Endometritis Research Articles

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of C. perfringens Isolates from Dairy Cows with a Pathological Puerperium.

Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) forms part of the intestinal microbiome, but is also a known pathogen in histotoxic infections. The significance of the pathogen as a cause of uterine infections in cattle has been little studied so far. Here, we analyzed the association between a pathological puerperium in cattle and the detection of C. perfringens in a prospective longitudinal study. Clostridium perfringens were only found in vaginal and uterine samples of diseased cattle, and were absent in healthy controls. Isolates (n = 21) were tested for the production of major toxins (alpha-, beta-, epsilon-toxin) by ELISA and for the potential of production of major (alpha-, beta-, iota-toxin) and minor toxins (beta2 toxin) by PCR. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility was also tested phenotypically by microdilution. Despite the frequent use of tetracycline treatment in cows suffering from puerperal disorders, no isolate showed phenotypic tetracycline resistance. Most isolates did not release major amounts of toxin. The strict association of C. perfringens with puerperal disease, together with the absence of major toxins might hint towards a major role of other or unknown clostridial virulence factors in uterine disease.

Expression and single nucleotide polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene in cows with puerperal metritis in Egypt

The aim of this work is to study the expression profile of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), 1-α hydroxylase enzyme, and chemokine regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted genes (RANTES) genes in dairy cows with puerperal metritis, as well as to study the association between polymorphisms in the VDR gene and occurrence of such disease condition, which is considered a key to advances in the preventive medicine for such a problem in the future. Blood samples were collected from 60 dairy cows; from which 48 dairy cows proved to suffer puerperal metritis and other 12 apparently healthy recent parturient dairy cows were selected randomly for assessment the fold change variation in the expression profiles of the studied genes. Depending on the clinical examination, the normal cut-off point of the serum calcium, phosphorus, glucose, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride, and the normal reference values of parathyroid hormone (PTH), 18 out of 48 dairy cows suffered puerperal metritis with a normal metabolic profile, which underwent further molecular analysis. In the studied dairy cows that suffered puerperal metritis with a normal metabolic profile, the expression pattern of the VDR and RANTES genes showed a significant up-regulation (P < 0.05), whereas the expression pattern of 1α-hydroxylase enzyme gene showed a significant down-regulation (P < 0.05) in comparison with those of healthy recent parturient dairy cows. The sequenced regions of the VDR gene (exon 7, partial intron 6, partial intron 7) didn't exhibit polymorphisms in their nucleotide sequence, and consecutively their amino acid sequence when compared to the published sequence on the gene bank. The results propose that the VDR gene (exon 7, partial intron 6, partial intron 7) polymorphisms do not play a role in the pathogenesis of puerperal metritis in dairy cows, excluding a role of the vitamin D in puerperal metritis.

The endometrial transcriptomic response to pregnancy is altered in cows after uterine infection.

Pregnancy induces changes in the transcriptome of the bovine endometrium from 15 days after insemination. However, pregnancy is less likely to occur if cows had a postpartum bacterial infection of the uterus, even after the resolution of disease. We hypothesized that uterine bacterial infection alters the endometrial transcriptomic signature of pregnancy after the resolution of disease. To examine the endometrial transcriptomic signature of pregnancy, cows were inseminated 130 days after intrauterine infusion of pathogenic Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes, subsequently endometrium was collected 16 days after insemination for RNA sequencing. We found 171 pregnancy regulated genes in cows 146 days after bacterial infection. When comparing our findings with previous studies that described the endometrial transcriptomic signature of pregnancy in healthy cows, 24 genes were consistently differentially expressed in pregnancy, including MX1, MX2 and STAT1. However, 12 pregnancy regulated genes were found only in the endometrium of healthy cows, including ISG15 and TRANK1. Furthermore, 28 pregnancy regulated genes were found only in the endometrium of cows following bacterial infection and these were associated with altered iNOS, TLR, and IL-7 signaling pathways. Although 94 predicted upstream regulators were conserved amongst the studies, 14 were found only in the endometrium of pregnant healthy cows, and 5 were found only in cows following bacterial infection, including AIRE, NFKBIA, and DUSP1. In conclusion, there were both consistent and discordant features of the endometrial transcriptomic signature of pregnancy 146 days after intrauterine bacterial infusion. These findings imply that there is an essential transcriptomic signature of pregnancy, but that infection induces long-term changes in the endometrium that affect the transcriptomic response to pregnancy.

