Study of the pathological effect of Escherichia coli endotoxin in rams

Association between Mannheimia haemolytica infection with reproductive physiology and performance in small ruminants: A review

Mannheimiosis or pneumonic pasteurellosis commonly occurs in small ruminants. Mannheimiosis is caused by Mannheimia haemolytica (M. haemolytica) a Gram-negative coccobacillus producing acute febrile and infectious condition resulting in death of animal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. M. haemolytica serotype A2 is a commensal of the nasopharynx, gaining access to the lungs when host defenses are compromised by stress or infection in small ruminants. Till date, there is a vast literature and research that has been conducted on the pathogenesis of M. haemolytica invariably on respiratory system and its related immune system and mechanisms. From the clinical point of view, infection or diseases involving vital organs will systemically affect the production and performance of the infected animal. Therefore, there is a huge gap of knowledge and research to answer the question whether there is any association between M. haemolytica infection with reproductive physiology and performance in small ruminants and how it affects the productivity level. This review will explore the possibilities of involvement and new potential research to be carried out to determine the involvement of male and female reproductive system with M. haemolytica infection among small ruminants.

The prevalence of ultrasonographic abnormalities and histopathologic lesions is high in testes of yearling tropical hair rams

Ultrasonography is commonly used to examine testes as part of a breeding soundness examination in sheep, especially, in cases of infertility or when gross testicular abnormalities are present. A descriptive, prospective, prevalence study was conducted to characterize the ultrasonographic, histopathologic, and spermatozoal morphology abnormalities present in a group of yearling tropic hair rams on the island of St. Kitts. Hyperechoic and shadowing abnormalities increased over a 6 month study period. Hyperechoic abnormalities were present in one or both testes in 89% (25/28) of yearling rams and 71% (40/56) of testes at castration. Shadowing abnormalities were present in one or both testes in 46% (13/28) of rams and 34% (19/56) of testes at castration. Shadowing was present more with moderate and severe hyperechoic abnormalities, with few testes in the mild category having any shadowing. As hyperechoic and shadowing abnormalities increased in severity, so did the severity of microscopic lesions including increased interstitial cellularity/fibrosis, interstitial mineralization, seminiferous tubules mineralization (hyperechoic only), and chronic lymphoplasmacytic orchitis. There were no spermatozoal morphologic abnormalities other than an increase in distal cytoplasmic droplets. The study findings detail a pathologic event in this group of yearling rams that has an unknown etiology. Potential causes may include scrotal insulation, trauma, infectious causes, immunity alterations, nutritional imbalances, and ingestion of a toxin. Further studies are required to elucidate the causative agent.

Pathologic evaluation of testis and epididymis of hairy rams in the semi-arid region of Piaui State

The gross and histological examinations of testis and epididymis of 53 crossbred hairy rams in the semi-arid region of Piaui State showed 34 (64.1%) animals with pathologic changes: one animal presented (1.9%) testicle hipoplasia; 35 (66%) degenerative changes, being 13 (24.5%) related to testicular degeneration, three (5.7%) to intraepithelial cysts in the epididymal epithelia and 19 (35.8%) to retention cysts in the epididymis; 11 (20.7%) inflammatory alterations, being five (9.4%) related to epididymitis, four (7.5%) to orchitis and two (3.8%) to spermatic granulomas. The animals with hypoplasic testicle, testicular degeneration and inflammatory alterations were classified as sub-fertile.

Effects of Flunixin Meglumine on Selected Clinicopathologic Variables, and Serum Testosterone Concentration in Stallions after Endotoxin Administration

Four clinically normal stallions were infused intravenously with endotoxin (LPS) from Escherichia coli 055:B5 at a dose of 0.3 microg/kg b.w. and four stallions were treated with flunixin meglumine (FM) as a single intravenous injection at a dose of 1.1 mg/kg b.w., 5 min after the infusion of LPS. In response to endotoxin infusion, stallions' reaction was fever (increased rectal and scrotal skin temperature), increased heart rate (HR) and leucopenia. Administration of endotoxin also influenced the level of testosterone (decrease at 3-24 h and increase at 48-72 h after LPS administration) in the blood serum. FM treatment prevented an endotoxin-induced increase in rectal and scrotal skin temperature, HR, with no influence on the decrease of leucocytes. Administration of FM only had a significant effect on the latter changes (at 24-72 h) of serum testosterone concentration after addition of endotoxin.

Bacterial infection and semen quality

We have analyzed two infertile male cohorts with (n=39) and without genital tract infection (n=14) comparing their selected seminological parameters with healthy controls (n=30). Genital tract infection (GTI) has been defined by the presence of leukocytes and pathological bacterial strains identified with Bio-Merieux tests. We have found statistically significant deteriorated semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, morphology and vitality in ejaculated samples of patients with genital tract infection in comparison to healthy controls. Statistically significant negative influence towards sperm reproductive potential has been revealed in case of Escherichia coli, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Staphylococcus aureus.