Reproductive microbiology Flashcards
What bacteria may be found in the vestibule, vagina, cervix and uterus of the bitch?
- Streptococci
- Staphylococci
- E. coli
- Proteus
- pseudomonas
What bacteria may be found in the vestibule of the mare?
- Streptococci
- E coli
What bacteria may be found in the vestibule, vagina and cervix of the cow?
- Arcanobacterium pyogenes
- E. coli
- Streptococci
- Staphylococci
- Bacteroides
What bacteria may be found in the vagina, cervix and uterus of the mare?
None, are sterile
What is the single most important opportunistic bacterial pathogen affectin gthe reproductive tract of the bitch?
Uropathogenic E. coli
Where does uropathogenic E. coli come from?
Normal rectal/faecal, perineal and external genital flora
Name common clinical conditions associated with infection with uropathogenic E. coli
- Pyometra
- Post-whelping metritis
What features in the host defence are altered to allow pyometra to occur due to uropathogenic E. coli?
- 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
What features in the host defence are altered to allow post-whelping endometritis to occur due to uropathogenic E. coli?
- Endometrial defect after stripping of placenta
- Retained foetal memrbanes
- Trauma to birth canal
- Poor uterine involution
- Delayed return to cyclical activity
State the single most important opportunistic bacterial pathogen that affects the reproductive tract of the mare
Pseudomonas spp (esp. aeruginosa)
Where do Pseudomonas spp originate?
- Normal rectal/faecal perineal
- External genital flora (can be venereal)
Name common clinical conditions of the female tract caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Genital tract infection
- Equine endometritis
What features in the host defence are altered to allow equine endometritis to occur due to Pseudomonas spp?
- Delayed uterine clearance
- Reduced activity in uterine msucles
What features in the host defence are altered to allow genital tract infection to occur due to Pseudomonas spp?
- Vulval shape
- Rectal caving allowing faeces to fall into vulva
Name the single most importnat opportunistic bacterial pathogen that affects the reproductive tract of cows
Arcanobacterium pyogenes
Where does Arcanobacterium pyogenes originate from?
Normal rectal/faecal, perineal and external genital flora
Name common clinical conditions of the female tract that are caused by Arcanobacterium pyogenes
- Post-calving endometritis
- Post calving metritis
What features in the host defence are altered to allow post-calving endometritis and metritis to occur due to Arcanobacterium pyogenes?
- 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
What features of the female reproductive tract contribute to resistance to infection?
- Physical drainage
- Local mucosal aminoglycans secretion
- Local mucosal IgA production
What features of uropathogenic E. coli influence their pathogenicity and invasiveness?
- Adhesins: type 1, P and S fimbriae
- Toxins: alpha haemolysisn and CNF1
- Adhere to bladder epithelium
- Iron scavenging mechanisms important
What features of Pseudomonas spp. influence their pathogenicity and invasiveness?
- Variations in surface proteins called “M” proteins
- Influence adhesive and invasive properties
What features of Arcanobacterium pyogenes influence their pathogenicity and invasiveness?
- Synergism between A. pyogenes and E. coli
- When together, inrease overall pathogenicity
What hormonal environment drives pyometra?
High progesterone and low oestrogen
Explain the role of progesterone in pyometra
- High progesterone closes off cervix, preventing exit of bacteria
- Immunosuppression
- Suppresses myometrial activity
- Endometrial growth and cystic endometrial hyperplasia promoted
Explain the role of oestrogen in pyometra
- High pyometra prior to/during oestrus
- Non-sterile environment of uterus due to this
Describe the common clinical signs of pyometra
- 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
When in the bitch’s reproductive cycle is pyometra commonly seen?
In dioestrus/luteal phase, when oestrogen is low and progesterone is high
What diagnostic tests can be used to identify pyometra in the bitch?
- Palpation
- Endoscopy
- x-ray
- Ultrasound
- Blood tests (specifically for WBCs, toxins)
What causes iatrogenic pyometra?
Administration of parenteral progestin to suppress oestrous
