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Adnane M, Whiston R, Tasara T, Bleul U, Chapwanya A. Harnessing Vaginal Probiotics for Enhanced Management of Uterine Disease and Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows: A Conceptual Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1073. [PMID: 38612312 PMCID: PMC11011061 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine disease in cattle impairs reproductive performance and profitability and increases antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Thus, probiotics offer a promising alternative therapy. This review presents conceptual findings on the efficacy of probiotics in managing uterine diseases and fertility in cows. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. individually or as composite formulations are known to improve fertility. Strategic intravaginal administration of these formulations would likely enhance uterine immunity, particularly during the postpartum period. While current findings on the benefits to uterine health are encouraging, there is still significant knowledge missing, including a lack of empirical information from large-scale field trials. This review underscores the need for evidence-based guidelines for probiotics, such as genomic selection of formulations, targeted delivery, or potential synergy with other interventions. Future research should address these gaps to maximize the potential of probiotics in managing uterine diseases and enhancing the reproductive health of dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounir Adnane
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Ibn Khaldoun of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria
- USDA, Faculty Exchange Program Fellow, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ronan Whiston
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (R.W.); (A.C.)
| | - Taurai Tasara
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Ulrich Bleul
- Department of Farm Animals, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (R.W.); (A.C.)
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Mekibib B, Belachew M, Asrade B, Badada G, Abebe R. Incidence of uterine infections, major bacteria and antimicrobial resistance in postpartum dairy cows in southern Ethiopia. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:4. [PMID: 38172685 PMCID: PMC10763139 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03160-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine infections, primarily caused by bacterial pathogens, pose a significant problem for dairy farmers worldwide, leading to poor reproductive performance and economic losses. However, the bacteria responsible for uterine infections have not been adequately studied, nor has the antibiotic susceptibility of the causative bacteria been frequently tested in Ethiopia. This study aims to estimate the cumulative incidence of uterine infections in postpartum dairy cows, identify bacterial causes and determine antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolated bacteria. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted in which 236 cows from 74 dairy farms were monitored biweekly from calving to 90 days postpartum for metritis, endometritis and other disorders. Aseptic uterine swab samples were collected from 40 cows with uterine infections. The samples were cultured, and the isolated bacteria were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the disk diffusion method. RESULTS Out of 236 cows monitored during the postpartum phase, 45 (19.1%) were found to have contracted uterine infection. The cumulative incidence of metritis was 11.4% (n = 27), while the cumulative incidence of endometritis was 7.6% (n = 18). Of the 40 cultured swab samples, 29 (72.5%) had one or more bacteria isolated. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli (45%), coagulase-positive staphylococci (30%), and Klebsiella spp. (22.5%). Other bacterial spp, including Arcanobacterium pyogenes (12.5%), Fusobacterium spp. (12.5%), Enterobacter aerogenes (12.5%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (12.5%), Streptococcus spp. (7.5%), Salmonella spp, (5%) Proteus spp (5%) and Pasteurella spp (2.5%) were also isolated. All of the isolated bacteria demonstrated resistance to at least one of the antimicrobials tested. Multidrug resistance was observed in E. coli, Klebsiella spp., A. pyogenes, and Fusobacterium spp. Gentamicin was found to be the most effective antimicrobial against all bacteria tested, while tetracycline was the least effective of all. CONCLUSION The study found that a significant proportion of cows in the population were affected by uterine infections and the isolated bacteria developed resistance to several antimicrobials. The study emphasizes the need for responsible use of antimicrobials to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. It also highlights the importance of raising awareness among dairy farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berhanu Mekibib
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O.Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Belachew
- Dunna District Agriculture Office, Hadiya Zone, Central Ethiopia Region, Ethiopia
| | - Biruhtesfa Asrade
- Collegeof Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O.Box 34, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Girma Badada
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Ambo University, P.O.Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Rahmeto Abebe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O.Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
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Cao Z, Wang S, Qi M, Zhang J, Liu R, Ren X, Wu Q, Cui Z, Dong H. Exploring the induction of endometrial epithelial cell apoptosis in clinical-type endometritis in yaks through the cyt-c/caspase-3 signaling axis. Microb Pathog 2024; 186:106470. [PMID: 38043625 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Endometritis is a significant contributor to reduced productivity in yaks in Tibet, China. The Cyt-c/Caspase-3 signaling axis plays a crucial role in the mitochondrial pathway that triggers cell apoptosis due to endogenous factors. In this study, we examined the endometrial epithelial tissue of yaks with endometritis using pathological examination, immunohistochemical analysis, TUNEL staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. The results indicated significant changes in the apoptotic factors of the Cyt-c/Caspase-3 signaling axis. The expression levels of Bak1, Bax, Cyt-c, Apaf-1, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased. Immunohistochemistry results revealed significant increase in Bak1, Bax, Cyt-c, Apaf-1, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 expression in the cytoplasm compared to the healthy group, except for Bcl-2, which showed a significant decrease. Pathological section analysis demonstrated that clinical endometritis in yaks led to structural damage, bleeding, congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the endometrial epithelium. Our study findings indicated that clinical endometritis in yaks can modulate apoptosis of endometrial epithelial cells via the Cyt-c/Caspase-3 signaling pathway, resulting in different levels of damage. This research is pioneering in exploring cell apoptosis induced by clinical endometritis in yaks, offering novel insights and potential strategies for the future prevention and treatment of endometritis in yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Cao
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Ming Qi
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station of Linzhi Agricultural and Rural Bureau (Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center), Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Jingbo Zhang
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Ruidong Liu
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Xiaoli Ren
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Qingxia Wu
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Zhonghua Cui
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Lintong District, Xi'an 710600, China
| | - Hailong Dong
- Animal Science College, Tibet Agriculture & Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China.
