Uterine Swabs Research Articles

Treatment of Persistent Mating‐Induced Endometritis in Mares with the Non‐Steroid Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Vedaprofen

Recently, successful treatment of mares with a history of persistent mating-induced endometritis (PMIE) with dexamethasone has been reported. As systemic treatment of horses with glucocorticoids should be handled with caution, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with the non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) vedaprofen, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2, may have comparative, positive effects on fertility. Barren mares with a history of repeated PMIE were treated with vedaprofen (n = 8; initially 2 mg/kg bodyweight followed by 1 mg/kg orally twice daily) from 1 day before the first insemination to 1 day after ovulation or left untreated (n = 9). All mares received oxytocin (20 I.E. s.c.) thrice daily. Uterine swabs were collected for bacteriology and cytology. The day after ovulation, fluid accumulation was detected in three control mares and four treated mares (n.s.). The percentage of neutrophils in uterine cytology was significantly increased in comparison to the day before ovulation irrespective of treatment. Pregnancy was confirmed in two of nine mares in the control group and seven of eight mares in the treatment group (p < 0.05). NSAIDs may positively affect fertility in mares with a history of PMIE.

Course and Severity of Postpartum Metritis Cases Following Antibiotic and PGF2α Administration in Postpartum Metritis Cows Infected with BoHV-4

Forty cows between day 1 and day 21 post-calving were examined for the presence of postpartum metritis in a dairy herd that had recently experienced an increase in metritis and that had previously tested positive against bovine herpes virus 4 (BoHV-4) by various methods. Antibodies against BoHV-4 were detected in sera from 15 of 22 cows. For the virological study, uterine swab samples of 22 cows with metritis were used and tested for BoHV-4 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), virus isolation (VI), and immunofluorescence techniques. Twenty-two point seven per cent (5/22) of the vaginal discharge samples obtained from cows with metritis were found positive for BoHV-4 DNA by PCR. All of these samples were also positive in VI and/or immune fluorescence assay (IF). Swab samples were also tested for bacteria. Empirical therapy with a broad spectrum antibiotic (oxytetracycline) was administrated, pending culture and antibiotic sensitivity result. All cows with puerperal metritis or clinical metritis (CM) were treated with intra-uterine (i.u.) administration of oxytetracycline and with intramuscular (i.m.) injections of dinoprost tromethamine (PGF(2)α) for three consecutive days. Concurrently, with the administration of oxytetracycline and PGF(2)α, cows with a rectal temperature >39.5°C received an additional treatment with oxytetracycline (i.m) for three consecutive days. According to the antibiotic test result, on day 3 after the last oxytetracycline and PGF(2)α administrations, all cows were treated with a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (i.u.) for three consecutive days. All cows with metritis and that were positive for BoHV-4 recovered clinically after the administration of antibiotic and PGF(2)α. In conclusion, postpartum metritis cases in cows infected BoHV-4 recovered clinically following early diagnosis and prolonged treatments with a combination of antibiotics and PGF(2)α.

Detection of Brucella ovis in ovine from Paraíba State, in the Northeast region of Brazil

To determine the presence of Brucella ovis in ovine from Paraíba State, in the Northeast region of Brazil, 80 animals slaughtered in the public slaughterhouse of Patos city were used. Before slaughter, blood samples were collected by jugular venopuncture from each animal, and after slaughter, testicles, epidydimus and uterus were aseptically collected. For the serological diagnosis of B. ovis and B. abortus infections, the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and Rose Bengal (RBT) tests were carried out, respectively. In addition, microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on testicle, epidydimus and uterus samples. Six animals (7.5%) tested positive for the presence of B. ovis antibodies and all animals tested negative for the presence of B. abortus antibodies. One AGID-positive animal tested positive at uterine swab culture. PCR was able to amplify DNA of Brucella spp. from the pool of testicle, epidydimus and uterus samples from AGID-positive animals. This is the first report of isolation and detection of B. ovis DNA by PCR in ovine from the Northeast region of Brazil.

Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Infectious and Post–Mating‐Induced Endometritis in the Mare

Rapid physical uterine clearance is paramount for fertility. Mares that are unable to clear the by-products of insemination or foaling quickly may develop post-mating-induced or acute endometritis. If endometritis is not promptly resolved, the infection can become chronic. Endometritis can be difficult to identify because clinical signs, ultrasonographic and laboratory findings can vary between uterine pathogens. Some micro-organisms are associated with an influx of neutrophils and fluid into the uterine lumen while others are associated with only heavy debris on cytological specimens. Identifying the inciting cause may require more than swabbing the endometrium. Culturing endometrial biopsy tissue or uterine fluids are more sensitive methods for identifying Escherichia coli than culture swab while endometrial cytology identifies twice as many mares with acute inflammation than uterine culture swab. While post-mating-induced endometritis is classically treated with uterine irrigation and ecbolics and acute endometritis is treated with either systemic or intra-uterine antibiotics, these therapies are not always effective in resolving chronic uterine inflammation or infections. Mucolytics can be used to break up mucus produced by an irritated endometrium, steroids can modulate the inflammatory response associated with insemination and buffered chelating agents can remove biofilm, a protective mechanism used primarily by gram-negative organisms and yeast to evade the host immune response.

AEROBIC BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH ENDOMETERITIS OF SLAUGHTERED SHEEP AND GOATS IN KAFR EL-SHEIKH GOVERNORATE

This study was done at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate on uteri of bothslaughtered sheep (100) and goats (100) in the abattoir during December2008 and January 2009 and post-mortem was operated to examinethese obtained uteri, those divided into two groups (non purulent andpurulent uteri) the uterine swabs were collected from (40) sheep and(40) goats and cultivation on specific and selective media to isolate theaerobic bacterial microorganisms associated with endometritis ofthese animals. The incidence of non-purulent and purulent uteri were85% and 15% in sheep and 80% an 20% in goats, respectively.Also, this study illustrated that the incidence of bacterial isolates sheep(40) and goats (40) which had non purulent and purulent uteri was62.5%, 37.5% and, 50% and 50%, respectively.The incidence of bacterial strains was 50% (Staphilococcus aureus),12.5% (Streptococcus viridans), 2.5 (Campylobacter fetus), 50%(Escherichia coli), 2.5% (Proteus vulgaris) 5% (Pseudomonasaeruginosa) in sheep, but in goats this incidence was 25% (Staph.aureus), 12.5% (Strept. viridans), 12.5% (Campylobacer fetus), 37.5%(E. coli) and 12.5% (Proteus vulgaris). The rate of the isolated bacterial strains was 22.99% (Staph. aureus),7.46% (Strept. viridans), 14.93% (Campylobacter fetus), 22.39% (E.coli), 11.40% (Proteus vulgaris) and 2.99% (Pseudomonas aeruginosa)in non purulent uteri sheep while in purulent uteri of sheep this ratewas 7.46% (Staph. aureus), 0% (Strept. viridans) 0% (Campylobcterfetus), 7.46% (E. coli), 2.99% (Proteus vulgaris) and 0% (Ps. aeruginosa).Also, this rate in goats was 20% (Staph. aureus), 12.5% (Strept.viridans), 12.5% (Campylobacter fetus), 25% (E. coli), 10% (Proteusvulgaris), and 0% (Ps. aeruginosa) in non purulent uteri while it was5% (Staph. aureus) 0% (Strept. viridans), 0% [Campylobacter fetus),12.5 (E. coli), 2.5% (Proteus vulgaris) and 0% (Ps. aeruginosa).This study revealed that all isolates of Staph. aureus and Strept.viridans were more sensitive to erythromycin, chloromphenicol, gentamycin,streptomycin, neomycin, oxytetracyclin and enerofloxacin, butcampylobacter fetus isolates were sensitive to gentamycin, streptomycinand enerofloxacin, while, isolates of E. coli and Proteus vulgaris wereonly sensitive to gentamycin and enrofloxacin. On the other hand, theisolates of Ps. aeruginosa were only sensitive to enerofloaxcain andresistant to remained used antibiotics in this work.

