Effect of Chitosan Microparticles on the Uterine Microbiome of Dairy Cows with Metritis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of chitosan microparticles on the uterine microbiome of cows with metritis. Dairy cows with metritis (n = 89) were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: chitosan microparticles (n = 21), in which the cows received an intrauterine infusion of chitosan microparticles at metritis diagnosis (day 0), day 2, and day 4; ceftiofur (n = 25), in which the cows received a subcutaneous injection of ceftiofur on day 0 and day 3; and no intrauterine or subcutaneous treatment (n = 23). Nonmetritic cows (n=20) were healthy cows matched with cows with metritis by the number of days postpartum at metritis diagnosis. Uterine swab samples collected on days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 were used for 16S rRNA gene sequencing and 16S RNA gene copy number quantification by quantitative PCR. Principal-coordinate analysis showed that the microbiome of the ceftiofur-treated and metritic untreated groups progressed toward that of the nonmetritic group by day 3, whereas that of the chitosan microparticletreated group remained unchanged. The differences on day 3 were mainly due to a greater relative abundance of Fusobacteria, particularly Fusobacterium, in the chitosan microparticle-treated group than in the ceftiofur-treated and metritic untreated groups. Furthermore, the microbiome of the ceftiofur-treated group became similar to that of the nonmetritic group by day 9, whereas the microbiome of the chitosan microparticle-treated and metritic untreated groups became similar to that of the nonmetritic group only by day 12. The total bacterial 16S rRNA gene counts in the chitosan microparticle-treated group were greater than those in the metritic untreated controls on days 6 and 9, whereas the ceftiofur treatment group was the only group in which the total bacterial 16S rRNA gene count became similar to that in the nonmetritic group by day 12. In summary, chitosan microparticles slowed the progression of the uterine microbiome toward a healthy state, whereas ceftiofur hastened the progression toward a healthy state.Fil: Galvão, Klibs N.. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: de Oliveira, Eduardo B.. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Cunha, Federico. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Daetz, Rodolfo. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Jones, Kristi. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Ma, Zhengxin. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Jeong, Kwangcheol C.. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Bicalho, Rodrigo C.. Cornell University; Estados UnidosFil: Higgins, Catherine H.. Cornell University; Estados UnidosFil: Rodrigues, Marjory X.. Cornell University; Estados UnidosFil: Gonzalez Moreno, Candelaria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Jeon, Soojin. Long Island University; Estados Unido

Determination of the efficacy of anthelmintics used in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of goats from Tucumán, Argentina

En la Argentina, el 93% de la producción caprina en la Argentina es desarrollada por pequeños productores deagriculturas de subsistencia, quienes, por lo general, utilizan antihelmínticos sin asesoramiento profesional, lo que, probablemente, hallevado al desarrollo de resistencia, comprometiendo seriamente la sustentabilidad del control de nematodos. El objetivo de esteestudio es determinar la eficacia de la ivermectina, el albendazol y el levamisol para el tratamiento de la gastroenteritis verminosa encuatro grupos de ocho caprinos cada uno, mediante el Test de Reducción del Conteo de Huevos (TRCH). Los resultados demostraronun 100% de reducción del número de HPG para los grupos tratados con albendazol y levamisol y un 17% de reducción para el grupotratado con ivermectina, con respecto al grupo control, lo que permite inferir que existe resistencia a este fármaco.Almost 93% of goat production in Argentina is developed by small farmers, who generally use anthelmintics without professional advice, which has led to the development of resistance, seriously compromising the sustainability of nematode control. This study aims to determine the efficacy of ivermectin, albendazole and levamisole for the treatment of verminous gastroenteritis in four groups of eight goats each, using the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). The results showed a 100% reduction in the number of EPG for the groups treated with albendazole and levamisole and a 17% reduction for the group treated with ivermectin, compared to the control group, which allows us to infer that there is resistance to this drug.Fil: Chocobar, Marianna Laura Elis. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Diambra, Priscila. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Terán Alurralde, María del Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Bustos, María José. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Prado, María José. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez Moreno, Candelaria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Jorge Luis. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Salinas, Carmen. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Solaligue, Paola Blanca del Valle. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Rosa, Ramiro José. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; Argentin

Hyperoxemia and excess oxygen use in early acute respiratory distress syndrome : Insights from the LUNG SAFE study

