Reproductive microbiology

Question 1

What bacteria may be found in the vestibule, vagina, cervix and uterus of the bitch?

Answer 1

• Streptococci
• Staphylococci
• E. coli
• Proteus
• pseudomonas

Question 2

What bacteria may be found in the vestibule of the mare?

Answer 2

• Streptococci

- E coli

Question 3

What bacteria may be found in the vestibule, vagina and cervix of the cow?

Answer 3

• Arcanobacterium pyogenes
• E. coli
• Streptococci
• Staphylococci
• Bacteroides

Question 4

What bacteria may be found in the vagina, cervix and uterus of the mare?

Answer 4

None, are sterile

Question 5

What is the single most important opportunistic bacterial pathogen affectin gthe reproductive tract of the bitch?

Answer 5

Uropathogenic E. coli

Question 6

Where does uropathogenic E. coli come from?

Answer 6

Normal rectal/faecal, perineal and external genital flora

Question 7

Name common clinical conditions associated with infection with uropathogenic E. coli

Answer 7

• Pyometra

- Post-whelping metritis

Question 8

What features in the host defence are altered to allow pyometra to occur due to uropathogenic E. coli?

Answer 8

• Thickening of uterine wall
• Cystic endometrial hyperplasia
• High progestorone causing closure of cervix, reduced uterine contractions and increased uterine secretion
• No removal of infectious material

Question 9

What features in the host defence are altered to allow post-whelping endometritis to occur due to uropathogenic E. coli?

Answer 9

• Endometrial defect after stripping of placenta
• Retained foetal memrbanes
• Trauma to birth canal
• Poor uterine involution
• Delayed return to cyclical activity

Question 10

State the single most important opportunistic bacterial pathogen that affects the reproductive tract of the mare

Answer 10

Pseudomonas spp (esp. aeruginosa)

Question 11

Where do Pseudomonas spp originate?

Answer 11

• Normal rectal/faecal perineal

- External genital flora (can be venereal)

Question 12

Name common clinical conditions of the female tract caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Answer 12

• Genital tract infection

- Equine endometritis

Question 13

What features in the host defence are altered to allow equine endometritis to occur due to Pseudomonas spp?

Answer 13

• Delayed uterine clearance

- Reduced activity in uterine msucles

Question 14

What features in the host defence are altered to allow genital tract infection to occur due to Pseudomonas spp?

Answer 14

• Vulval shape

- Rectal caving allowing faeces to fall into vulva

Question 15

Name the single most importnat opportunistic bacterial pathogen that affects the reproductive tract of cows

Answer 15

Arcanobacterium pyogenes

Question 16

Where does Arcanobacterium pyogenes originate from?

Answer 16

Normal rectal/faecal, perineal and external genital flora

Question 17

Name common clinical conditions of the female tract that are caused by Arcanobacterium pyogenes

Answer 17

• Post-calving endometritis

- Post calving metritis

Question 18

What features in the host defence are altered to allow post-calving endometritis and metritis to occur due to Arcanobacterium pyogenes?

Answer 18

• Endometrial defect after stripping of placenta
• Retained foetal membranes
• Trauma to birth canal
• Poor uterine involution
• Delayed return to cyclical activity
• Often prolong birth process and significant trauma

Question 19

What features of the female reproductive tract contribute to resistance to infection?

Answer 19

• Physical drainage
• Local mucosal aminoglycans secretion
• Local mucosal IgA production

Question 20

What features of uropathogenic E. coli influence their pathogenicity and invasiveness?

Answer 20

• Adhesins: type 1, P and S fimbriae
• Toxins: alpha haemolysisn and CNF1
• Adhere to bladder epithelium
• Iron scavenging mechanisms important

Question 21

What features of Pseudomonas spp. influence their pathogenicity and invasiveness?

Answer 21

• Variations in surface proteins called “M” proteins

- Influence adhesive and invasive properties

Question 22

What features of Arcanobacterium pyogenes influence their pathogenicity and invasiveness?

Answer 22

• Synergism between A. pyogenes and E. coli

- When together, inrease overall pathogenicity

Question 23

What hormonal environment drives pyometra?

Answer 23

High progesterone and low oestrogen

Question 24

Explain the role of progesterone in pyometra

Answer 24

• High progesterone closes off cervix, preventing exit of bacteria
• Immunosuppression
• Suppresses myometrial activity
• Endometrial growth and cystic endometrial hyperplasia promoted

Question 25

Explain the role of oestrogen in pyometra

Answer 25

• High pyometra prior to/during oestrus

- Non-sterile environment of uterus due to this

Question 26

Describe the common clinical signs of pyometra

Answer 26

• anorexia
• Vomiting
• Temp low
• Raised heart rate
• Injected mucus membranes
• High resp rate
• Dehydration
• Abdominal pain
• Collapsed
• Polydipsia
• Enlargement of mammary glands
• Purulent vulval discharge

Question 27

When in the bitch’s reproductive cycle is pyometra commonly seen?

Answer 27

In dioestrus/luteal phase, when oestrogen is low and progesterone is high

Question 28

What diagnostic tests can be used to identify pyometra in the bitch?

Answer 28

• Palpation
• Endoscopy
• x-ray
• Ultrasound
• Blood tests (specifically for WBCs, toxins)

Question 29

What causes iatrogenic pyometra?

Answer 29

Administration of parenteral progestin to suppress oestrous