Bacteria Isolates From The Uteri Of Does That Had Dystocia

Uterine swabs from 50 does that had dystocia and were operated upon at UNVTH were examined for aerobic bacteria. Of the 50 uteri examined 47 yielded bacterial growth and a total number of 49 bacterial isolates were isolated from the 47 uteri. Of the 49 isolates, 42 were Escherichia coli while 7 were staphylococcus species. All the E. coli isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin. The staphylococcus organisms showed minimal susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole. None of the bacteria isolates was susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics and streptomycin. The most prevalent resistance patterns of the E. coli isolates were ChAmPSTeGnCoCf (28.6), AmPSCoCf (26.2) and ChAmPSTeGnCoCf ( 16.7). All the staphylococcus isolates showed the same resistance pattern (NoPfCfAmGnTePS). The study has shown that E. coli is the major bacterial agent isolated from the uteri of does that underwent caeserian section in the U.N.V.T.H. The isolates showed high resistance to antibiotics routinely used in the U.N.V.T.H. Thus it is essential for the surgeon to take uterine swabs during caesarean surgery for bacterial isolation and sensitivity testing.Agro-Science Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 55-57

Relationships between uterine culture, cytology and pregnancy rates in a Thoroughbred practice

Endometrial cytology and culture specimens ( n = 2123) were collected concurrently with a guarded uterine culture instrument from 970 mares (738 barren, 1230 foaling and 155 maiden mares) during three breeding seasons (2001–2004). Results were compared to the 28-d pregnancy rate for the cycle from which the samples were taken. Cytological smears were evaluated for inflammation at ×100 and graded as: not inflammatory (0–2 neutrophils/field), moderate inflammation (2–5 neutrophils/field), severe inflammation (>5 neutrophils/field), or hypocellular (scant epithelial cells and no neutrophils). Uterine culture swabs were plated within 6 h, incubated for 72 h and results determined at 24, 48, and 72 h. Approximately, 20% ( n = 423) cytology samples were positive for inflammation (>2 neutrophils), whereas approximately 11% ( n = 231) of cultures had microorganisms recovered. A majority (64%) of the positive cultures (147/231) had inflammation on cytology smears. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus was associated with more positive cytology results than coliforms ( P < 0.01). Mares with positive cytology or culture had lower pregnancy rates than mares with normal findings ( P < 0.01). Lowest pregnancy rates were recorded for mares with severe endometrial inflammation (21%, versus moderate inflammation 48%). Isolation of a microorganism from mares with endometrial inflammation was not associated with a further reduction in pregnancy rates. In barren, foaling and maiden mares, cytology was positive in 28, 17, and 5%, respectively, and culture was positive in 12.2, 11.1, and 3.2%. Foaling and maiden mares had higher pregnancy rates than barren mares (62, 69, and 44%, respectively, P < 0.001). In conclusion, a positive cytology was twice as common as a positive culture, and isolation of microorganisms was associated with reduced pregnancy rates, even in the apparent absence of inflammation.

