample: 104 E coli isolates obtained from urine or genital swab samples collected between 2003 and 2010 from 85 dogs and 19 cats with urogenital infections in Japan., Procedures: Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was determined by use of the agar dilution method; a multiplex PCR assay was used for VF gene detection and phylogenetic group assessment. Genetic diversity was evaluated via randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis., Results: Of the 104 isolates, 45 (43.3%) were resistant to > 2 antimicrobials. Phylogenetically, 64 (61.5%), 22 (21.2%), 13 (12.5%), and 5 (4.8%) isolates belonged to groups B2, D, B1, and A, respectively. Compared with other groups, group B2 isolates were less resistant to all tested antimicrobials and carried the pap, hly, and cnf genes with higher frequency and the aer gene with lower frequency. The aer gene was directly associated and the pap, sfa, hly, and cnf genes were inversely associated with AMR. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis revealed 3 major clusters, comprised mainly of group B1, B2, and D isolates; 2 subclusters of group B2 isolates had different VF and AMR status. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE; Prevalences of multidrug resistance and human-like phylogenetic origins among ExPEC isolates from companion animals in Japan were high. It is suggested that VFs, phylogenetic origins, and genetic diversity are significantly associated with AMR in ExPEC.

Modern portable ultrasound machines provide the veterinary clinician with an inexpensive and non-invasive method to further examine the reproductive tract of both male and female sheep on farm which should take no more than 5 min with the results available immediately. Unlike cattle, ultrasound examination of the ovaries is not undertaken because failure to cycle during the normal season is rare in sheep and there are no common ovarian conditions causing acyclicity. Accurate diagnosis of foetal number has greatly improved the nutritional management of late gestation ewes over the past 30 years. Late gestation nutritional supply in response to foetal demand greatly reduces perinatal lamb mortality by ensuring lamb birthweight and ewe colostrum accumulation. The contents of vaginal prolapse have been determined using ultrasonography which has led to an improved method for correction. A retained foetus when second stage labour is considered to have been completed, and uterine torsion, can be identified during ultrasound examination allowing timely correction. Ultrasonographic examination of palpable scrotal abnormalities can provide much useful information particularly in the diagnosis of epididymitis, orchitis and testicular atrophy., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The remit of this review is to provide the non-specialist reader of Avian Pathology with an overview of research carried out on infectious bronchitis over the 40 years since the journal was first published. In order to do this, we felt it necessary to summarize the knowledge acquired previously, since the since the disease was first identified in the 1930s. Infectious bronchitis virus is a significant pathogen in the domestic chicken, affecting the respiratory and renal systems as well as the female reproductive tract. The virus exists in the form of many, ever changing, serotypic or genotypic variants, some of which have global distribution whilst others are found only in more local areas. This review mentions the major discoveries concerning both the virus itself and the types of disease it causes and considers recent changes in its pathogenesis. It also discusses the impact of developments in the field of molecular biology and highlights possible areas for future work.

This paper briefly reviews recent data and concepts on the development and mitigation of infection and inflammation in the reproductive tract of dairy cows during the first 2 mo after calving. The incidence of metritis is typically between 10 and 20%, of clinical endometritis or purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) approximately 15%, and of subclinical or cytological endometritis a further 15%. Worse postpartum negative energy balance is associated with more severe or prolonged uterine inflammation. Changes in feed intake, expression of genes for pro-inflammatory cytokines, notably interleukin (IL) 1, IL6 and IL8, circulating concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) or nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and innate immune function precede both metritis and endometritis by several weeks. Infections with Escherichia coli and Arcanobacterium pyogenes are associated with both metritis and PVD. There are new data to suggest that specific virulence factors in E. coli associated with adherence may be important in metritis and PVD. Cytological endometritis and PVD are overlapping but largely distinct conditions, and there are emerging data that cervicitis exists both concurrent with and separate from endometritis. Much remains to be learned about what initiates and sustains harmful inflammation of the reproductive tract. Such information is necessary to develop effective treatments for the various forms of disease and, more importantly, to develop means to prevent endometritis and cervicitis. In particular, vaccination against specific uterine pathogens and interventions to modulate innate immune response appear to be important avenues for investigation. Presently, commonly recommended best management practices for cows in the transition period are likely to be helpful to mitigate the risk of reproductive disease., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This review documents how clinical inquiry expands as our knowledge base about canine herpesvirus (CHV) increases. We must understand the various forms of CHV infection that may occur in the dog population. This has prompted the veterinary community to develop more sensitive diagnostic assays. CHV is more common than we considered a decade ago. Up to 70% of some high-risk dog populations have been infected with and are latent carriers of CHV. Recognition of the various forms of CHV-induced disease, availability of diagnostic assays with increased sensitivity, and the formation of reliable biosecurity measures will allow for better control steps.

Complex interactions between Chlamydia pecorum infection, the immune response and disease exist in the koala. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to investigate the relationship between C. pecorum infectious load and ocular and urogenital tract disease. Chlamydia pecorum shedding was generally higher in animals with chronic, active disease than in animals with inactive disease. The absence of ocular disease was generally associated with low levels of shedding, but relatively high levels of shedding in the urogenital tract were detected in some koalas without clinical disease signs. These results suggest a complex disease pathogenesis and clinical course in C. pecorum-infected koalas., (© 2011 The Authors. Australian Veterinary Journal © 2011 Australian Veterinary Association.)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with infectious endometritis in horses. Although infectious endometritis is often considered a venereal infection, there is relatively limited genotypic-based evidence to support this mode of transmission. The study sought to determine the relatedness between genital P. aeruginosa isolates collected from a limited geographical region using molecular strain typing. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR typing was performed on 93 isolates collected between 2005 and 2009 from 2058 thoroughbred horses (including 18 stallions) at 66 studs. While P. aeruginosa was not detected in the stallions, 53/93 (57%) mares harbouring P. aeruginosa had clonally related strains, which included a single dominant genotype detected in 42 (45%) mares from 13 different studs. These novel findings suggest that most equine genital P. aeruginosa infections in this region may have been acquired from mechanisms other than direct horse to horse transmission. Instead, other potential acquisition pathways, as well as strain specific adaptation to the equine genital tract, should be investigated., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)