Cause Of Reproductive Loss Research Articles

Bovine neosporosis in dairy cattle from the southern highlands of Ecuador.

The aim of this study was to describe bovine neosporosis in dairy cattle from the Sierra region, Ecuador. A case-control study was performed on 841 dairy cattle from 5 dairy herds. The overall seroprevalence was 23.4% having significant association between abortion and seropositivity (p<.05). Additionally, 46 fetuses were recovered from a local slaughterhouse to evaluate the frequency of vertical transmission. Seventeen and 3 fetuses were positive by PCR and had compatible histopathological lesions, respectively. N. caninum infection must be considered as a relevant cause of reproductive losses in Ecuador.

Reproductive performance of northern Australia beef herds. 1. Survey of nutritional, breeding and herd health management practices and of the environment

Data concerning the practices and policies of collaborating properties for nutritional, breeding and health management of herds were captured by survey of herd owners/managers (n = 78) at the commencement of a large observational study conducted across northern Australia to identify and quantify the effect of major animal-, management group- and property-level risk factors on measures of reproductive performance. The cooperating herds in this study were considered to be broadly representative of north Australian beef breeding enterprises in terms of geography, size and ownership. Using four broad regional categories, this paper presents descriptive summaries of the management practices and nutritional conditions of cooperating herds in what was known as the Cash Cow project. Property sizes were largest within the Northern Downs and Northern Forest, and smallest within the Southern Forest. The expected average annual growth of yearling steers was &gt;50 kg less in the Northern Forest, compared with the other country types, which also appeared to be associated with the identified production system and turnoff animal. Despite the exacerbated nutrition and environmental challenges and likely increased time required for new managers within the Northern Forest to attain an in depth understanding of the cattle and property dynamics, this region had the greatest incidence of management changes. The nutritional information summarised in this study highlights that available phosphorus during the wet season, as indicated by faecal levels in proportion to dietary energy, was likely to limit animal production within the Northern Downs and Northern Forest. During the dry season, pasture digestibilty and protein levels were likely to be approaching maintenance for cows on ~50% of properties in each country type and that responses to rumen degradable protein were also likely on 50% of properties. Despite this finding, low use of dry season supplements was observed for the Northern Downs, which was partially explained by the high incidence of the management systems based on segregating cows on lactation status and pregnancy. In all country types, the ratio of bulls to cows was higher than the 2.5% recommended for extensively managed situations, while limited use of vaccines to control infectious causes of reproductive loss was also observed. The major conclusion of this study is that there was marked variation in the adaption of interventions to specific businesses, indicating considerable opportunity exists for further adaptation in the region.

LEPTOSPIROSIS IN SHEEP IN SOUTHERN RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL

Leptospirosis is a globally occurring zoonosis. The disease is often asymptomatic in sheep, but it is a major cause of reproductive losses. In Rio Grande do Sul state, commercial sheep herds total over 2,600,000 animals. In this light, our study aims to identify seroprevalence of anti- Leptospira antibodies in sheep in a slaughterhouse with state inspection level. Blood samples were taken at the time of bleeding at the slaughter line. Eighty-one serum samples were submitted to the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), using a panel of 12 serovars. A total of 23 (28.39%) were reagents for at least one serovar. According to the most prevalent serovars (Autumnalis, Hardjo and Bratislava), grazing alongside cattle and the presence of rodents on the farm, may be influencing the transmission of the agent to the sheep. Although the prevalence was similar to the national average (26%), it is lower than that most recently described for the region (34.26%), which may indicate advances in technification and the elaboration of prevention policies

Multiplex SYBR green real time PCR for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of four important reproductive infectious pathogens

Brucellosis, Leptospirosis, Mycoplasmosis and Listeriosis are important zoonosis and represent an important cause of reproductive losses in animals worldwide, especially in Mediterranean countries and Egypt. Aiming at improvement in the diagnostic scheme, a quick method for the simultaneous detection of these microorganisms in different clinical samples using a SYBR green multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (m RT-PCR) has been developed. The m PCR has been standardized by using 4-pairs of primers to amplify 31kDa gene encoding protein in Brucella spp., lig gene in pathogenic Leptospira, hlyA gene in Listeria monocytogenes and 16S rDNA in Mycoplasma spp. This study was applied to 161 different clinical samples (milk, blood, fetal fluids, semen, tissue and vaginal discharges). Real time PCR assay revealed a specific dissociation peak at Tm=79.0oC, 80.0oC, 85.2oC and 88.0oC (± 0.5) for Listeria, mycoplasma, brucella and Leptospira respectively. The real time assay neither revealed interferences between primers nor nonspecific florescence. In conclusion the high output, time saving and cost effective SYBR green m RT- PCR method established, could offer an effective tool for simultaneous, quick and reliable identification of these microbial agents in different clinical samples.

