Ureaplasma diversum in bull semen in Australia: its detection and potential effects

What about the bull? A systematic review about the role of males in bovine infectious infertility within cattle herds

Numerous pathogens affect cow fertility. Nevertheless, little information has been published about microorganisms associated with cattle infertility focusing on bulls. The present review offers a current analysis and highlights potential key aspects on the relevance of bulls in the emergence of infertility problems of infectious origin within herds that are still not completely determined. The present systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases on December 9, 2022. In total, 2,224 bibliographic records were reviewed and, according to strict inclusion criteria, 38 articles were selected from 1966 to 2022, from which we ranked more than 27 different microorganisms (fungi were not identified). The most cited pathogens were BoHV (described by 26.3% of the papers), Campylobacter fetus (23.7%), Tritrichomonas foetus (18.4%), and BVDV, Ureaplasma spp., and Mycoplasma spp. (10.5% each). Despite the general trend towards an increasing number of publications about bull-infertility problems, a number of pathogens potentially transmitted through both natural breeding and seminal doses given to females and associated with infertility within herds were not ranked in the study (e.g., Chlamydia spp.). This work highlights i) the need to clearly establish the role of certain microorganisms not traditionally associated with reproductive problems in bull infertility (e.g., Staphylococcus spp. or BoHV-4) and ii) the need to perform additional studies on breeding bulls to clarify their role in infertility problems within herds. This would allow monitoring for pathogens that have gone unnoticed and those that are fastidious to diagnose and/or potentially transmitted to females.

Heterologous Expression, Purification, and Immunomodulatory Effects of Recombinant Lipoprotein GUDIV-103 Isolated from Ureaplasma diversum

Ureaplasma diversum is a bacterial pathogen that infects cattle and can cause severe inflammation of the genital and reproductive systems. Lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs), including GUDIV-103, are the main virulence factors in this bacterium. In this study, we heterologously expressed recombinant GUDIV-103 (rGUDIV-103) in Escherichia coli, purified it, and evaluated its immunological reactivity and immunomodulatory effects in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Samples from rabbits inoculated with purified rGUDIV-103 were analysed using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and dot blotting to confirm polyclonal antibody production and assess kinetics, respectively. The expression of this lipoprotein in field isolates was confirmed via Western blotting with anti-rGUDIV-103 serum and hydrophobic or hydrophilic proteins from 42 U. diversum strains. Moreover, the antibodies produced against the U. diversum ATCC 49783 strain recognised rGUDIV-103. The mitogenic potential of rGUDIV-103 was evaluated using a lymphoproliferation assay in 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester−labelled bovine PBMCs, where it induced lymphocyte proliferation. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the expression of interleukin-1β, toll-like receptor (TLR)-α, TLR2, TLR4, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and caspase-3−encoding genes increased more in rGUDIV-103−treated PBMCs than in untreated cells (p < 0.05). Treating PBMCs with rGUDIV-103 increased nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide levels. The antigenic and immunogenic properties of rGUDIV-103 suggested its suitability for immunobiological application.

A Review of Ureaplasma diversum: A Representative of the Mollicute Class Associated With Reproductive and Respiratory Disorders in Cattle

The Mollicutes class encompasses wall-less microbes with a reduced genome. They may infect plants, insects, humans, and animals including those on farms and in livestock. Ureaplasma diversum is a mollicute associated with decreased reproduction mainly in the conception rate in cattle, as well as weight loss and decreased quality in milk production. Therefore, U. diversum infection contributes to important economic losses, mainly in large cattle-producing countries such as the United States, China, Brazil, and India. The characteristics of Mollicutes, virulence, and pathogenic variations make it difficult to control their infections. Genomic analysis, prevalence studies, and immunomodulation assays help better understand the pathogenesis of bovine ureaplasma. Here we present the main features of transmission, virulence, immune response, and pathogenesis of U. diversum in bovines.

