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Malaluang P, Niazi A, Guo Y, Nagel C, Guimaraes T, Rocha A, Aurich C, Morrell JM. Bacterial diversity in semen from stallions in three European countries evaluated by 16S sequencing. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1409-1421. [PMID: 38305959 PMCID: PMC11147884 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10321-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome plays a significant role in shaping the health and functioning of the systems it inhabits. The seminal microbiome of stallions has implications for the health of the reproductive tract, sperm quality during preservation and antibiotic use in semen extenders. Diverse bacteria are present on the external genital tract and a mix of commensal microorganisms populates various parts of the reproductive tract, influencing the seminal bacterial content. Other sources of bacteria include the environment, semen collection equipment, and personnel. The bacterial load can adversely affect sperm quality and fertility, particularly in artificial insemination, where semen is extended and stored before use. Antibiotics are frequently used to inhibit bacterial growth, but their effectiveness varies depending on the bacterial strains present. The aim of this study was to assess the bacterial diversity in semen from 37 healthy stallions across three European nations (Germany, Portugal, and Sweden) using 16S sequencing. Semen samples were collected from individual stallions at three AI centers; DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis were performed. Differences in bacterial diversity among the stallions were seen; although bacterial phyla were shared across the regions, differences were observed at the genus level. Climate, husbandry practices, and individual variability likely contribute to these differences. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring antibiotic strategies for semen preservation based on regional bacterial profiles. The study presents a comprehensive approach to understanding the intricacies of the stallion seminal microbiome and its potential implications for reproductive technologies and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongpreecha Malaluang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, 75007, Sweden
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 40000, Thailand
| | - Adnan Niazi
- SLU-Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden
- Science for Life Laboratory, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-752 36, Sweden
| | - Yongzhi Guo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, 75007, Sweden
| | - Christina Nagel
- Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tiago Guimaraes
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Sciences (CECA), ICETA, University of Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Antonio Rocha
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal
- Center for the Study of Animal Sciences (CECA), ICETA, University of Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, 75007, Sweden.
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Malaluang P, Wagner LH, Cojkic A, Spergser J, Aurich C, Morrell JM. Reduced bacterial load in stallion semen by modified single layer centrifugation or sperm washing. Theriogenology 2024; 216:111-117. [PMID: 38171197 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The presence of bacteria poses a significant challenge to the quality of stallion semen used in artificial insemination. The bacterial content of insemination doses arises from various sources, such as the healthy stallion, environment, and collection equipment, and is implicated in fertility problems as well as reduced sperm quality during storage. The conventional approach of adding antibiotics to semen extenders raises concerns about antimicrobial resistance and potential negative effects on sperm characteristics, and may not be effective in inhibiting all bacteria. The objective of this study was to determine whether an innovative alternative to antibiotic usage - centrifugation through a single layer of a low density colloid (SLC) - could reduce the bacterial load in stallion semen, and to compare sperm characteristics in samples arising from this procedure, or simple extension of the ejaculate in semen extender, or from sperm washing, i.e. adding extender and then centrifuging the sample to allow the removal of most of the seminal plasma and extender. Eighteen semen samples were collected from six stallions. The semen samples were split and extended prior to washing or SLC, or received no further treatment other than extension. After preparation aliquots from each type of sample were sent for bacteriological examination; the remaining samples were stored for up to 72 h, with daily checks on sperm quality. The low density colloid SLC outperformed sperm washing or extension for bacterial reduction, effectively removing several bacterial species. The bacterial load in the samples was as follows: extended semen, 16 ± 6.7 × 105; washed, 5.8 ± 2.0 × 105; SLC, 2.3 ± 0.88 × 105, p < 0.0001. In addition, SLC completely removed some bacterial species, such as Staphylococcus xylosus. Although there is no selection for robust spermatozoa with the low density colloid, sperm motility, membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation were not different to washed sperm samples. These findings suggest that SLC with a low density colloid offers a promising method for reducing bacterial contamination in stallion semen without resorting to antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongpreecha Malaluang
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 75007, Uppsala, Sweden; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 40000, Thailand
| | - Lisa Helène Wagner
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandar Cojkic