Publisher Copyright: © 2020 The Author(s). Copyright: Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Background: Concerns exist regarding the prevalence and impact of unnecessary oxygen use in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We examined this issue in patients with ARDS enrolled in the Large observational study to UNderstand the Global impact of Severe Acute respiratory FailurE (LUNG SAFE) study. Methods: In this secondary analysis of the LUNG SAFE study, we wished to determine the prevalence and the outcomes associated with hyperoxemia on day 1, sustained hyperoxemia, and excessive oxygen use in patients with early ARDS. Patients who fulfilled criteria of ARDS on day 1 and day 2 of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure were categorized based on the presence of hyperoxemia (PaO2 > 100 mmHg) on day 1, sustained (i.e., present on day 1 and day 2) hyperoxemia, or excessive oxygen use (FIO2 ≥ 0.60 during hyperoxemia). Results: Of 2005 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 131 (6.5%) were hypoxemic (PaO2 < 55 mmHg), 607 (30%) had hyperoxemia on day 1, and 250 (12%) had sustained hyperoxemia. Excess FIO2 use occurred in 400 (66%) out of 607 patients with hyperoxemia. Excess FIO2 use decreased from day 1 to day 2 of ARDS, with most hyperoxemic patients on day 2 receiving relatively low FIO2. Multivariate analyses found no independent relationship between day 1 hyperoxemia, sustained hyperoxemia, or excess FIO2 use and adverse clinical outcomes. Mortality was 42% in patients with excess FIO2 use, compared to 39% in a propensity-matched sample of normoxemic (PaO2 55-100 mmHg) patients (P = 0.47). Conclusions: Hyperoxemia and excess oxygen use are both prevalent in early ARDS but are most often non-sustained. No relationship was found between hyperoxemia or excessive oxygen use and patient outcome in this cohort. Trial registration: LUNG-SAFE is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02010073publishersversionPeer reviewe

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Microbiota nativa del tracto reproductor bovino: caracterización de cepas de Escherichia coli patogénicas y sensibilidad frente a extractos vegetales naturales

