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

Abstract

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.

Evaluation of in vitro Activation of Bovine Endometrial and Vaginal Epithelial and Blood Mononuclear Cells to Produce Nitric Oxide in Response to Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Ureaplasma diversum

“…Present results suggest that Mycoplasma bovigenitalium might be recognized by mononuclear cells as an aggressor faster than other mycoplasmas, what would explain his transitory effect. Our previously studies showed that vaginal samples positive for Mycoplasma bovigenitalium were always obtained from cows or heifers with a severe vaginal lesion score, denoting the acute form of the infection [7,6]. Mycoplasma bovigenitalium is described as a mastitis pathogen, and it has been suggested that the source for mastitis may be from infected vaginal discharge running down onto the udder and teats.…”

“…Of the risk factors related to their occurrence in dairy cattle the concomitant infection (Mycolasma spp and Ureaplasma diversum) presented the highest odds ratio (OR, 5.67, P< 0.00010 [6]. Histopathological changes in the uterus and vagina of heifers during natural infections are characterized by mononuclear cell infi ltrations, suggesting cellular response and stimulation of infl ammatory mediators [7]. Due to the limited available information regarding the pathogenesis of these organisms, little is known about how the bovine immune system responds to this infection.…”

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

“…It primarily infects the respiratory and genital/reproductive tracts of cattle [ 11 , 16 , 17 ]. Although granular vulvitis is common in infected cows, the infections are either symptomatic or asymptomatic [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Chronic granular vulvovaginitis may progress to endometritis and result in miscarriage or infertility if not diagnosed and treated [ 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”