In vitro evaluation of probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the vagina of yak (Bos grunniens).

Bovine endometritis is an inflammatory disease of the uterus that occurs after parturition and can result in the destruction of uterine microecology, disruption of hormone secretion, and even infertility. Problems such as antibiotic residues, pathogen resistance, and microbiota dysbiosis caused by conventional antibiotic therapy cannot be ignored. According to the microecological balance theory, probiotics have the potential to prevent or cure endometritis in cattle. Probiotics can positively influence host physiology by regulating microecological imbalance, modulating immunity, and antagonizing pathogens. Since some probiotics contribute to host health only in their specific natural niches, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the vagina may have better potential to fight against vaginal and uterine infection. The yak (Bos grunniens) is an ancient and primitive livestock animal that is adapted to high altitude and harsh environments (cold, nutritional deficiencies, and hypoxia). However, to our knowledge, there have been no studies on yak vaginal LAB. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to isolate vaginal LAB from yak, evaluate and compare the probiotic potential and safety of the isolates, and help establish the probiotics library that can be used in the prevention and/or treatment of endometritis. Twenty-five vaginal swabs were collected from healthy yak and cultured in deMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) broth. Tentative LAB strains were preliminarily determined through calcium dissolving zone and morphological identification, and the strains were then identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The probiotics of the isolates were detected using cell aggregation, hydrophobicity, resistance to acid and bile salt, adhesion, and antibacterial activities. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility, hemolytic activity, and detection of potential virulence factors were determined in order to confirm the safety of these strains. Five isolates were identified: Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus hirae, Lacticaseibacillus camelliae, and Lactobacillus mucosae. All isolates had certain growth resistance, aggregation ability, effective antimicrobial potency against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium, were sensitive to most antibiotics, and could effectively adhere to bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs). None of the isolates showed hemolytic activity or harbored virulence factors. Our results indicated that the five isolates have considerable potential as probiotics that can be used to prevent and/or treat bovine endometritis. We speculate that a mixture of YD6, YD9, and YD25 may yield better results, although this would require extensive experiments to verify.

Dose related inhibitor effect of enrofloxacin on in vitro feline spontaneous myometrial contractility

Enrofloxacin is one of the most widely used antibacterial drugs in feline medicine. This study investigated the effects of enrofloxacin on in vitro feline spontaneous myometrial contractility at different sexual stages. Uterine samples of the 20 queen cats at different sexual periods were placed in a tissue bath, and in vitro spontaneous stretch-induced myometrial contractions were recorded for 10 min. The tissue bath was adjusted for cumulative enrofloxacin concentrations of 0.25 mM, 0.50 mM, 1.00 mM, and 2.00 mM, respectively. Myometrial contractions were recorded for 10 min after each dose was adjusted in the tissue bath. It was observed that enrofloxacin caused a significant decrease in the peak amplitude and area under curve, while causing an increase the frequency of stretch-induced myometrial contractions in a dose dependent manner in vitro at all sexual stages. The current preliminary study concluded that enrofloxacin has an inhibitory effect on in vitro feline uterine myometrial activity at all sexual stages. It is recommended to take this medical effect into consideration and apply enrofloxacin and uterotonics together in treatment of uterine infections in feline medicine.