Sustained antigen release polyanhydride-based vaccine platform for immunization against bovine brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis and a significant source of economic loss and a major public health concern, worldwide. Bovine brucellosis, as caused primarily by Brucella abortus, is an important cause of reproductive loss in cattle. Vaccination has been the most effective way to reduce disease prevalence contributing to the success of control and eradication programs. Currently, there are no human vaccines available, and despite the success of commercial vaccines for livestock, such as B. abortus strain RB51 (RB51), there is need for development of novel and safer vaccines against brucellosis. In the current study, we report the fabrication of and immune responses to an implantable single dose polyanhydride-based, methanol-killed RB51 antigen containing delivery platform (VPEAR) in cattle. In contrast to animals vaccinated with RB51, we did not observe measurable RB51-specific IFN-γ or IgG responses in the peripheral blood, following initial vaccination with VPEAR. However, following a subsequent booster vaccination with RB51, we observed an anamnestic response in both vaccination treatments (VPEAR and live RB51). The magnitude and kinetics of CD4+ IFN-γ-mediated responses and circulating memory T cell subpopulations were comparable between the two vaccination treatments. Additionally, IgG titers were significantly increased in animals vaccinated with VPEAR as compared to live RB51- vaccinated animals. These data demonstrate that killed antigen may be utilized to generate and sustain memory, IFN-γ-mediated, CD4+ T cell and humoral responses against Brucella in a natural host. To our knowledge, this novel approach to vaccination against intracellular bacteria, such as Brucella, has not been reported before.

Place in Ulyanovsk region of congenital malformations of the cardiovascular system in the structure of congenital malformations of the fetus

Congenital malformations (CM) among children are the leading causes of childhood disability and the second largest contributor to child mortality. The first place in the structure of the CM of the fetus is held by the pathology of the cardiovascular system (CVS) (22.1%). In the consultative and diagnostic department of the Ulyanovsk Regional Clinical Hospital 29563 pregnant women were examined from 2013 to 2017. The studies were conducted by transabdominal scanning on Voluson E6 and Voluson E8 devices. An analysis of the ultrasound diagnostic data of all the women examined revealed 966 cases (3.3%) of CM. The frequency of CVS was 211, representing 0.7% of the total number of cases examined, and 21.8% of all congenital disorder. Studies have shown that from 2013 to 2017, the congenital disorder of CVS frequency increased from 12.4% in 2013, 19.2% in 2014, and 22% in 2015, in 2016.−31.3% of all birth defect. The most frequent diagnoses were a ventricular septal defect, from 20% in 2014 to 32% in 2016, and aortic and pulmonary anomalies, from 13.2% in 2014 to 24.9% in 2016. The frequency of complex CM fluctuated from 8.8% in 2014 to 16.0% in 2015 and 7.6% in 2016. The frequency of hypoplastic syndrome decreased by year from 8.8% to 3.8%. The frequency of other detected defects (aortic coarctation, endocardial fibroelastosis, persevering left upper hollow vein, full AV-channel, Fallo tetrada, main vessels transposition) ranged from 1.6% to 8.8%. Among the main causes of reproductive losses in the perinatal period CM of the fetus occupy a leading place. A special role in the complex of measures for the prevention and prevention of hereditary and congenital diseases belongs to prenatal diagnosis, which helps prevent the birth of children with severe malformations, and thus reduce the genetic burden of the population.

Detection of Neospora caninum DNA in cases of bovine and ovine abortion in the South-West of Scotland.

