Archive

Microbiota in the bodies of different species have a significant impact on the health status of the host. Most studies have focused on the microbiota of gut, skin, and mouth, and not too much research known about normal vaginal microbiota in livestock. The characteristic bovine uterine diseases such as metritis and endometritis can be the results of colonization through the extrinsic and ascending pathways to the vagina, rarely the intestinal bacteria may contaminate the uterus.

In our studies we determined the most frequent inhabitant bacteria from the vagina of healthy dairy cows prior to the parturition and after. Sterile phosphate-saline buffer (100 ml/cow) was used for vaginal rinsing. Before flushing step, the pH was determined with contact pH measuring instrument. The bacteria were cultivated from the rinsing liquid using four different culturing media under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The taxonomical identification of bacteria was determined by Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method.

Among the frequently occurring non-pathogenic bacteria, five bacterial isolates were selected for further examinations, including Brevibacillus agri, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, and two Bacillus licheniformis strains. The species identification of bacteria was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The presence of known resistance genes was also examined by PCR. Broth microdilution susceptibility testing was performed using 10 different antimicrobial agents. The examined isolates were highly sensitive to tylosin, tulathromycin, doxycycline, and marbofloxacin. The presence of a beta-lactamase resistance gene was confirmed in the genome of three isolates.

With the knowledge of the normal vaginal microbiota of cows and knowing their resistance patterns more specific and efficient prevention of the peri/post-partum diseases may be possible.