EVALUATION OF ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY OF A HERBAL UTERINE

Maintaining optimum reproductive health of animal is crucial for profitability in livestock enterprises and boosting the economy of farmers. However, the reproductive efficiency of animals is commonly reduced by problems such as puerperal metritis, clinical endometritis, pyometra, subclinical endometritis, early embryonic mortality, repeat breeding, retention of foetal membranes, and post-partum anestrus. ExaparTM Liquid (M/s Ayurvet Limited, India) is a polyherbal uterine cleanser and restorative that helps to achieve and restore better post-partum reproductive efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Exapar TM Liquid to induce acute oral toxicity in mice as per OECD 423 guidelines. Nine healthy and adult nulliparous, non-pregnant Swiss albino female mice, weighing 24-28 g, were used for the study. The animals were observed for the manifestation of toxic effects and mortality after the oral administration of the test substance. Toxicity was evaluated on the basis of changes in body weight, signs of toxicity, gross and histological appearances of vital organs, and blood biochemistry. Exapar TM Liquid was found safe for oral use as no toxic effects or mortalities were observed up to the completion of experiment.

Probiotics Intervention for Mitigation of Uterine Infection in Dairy Animals -An Update

&#x0D; Probiotic bacteria are an important subject to explore when it comes to inhibiting infectious bacteria, also commercially available for its usage in a variety of sectors including animals and humans. Postpartum uterine infections including metritis and endometritis are common in buffaloes and cow a major problem dairy industry, as it is associated with reduced fertility and decreased milk yield. To address this issue, the present review discusses the role of probiotics in the treatment of infectious uterus and its implications in the reproductive efficiency of dairy animals. Probiotic administration in the host has proven to improve health status by competing for the nutrient utilization of infectious microbes. The antibiotic activity of probiotic bacteria is also known to reduce stress on the host. Application of the probiotic strains has been proposed as an alternative to prevent uterine infection and inflammation. Hence, this review article summarizes the effects of probiotics on metritis and endometritis in bovines. And the current studies on probiotics with their effects on the uterus include their immunomodulatory effects on the animal host.&#x0D;

Pelvic inflammatory disease in postmenopausal women: Diagnostic difficulties and management in an underprivileged environment, a case report from the University Hospital of Yaoundé – Cameroon (Update)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), or more specifically upper genital infections, includes uterine and adnexal infections. These are infections secondary to the ascent of germs from the vagina through the cervix. Their particularity is their paucisymptomatic or even asymptomatic character. Although quite common in women of childbearing age, they remain exceptional in postmenopausal women. We report a case of PID in an elderly postmenopausal patient who responded favourably to probabilistic antibiotic therapy. Our aim is to explain its epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic particularities

Effectiveness of Ozone Therapy in The Treatment of Endometritis in Mares

Endometritis is defined as inflammation of the endometrium that may be acute or chronic, infectious, or non-infectious. Endometritis is an important cause of subfertility in mares. Considering the antimicrobial characteristics, immune-stimulating ability, and low cost of ozone (O3) therapy, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intrauterine O3 therapy as an alternative treatment for endometritis in mares. Twenty-five mares with a known reproductive history of uterine infection and inflammation were allocated into three groups: Group 1 (control; n = 7), uterine lavage with Ringer's lactate solution; Group 2 (O3-gas; n = 9), uterine lavage with Ringer's lactate solution followed by uterine insufflation with O2-O3 gas mixture containing 40 µg O3 mL−1 for 10 minute; and Group 3 (O3-oil; n = 9), uterine infusion of ozonized sunflower oil. Uterine inflammation was evaluated through a uterine cytological examination (cytobrush) and uterine culture (swab) for microbiological content before and after all treatments. In assessments of uterine cytology, the average number of neutrophils/field changed from 9.14 ± 3.02 to 7.71 ± 3.59 in the control group, from 10.67 ± 3.84 to 2.89 ± 3.59 in the O3-gas group, and from 6.44 ± 2.79 to 6.55 ± 7.18 in the O3-oil group post-treatment. The pre- and post-treatment findings in the mares treated with ozonized gas were significantly different (P < .05), unlike the findings for the mares in the control and O3-oil groups. All mares (25/25) showed a positive uterine culture before treatment. After treatment, the percentage of mares showing positive culture results was 57%, 11%, and 22% in the control, O3-gas, and O3-oil groups, respectively. Our results showed the effectiveness of two groups (O2-O3 gas mixture and ozonized sunflower oil) for the treatment of uterine infections in mares. Thus, direct intrauterine O3 gas infusion has been shown to be effective in treating endometritis in mares, reducing both inflammation and uterine infection.

