Placental localisation of Aspergillus fumigatus in bovine mycotic abortion: enhancement of spore germination in vitro by foetal tissue extracts.

Abstract

SUMMARY Aspergillus fumigatus shows a marked affinity for the bovine placenta in mycotic abortion. Aqueous extracts of foetal tissues and maternal uterus and caruncles from eight pregnant cows enhanced hyphal extension of A. fumigatus in vitro, and the foetal cotyledon extracts were the most active. Extracts of other maternal tissues had low activity with the exception of the spleen. The enhancement appeared to be due to accelerated germination, and the active material was of low molecular weight. It may play a part in the placental localisation in vivo.