Mechanisms behind intrauterine device-induced luteal persistence in mares

Intrauterine glass balls are used to prevent oestrous signs in sports mares, but the mechanism of action is unknown. It has been suggested that the glass ball can mimic an embryo or act via an induced chronic uterine inflammation and absent or continuous low-grade prostaglandin (PG) release. The purpose of this study was to induce prolonged luteal function in mares using a small intrauterine device (IUD) and to study the mechanisms behind prolonged IUD-induced luteal function. A uterine swab and a biopsy specimen were obtained in early oestrus. A water-filled plastic ball, diameter 20 mm and weight 3.6 g, was inserted into the uterus 2–4 days after ovulation; the control mares underwent similar cervical manipulation without ball insertion. The mares were examined three times per week until day 23 and twice weekly thereafter until they returned to oestrus (transrectal palpation, ultrasonography and progesterone determination). The location of the IUD was recorded and ultrasound scans were video-recorded to assess the frequency of uterine contractions. When the mare returned to oestrus, a uterine swab and biopsy specimen were obtained and the bacteriological, cytological and histological (inflammation and glandular dilation) results compared with the samples obtained before the IUD insertion. The PG F 2α metabolite levels were measured in the plasma of four control mares and eight IUD mares on days 11–16. The IUD induced a prolonged luteal phase in 75% of the mares (9/12; IUD-P); the mean dioestrous length was 57.0 days. The three mares that did not respond to the IUD (IUD-N) showed a mean dioestrous length of 15.7 days and the 12 control mares 16.1 days. The inflammation and glandular dilation scores were not significantly different in pre- and post-manipulation biopsy specimens. Although locational changes of the IUD were observed, they occurred over very small distances and were mostly limited within the body-bifurcation area. The IUD-N and control mares showed increased uterine contractility 11–16 days post-ovulation, whereas the IUD-P mares did not. The control mares ( n = 4) and IUD-N mares ( n = 2) showed increased PG levels from day 14 post-ovulation, while the IUD-P mares ( n = 6) showed basal levels only. We concluded that the IUD did not cause continuous PG release and suggest that close contact of the IUD with the endometrium may prevent the endometrial cells from releasing PGF 2α.

Retrospective study of bacterial isolates and their antimicrobial susceptibilities in equine uteri during fertility problems

Bacterial pathogens are a potential cause when a mare fails to conceive to a fertile stallion on a well-managed breeding farm on one or more cycles in the same season. Furthermore, emerging bacterial resistance to commonly used (topical) antibiotics has been demonstrated. In this study, a total of 586 uterine swabs from mares with fertility problems were evaluated and the bacterial isolates were identified and measured for resistance to 10 antibiotics most commonly used during bacterial equine infection. Forty-nine percent of the examined mares were positive at bacteriological investigations. Amongst 347 successful isolations, 31.7% were Streptococcus group C and 18.4% Escherichia ( E.) coli, both considered frequently associated with fertility problems. Determination of the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Streptococcus group C (110 organisms) revealed that only the amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was highly active with 82.7% of the isolates being inhibited. For E. coli, a major number of drugs displayed a high potency.

Effect of treatment with two intravaginal inserts on the uterine and vaginal microflora of early postpartum beef cows

To describe the bacterial species found within the uterus and vagina of early postpartum (10 to 20 d) beef cows treated for 14 d with (i) two intravaginal (CIDR-B) progesterone releasing inserts (C-P4; n=31); (ii) two identical but blank inserts (C-BL; n=15); (iii) untreated controls (CON; n=15). It was hypothesised that due to the locally immunosuppressive effects of progesterone on the uterus, the bacterial microflora of C-P4 would be altered by this treatment in contrast to CON and C-BL. Cows were enrolled at two intervals 7 d apart. Blood samples were collected at 0, 7 and 14 d after beginning treatments for subsequent progesterone assay. A triple guarded swabbing technique was used to collect bacteriological samples from the uterus of every cow on days 0, 7 and 14 following CIDR insertion. Swabs were also collected from the inserts and vagina of every cow on day 14. Due to the small sample sizes, only descriptive statistics were generated. Plasma progesterone levels were maintained at mid-luteal phase concentrations by the intravaginal progesterone releasing inserts (C-P4: 4.2 +/- 0.4 ng/mL at 7 d; 3.6 +/- 0.2 ng/mL at 14 d), although increased progesterone concentrations were found in 4/15 CON and 9/15 C-BL cows on day 14. Bacteria were isolated from 32/61 (52%) of all uterine samples collected at the time of insertion. Uterine and vaginal swabs from CON cows showed a marked reduction in isolates over time such that 14 d after insertion only 1/15 uterine swabs grew bacteria. In contrast, C-BL and C-P4 treated cows failed to show reductions in the number of uterine or vaginal isolates at 14 d after device insertion. Heavy growths of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Actinomyces pyogenes were found on the intravaginal inserts from C-BL and C-P4 cows. Cows enrolled in the second week of the study that received intravaginal inserts (C-P4 + C-BL) were more likely to have Pseudomonas isolated from the uterus than those enrolled in week 1 (1/18 versus 14/28). The presence of two intravaginal inserts, regardless of hormone content, substantially altered the profile of uterine and vaginal bacteria in early postpartum beef cows. It was suspected that because of the early stage at insert application, the cervix had not involuted sufficiently to provide an adequate microbial barrier to the uterus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the predominant species isolated from both uterine and insert cultures after 14 d of treatment but may have been a contaminant, due to the greater proportion of cows infected with it that had been enrolled in the second week of the study.