Defining clinical diagnosis and treatment of puerperal metritis in dairy cows: A scoping review

Although puerperal metritis (PM) is a common infectious disease in dairy cattle, there are currently discrepancies between clinical case definitions within and between available peer-reviewed literature and on-farms practices. The inconsistent use of PM criteria across studies and on-farms practices can result in disparities related to recommendations for treating cows, affecting judicious use of antimicrobials. The objective of this study was to systematically review the peer-reviewed literature for clinical signs used for case definition of PM. The criteria used included local (e.g., vaginal discharge) and systemic clinical signs of infection (e.g., fever, drop in milk). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews protocols were used to screen commonly used databases. Following this protocol, one reviewer screened title and abstract for eligibility (n = 2,096), followed by full-text screening of selected articles (n = 396) by 2 reviewers to confirm eligible articles (n = 174). The most frequently cited reference article (37.5%) for the definition of PM was published in 2006, followed by articles published between 1998 and 2009 (13%). In 40.2% of articles, no reference was provided for definition of PM; vaginal discharge was described in terms of color, odor, and viscosity when related to the PM definition. Terms used for description of vaginal discharge color were red-brown (61.4%), red (5.1%), brown (8.6%), chocolate (4%), white (1.7%), yellow (0.5%), pink (5.7%), or gray (0.5%); vaginal discharge color was not reported in 24.1% articles. The vaginal discharge odor was described as fetid (75.8%), putrid (5.1%), foul (10.3%), or other (5.7%; e.g., abnormal, malodorous, odoriferous); odor was not mentioned in 7.4% of articles. The vaginal discharge viscosity was described as watery (74.1%), purulent (27%), mucopurulent (8.6%), thin (4%), serous (2.8%), or abnormal (2.3%) and was not mentioned in 11.5% of articles. Fever was included in 59.7% of articles as a criterion for PM diagnosis. The most used rectal temperature threshold was ≥39.5°C (56.8%), followed by ≥39.2°C (2.8%). Approaches used for vaginal discharge evaluation included rectal palpation (37.3%), intravaginal exploration with a gloved hand (18.4%), Metricheck (9.8%), or speculum (5.7%); and in 28.7% of articles, diagnostic tools used were not mentioned. Many of the color and odor vaginal discharge descriptions observed in the literature, used synonymous words to describe the same vaginal discharge sample, highlighting a lack of terminology consensus that could result in disagreements, especially due to the subjective character of these clinical evaluations of vaginal discharge color and odor. Although select consensus articles are available, it is common for studies to disregard a reference when defining PM cases. Furthermore, our findings highlight the need for a robust and clear consensus on criteria and terminology used to diagnose PM.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacterial Isolates from Donkey Uterine Infections, 2018-2021.