Neospora caninum is a commonly diagnosed cause of reproductive losses in farmed ruminants worldwide. This study examined 495 and 308 samples (brain, heart and placenta) which were collected from 455 and 119 aborted cattle and sheep fetuses, respectively. DNA was extracted and a nested Neospora ITS1 PCR was performed on all samples. The results showed that for bovine fetuses 79/449 brain [17.6% (14.2-21.4)], 7/25 heart [28.0% (12.1-49.4)] and 5/21 placenta [23.8% (8.2-47.2)] were PCR positive for the presence of Neospora DNA. Overall 82/455 [18.0% (14.6-21.7)] of the bovine fetuses tested positive for the presence of N. caninum DNA in at least one sample. None (0/308) of the ovine fetal samples tested positive for the presence of Neospora DNA in any of the tissues tested. The results show that N. caninum was associated with fetal losses in cattle (distributed across South-West Scotland), compared to sheep in the same geographical areas where no parasite DNA was found. Neospora is well distributed amongst cattle in South-West Scotland and is the potential cause of serious economic losses to the Scottish cattle farming community; however, it does not appear to be a problem amongst the Scottish sheep flocks.

14-3-3 Protein of Neospora caninum Modulates Host Cell Innate Immunity Through the Activation of MAPK and NF-κB Pathways.

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite, the etiologic agent of neosporosis, and a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle. There is still a lack of effective prevention and treatment measures. The 14-3-3 protein is a widely expressed acidic protein that spontaneously forms dimers within apicomplexan parasites. This protein has been isolated and sequenced in many parasites; however, there are few reports about the N. caninum 14-3-3 protein. Here, we successfully expressed and purified a recombinant fusion protein of Nc14-3-3 (rNc14-3-3) and prepared a polyclonal antibody. Immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy studies of tachyzoites or N. caninum-infected cells suggested that 14-3-3 was localized in the cytosol and the membrane. Western blotting analysis indicated that rNc14-3-3 could be recognized by N. caninum-infected mouse sera, suggesting that 14-3-3 may be an infection-associated antigen that is involved in the host immune response. We demonstrated that rNc14-3-3 induced cytokine expression by activating the MAPK and AKT signaling pathways, and inhibitors of p38, ERK, JNK, and AKT could significantly decrease the production of IL-6, IL-12p40, and TNF-α. In addition, phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB/p65) was observed in wild-type peritoneal macrophages (PMs) treated with rNc14-3-3, and the protein level of NF-κB/p65 was reduced in the cytoplasm but increased correspondingly in the nucleus after 2 h of treatment. These results were also observed in deficient in TLR2-/- PMs. Taken together, our results indicated that the N. caninum 14-3-3 protein can induce effective immune responses and stimulate cytokine expression by activating the MAPK, AKT, and NF-κB signaling pathways but did not dependent TLR2, suggesting that Nc14-3-3 is a novel vaccine candidate against neosporosis.

Embryonic mortality and abortion in goats caused by ingestion of Poincianella pyramidalis

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to characterize the embryotoxic, teratogenic and abortifacient effect of Poincianella pyramidalis in goats. Twenty pregnant goats with 18 days of gestation were divided into five groups of four animals each. After collection, the leaves of P. pyramidalis were dried in the shade and crushed. The daily feed provided to the goats was equivalent to 3% of their body weight, being 1% concentrated feed and 2% roughage. In Group 1 (control), the provided roughage was Cynodon dactylon (Tifton) hay; in Groups 2, 3 and 4, 10%, 20% and 80% of the C. dactylon roughage was replaced by dry and ground P. pyramidalis, respectively. In Group 5, all the roughage was replaced by green P. pyramidalis ad libitum, collected daily. Ultrasonographic examination was performed twice a week throughout the pregnancy. Goats in Groups 1, 2 and 3, delivered normal kids. Two goats in Group 4 aborted at 127 and 90 days of gestation. In group 5, three goats showed embryonic death at 25, 30 and 31 days of gestation and the other goat aborted at 39 days of pregnancy. Malformations were not observed. It is suggested that P. pyramidalis, which is very common in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil, should be considered as an important cause of reproductive losses in this area. Due to its high palatability, it is important to avoid the ingestion of P. pyramidalis by pregnant and mating goats.

Intestinal dysbiosis is a risk factor or a cause of miscarriage?

The number of spontaneous abortions continues to increase despite the new methods of diagnosis and treatment. A total of 15%–23% of confirmed pregnancies end in spontaneous miscarriages. Of the causes of reproductive losses, approximately 7% are chromosomal abnormalities, and the remaining are conditionally preventable.&#x0D; This article discusses the role of intestinal dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of miscarriage. Focus on this issue and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases may be a primary way to prevent early reproductive losses.