La eficiencia en producción bovina de carne y leche depende de la performance reproductiva de los vientres, siendo afectada por infecciones del tracto reproductor. Aunque Escherichia coli forma parte de la microbiota nativa vaginal bovina, se reconoce a este microorganismo como partícipe necesario de dichas infecciones. Sin embargo, al inicio de este trabajo, no se habían descripto cuales modificaciones de esta microbiota predisponen a dichas infecciones, como tampoco, cuales características de E. coli determinan su capacidad patogénica en este tracto.En el presente trabajo mediante técnicas dependientes e independientes de cultivo, se puso en evidencia que la conformación de la microbiota vaginal depende del perfil reproductivo y del manejo animal. Patrones poblacionales particulares, obtenidos por PCR-DGGE y metagénica, se asociaron a: vaquillonas de carne sincronizadas (para inseminación artificial a tiempo fijo); vaquillonas y vacas de tambo, presentando estas últimas trastornos reproductivos (VTR) (enfermedad uterina posparto, EUP y síndrome de vaca repetidora de celo, SVRC). Los phylum bacterianos Fusobacteria y Bacteroidetes presentaron significativamente mayor abundancia relativa en el grupo EUP mientras que Proteobacteria lo fue en SVRC. En vaquillonas de carne sincronizadas se observó aumento significativo de la abundancia relativa de Tenericutes y Fusobacteria en el día de ovulación. Se describe por primera vez, la conformación filogenética, resistencia antimicrobiana y presencia de genes asociados a virulencia (FV) en poblaciones de E. coli vaginales nativas de animales de tambo: vaquillonas vírgenes, vacas con EUP y SVRC. Se identificaron 97 aislados de E. coli y se evaluó la variabilidad genética y conformación filogenética asociándolas con el grupo animal de origen; destacándose la asociación significativa entre SVRC y el filogrupo B1. Se detectó elevada prevalencia de resistencia, particularmente en aislados de VTR. La presencia de genes asociados a FV intestinales fue muy baja, probablemente, por una especificidad en el nicho. Sin embargo, la expresión y presencia de genes de FV relacionados a E. coli extra-intestinales mostró asociación con los perfiles reproductivos y se concluye que la EUP se asocia significativamente con mayor movilidad y presencia de fyuA, mientras que VTR se relaciona de manera significativa con formación de Biofilm y el gen csgA. La sensibilidad de E. coli con mayor potencial patogénico fue evaluada frente a extractos hidro-alcohólicos de origen vegetal. Así, los extractos de Aloe Barberensis miller, Salvia officinalis, Genciana Lutea, Malva Sylvestris y Matricaria chamomilla L evidenciaron la mejor actividad bacteriostática, mientras que la mayor acción bactericida se observó con Matricaria chamomilla L y Ruscus Aesculeatus sobre E. coli asociados a SVRC. Se demostró in vitro el sinergismo de extractos vegetales y antimicrobianos sobre E. coli resistentes, asociadas a VTR. Extractos de Salvia officinalis y Genciana Lutea aumentaron la sensibilidad a ciprofloxacina y amoxicilina, mientras que Matricaria chamomilla L y Aloysia triphylla lo hicieron para estreptomicina.Estos resultados sientan bases para el diseño de estrategias destinadas a monitorear y controlar la colonización de E. coli con potencial patogénico que representan riesgo para la sanidad del tracto reproductor bovino y por lo tanto, la fertilidad. Un recurso biotecnológico de esta naturaleza accionaría positivamente en la salud reproductiva de vacas y vaquillonas.In both beef and dairy industries, productive efficiency depends on the reproductive performance and can be affected by reproductive tract infections. Even though Escherichia coli is part of the native vaginal microbiota, this microorganism is recognized as a necessary participant of the infections previously mentioned. However, until the beginning of this work, it has not been described which modifications of this microbiota may predispose to these infections nor there was consensus on the characteristics related to the pathogenic capacity of E. coli in this tract. In the present work, both dependent and independent culture techniques were used and the results showed that the conformation of the vaginal microbiota depended on the reproductive profile and management of the animals. Specific population patterns, obtained by PCR-DGGE and metagenic analysis, were associated to: synchronized beef heifers (for fixed time artificial insemination); heifers and dairy cows, these last presenting reproductive disorders (CRD) (postpartum uterine disease, PUD and repeater breeder syndrome, RBS). Fusobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla showed significantly greater relative abundance in the PUD group and Proteobacteria, in the RBS group. In beef synchronized heifers a significant increase in the relative abundance of Tenericutes and Fusobacteria was observed on the ovulation day. This thesis describes, for the first time, the phylogenetic conformation, antimicrobial resistance and presence of genes associated with virulence (VF) in native E. coli populations of dairy animals: virgin heifers and cows with PUD and RBS. 97 E. coli were isolated and identified followed by the evaluation of their genetic variability and phylogenetic conformation by associating them with the animal group they were from of origin; highlighting the significant association between RBS and phylogenetic group B1. A high prevalence of resistance was detected, particularly in CRD isolates. The presence of genes associated with intestinal VF was very low, probably due to specificity in the niche. However, the expression and presence of VF genes related to extra-intestinal E. coli showed association with the reproductive profiles: PUD was significantly associated with bacterial motility and fyuA, while CRD was significantly related to Biofilm formation and the csgA gene. The sensitivity of E. coli with greater pathogenic potential was evaluated against hydro-alcoholic plant extracts. Thus, the extracts of Aloe Barberensis miller, Salvia officinalis, Gentiana Lutea, Malva Sylvestris and Matricaria chamomilla L showed the best bacteriostatic activity, while the highest bactericidal action was observed by Matricaria chamomilla L and Ruscus Aesculeatus on E. coli associated with RBS. The synergism of plant extracts and antimicrobials on resistant E. coli associated with CRD was demonstrated in vitro. Extracts of Salvia officinalis and Gentiana Lutea increased the sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin, while Matricaria chamomilla L and Aloysia triphylla had similar effect when combined with streptomycin. These results provide the basis for the design of strategies for monitoring and control the colonization of E. coli with pathogenic potential, that represent a risk for the health of the bovine reproductive tract and, therefore, fertility. A biotechnological resource of this nature would influence the reproductive health of cows and heifers.Fil: Gonzalez Moreno, Candelaria. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentin

Bacterial communities from vagina of dairy healthy heifers and cows with impaired reproductive performance