Multinucleation of koilocytes is actually multilobation

In order to clarify the complete cytomorphology of cytopathic changes as a consequence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, we performed three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from confocal fluorescent images. After confirming 22 HPV types using a DNA chip, we performed 3D confocal image restoration in human uterine cervical swab samples and corresponding tumor tissues. On restoration of 3D confocal images, the multinucleated feature of koilocytes was revealed to be multilobation of a single nucleus, as opposed to true multinucleation.

An epidemiological study of reproductive failure in dairy herds from Goiânia

An epidemiological study was carried out on 2823 cows from 34 dairy herds from Goiania in the State of Goias-Brazil during 2001 to 2002. The pregnancy rate was 47.8%. In 1473 non-pregnant cows, causes of reproductive failure problems were sought. The most prevalent uterine infection was endometritis (17.0%). Uterine disorders such as partial hypoplasia of the genital system (0.04%), macerate fetus (0.01%), adhesion of ovaries (0.04%), stillbirth (0.04%), retained placenta (0.01%), cervix inflammation (0.6%) and abortion (0.88%) also were found. Uterine swabs were collected aseptically for microbiological culture. Gram positives cocci (41.3%) and Gram negatives rods (52.6%) were found, and Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the most prevalent pathogens. Susceptibility patterns of microorganisms suggested the use of chloramphenicol, gentamicin and neomycin for antimicrobial therapy.

Prevalence of aerobic and anaerobic uterine bacteria during peripartum period in normal and dystocia-affected buffaloes

Parturition complications predispose establishment of uterine infections, which in turn affect subsequent fertility. The aim of present study was to characterize and compare the type of bacterial flora prevalent within the uterine lumen of dystocia-affected buffaloes and compare them with the normally calving buffaloes. The study was conducted on 40 buffaloes; of which 10 calved normally (Group I) and 30 were treated for dystocia (Group II). Bacteriological examination was performed using uterine swabs, which were collected before delivery, immediately after delivery and day's 24–60 postpartum. A total of 30 uterine swabs from Group I and 79 swabs from Group II were collected, of which 19 (63.3%) and 71 (89.9%) yielded significant bacterial growth, respectively. A total of 205 isolates belonging to 10 different genera of bacteria were identified, 8 facultative anaerobes and 2 obligate anaerobes. In Group II, 91.6% of the bacteria positive swabs ( n = 71) yielded mixed cultures, whereas the remainder being pure cultures. In contrast, 89.5% of the bacteria positive swabs of Group I ( n = 19) yielded pure cultures. Mixed infections comprised mostly Arcanobacter (Actinomyces) pyogenes together with obligate anaerobes, Fusobacterium spp. and Bacteroides spp. In Group II, the frequency of incidental and coliform group bacteria was highest at the time of parturition, i.e., before and immediately after delivery, and decreased to nil during the 24–60-day postpartum period. However, in Group I, the incidental and coliform group of bacteria present at the time of parturition apparently persisted beyond the period when uterine involution is complete. The frequency of obligate anaerobes and A. pyogenes at the time of parturition was nil in the Group I while they predominated in dystocia-affected buffaloes (Group II). During the postpartum period of 24–60 days, the frequency of both obligate anaerobes and A. pyogenes increased significantly in Group II, whereas in Group I, only occasional isolates were obtained. To conclude, at the time of calving the prevalence of obligate anaerobes and A. pyogenes occurring in combination was highest in dystocia-affected buffaloes, and further increased in the postpartum period suggesting that these infections act synergistically.