Characterization of the cellular immune response to Brucella abortus RB51 vaccination and boost in cattle

Abstract Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis caused by organisms belonging to the genus Brucella. In domestic species (cattle, goats, sheep) brucellosis results in infertility and reproductive loss, while in humans, brucellosis results in a chronic debilitating disease. Worldwide, brucellosis is a significant source of financial loss and a major public health concern. Bovine brucellosis, as caused primarily by Brucella abortus, is an economically important cause of reproductive loss in cattle. While vaccines are available for cattle, safe and effective vaccines for humans (and other domestic species) are not available. Currently, most of the knowledge regarding protective immune responses against Brucella have come from mouse studies. In the work presented our goal was to characterize the T cell subpopulations and effector phenotype of the immune response elicited following vaccination and boost with RB51. In order to accomplish this, we performed ex vivo analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for the expression of surface markers associated with effector (CD45RO− CD62L−/lo CCR7−) and memory phenotypes (TEM: CD45RO+ CD62Llo/intCCR7−and TCM: CD45RO+ CD62L+ CCR7+). Additionally, we performed in vitro recall responses of PBMC and assessed cytokine production and proliferation in response to antigen stimulation. Altogether, the data from these studies will help us understand the protective, cell mediated immune response elicited by vaccination in a natural host for Brucella species.

Apicomplexan profilins in vaccine development applied to bovine neosporosis

Neospora caninum, an intracellular protozoan parasite from the phylum Apicomplexa, is the etiologic agent of neosporosis, a disease considered as a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle and neuromuscular disease in dogs. Bovine neosporosis has a great economic impact in both meat and dairy industries, related to abortion, premature culling and reduced milk yields. Although many efforts have been made to restrain bovine neosporosis, there are still no efficacious control methods. Many vaccine-development studies focused in the apicomplexan proteins involved in the adhesion and invasion of the host cell. Among these proteins, profilins have recently emerged as potential vaccine antigens or even adjuvant candidates for several diseases caused by apicomplexan parasites. Profilins bind Toll-like receptors 11 and 12 initiating MyD88 signaling, that triggers IL-12 and IFN-γ production, which may promote protection against infection. Here we summarized the state-of-the-art of novel vaccine development based on apicomplexan profilins applied as antigens or adjuvants, and delved into recent advances on N. caninum vaccines using profilin in the mouse model and in cattle.

Toxoplasma gondii: Immunological response of sheep to injections of recombinant SAG1, SAG2, GRA1 proteins coupled to the non-toxic microparticle muramyl dipeptide

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is an important cause of reproductive loss in sheep and has a large economic impact, worldwide, because of infections in humans and animals. The immune response in sheep was evaluated, following administration with four different combinations of recombinant proteins derived from T. gondii. Methods25 three-year-old non-pregnant Coopworth ewes were vaccinated twice by intramuscular injection with either the recombinant surface antigen 1 (SAG1), 2 (SAG2) or excretory/secretory antigen (GRA1) each individually conjugated to non-toxic muramyl dipeptide (MDP). Blood samples were collected from all animals prior to the first injection and once per week until five weeks after the second injection. Immunoglobulins (Ig) G1 and IgG2 level were measured using an ELISA test. IFN-γ were estimated using the commercially available bovine IFN-gamma test kit (Bovigam, Prionics AG). ResultsAdministration of the recombinant GRA1 enhanced both IFN-γ production from peripheral blood cells when cultured in vitro with Toxoplasma antigen, and GRA1-specific IgG2 antibody level present in serum. Unlike GRA1 SAG1 did not stimulate IFN-γ production in the same test system. ConclusionThese results indicate the potential of recombinant GRA1, as a vaccine candidate to protect sheep against T. gondii infection.

Diagnosis of brucellosis using molecular techniques from various clinical samples

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis and a significant cause of reproductive losses in animals Abortion. In presence study 115 clinical samples were collected from cattle and buffalo, it all sample were analyzed with genus specific PCR bcsp31gene, those samples give positive result in genus PCR analyzed with species specific IS711gene PCR, 11 samples give positive result out of 115 samples in genus and species specific PCR. Highest percentage of positive result showed in Cotyledon (40%), Placenta (25%) and Vaginal discharge (20%) when the blood and Vaginal swab showed only 6% and 5.12% positive result in genus and species specific PCR, those all infected cattle and buffalo detected Brucella abortus positive. it means the cotyledon of aborted animal was more reliable clinical sample for molecular diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle and buffalo.

