Authors : Jorge Acosta Dibarrat , Efren Diaz Aparicio , Victor Ruben Tenorio Gutierrez , Francisco Suarez Guemes and Jorge Tortora Perez
Abstract: In experimentally infected rams with Actiobacillus seminis, pathological changes (reproductive organs) and antibodies (IgM, IgG and IgA) in serum, seminal plasma and smegma were evaluated. Twelve 1-year old rams were infected via intraurethal IU group (n = 4) and intraepididymal IE group (n = 4) with A. seminis; four animals were kept as Controls (CON) and inoculated both ways (intraepididymal and intraurethal) with saline solution. Blood, seminal plasma and smegma were collected, during 9 weeks: 4 before and 5 after inoculation. Bacteriological analysis of semen was performed. Animals were euthanized 35 days postinoculation; reproductive organs were collected for bacteriological and histopathological analysis. IE animals developed epididymitis. Ampullae and seminal vesicles in the IE and IU showed interstitial lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. Thus, the bacteria were not re-isolated. Two controls developed epididymal granuloma. A. seminis was re-isolated in most of the semen samples and reproductive organ of IE animals, but not in those of the IU. Postinoculation mean IgG titer were different between CON and IE in serum weeks 1 to 5 (p <0.01), seminal plasma 1, 3, 4 and 5 weeks (p <0.05) and smegma 2, 3, 4 weeks (p <0.05), likewise between the IU and CON in serum IgG titers in the 2, 3 and 5 weeks (p<0.05). Postinculation mean IgM titers were different between CON and IE in the first week (p<0.05). No differences were observed in the IgA means. Serological response (IgG/IgM) and. pathological changes (reproductive organs) were induced by IE and IU inoculation of A. seminis.
Jorge Acosta Dibarrat , Efren Diaz Aparicio , Victor Ruben Tenorio Gutierrez , Francisco Suarez Guemes and Jorge Tortora Perez , 2007. Determination of Pathological Changes in the Reproductive Track, IgG, IgM and IgA Antibodies in Blood, Seminal Plasma and Smegma of Rams Inoculated with Actinobacillus seminis. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 6: 105-113.