Background: Endometritis is a common reproductive disease in equine animals. No investigation about the bacterial characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of donkeys with endometritis has thus far been reported. Objectives: To determine the common uterine bacterial isolates from donkeys with endometritis and to evaluate their susceptibility to antimicrobials used for the treatment thereof. Study design: Retrospective case-series. Methods: Medical records at an equine clinical diagnostic center were retrospectively reviewed to identify submissions from donkeys with bacterial endometritis between 2018 and 2021. Data were extracted and analyzed descriptively in terms of the frequency of bacterial species, susceptibility to antimicrobials and multidrug resistance. Results: A total of 73 isolates were identified from 30 donkeys, of which 92% of the isolates were Gram-negative bacteria. Mixed cultures were found in 90% of the donkeys. The most common isolates were Escherichia coli (31.5%) and Acinetobacter spp. (21.9%). Susceptibility testing revealed that amikacin (98%), cefoxitin (95%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (78%) and gentamicin (74%) were the most efficient agents for donkeys. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was found in 20% of all bacterial isolates, of which all Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates showed a multidrug resistance profile. Main limitations: The sample size was relatively small, which means a bias of selection may exist. The antimicrobial resistance and MDR of agents without break points were not calculated, which means the relative results may be underestimated in our study. Conclusions: Severe infections were detected in donkeys with endometritis. Antimicrobial resistance and MDR bacteria are not rare in our study. This study demonstrated that bacteria identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are highly recommended before the treatment of uterine infections in donkeys. Further studies, including the epidemiological investigation of bacterial endometritis of donkeys, should be conducted to provide a better understanding of this critical problem.

Total antioxidant capacity, neutrophil profile, in vitro phagocytic activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and IL-8 status in uterine infected Murrah buffaloes during peripartum period

The present experiment was carried out with the objective to investigate the antioxidant status of peripartumMurrah buffaloes by assessing total antioxidant capacity (TAC), neutrophil profile, in vitro phagocytic activity,myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, IL-8. Based on uterine fluid scoring, white side test buffaloes (n=24) were classifiedinto healthy (n=11) and uterine infected buffaloes (n=13). Blood samples were collected 7 day before calving(day 7), on day of calving (day 0) and after calving (day 7, 14, 21 and 35) for estimation of the mentioned parametersand uterine fluid samples were collected during postpartum period, i.e. day 7, 14, 21, 35 after calving for groupingof buffaloes. Results showed that TAC concentration decreased on day of calving and elevated afterwards whereasthe percentage of neutrophils was significantly higher on 14th, 21th and 35th day after calving in uterine infectedbuffaloes compared to healthy group. Phagocytic activity was lower during peripartum period and IL-8 concentrationwas significantly higher on 21 day after calving in uterine infected buffaloes as compared to healthy buffaloes.Pearson correlation between serum TAC with uterine score gave a non-significant correlation of –0.33. From theabove research it can be concluded that lower concentration of TAC, decreased phagocytic activity of neutrophilsin uterine infected buffaloes indicate poor anti-oxidant status to combat against oxidative stress making animalssusceptible to infections. Therefore, proper nutritional management with additives should be provided duringperipartum period to reduce the incidence of uterine infections as well as for better welfare.

Ovarian steroids modulate the systemic inflammatory response OF COWS challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intrauterine infusion

Postpartum uterine infections of dairy cows promote a local and systemic inflammation and interfere with reproductive efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of steroid hormones including progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) on the systemic inflammatory response of cows after being challenged with an intrauterine infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). For this, a hemogram and serum dosage of haptoglobin (Hp) in eight primiparous Gir cows ovariectomized were performed on day (day 0) and after 24 h (day +1). Four cows (n = 4) were challenged (day 0) with 20 mL of 0.9% NaCl + 12.5 μg/kg LPS, and four cows (n = 4) were challenged (day 0) with 20 mL of 0.9% NaCl. For this, the study was divided in four experimental groups as: (1) Control group: without any hormonal treatment before day 0; (2) Group 24 h - E2: 1 mg of estradiol benzoate 24 h before (day −1); (3) Group 24 h - P4: 2.0 g of P4 device 24 h before (day −1); (4) Group 14 d - P4: 2.0 g of P4 device 14 days before (day −14). In the systemic response to LPS, there was an increase in Hp (control group; 24 h - P4 group; 14 d - P4 group), and on day +1 the Hp of 14 d - P4 group was higher when compared to the other groups. On day 0, the 14 d - P4 group had an increase in circulating leukocytes and lymphocytes cells than the control group (P < 0.01). On day +1 after LPS-challenge the 14 d - P4 group showed a decrease in circulating lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes (P < 0.05). A neutrophilia with left shift in the two treatments with P4 (day +1), in addition to a thrombocytopenia and lower platelets compared to the 24 h - E2 group (P < 0.05) (day 0) were recorded. It was concluded that ovariectomized cows challenged with LPS, previously submitted to steroid hormones induce a systemic inflammatory response. Also, the systemic response is more intense after previous prolonged exposure to P4 and less intense after exposure to E2. This study provided important information relating the effect of ovarian steroids on the systemic inflammatory response of cows challenged with intrauterine LPS.