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Talib M, Nabeel MA, Haq SU, Waqas MS, Jamil H, Aqib AI, Muneer A, Fouad D, Ataya FS. Recent Trends in S. aureus and E. coli-Based Endometritis, and the Therapeutic Evaluation of Sodium Alginate-Based Antibiotics and Nanoparticles. Gels 2023; 9:955. [PMID: 38131941 PMCID: PMC10742869 DOI: 10.3390/gels9120955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum infection of the uterus by pathogenic bacteria is exacerbated due to a lack of sufficient epidemiological studies and evidence-based therapeutics. Therefore, this study was planned to find the prevalence, risk factors, and drug-resistance profile of S. aureus and E. coli isolated from bovine endometritis and to evaluate the antibacterial potential of sodium alginate-based antibiotics and nanoparticles. The study revealed 34.21% S. aureus and 31.57% E. coli, whereas most of the assumed risk factors presented significant association in this study. S. aureus showed the highest resistance against fusidic acid (60%) and cefoxitin (50%), while the highest resistance in E. coli was found against fusidic acid (60%), gentamicin (60%), chloramphenicol (50%), and cefoxitin (50%). Tylosin coupled with MgO nanoparticles stabilized in sodium alginate gel (Tylo + MgO + gel) presented significantly lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against E. coli, showing 13.88 ± 4.51 µg/mL after 24 h incubation. On the other hand, gel-based preparations showed MIC as 31.25 ± 0 µg/mL (Tylo + gel + MgO) and 26.04 ± 9.02 µg/mL (Tylo + Gel) against S. aureus. Generally, the MICs of non-gel-based preparations were significantly higher against bacteria except ampicillin against S. aureus in this study. The toxicity analysis of MgO nanoparticles presented 20-80% mortality of snails against a wider range of 0.01 mg/mL-10 mg/mL. The histopathological parameters concluded MgO nanoparticles safe to use on off targets. The current study thus concludes the rise in antimicrobial resistance while the gel-based products appearing as effective antimicrobials with sufficient safety margins for off-targets. The study thus invites further investigation for the development of suitable and affordable modified therapeutics for better health and production of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzammil Talib
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China;
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (M.A.N.); (M.S.W.); (H.J.)
| | - Muhammad Ashir Nabeel
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (M.A.N.); (M.S.W.); (H.J.)
| | - Shahbaz Ul Haq
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China;
| | - Muhammad Salman Waqas
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (M.A.N.); (M.S.W.); (H.J.)
| | - Huma Jamil
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (M.A.N.); (M.S.W.); (H.J.)
| | - Amjad Islam Aqib
- Department of Medicine, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Afshan Muneer
- Department of Zoology, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Dalia Fouad
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 22452, Riyadh 11495, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Farid Shokry Ataya
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
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Relationship between Postpartum Metabolic Status and Subclinical Endometritis in Dairy Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030242. [PMID: 35158566 PMCID: PMC8833644 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Proper reproductive efficiency is decisive to achieving adequate profitability in dairy farms. However, uterine pathologies such as subclinical endometritis (SE) play a primary role in the decline of reproductive performance. This disease impairs reproductive function, and its incidence may reach up to 34% during the first seven weeks after calving. Consequently, identifying the predisposing factors and diagnosing this pathology as early as possible is mandatory to minimize the impact on the profitability of the farms. Several metabolic alterations postpartum have been related to the occurrence of SE, so our objective was to identify which alterations act as risk factors for SE. Uterine and blood samples and data from 94 Holstein cows were collected 30–45 days after calving. Our results showed that serum levels of β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA), albumin, and urea are related to the incidence of SE, being BHBA a predisposing factor and albumin and urea protective factors. Therefore, these metabolites should be carefully considered during the postpartum period as indicators of SE. Additionally, preventive measures aimed to control these alterations may be useful to prevent SE. Abstract The aim of this study was to verify the importance of postpartum serum levels of certain metabolic markers as risk factors for subclinical endometritis (SE). Ninety-four Holstein cows were included in the study, and examinations were carried out between 30–45 days postpartum. Rectal palpation, vaginoscopy, transrectal ultrasound, endometrial cytology, and blood sample collections were performed. The percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (%PMN) on the endometrium was evaluated, as well as serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, hepatic enzymes, urea, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA). Samples with ≥8% PMN were classified as positive to subclinical endometritis. According to the serum levels of BHBA, cows were classified as clinical ketosis (>2.6 mmol/L), subclinical ketosis (1.2–2.6 mmol/L), and healthy (<1.2 mmol/L). Additionally, body condition score, parity, date of last labor, peripartum issues, insemination date, date of pregnancy diagnosis and milk production information were collected. Data were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. The results showed that as serum levels of BHBA rose, also did the %PMN, so that up to 60% of cows with clinical ketosis suffered from SE. On the other hand, the %PMN fell as serum levels of urea and albumin increased. Consequently, good postpartum management practices and early detection of metabolic alterations are necessary measures to control predisposing factors and reduce the incidence of SE.