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Morrell JM, Cojkic A, Malaluang P, Ntallaris T, Lindahl J, Hansson I. Antibiotics in semen extenders - a multiplicity of paradoxes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23218. [PMID: 38447204 DOI: 10.1071/rd23218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Addition of antibiotics to semen extenders was taken for granted for many years, from the time that commercial artificial insemination in livestock first began many decades ago. However, there is now a growing realisation that this non-therapeutic utilisation of antibacterial agents is contrary to current recommendations for prudent use that medical and veterinary professionals are advised to follow. Furthermore, antibiotics are not benign, having negative effects on sperm samples, the inseminated female, personnel and potentially the environment. The purpose of this review is three-fold: to highlight the fact that antibiotics are used in semen extenders, with the result that considerable amounts are used globally in animal breeding, to review recent studies on the negative aspects of using antibiotics for this purpose, and to look at possible alternatives. Recent changes in the legislation regarding semen extenders occurred in some, but not all, countries, leaving question marks for semen producers as to whether antibiotics should be added to semen extenders or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Aleksandar Cojkic
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Pongpreecha Malaluang
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Theodoros Ntallaris
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Johanna Lindahl
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Hansson
- Animal Biosciences, SLU, Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
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Zabala SM, Serres C, Montero N, Crespo F, Lorenzo PL, Pérez-Aguilera V, Galán C, Domínguez-Gimbernat M, Oliet A, Moreno S, González-Zorn B, Gutiérrez-Cepeda L. Strategies to Reduce the Use of Antibiotics in Fresh and Chilled Equine Semen. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:179. [PMID: 38254348 PMCID: PMC10812753 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The study assessed the impact of four equine semen processing techniques on sperm quality and microbial load immediately post-processing and after 48 h of refrigeration. The aim was to explore the potential reduction of prophylactic antibiotic usage in semen extenders. Semen from ten adult stallions was collected and processed under a strict hygiene protocol and divided into four aliquots: Simple Centrifugation with antibiotics (SC+), Simple Centrifugation (SC-), Single-Layer Colloidal Centrifugation (CC-), and Filtration (with SpermFilter®) (F-), all in extenders without antibiotics. Sperm motility, viability, and microbial load on three culture media were assessed. No significant differences were observed in the main in the sperm quality parameters among the four protocols post-processing and at 48 h (p < 0.05 or p < 0.1). Microbial loads in Columbia 5% Sheep Blood Agar and Schaedler vitamin K1 5% Sheep Blood Agar mediums were significantly higher (p < 0.10) for raw semen than for CS+, CC-, and F- post-processing. For Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium, the microbial load was significantly higher (p < 0.10) in raw semen compared to CS+ and F-. No significant differences (p < 0.10) were found in 48 h chilled samples. Regardless of antibiotic presence, the evaluated processing methods, when combined with rigorous hygiene measures, maintained semen quality and reduced microbial load to the same extent as a traditional protocol using antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonsoles Mercedes Zabala
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.Z.); (C.S.); (F.C.); (C.G.); (M.D.-G.)
- Animal Selection and Reproduction Center, Madrid Institute for Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA), Ctra. Colmenar Viejo a Guadalix de la Sierra, km 1, Colmenar Viejo, 28770 Madrid, Spain; (A.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Consuelo Serres
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.Z.); (C.S.); (F.C.); (C.G.); (M.D.-G.)
| | - Natalia Montero
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.); (B.G.-Z.)
| | - Francisco Crespo
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.Z.); (C.S.); (F.C.); (C.G.); (M.D.-G.)
- Centro Militar de Cría Caballar de Ávila (CCFAA), C/Arsenio Gutiérrez Palacios s/n, 05005 Ávila, Spain;
| | - Pedro Luis Lorenzo
- Physiology Department, Veterinary Faculty, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Verónica Pérez-Aguilera
- Centro Militar de Cría Caballar de Ávila (CCFAA), C/Arsenio Gutiérrez Palacios s/n, 05005 Ávila, Spain;
| | - Carmen Galán
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.Z.); (C.S.); (F.C.); (C.G.); (M.D.-G.)
| | - Mónica Domínguez-Gimbernat
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.Z.); (C.S.); (F.C.); (C.G.); (M.D.-G.)
| | - Agustín Oliet
- Animal Selection and Reproduction Center, Madrid Institute for Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA), Ctra. Colmenar Viejo a Guadalix de la Sierra, km 1, Colmenar Viejo, 28770 Madrid, Spain; (A.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Santiago Moreno
- Animal Selection and Reproduction Center, Madrid Institute for Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA), Ctra. Colmenar Viejo a Guadalix de la Sierra, km 1, Colmenar Viejo, 28770 Madrid, Spain; (A.O.); (S.M.)
| | - Bruno González-Zorn
- Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (N.M.); (B.G.-Z.)
| | - Luna Gutiérrez-Cepeda
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Veterinary Faculty, UCM, Avda. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.M.Z.); (C.S.); (F.C.); (C.G.); (M.D.-G.)