Short communication: Is it better to calve alone or in groups? A pilot study

In this pilot study, 35 multiparous Holstein cows (3.2 ± 1.16 lactations) were allocated to either a treatment consisting of cows calving in isolation or to a treatment consisting of cows calving in groups. Cows were moved 5–7 d before expected calving date to a maternity barn with two individual 25-m2 pens (SINGLE; n = 15) or to a maternity barn with 2 pens (250 m2) holding 8–10 cows (GROUP; n = 20). All cows were fed the same dry-cow and lactating-cow ration before and after calving, respectively. Incidence of retained placenta (RP), metritis (MTR), and clinical mastitis (MAST) was recorded for each cow. Cows were video-recorded and calving duration and time interacting with the newborn calf was assessed during the first 4 h after parturition. Individual milk production was recorded daily during the first 60 DIM. The proportion of cows that reached 250 DIM was also recorded. Lastly, a blood sample was obtained from the coccygeal vessels at 12 ± 2 h after calving to determine serum cortisol, insulin, and glucose concentrations. There was no difference in calving duration (94.2 ± 14.6 min) or time interacting with the calf (70.4 ± 7.1 min) between treatments. Serum cortisol concentrations were greater in SINGLE (2.25 ± 0.30 ng/ml) than in GROUP (1.20 ± 0.30 ng/ml) cows. Milk production during the first 60 DIM (2,751± 109 kg) did not differ between treatments. Cows on SINGLE tended to have a greater risk (odds ratio = 5.0) of incurring RP and had a greater risk (odds ratio = 10.6) of suffering from MTR than GROUP cows. Only 73% of the SINGLE cows reached 250 DIM, whereas 95% of the GROUP cows reached 250 DIM; thus, GROUP cows had 38 greater odds of reaching 250 DIM than SINGLE cows. It is concluded that cows kept in isolation for about 1 week before calving tend to have more RP, have greater serum cortisol concentration after calving, experience a greater incidence of MTR, and are less likely to reach 250 DIM compared with cows moved to groups about 1 week before calving.

Cytological, Bacteriological and Antibiogram Studies for the Management of Uterine Infection in Repeat Breeder Bovines

Background: Repeat breeding syndrome (RBS) associated with sub-clinical uterine infection (UI) remains to be a major reproductive problem faced by Indian farmers. Present study documents its diagnosis, prevalent etiological agents, antibiogram pattern and efficacy of the treatment at field level. Methods: Seventy-eight RBS affected bovines were selected. The cervical mucous (CM) was collected for study of its characteristics, white-side test, endometrial cytology, microbial examination and antibiogram. The treatment protocol was developed and the animals’ response to the treatment was assessed. Result: The overall incidence of RBS was found to be 12.9% and the cases associated with uterine infection (RBS/UI+ve) and without uterine infection (RBS/UI-ve) were 44.87% and 55.13%, respectively. The mean scores of CM character, odour, pH and number of polymorphonuclear cells in RBS/UI +ve were 2.09±1.39, 1.14±0.12, 8.49±0.08 and 12.46±0.96, respectively, and differed significantly (P less than 0.05) from RBS/UI-ve cases. The microbial examination revealed the presence of gram negative bacilli, Trueperella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and yeast infection. Antibiogram studies recorded the response of Tetracyclin as best (48.57%) followed by Cephalexin (22.86%), Chloramphenicol (20.0%) and Streptomycin (8.57%). The RBS/UI+ve cases were treated individually, on one-to-one basis, obeying antibiogram. The infection appeared to be considerably controlled and overall success rate was observed in the form of confirmed pregnancy in 71.43% cases. Thus, it was concluded that prompt diagnosis using endometrial cytology and antibiogram guided therapeutic approach may aid for effective management of RBS/UI +ve cases, under field conditions.