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Pascal N, Olivier Basole K, Claire d'Andre H, Bockline Omedo B. Risk factors associated with endometritis in zero-grazed dairy cows on smallholder farms in Rwanda. Prev Vet Med 2021; 188:105252. [PMID: 33454513 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical endometritis (CLE) and subclinical endometritis (SCLE) manifesting at the cow- and herd-levels has been associated with multiple risk factors (RFs), but hardly are RFs with direct influences separated from those with mediated indirect influences. This study identified and quantified the direct and indirect associations of cow- and herd-levels RFs with CLE and SCLE cases observed among 466 zero-grazed dairy cows that were in their 21-60 days postpartum (dpp). The cases were observed in a cross-sectional survey of smallholder farms (n = 370) in Rwanda. The direct and indirect associations were constructed with odds ratio (OR) derived from multiple logistic regression modelling. The cow-level RFs that had direct positive association with CLE and SCLE were the season of calving (OR: 5.0, 2.1), dystocia (OR: 1.9, 2.2), poor body condition score (OR: 4.1, 2.2), stillbirth (OR: 3.5, 3.3), and retained placenta (OR: 1.4, 1.8) while mastitis (OR: 2.5) and parity (OR: 1.5) had a direct positive association with SCLE. Breed and parity of cow, sex of calf, and twin births had indirect positive association with both CLE and SCLE cases. At the herd-level, unhygienic cowshed (OR: 25.1, 8.9) had direct positive association with both CLE and SCLE cases. In contrast, earthen floor cowshed (OR: 6.6) and large herd size (OR: 3.1) had direct positive association with CLE and not using bedding materials (OR: 1.5) had direct positive association with SCLE. Herd-level RFs that showed indirect positive association with both CLE and SCLE cases were farm size (OR: 2.9) and farmer's experience in dairying (OR: 1.7) while housing cows within the first 30 dpp (OR: 0.1) showed indirect negative association. These results show which RFs have strong direct and indirect influences on CLE and SCLE cases at the cow- and herd-levels. Effective management of those RFs should be a priority in extension education and services to enable smallholder farmers effectively manage them to prevent and control endometritis among their zero-grazed dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyabinwa Pascal
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Njoro, Kenya; Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, P.O. Box 5016, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Kashongwe Olivier Basole
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Njoro, Kenya
| | - Hirwa Claire d'Andre
- Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, P.O. Box 5016, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Bebe Bockline Omedo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Njoro, Kenya
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Nyabinwa P, Kashongwe OB, Hirwa CD, Bebe BO. Effects of endometritis on reproductive performance of zero-grazed dairy cows on smallholder farms in Rwanda. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 221:106584. [PMID: 32889409 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Endometritis is a prevalent post-partum uterine infection in dairy cows resulting in suboptimal reproductive performance. The hypothesis was that endometritis status is associated with suboptimal reproductive performance of postpartum dairy cows managed under zero-grazing feeding practice on smallholder farms. In this study, there was evaluation of effects of endometritis diagnosed at 38.5 ± 14.7 days postpartum (dpp) on subsequent reproductive performance. Reproductive performance of 436 cows from 345 farms was recorded for 210 dpp. Values for reproductive performance indicators were less (P < 0.05) in cows determined to be positive compared to negative for endometritis. Cows that tested positive, as compared to negative, for endometritis had longer periods after parturition until initiation of oestrous cycles (median, interquartile range; 85.0, 57.5-127.0 and 62.6, 49.0-90.0 days, respectively), longer durations before being detected pregnant (95.5, 61.8-145.5 and 63.0, 50.0-83.0 days, respectively), lesser pregnancy rates as a result of the first breeding postpartum (16.5% and 32.7%, respectively), more natural-mating or artificial inseminations per pregnancy (1.3 ± 0.1 and 1.1 ± 0.0, respectively) and more occurrences of anoestrus postpartum (48.4% and 11.7%, respectively). These results provide evidence of a strong association between endometritis and suboptimal fertility performance in zero-grazed cows on smallholder farms in Rwanda. Considering there were 70.2% of cows in the present study were diagnosed with endometritis, this is indicative of a widespread herd health issue, warranting that field veterinary practitioners prioritise endometritis in their herd health service delivery to smallholder dairy farmers for effective disease management and herd sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Nyabinwa
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University, P.O, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya; Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, P.O, Box 5016, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Olivier Basole Kashongwe
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University, P.O, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Claire d'Andre Hirwa
- Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board, P.O, Box 5016, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Bockline Omedo Bebe
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Egerton University, P.O, Box 536, Egerton, Kenya
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