Vaginal microenvironment plays a significant role in bovine fertility since its resident microorganisms interact with the host mucosa and constitutes the first barrier against ascending pathogens in the reproductive tract. In this study, the vaginal microbiome of healthy heifers (H) and cows with impaired reproductive performance, metritis complex (MT) or repeat breeders (RB), was assessed using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach. Analysis revealed that even though a vaginal microbiological guild (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, Fusobacteria and Actinobacteria) was shared among healthy heifers and cows with uterine disease; further analysis at genus level showed significant differences depending on the reproductive health status. The relative abundances of recognized uterine pathogens such as Bacteroidetes, Fusobacterium and Helcococcus were higher in MT when compared with H and RB; therefore, their presence in vagina can be considered as a risk factor for fertility. The present study describes for the first time, the composition of native bacterial communities in the vagina of cows undergoing the repeat breeding syndrome (RBS), and reports an association between this disease and the presence of Porphyromonas and unassigned genera of the Pasteurellaceae family. In addition, this work highlights the bacteria associated with a healthy vagina: genera from the families Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae and the genera Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Oscillospira, CF231 and 5-7NS. Results highlighted herein, signify the potential of the evaluation of the bovine vaginal microbiome to future design therapeutic interventions to improve pregnancy rates however, further research is needed to elucidate the balance of bacterial species resulting in an optimal reproductive health.Fil: Gonzalez Moreno, Candelaria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Torres Luque, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Galvão, Klibs. University of Florida; Estados UnidosFil: Otero, María Claudia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentin

Microencapsulation of bovine vaginal lactobacilli in alginate using emulsion-gelation: freeze-drying, storage and antimicrobial activity

Probiotics containing autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) as local treatment in the Bovine Reproductive Tract (BRT)was proposed as a sustainable alternative to prevent outcome of pathogens colonization in the postpartum uterus in cows.Microencapsulation of these LABs could improve their survival during stressing conditions and promote the intimate contact betweenthe veterinarian form and the vaginal mucosa. In this work, emulsion-ionic gelation technique was applied to encapsulate bovine LABstrains in an alginate (3%) matrix. Optical and scanning electron microscopic evaluations showed spheroidal particles (12-48 µm)with a fully charge of LAB; the average load ranged 8.98 ± 0.15 to 8.06 ± 0.21 log CFU/g. The microencapsulated lactic acid bacteria(LAB-MCs) stability was evaluated during lyophilization [in Skim Milk (SM), or Neutral Distilled Water (NDW)] and storage (at 4°Cup to 90 days). SM represented a significant high protection to the lyophilization. Also, the alginate microencapsulation improvedthe LAB strain resistance when freeze-dried in water, comparing to known sensibility of LAB free cells. L. gasseri CRL 1412 showedsimilar resistance in both, NDW (0.70 ± 0.05) and SM (0.72 ± 0.05); and their microcapsules (MCs) exhibited antagonistic activityagainst E. coli 99/14 (pathogen from Bovine metritis) when cultured together; contrary, in co-culture with empty-MCs no inhibitionwas observed. To evaluate the microencapsulation process, different parameters were estimated: Encapsulation Factor (EF) (rangedbetween 0.76 ± 0.03 and 0.85 ± 0.08) and Encapsulating Efficiency (EE) (average EE%=75%) none significant differences (LSDFishertest, P<0.05) were observed between LAB strains. Taking account the weight of the materials, the calculated average yieldwas 50.5%. The standardized encapsulation conditions allowed selected L. gasseri CRL 1412-MCs as potential systems to beincluded in formulations to restore vaginal microbiota to prevent metritis in cowsFil: Ale, Cesar Emmanuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Torres Luque, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez Moreno, Candelaria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Otero, María Claudia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentin

Characterization of native Escherichia coli populations from bovine vagina of healthy heifers and cows with postpartum uterine disease.

