Isolation of Arcobacter species and other neglected opportunistic agents from aborted bovine and caprine fetuses

Abstract

Background Infectious abortion in ruminants is a problem in animal husbandry worldwide. It is important to obtain a diagnosis, to make sure that proper control measures can be instituted, but most abortion cases remain without an etiologic diagnosis. This report describes the presence of Arcobacter species and several neglected opportunistic abortifacient agents in ruminant abortion cases showing or not co-infections among at least one of the major recognized protozoal, fungal, bacterial and viral abortifacient agents. Results A total of 67 fetuses (55 cattle and 12 goats) and just one placenta (cattle) were considered. Among the most common abortive agents, Neospora caninum (19,4%), followed by Chlamydophila abortus (4,5%), Listeria monocytogenes 1/2a (2,98%), Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1b (2,98%), Bovine herpesvirus 4 (2,98%), and Aspergillus spp. (2,98%) were detected. The isolated neglected opportunistic bacteria include Escherichia coli , Acinetobacter lwoffii , Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Streptococcus uberis , Streptococcus suis , Trueperella pyogenes, Mannheimia haemolytica , Bacillus cereus and Nocardia spp. Other bacterial species, not associated with abortion by literature, but described as causes of diseases occurring sporadically both in humans and animals, were also detected. Three Arcobacter strains, namely two A. skirrowii and one A. cryaerophilus , were isolated from 3 bovine aborted fetuses, and A. butzleri was isolated from the placenta. Conclusions A not negligible isolation of Arcobacter species and other neglected abortifacient agents has to be mentioned, with prevalences that seem to be emerging and replacing or co-placing the major infectious players in bovine and caprine reproductive failure due to abortion disease, even if further studies investigating the aetiological power and transmission routes are needed in order to define the role of these microrganisms in ruminant abortion.

Beef cattle that respond differently to fescue toxicosis have distinct gastrointestinal tract microbiota

“…lwoffii isolated from cattle shedding on the reduction of allergies [ 46 ], while another study has shown a low abundance of A . lwoffii in ruminant abortions [ 47 ]. It is currently unclear whether these Acinetobacter phylotypes found in cattle may be opportunistic human pathogens or are part of the physiological GI tract microbiota.…”

“…A. lwoffii can cause bacteremia in humans [44] and different Acinetobacter species have been found in ruminant GI tracts [45]. One study suggested a beneficial role of A. lwoffii isolated from cattle shedding on the reduction of allergies [46], while another study has shown a low abundance of A. lwoffii in ruminant abortions [47]. It is currently unclear whether these Acinetobacter phylotypes found in cattle may be opportunistic human pathogens or are part of the physiological GI tract microbiota.…”

Role of Infection and Immunity in Bovine Perinatal Mortality: Part 1. Causes and Current Diagnostic Approaches

“…Escherichia spp. Secondary or opportunistic pathogens (now termed pathobionts or facultative pathogens or in some cases, opportunistic emerging pathogens- [29]) are incapable of transplacental infection unless the placenta is damaged, the microflora in the reproductive tract is altered (dysbiosis) or the cow is immuno-compromised (e.g., by prior BVDv infection). Examples are listed in Table 2.…”

“…These organisms are part of the normal microbiome of the host and its environment (e.g., poorly preserved forage) and tend not to be contagious. Secondary pathogens are usually associated with sporadic PM [29].…”

Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Arcobacter butzleri isolated from red-footed pet tortoises suspected for Campylobacter spp. from Grenada, West Indies

“…Direct contact with infected animal may also cause transmission to humans. Like Campylobacter, Arcobacter also infects various farm animals like cattle, chickens, pigs, sheep and ducks, causing abortions, mastitis and diarrhea [16][17][18]. Arcobacter has been isolated from humans and the clinical symptoms are like that of Campylobacter infections except that instead of bloody diarrhea, Arcobacter usually has a persistent watery diarrhea [19].…”