Immunoinformatics and analysis of antigen distribution of Ureaplasma diversum strains isolated from different Brazilian states

BACKGROUND

Ureaplasma diversum has numerous virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis in cattle, including Lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs). Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate in silico important characteristics for immunobiological applications and for heterologous expression of 36 LAMPs of U. diversum (UdLAMPs) and, also, to verify by conventional PCR the distribution of these antigens in strains of Brazilian states (Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso do Sul). The Manatee database was used to obtain the gene and peptide sequences of the antigens. Similarity and identity studies were performed using BLASTp and direct antigenicity was evaluated by the VaxiJen v2.0 server. Epitope prediction for B lymphocytes was performed on the BepiPred v2.0 and CBTOPE v1.0 servers. NetBoLApan v1.0 was used to predict CD8⁺ T lymphocyte epitopes. Subcellular location and presence of transmembrane regions were verified by the software PSORTb v3.0.2 and TMHMM v2.2 respectively. SignalP v5.0, SecretomeP v2.0, and DOLOP servers were used to predict the extracellular excretion signal. Physico-chemical properties were evaluated by the web-software ProtParam, Solpro, and Protein-sol.

RESULTS

In silico analysis revealed that many UdLAMPs have desirable properties for immunobiological applications and heterologous expression. The proteins gudiv_61, gudiv_103, gudiv_517, and gudiv_681 were most promising. Strains from the 4 states were PCR positive for antigens predicted with immunogenic and/or with good characteristics for expression in a heterologous system.

CONCLUSION

These works contribute to a better understanding of the immunobiological properties of the UdLAMPs and provide a profile of the distribution of these antigens in different Brazilian states.

Influence of the Ovine Genital Tract Microbiota on the Species Artificial Insemination Outcome. A Pilot Study in Commercial Sheep Farms

To date, there is a lack of research into the vaginal and sperm microbiome and its bearing on artificial insemination (AI) success in the ovine species. Using hypervariable regions V3-V4 of the 16S rRNA, we describe, for the first time, the combined effect of the ovine microbiome of both females (50 ewes belonging to five herds) and males (five AI rams from an AI center) on AI outcome. Differences in microbiota abundance between pregnant and non-pregnant ewes and between ewes carrying progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (PRID) with or without antibiotic were tested at different taxonomic levels. The antibiotic treatment applied with the PRID only altered Streptobacillus genus abundance, which was significantly lower in ewes carrying PRID with antibiotic. Mageebacillus, Histophilus, Actinobacilllus and Sneathia genera were significantly less abundant in pregnant ewes. In addition, these genera were more abundant in two farms with higher AI failure. Species of these genera such as Actinobacillus seminis and Histophilus somni have been associated with reproductive disorders in the ovine species. These genera were not present in the sperm samples of AI rams, but were found in the foreskin samples of rams belonging to herd 2 (with high AI failure rate) indicating that their presence in ewes' vagina could be due to prior transmission by natural mating with rams reared in the herd.

Effects of bacteria on male fertility: Spermatogenesis and sperm function

Bacterial infection can negatively affect different parts of the male genital tract and subsequently cause impaired spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, most of the previous studies have focused on the infected organs of the male genital tract and there are not many studies that investigated the direct effect of bacteria on sperm and their mechanism of action. Interestingly, bacteria can induce different damages on sperm cells such as DNA fragmentation, cell membrane peroxidation, and acrosome impairment. Such negative effects can be mediated by bacteria-secreted toxins and metabolites or by direct attachment of bacteria on the sperm cells and subsequent activation of signaling pathways related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. These bacteria-induced changes can impair semen parameters and subsequently cause infertility. Given the significant destructive effect of some bacteria on sperm function and male fertility, in this study, we reviewed the impact of male urogenital bacteria on spermatogenesis and sperm functions as well as the underlying mechanisms by which the bacteria can damage sperm.