A review of mare endometritis in Iran

SUMMARY One hundred eleven mares were examined and selected on the basis of some criteria (history of recent genital discharge and/or abortion, dystocia, retained placenta, rectovaginal rupture and/or failing to conceive after repeated services), rectal palpation, and ultrasound examination of genital tract. The mares were classified in 3 groups (young, middle age and old). During estrus, a specimen was taken by uterine swab and endometrial biopsy. Endometritis was diagnosed and graded on the basis of pathology results and treatment was done on the basis of culture and antibiogram tests. At the first step of treatment, uterine lavage with warm saline followed by intrauterine administration of a specific antibiotic, or povidone iodine solution, was done daily during estrus. If the mare had not responded to the first treatment, in the next steps systemic antibiotic therapy was also added to the mentioned treatment. The results showed that Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen and response to the treatments was significantly better in the young mares with category IIA fibrosis of uterine pathology than that of two other groups. It was also found that there is no relationship among age and kind of pathogen to mare endometritis.

Effect of intrauterine administration of oestradiol on postpartum uterine bacterial infection in cattle

After parturition fewer first dominant follicles are selected in the ovary ipsilateral to the previously gravid uterine horn in cattle. However, the presence of a large oestradiol-secreting follicle in the ipsilateral ovary is a predictor of fertility, possibly due to a localised effect of oestradiol which increases the rate of elimination of the ubiquitous uterine bacterial contamination that occurs after calving. The present study tested the hypothesis that oestradiol reduces uterine bacterial contamination when administered into the uterine lumen around the expected time for selection of the first postpartum dominant follicle. Animals were infused with saline ( n=15) or 10 mg oestradiol benzoate ( n=15) into the previously gravid uterine horn on Days 7 and 10 postpartum. Peripheral coccygeal blood samples were collected daily and oestradiol concentrations measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Uterine lumen swabs were collected 7, 14 and 21 days postpartum for aerobic and anaerobic culture, bacteria were identified and growth scored semi-quantitatively. Plasma oestradiol concentrations were higher for treated animals between Days 7 and 14 (1.4±0.1 versus 2.0±0.2 pg/ml, P<0.05). Control animals had a similar bacterial growth score on Days 7 and 14, with a lower value on Day 21 (5.7±1.0 and 6.1±0.7 versus 0.3±0.1, P<0.05). However, treated animals had a surprising higher bacterial load on Day 14, than on Days 7 or 21 (7.1±0.9 versus 4.0±0.6 or 3.6±0.6, P<0.05). The increased score was attributable to more pathogens associated with endometritis on Day 14 than Day 7 (5.1±1.0 versus 2.5±0.5, P<0.05), in particular Prevotella melaninogenicus (1.5±0.5 versus 0.7±0.2, P<0.05) and Fusobacterium necrophorum (1.5±0.4 versus 0.3±0.2, P<0.05). In conclusion, administration of oestradiol into the uterine lumen surprisingly increased uterine pathogenic anaerobic bacterial contamination. Thus, it is unlikely that increased fertility associated with a first dominant follicle in the ipsilateral ovary is a consequence of the elimination of bacterial contamination by ovarian oestradiol.

The effect of semen extender, seminal plasma and raw semen on uterine and ovarian blood flow in mares.