Comparative Efficacy of Serological Tests for Detection of Brucella Antibodies in Sheep and Goats

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis and a significant cause of reproductive losses in animals. In view of the considerable problems related to direct diagnosis of brucellosis in animals, the present study envisaged the appraisal of seroepidemiology of brucellosis in sheep and goats by detection of brucella specific antibodies, comparison of two serological tests, viz., i-ELISA (Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and RBPT expand for detection of Brucella-specific antibodies. Out of 1012 sheep and goat sera screened, 88 (8.70%) and 75 (7.41%) were detected positive by RBPT and i-ELISA, respectively. Species-wise seroprevalence was detected 12.26% and 10.97% in sheep and 5.67% and 4.39% in goats by RBPT and i-ELISA, respectively. During present investigation, RBPT detected more number of samples positive for brucella antibodies. However, compared to i-ELISA, overall sensitivity and specificity of RBPT were 80.00% and 97.01%, respectively. Species-wise sensitivity of RBPT found was 82.35% in sheep and 75.00% in goat, whereas specificity was 96.38% in sheep and 96.41% in goats.

Reviewing efficacy of progestagenes in recurrent early reproductive losses

Recurrent miscarriages, defined as 2 or more spontaneous miscarriages in a row, are observed in 2% of all pregnancies. In the structure of all pregnancy losses, the recurrent miscarriage composes 5% to 20%. In addition, in clinical practice, there are large contradictions related to the domination of some factors and causes of reproductive losses. Although the lutein phase insufficiency (LPI) is not a confirmed reason of reproductive losses, there is a significant number of publications and scientific presentations which are focused on the use of progesterone for the reproductive losses treatment. This article presents the author’s critical view on recent studies dedicated to the use of progestagenes therapy with the objective of the prevention of early reproductive losses. Methodology, design and results of several studies of the efficacy of micronized progesterone and dydrogesterone have been analyzed. Generalized conclusions and critically important points of these studies have been defined. Among other things, special attention was dedicated to the results of the double blind, randomized, parallel-groups, placebo-controlled study by Kumar (2014), and the multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study PROMISE (2015). For example, in the author’s opinion, the comparison of the efficacy of dydrogesterone and micronized progesterone on the base of these studies can not be correct. As outlined in this article, progestagenes should be administered after the confirmation of the embryo viability. They should be used during the earlier stages of the pregnancy only in cases of clinically confirmed lutein phase insufficiency, as well as in patients participating in cycles and programs of assisted reproductive technologies. The issue of the correct dosing of progestagenes used in the therapy of reproductive losses is also not highlighted enough. This issue requires additional investigation, as the efficacy of the treatment will depend not only on the fact of progestagenes administration, but also on the optimal doses for each individual patient. The author expects that the accurate picture of progestagenes use for the treatment of miscarriages during the early stages of pregnancy will be reflected by the results of a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study (PRISM) which are expected in 2018.

A review of neosporosis and pathologic findings of Neospora caninum infection in wildlife.

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that is the etiologic agent of neosporosis, a devastating infectious disease regarded as a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle and neuromuscular disease in dogs worldwide. This protozoan pathogen is maintained in the environment by a heteroxenous life cycle that involves a definitive canid host and a wide range of intermediate hosts. In recent years, a number of wildlife species have been investigated for their possible involvement in the N. caninum life cycle and many have been implicated as intermediate hosts. However, in many instances these studies have utilized serological and molecular techniques to detect infection in clinically normal animals, and investigation of possible associated morbidity, mortality, and pathology has been neglected. As such, the occurrence and importance of Neospora-associated disease in wildlife species are unknown. In order to improve our understanding of the significance of N. caninum infection in nondomestic species, the present review provides an up-to-date summary of clinical neosporosis and N. caninum-associated pathologic lesions in naturally and experimentally infected wildlife species. We provide a list of all free-ranging and captive wildlife species identified with N. caninum infection to date using currently available diagnostic tools. The advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic methods in wildlife are addressed in order to recommend optimal diagnosis of confirming N. caninum infection and neosporosis in nondomestic species. Although current data would suggest that N. caninum infection does not adversely impact wildlife populations, there is a need for greater international uniformity in the diagnosis of N. caninum infection and neosporosis in nondomestic species in order to assess the true consequences of parasite infection.

Predicting Embryo Presence and Viability.