Occurrence of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Ureaplasma diversum in dairy cattle from to Pernambuco state, Brazil

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to conduct an investigation of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Ureaplasma diversum infections in cattle in the microregion of the Ipanema Valley, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Vaginal swabs were collected from 355 breeding cows in reproductive age and were analyzed by multiplex PCR (mPCR) and culture. An epidemiological investigation of risk factors was performed for Mollicutes. mPCR analysis showed that, 9.29% (33/355) of the cows were positive for M. bovigenitalium and 21.69% (77/355) for U. diversum; coinfection was observed in 2.81% (10/355) of the cows. The microbiological isolation showed, 81.81% (27/33) of Mycoplasma spp. and 24.67% (19/77) of Ureaplasma spp.. The risk factors related to Mollicutes infection identified were semi-intensive breeding system (OR= 4.6), pasture rent (OR= 3.6), non-isolation of animals with reproductive disorders (OR= 3.2), and natural mounting and artificial insemination (OR= 3.5). There was a significant association between Mollicutes infection and abortions in the first gestational third (P= 0.001). This is the first record of M. bovigenitalium and U. diversum infection in cows in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Preventive measures directed to the identified risk factors can decrease the occurrence of Mollicutes in these herds.

Review of Diagnostic Procedures and Approaches to Infectious Causes of Reproductive Failures of Cattle in Australia and New Zealand

Infectious causes of reproductive failure in cattle are important in Australia and New Zealand, where strict biosecurity protocols are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of new diseases. Neospora caninum ranks highly as an important cause of reproductive wastage along with fungal and bacterial infections. Brucella, a leading cause of abortion elsewhere in the world, is foreign, following successful programs to control and eradicate the disease. Leptospirosis in cattle is largely controlled by vaccination, while Campylobacter and Tritrichomonas infections occur at low rates. In both countries, Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection rates as the second most economically important disease of cattle and one that also has an effect on reproduction. Effective disease control strategies require rapid diagnoses at diagnostic laboratories. To facilitate this process, this review will discuss the infectious causes of reproductive losses present in both countries, their clinical presentation and an effective pathway to a diagnosis.

Ureaplasma diversum and Its Membrane-Associated Lipoproteins Activate Inflammatory Genes Through the NF-κB Pathway via Toll-Like Receptor 4

Objectives:Ureaplasma diversum is a pathogen of cows that may cause intense inflammatory responses in the reproductive tract and interfere with bovine reproduction. The aims of this study were to evaluate the immune response of bovine blastocysts and macrophages to U. diversum infection and to evaluate the invasion capacity of this microorganism in bovine blastocysts.

Methods: Viable and heat-inactivated U. diversum strains ATCC 49782 and CI-GOTA and their extracted membrane lipoproteins were inoculated in macrophages in the presence or absence of signaling blockers of Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 4, TLR2/4, and Nuclear Factor KB (NF-κB). In addition, the same viable U. diversum strains were used to infect bovine blastocysts. RNA was extracted from infected and lipoprotein-exposed macrophages and infected blastocysts and assayed by qPCR to evaluate the expression of Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), TLR2 and TLR4 genes. U. diversum internalization in blastocysts was followed by confocal microscopy.

Results: Both Ureaplasma strains and different concentrations of extracted lipoproteins induced a higher gene expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, TLR2, and TLR4 in macrophages (p < 0.05) when compared to non-infected cells. The used blockers inhibited the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in all treatments. Moreover, U. diversum was able to internalize within blastocysts and induce a higher gene expression of IL-1b and TNF- α when compared to non-infected blastocysts (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The obtained results strongly suggest that U. diversum and its lipoproteins interact with TLR4 in a signaling pathway acting via NF-kB signaling to stimulate the inflammatory response. This is the first study to evaluate the in vitro immunological response of macrophages and bovine blastocysts against U. diversum. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the immunomodulatory activity and pathogenicity of this infectious agent.