Intrauterine proteolytic enzymes therapy hastens expulsion of fetal membranes in dystocia affected buffaloes.

Difficult calving (dystocia) in buffalo cows is a major obstetrical problem which further leads to metritis complex, encompassing the retention of fetal membranes (RFM), puerperal metritis, endometritis and pyometra with impaired future fertility. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of the administration of intrauterine proteolytic enzymes on the expulsion of fetal membranes and postpartum fertility in dystociac buffaloes. Proteolytic enzymes consisting of Trypsin (16 mg), Chymotrypsin (16 mg), and Papain (8 mg) were dissolved in 500 ml normal saline were administered after 1 h of assisted delivery in dystociac buffaloes along with the conventional therapy. The treated animals (n=15) expelled fetal membranes within a shorter period of time (P=0.043) compared to the control group (n=15) with none in the treatment group retaining it for more than 24 hours. Fewer (26.67 vs 73.33%; P=0.027) postpartum uterine infections developed in the treated animals compared to the control group. The interval between first postpartum estrus (P=0.067), service period (P=0.554), and open days (P=0.557) was shorter in the treatment group compared to the control group where postpartum anestrus developed less frequently (26.67 vs 66.67%; P=0.066) in the animals treated with enzymatic therapy. Systemic illness (neutrophillia) was reduced in the treatment group compared to the control on day 20 (64.55 ± 1.14% vs 70.23 ± 0.99%; P=0.001) and 45 (55.05 ± 1.63% vs 64.92 ± 1.45%; P<0.001) postpartum. It is concluded that proteolytic enzymes therapy after assisted delivery in dystociac buffalo cows could help in the early expulsion of fetal membranes and reduce uterine infections with decreased neutrophils count.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Postpartum Uterine Diseases in Dairy Cows

The goal of treating postpartum uterine diseases in dairy cows is to reach clinical cure in a reasonable amount of time and to improve reproductive performance while minimizing milk and meat residue issues. The ultimate goal is to reduce the economic losses caused by uterine diseases. This article focuses on postpartum uterine diseasess in dairy cows, in particular acute puerperal metritis, pyometra and endometritis. The usual treatment approach for these conditions is systemic or local antibiotic therapy to control bacterial growth. Based on clinical signs and bacteria identification using dependent- and independent-based methods, antibiotic use appears to be the most logical and effective therapeutic approach. However, despite considerable research, the treatment of uterine diseasess remains a subject of considerable controversy in the literature. Although some local and systemic antibiotic therapies are effective at mitigating the consequences of postpartum uterine diseases, antibiotic use in the current global context is a serious concern because it is associated with selective pressures on bacteria and the emergence of resistant bacteria in humans and animals. Research on mucosal immunology and the genital microbiota of cows has improved our understanding of uterine involution and how pathological agents behave during uterine diseases in dairy cows. And while antibiotic therapy remains the most common therapeutic option chosen by veterinarian practitioners to treat PUDs, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine is increasingly being considered in response to a demand from animal owners. However, because of the small number of randomized clinical trials and a lack of evidence-based medicine, there is widespread concern regarding the adequacy of evidence for the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine. The objectives of this article are to describe uterine involution and the main postpartum uterine diseases that occur during the postpartum period in dairy cows, briefly review the current approaches to treating postpartum uterine diseases, and critically review the evidence pertaining to complementary and alternative veterinary medicine in postpartum reproductive veterinary medicine.

