Investigation of Chlamydiaceae in semen and cauda epididymidis and seroprevalence of Chlamydophila abortus in breeding bulls.
BACKGROUND
Reproductive disorders associated with chlamydial infection have been reported worldwide in cattle and there are indications of potential venereal transmission.


METHODS
Semen samples from 21 dairy bulls and cauda epididymidis tissue samples from 43 beef bulls were analysed for chlamydial agent by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) including an internal amplification control (mimic). Additionally, presence of antibodies against Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus among the bulls was investigated with the commercial Pourquier ELISA Cp. abortus serum verification kit.


RESULTS
No chlamydial agent was detected by PCR in either the semen samples or in the tissue samples. Additionally, no antibodies against Cp. abortus were detected.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that Cp. abortus is very rare, or absent in Swedish bulls and thus the risk for venereal transmission of chlamydial infection through their semen is low. However, because Chlamydophila spp. infection rates seem to differ throughout the world, it is essential to clarify the relative importance of transmission of the infection through semen on cattle fertility.
Karlsson
Ann-Charlotte
AC
Division of Ruminant Medicine and Veterinary Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden. ann-charlotte.karlsson@vetinst.no
Alenius
Stefan
S
Björkman
Camilla
C
Persson
Ylva
Y
Englund
Stina
S
D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission; D023501:Chlamydophila / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D023521:Chlamydophila Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004822:Epididymis / Q000382:microbiology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000382:microbiology*; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D004269:DNA, Bacterial