Histopatology of the reproductive tract of Nellore pubertal heifers with genital ureaplasmosis

In order to study and characterize the lesions in the reproductive tract of Nellore heifers naturally infected with Ureaplasma diversum and presenting granular vulvovaginitis syndrome (GVS), fragments of uterine tube, uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva of 20 animals were evaluated. The macroscopic lesions of the vulvovaginal mucosa were classified in scores of "1" mild, until "4", severe inflammation and pustular or necrotic lesions. The histopathological evaluation was performed using scores of "1" to "4", according to the inflammatory alterations. The fragments with severe microscopic lesions (3 and 4) were from the uterine tubes and uterus, which showed leukocytes infiltration and destruction and/or necrosis of epithelium. Alterations in the lower reproductive tract fragments were mild, but characteristics of acute inflammatory processes. The histopathological findings of the reproductive tract of females naturally infected with Ureaplasma diversum are consistent with injuries that compromise the environment from the local where spermatozoa acquires ability to fertilize an oocyte until those where the oocyte is fertilized. Therefore, animals with GVS should be identified early in the herd, because, besides the reduction in the fertility rates caused by tissue damages, they can contribute to disseminate the microorganism. Key words: bovine, tissue evaluation, reproduction, Ureaplasma diversum.

Presence of Ureaplasma diversum in the genital tracts of female dairy cattle in Mato Grosso State, Brazil

Ureaplasma diversum infection in bovine females may result in various reproductive problems, including granular vulvovaginitis, abortion, weak calves, salpingitis, and spontaneous abortion. The presence of U. diversum in a dairy bovine population from midwestern Brazil has not been established. The aim of this study was to determine whether U. diversum was present in dairy cattle from midwestern Brazil using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Vulvovaginal mucus was analyzed from 203 cows located in six municipalities in the north region of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. A total of 25% of dairy cows with vulvovaginitis were positive for U. diversum. The factors evaluated were included in a multivariable logistic regression model with the presence of at least one positive cow in the herd serving as the dependent variable. Three variables were significantly associated with a U. diversum-positive PCR and were included in the final multivariable model: number of parities, vulvar lesions, and reproductive problems. For each new parity, the chance of U. diversum infection decreased 0.03-fold, indicating that cows with the highest number of parities were more protected. The presence of vulvar lesions was increased 17.6-fold in females positive for U. diversum, suggesting that this bacterium could be related to the red granular lesions in the vulvar mucosa, whereas reproductive problems were increased 7.6-fold. However, further investigations should be conducted to ascertain the effects of U. diversum in association with other mycoplasma species in the herds studied.

Ureaplasma diversum Genome Provides New Insights about the Interaction of the Surface Molecules of This Bacterium with the Host

Whole genome sequencing and analyses of Ureaplasma diversum ATCC 49782 was undertaken as a step towards understanding U. diversum biology and pathogenicity. The complete genome showed 973,501 bp in a single circular chromosome, with 28.2% of G+C content. A total of 782 coding DNA sequences (CDSs), and 6 rRNA and 32 tRNA genes were predicted and annotated. The metabolic pathways are identical to other human ureaplasmas, including the production of ATP via hydrolysis of the urea. Genes related to pathogenicity, such as urease, phospholipase, hemolysin, and a Mycoplasma Ig binding protein (MIB)-Mycoplasma Ig protease (MIP) system were identified. More interestingly, a large number of genes (n = 40) encoding surface molecules were annotated in the genome (lipoproteins, multiple-banded antigen like protein, membrane nuclease lipoprotein and variable surface antigens lipoprotein). In addition, a gene encoding glycosyltransferase was also found. This enzyme has been associated with the production of capsule in mycoplasmas and ureaplasma. We then sought to detect the presence of a capsule in this organism. A polysaccharide capsule from 11 to 17 nm of U. diversum was observed trough electron microscopy and using specific dyes. This structure contained arabinose, xylose, mannose, galactose and glucose. In order to understand the inflammatory response against these surface molecules, we evaluated the response of murine macrophages J774 against viable and non-viable U. diversum. As with viable bacteria, non-viable bacteria were capable of promoting a significant inflammatory response by activation of Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2), indicating that surface molecules are important for the activation of inflammatory response. Furthermore, a cascade of genes related to the inflammasome pathway of macrophages was also up-regulated during infection with viable organisms when compared to non-infected cells. In conclusion, U. diversum has a typical ureaplasma genome and metabolism, and its surface molecules, including the identified capsular material, represent major components of the organism immunopathogenesis.