Infections of the Urogenital System III (15) Flashcards
What is the causative agent for Enzootic Abortion of Ewes? (EAE)
chlamydia abortus
What are the characteristics of chlamydia abortus?
spherical intracellular bacteria
stained with MZN and Giemsa
energy parasites cannot synthesize ATP
Where in the body does chlamydia produce disease?
respiratory
enteric
reproductive tracts
What is the infectious form of chlamydia?
elementary bodies (remember this from previous lectures)
What is the reproductive form of chalmydia?
reticular bodies
What is the usual habitat of chlamydia?
GI tract
How does chlamydia remain in the environment for a while?
fecal shedding of organisms - prolonged and becomes intermittent with time
EBs can survive in the environment for several days
How does infection occur in Enzootic Abortion of Ewes?
infection occurs by ingestion
When does abortion occur in Enzootic Abortion of Ewes?
infection early in pregnancy
those infected late in pregnancy do not usually abort but may do so in next pregnancy
Ewe lambs can acquire infection when? What happens?`
acquire infection during neonatal period
abort during their first pregnancy
What is the pathogenesis of EAE?
detectable at about day 90 of gestation
What does chlamydia abortus target?
the trophoblast layer, giving rise to inflammation, thrombotic vasculitis and tissue necrosis in the placenta
Abortion from EAE is considered to result from what?
reduced efficiency of fetal-maternal exchange
disruption of placental endocrine function
disruption of immunological balance between fetus and dam
What are clinical signs of EAE?
characterized by abortion during late pregnancy or the birth of premature weak lambs
In Enzootic Abortion of Ewes, aborted lambs are ______
developed and fresh
What is present in affected placenta regarding infection by chlamydia abortus in EAE?
necrosis of cotyledons and edema of adjacent intercotyledonary tissue
dirty pink uterine exudate
What is interesting regarding ewe fertility and clinical signs when infected with Enzootic Abortion of Ewes?
fertility is NOT usually impaired
rarely show evidence of clinical disease
What are diagnostic features of EAE?
well-preserved aborted lambs
evidence of necrotic placentitis
Large numbers of ____ in EAE be demonstrated in placental smears using suitable staining procedures?
elementary bodies
If using what, care must be taken to avoid confusing chlamydial elementary bodies with coxiella burnetti which also causes abortion and has similar staining properties
MZN staining
What are some diagnostic procedures for EAE?
isolation of chlamydiae in suitable cell lines
PCR tests are available that can be carries
serological tests like complement fixation test, ELISA< and indirect immunofluorescent