''A STUDY OF INDICATIONS OF PRIMARY CESAREAN SECTION AND FETOMATERNAL OUTCOME IN MULTIPAROUS WOMEN ON A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE''

Laparotomy and hysterotomy incision through surgery to deliver the fetus is called Cesarean section. In modern days, higher complications in normal vaginal delivery is the major reason for choice of c section in India whereas this was already followed by US since decades. Healthy survival was possible for women in ancient days post normal delivery as they performed heavy physical work. However, modern women have less physical ability for normal vaginal delivery because of the low strength and fear of issues after a normal vaginal delivery. Today's women being literate and aware of the difculties like Postpartum infections which includes uterine, bladder, or kidney infections, excessive bleeding after delivery, pain in the perineal area (between the vagina and the rectum), Vaginal discharge, swollen breasts, clogged ducts, Stretch marks and also the vital reasons are Hemorrhoids and constipation along with Urinary or fecal (stool) incontinence, Hair loss, Postpartum depression, Discomfort during sex and difculty regaining the pre-pregnancy shape becomes crucial factor to decide for C section over normal vaginal delivery.

Decidual Natural Killer Cells Are Essential for a Successful Pregnancy (Review)

Pregnancy is a complex physiological process involving several interconnected systems. Many researchers were concerned that the formation of a fetus with different genetic components may contradict the normal state of immunity, which attempts to reject and fight foreign bodies. This piqued the interest of biologists and immunologists, who set out to discover the immune system’s composition and mode of response in the uterus. According to several studies, natural killer (NK) cells are present in a significant percentage that differs from what is seen in peripheral blood. As a result, several scientific studies have been conducted on uterine NK cells, investigating their types, characteristics, receptors, secretions, and interactions with the surrounding environment. Research has also indicated the capacity of uterine NK cells to strike a balance between eradicating uterine infections and effectively contributing to different phases of pregnancy. Various studies have shown that NK cell activity is intimately related to the success or failure of pregnancy. In this review, we describe the uterine NK cell subtypes; decidual (dNK) cells and endometrial NK cells (eNK) cells and their important role during different phases of pregnancy.

Therapeutic effects of silver nanoparticles on Escherichia coli-induced endometritis in rats

Background Silver nanoparticles (AgO-NPs) have shown antimicrobial effects against a broad spectrum of microorganisms.Objectives To assess the antimicrobial effects of AgO-NPs prepared using an eco-friendly green method against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in vivo after inducing endometritis in rats.Materials and methods In female mice, LD50 of AgO-NPs was determined, followed by a chronic toxicity in female rats by oral administration of 0, 20, 30, and 40 mg of AgO-NPs daily for 4 weeks. The induced endometritis model in female rats was performed by inoculating two doses of E. coli (100 μl of 10×105 CFU) intravaginally. Seven days later, vaginal swabs were stained with Wright stain to confirm the development of endometritis and used to re-isolate the inoculated microorganism. Two doses of 100 μl containing 10 mg AgO-NPs were inoculated intravaginally. Estradiol, progesterone, liver and kidney functions, oxidants and antioxidants, and zinc were measured in collected blood samples of chronic toxicity and induced endometritis model.Results and conclusion LD50 of AgO-NPs was 800 mg/kg body weight (BW). The use of 40 (1 : 20 LD50), 30 (1 : 26.67 LD50), and 20 (1 : 40 LD50) mg/kg BW during the chronic toxicity experiment was safe as indicated by blood biochemical analyses. The chronic toxicity experiment resulted in normal liver and kidney functions, oxidant–antioxidant status, acute-phase proteins, and ovarian hormones. The green method-synthesized AgO-NPs showed efficacy against E. coli-induced endometritis, and rats responded to the treatment as indicated by the uterine cytology and the clinical analysis with mild adverse effects on both liver and kidney. In conclusion, AgO-NPs showed treatment of experimental uterine infections induced by E. coli in rats and were safe for longer administration in concentrations lower than 50 mg/kg BW.