Pregnancy establishment, followed by birth of live offspring, is essential to all mammals. The biological processes leading up to pregnancy establishment, maintenance, and birth are complex and dependent on the coordinated timing of a series of events at the molecular, cellular, and physiological level. The ability to ovulate a competent oocyte, which is capable of undergoing fertilization, is only the initial step in achieving a successful pregnancy. Once fertilization has occurred and early embryonic development is initiated, early pregnancy detection is critical to provide proper prenatal care (humans) or appropriate management (domestic livestock). However, the simple presence of an embryo, early in gestation, does not guarantee the birth of a live offspring. Pregnancy loss (embryonic mortality, spontaneous abortions, etc.) has been well documented in all mammals, especially in humans and domestic livestock species, and is a major cause of reproductive loss. It has been estimated that only about 25-30% of all fertilized oocytes in humans result in birth of a live offspring; however, identifying the embryos that will not survive to parturition has not been an easy task. Therefore, investigators have focused the identification of products in maternal circulation that permit the detection of an embryo and assessment of its well-being. This review will focus on the advances in predicting embryonic presence and viability, in vivo.

The role of inherited thrombophilia and undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia syndrome in the pathogenesis of female infertility: A clinical and morphological study

Impaired endometrial receptivity is a major cause of reproductive losses in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles given a normal embryo. Its causes may be associated with many diseases, including inherited thrombophilia (IT) and undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia syndrome (uCTDS). However, endometrial receptivity remains little studied. to investigate the morphological and immunohistochemical substrates of impaired endometrial receptivity in women with uCTDS, IT, and their concurrence. Antibodies against ER, PgR, LIF, VEGF, and PAI-1 were used to morphologically and immunohistochemically examine pipelle endometrial biopsy specimens taken from 141 women in the implantation window (on days 6-7 after ovulation). In accordance with their clinical diagnoses, the patients were divided into 4 groups: 1) 13 patients with uCTDS; 2) 100 with IT; 3) 19 with uCTDS and IT; 4) 9 healthy surrogate mothers (a control group). In the examined groups, a total of 145 (90.1%) out of all the IVF protocols were unsuccessful. In the remaining 16 (9.9%) patients without exception, miscarriage started at less than 10 weeks' gestation. In the implantation window, the endometrium was immature in 101 (83.1%) women and corresponded to late proliferation or early secretion phases; 102 (84.3%) women were also found to have no mature pinopodes, pointing to the fact that the endometrial receptivity was very low. Immunohistochemical examination revealed the lower expression of the receptivity marker LIF in the endometrial surface epithelium and its higher expression in the stroma in the study groups (p < 0.05 for the uCTDS and uCTDS+IT groups) and the higher expression of PAI-1 and VEGF in the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium in the study groups than in the control group (p < 0.05), suggesting the intensity of neoangiogenetic processes and impaired fibrinolysis in these patients. uCTDS and IT are risk factors of impaired endometrial receptivity in the pathogenesis of infertility. The manifestations of impaired endometrial receptivity in this case are a decrease in mature pinopodes in the surface epithelium; focal stromal sclerosis; and redistribution of the receptivity marker LIF from the surface epithelium to the stroma, which may be used for diagnosis, prediction, and the development of targeted therapy.

Investigation of an abortion epidemic due to Neospora caninum in a beef herd on pasture

An outbreak of epidemic abortion in a commercial cow-calf herd was investigated. Within 3 weeks of the index cases, 69 reproductive abnormalities were recorded consisting of abortions, stillbirths, and premature calves born alive but dying within 24 hours. By the conclusion of the calving season, 85 abnormal reproductive outcomes were reported out of 154 cows at risk. The epidemiologic pattern of abortion highly suggested a point-source exposure. Results of diagnostic tests implicated Neospora caninum as the causative agent of abortion. Eleven aborted fetuses were submitted for diagnostic evaluation, and all had lesions consistent with protozoal abortion. The diagnosis was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction assays and immunohistochemical tests performed on brain tissue from 2 aborted fetuses. Once the diagnosis was made, no treatment options were available. Serologic testing was performed to determine the seroprevalence in the herd and the statistical correlation of a positive serum test to an abnormal reproductive outcome. Control measures were instituted to decrease the presence of the organism in the herd and the risk of horizontal and vertical transmission of the organism. Clinically, N. caninum is widely recognized as an important infectious cause of reproductive loss in cattle, and vertical transmission of the protozoan from infected dams to their progeny is considered the major mode of infection and maintenance of the parasite within the population. However, the consequence of a point-source exposure and horizontal transmission in a susceptible population at or near the same vulnerable stage of gestation can be an abortion epidemic, as evidenced by this outbreak.