Transrectal color Doppler sonography was used to evaluate the effect of intrauterine infusion of skim milk semen extender, seminal plasma and raw semen on the endometrium and blood flow in the uterine and ovarian arteries in mares. Six Trotter mares (mean age: 12 years) were examined during estrus in three cycles. Each mare received an intrauterine infusion of 20 ml of skim milk semen extender, seminal plasma or raw semen during estrus in one of three cycles. Blood flow measurements in both uterine and ovarian arteries and the determination of intrauterine fluid via sonography were performed before each infusion and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after infusion. Forty-eight hours later, the intrauterine infusion and measurements were repeated using the same time intervals. Changes in blood flow were detected using transrectal color Doppler sonography and were evaluated using the mean time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV) of the blood flow. Cytological and bacteriological examination of uterine swabs performed 48 h after the second infusion revealed less inflammation and bacterial growth in mares infused with skim milk semen extender than in those infused with seminal plasma or raw semen. There was an increase in intrauterine fluid as early as 1 h after infusion of any of the substances. The infusion of skim milk semen extender had no effect on uterine blood flow. Within 1 h after infusion of seminal plasma or raw semen, there was an increase in the TAMV values of both uterine arteries (P<0.05). In contrast, ovarian blood flow increased only in the artery ipsilateral to the preovulatory follicle and only after the infusion of raw semen (P<0.05). In conclusion, the changes in uterine perfusion observed after intrauterine infusion may be associated with endometrial inflammation and vasodilatory components in the seminal plasma, whereas the changes seen in ovarian blood flow are possibly attributable to the interaction between sperm and oviduct.

Uterine Microbiology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Isolated Bacteria from Mares with Fertility Problems

Uterine microbiology and antimicrobial susceptibility was investigated in 239 mares with fertility problems in a prospective study in Sweden. Uterine swab samples were collected with double guarded swabs and transported overnight before being cultured. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) was determined for a panel of antimicrobials. From 152 of the 239 mares at least one bacterial species was isolated, most frequently E. coli (104 isolates), β-haemolytic streptococci (31) and fungi (16). β-haemolytic streptococci were more frequently (p < 0.01) associated with clinical endometritis than with repeat breeding. The opposite was true for E. coli (p < 0.01). Among β-haemolytic streptococcal isolates some resistance was noted for 4 of 11 tested antibiotics, however, all isolates were susceptible to the widely used penicillin G. Among E. coli isolates enrofloxacin was the only of the 10 tested antibiotics for which no resistance was noted. Resistance was most commonly noted to cephalothin (39% of the isolates), streptomycin (22%), trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (15%) and ampicillin (11%). In conclusion, we show that both E. coli and β-haemolytic streptococci are frequently associated with fertility problems in mares and that antimicrobial resistance is a common feature of E. coli but also recognised for β-haemolytic streptococcal uterine isolates.

Blood and intrauterine leukocyte profile and function in dairy cows that spontaneously recovered from postpartum endometritis.