Even though Escherichia coli are common bacteria of the bovine vaginal microbiota, they represent an important pathogen that causes diseases in the reproductive tract and subfertility. However, the actual endometrial virulence profile of E. coli is poorly understood. The present study aims to characterize the phylogenetic structure and virulence potential of native vaginal populations of E. coli from healthy heifers (H), and cows with postpartum uterine diseases (PUD), such as metritis/endometritis (MT) or repeat breeder cows (RB). To this end, the virulence repertoire of 97 E. coli isolates was genotypically and phenotypically assessed. Most of them were assigned to phylogenetic group A (74%), followed by B1 (17%) and D (9%); RB strains were significantly (p < 0.05) more represented by B1. Seven of the 15 evaluated virulence genes (VFG) were detected and the most prevalent were fimH (87%), agn43 (41%) and csgA (35%); while traT (27%), fyuA (11%), hlyA (5%) and kpsMT II (5%) were observed in a lower proportion. Particularly, fyuA was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in MT cows whereas csgA showed the same behavior in PUD animals (p < 0.05). When comparing H and PUD strains, these last ones were associated to positive expression of biofilm, fimbriae curli/cellulose and motility; yet RB strains did not show motility. Vaginal B1 E. coli populations, that possess VFG (fyuA and csgA) as well as the expression of motility, curli fimbriae/cellulose and biofilm, may represent risk factors for endometrial disorders; specifically, those that also, have kpsMT II may have a pathogenic potential for causing the RB syndrome. Future research focusing on the detection of these strains in the vaginal microbiota of cows with postpartum uterine diseases should be done since the control of their presence in vagina could reduce the risk that they access the uterus during the postpartum period

Vaginal microbial communities from synchronized-heifers and cows with reproductive disorders

Aim: To evaluate changes in the resident microbial population in the cranial vaginal mucosa induced by a progesterone‐releasing intravaginal device (PRID) compared to the vaginal microbiota of cows with reproductive disorders. Methods and Results: Vaginal discharge was evaluated by clinical examination and a Vaginitis Diagnosis Score was performed by exfoliative cytology. All samples classified as positive and some classified as negative by clinical evaluation were later diagnosed as positive for vaginitis by cytological analysis. Bacterial diversity profiles were performed by PCR‐DGGE and clustered according to the reproductive health status of the specimens, revealing a correspondence between the structures of the communities in the vagina and the clinical profile. Representative bands from each group were sequenced and identified as Ruminococcus sp., Dialister sp., Escherichia sp./Shigella sp., Virgibacillus sp., Campylobacter sp., Helcoccoccus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Actinopolymorpha sp., Exiguobacterium sp., Haemophilus sp./Histophilus sp., Aeribacillus sp., Porphyromonas sp., Lactobacillus sp. and Clostridium sp. Conclusion: Our results contribute to the knowledge of the vaginal microbiome in synchronized heifers showing positive or negative clinical vaginitis. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study contributes to the understanding of a dynamic vaginal colonization by bacterial consortiums during the synchronization with a widely used PRID protocol. Also, the results reveal the presence of well‐known metritis‐related pathogens as well as emerging uterine opportunistic pathogens. The provided information will allow to carry out further studies to elucidate functional roles of these native micro‐organisms in the bovine reproductive tract.Fil: Gonzalez Moreno, Candelaria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Fontana, Cecilia Alejandra. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentina. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; ItaliaFil: Cocconcelli, P. S.. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; ItaliaFil: Callegari, M. L.. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore; ItaliaFil: Otero, María Claudia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentin

Antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli in the reproductive tract microbiota of cows and sows

Escherichia coli is a natural colonizer of the urogenital mucosa of healthy females; however it is one of the pathogens associated to reproductive failures in cows and sows. A better knowledge about the characteristics of native E. coli will allow us to differentiate them from pathogenic strains. Ninety autochthonous isolates from the reproductive tract of sows and cows were characterized to determine the phylogenetic profile, antibiotic resistance and virulence factors; also, comparisons between different breeding systems were performed. Vaginal colonization of E. coli was statistically higher in cows (57.5%) than sows (23.8%), and most isolates belonged to the phylogenetic group A: 79.69 and 80.77%, respectively; moreover phylo-groups B1 (12.5 and 11.54%) and D (7.81 and 7.69%) were significantly lower; however, none was classified as B2. Positive associations between virulence factors and group D were found. Isolates with antimicrobial susceptibility were associated with group A and the MDR (Multiple Drug Resistance) was related to the porcine source. These results contribute to the knowledge of extra-intestinal E. coli populations; which could affect the reproductive performance of females.Fil: Torres Luque, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez Moreno, Candelaria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Pasteris, Sergio Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; ArgentinaFil: Orden, José A.. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; EspañaFil: Leon de la Fuente, Ricardo Alfonso. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; EspañaFil: Otero, María Claudia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas; Argentin