The profile and function of blood and uterine leukocytes were evaluated in 14 dairy cows that spontaneously recovered from postpartum endometritis (mild, n=6 and heavy, n=8; general health not affected). From a minimum of 2 weeks before parturition until 6 weeks postpartum, blood samples were obtained twice weekly for leukocyte counts and leukogram determination and once weekly for flow cytometry assessment of polimorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) phagocytic capacity and oxidative burst activity. Uterine fluid-stained smears, obtained twice weekly from parturition until fluid was present in the uterus, were used for determination of the percentage of PMN, of phagocytizing PMN (phago-PMN) and of the mean number of phagocyted bacteria per phagocytizing PMN (phagocytic index; PI). Uterine swabs were obtained twice weekly from parturition until 35 days postpartum for bacteriological examination. The time of endometritis diagnosis was similar in cows with mild or heavy endometritis but the latter cows had a significantly longer persistence of the infection and of the isolation of Gram-negative anaerobes from the uterus. However, the effect of group (mild versus heavy) was not significant for all the blood and uterine parameters analysed. The effect of sampling day (within group effect) was significant (p<0.01 to p<0.00001) for all parameters, except for the blood monocyte count and the blood PMN phagocytic capacity, in which only a tendency for significance was observed (p<0.1). The effect of the interaction group x sampling day was significant only for the blood monocyte count. The phago-PMN and the PI were significantly correlated (r=0.70, p<0.001). A significant correlation was also observed between the uterine fluid phago-PMN and the blood PMN oxidative burst activity (r=-0.41, p<0.05). At the spontaneous recovery, the blood PMN oxidative burst activity was significantly higher (p<0.05) and the percentage of intrauterine phago-PMN and the PI were significantly lower (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively) than at diagnosis of endometritis. These results suggest that a decrease in blood PMN oxidative burst activity until the first week postpartum could be associated with an increased susceptibility to early postpartum endometritis. The later increase in this parameter as well as the increase in the intrauterine fluid phago-PMN and PI, might favour the spontaneous resolution of endometritis.

Influence of puerperal uterine infection on uterine involution and postpartum ovarian activity in dairy cows.

This article presents the results of a clinical trial designed to study the effect of puerperal uterine infection on uterine involution and on ovarian activity in dairy cows, monitored twice weekly from parturition until the sixth week postpartum (wpp). Infection significantly retarded uterine involution assessed by the uterine body diameter and a score of intrauterine fluid volume (IUFV). By the sixth wpp, cows with normal puerperium (controls) and cows that showed mild puerperal endometritis had similar uterine body diameter and IUFV, indicating spontaneous recovery within the postpartum voluntary waiting period. However, in cows with severe puerperal endometritis, although uterine body diameter had regressed to pregravid size, IUFV remained significantly higher than in control and mild endometritis cows, indicating that chronic endometritis was established. The IUFV score was positively and significantly correlated with uterine swab bacterial growth density and allowed diagnosis of endometritis after the third wpp. Cows with mild or severe endometritis had a significantly higher prevalence and persistence of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Actinomyces pyogenes, Gram-negative anaerobes - GNA) than controls. Actinomyces pyogenes was associated to GNA in 74% of isolations. Ovarian activity measured by ultrasound scanning of the ovaries and plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations was more abnormal (prolonged anoestrus, prolonged luteal phases and ovarian cysts) in cows with severe endometritis than in controls.

The effects of endometrial scarification on uterine steroid receptors, bacterial flora and histological structure in the bitch

Following laparotomy, the endometrium of six nulliparous Beagle bitches was scarified at the base of one uterine horn during early metoestrus, when the peripheral plasma P 4 concentration was >10 ng/ml; intrauterine swabs were taken at the same time for bacteriological culture. Twenty-one days later, a bilateral ovariohysterectomy was performed and segments of the scarified and non-scarified parts of the tubular genital tract removed; at the same time, swabs were taken from the uterine lumen. Tissue samples were collected and examined for histopathological structure, and the presence of nuclear oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors using an immunocytochemical method. The immunoreactivity was scored semiquantitatively, incorporating both the intensity and distribution of specific staining of the receptors using a simplified histoscore ( H-score). All uterine swabs were sterile, and in three of the six bitches there were noticeable changes with distension of the uterine lumen with secretions and debris and distension of the endometrial gland ducts of the scarified uterine segment. There were no statistically significant differences in the H-scores of ER or PR between scarified and non-scarified segments, except for PR H-scores in the glandular epithelium where the values for the scarified were significantly higher than for the non-scarified endometrium (mean±S.E.M. is 129.9±22.8 versus 59.5±12.6; P<0.05). Thus, trauma can modify the structure of the endometrium and the characteristics of the PR. Whether changes in PR expression are involved in the pathogenesis of CEH/pyometra in the bitch could not be ascertained from this study.