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Storme J, Brookes VJ, Gunn A. Is there evidence demonstrating venereal transmission of clitoral Pseudomonas aeruginosa in horses? Vet Rec 2023; 192:444-446. [PMID: 37265280 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Storme
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Victoria J Brookes
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Allan Gunn
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
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The Semen Microbiome and Semen Parameters in Healthy Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050534. [PMID: 35268102 PMCID: PMC8908834 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Stallion infertility is a major cause of concern in the horse industry. Despite zootechnics advances, sub- or infertile animals appear in stud farms without a toxic, genetic, or nutritional reason. Recent research in human andrology has opened the door for a new, plausible factor that affects sperm quality: seminal microflora. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of evidence regarding the relationship between different seminal flora compositions and male fertility. However, little has been studied in veterinary science, including horses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine associations with the presence of bacteria families in horse semen with five sperm quality parameters: concentration, total number of spermatozoa, total and progressive sperm motility, and DNA fragmentation. Our study detected a correlation between the presence of the Peptoniphilaceae family and higher total motility and the presence of Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XI and lower progressive motility. These changes in seminal flora may contribute to the idiopathically poorer sperm quality in certain animals. Although further mechanisms behind bacteria–spermatozoa interactions are unknown, these associations are already leading to a new therapeutic approach to infertility: the use of prebiotics, which has already yielded promising results in human andrology. Abstract Despite the advances in reproductive technology, there is still a considerable number of low sperm quality cases in stallions. Recent studies in humans have detected several seminal microflora–spermatozoa associations behind some idiopathic infertility cases. However, no studies are available on horses, and there is limited information on the microflora present in stallion ejaculates. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to examine associations to the presence of bacteria families with five sperm quality parameters: concentration, total number of spermatozoa, total and progressive motility, and DNA fragmentation. Samples were cryopreserved after their extraction. High-speed homogenization using grinding media was performed for cell disruption. Family identification was performed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Bacterial families were only considered if the relative abundance was higher than 1%. Only two families appeared to have a correlation with two sperm quality parameters. Peptoniphilaceae correlated positively with total sperm motility, whereas Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XI correlated negatively with progressive motility. No significant differences were found for the rest of the parameters. In conclusion, the seminal microbiome may affect spermatozoa activity. Our findings are based on statistical associations; thus, further studies are needed to understand the internal interactions between seminal flora and cells.
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Malaluang P, Wilén E, Lindahl J, Hansson I, Morrell JM. Antimicrobial Resistance in Equine Reproduction. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3035. [PMID: 34827768 PMCID: PMC8614435 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics following low-level "background" exposure to antimicrobial agents as well as from exposure at therapeutic levels during treatment for bacterial infections. In this review, we look specifically at antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the equine reproductive tract and its possible origin, focusing particularly on antibiotics in semen extenders used in preparing semen doses for artificial insemination. Our review of the literature indicated that AMR in the equine uterus and vagina were reported worldwide in the last 20 years, in locations as diverse as Europe, India, and the United States. Bacteria colonizing the mucosa of the reproductive tract are transferred to semen during collection; further contamination of the semen may occur during processing, despite strict attention to hygiene at critical control points. These bacteria compete with spermatozoa for nutrients in the semen extender, producing metabolic byproducts and toxins that have a detrimental effect on sperm quality. Potential pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa may occasionally cause fertility issues in inseminated mares. Antibiotics are added during semen processing, according to legislation, to impede the growth of these microorganisms but may have a detrimental effect on sperm quality, depending on the antimicrobial agent and concentration used. However, this addition of antibiotics is counter to current recommendations on the prudent use of antibiotics, which recommend that antibiotics should be used only for therapeutic purposes and after establishing bacterial sensitivity. There is some evidence of resistance among bacteria found in semen samples. Potential alternatives to the addition of antibiotics are considered, especially physical removal separation of spermatozoa from bacteria. Suggestions for further research with colloid centrifugation are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongpreecha Malaluang
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.M.); (E.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Elin Wilén
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.M.); (E.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Johanna Lindahl
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.M.); (E.W.); (J.L.)
- Department of Biosciences, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Box 582, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Hansson
- Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7036, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.M.); (E.W.); (J.L.)
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Quiñones-Pérez C, Hidalgo M, Ortiz I, Crespo F, Vega-Pla JL. Characterization of the seminal bacterial microbiome of healthy, fertile stallions using next-generation sequencing. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20200052. [PMID: 34394753 PMCID: PMC8356074 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing studies have shown the important role microbial communities play in the male reproductive tract, indicating differences in the semen microbial composition between fertile and infertile males. Most of these studies were made on human beings but little is known regarding domestic animals. Seminal bacteria studies made in stallions mostly focus on pathogenic bacteria and on their impact on reproductive technology. However, little is known about stallion commensal seminal microflora. That ultimately hinders our capacity to associate specific bacteria to conditions or seminal quality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the seminal microbial composition of 12 healthy, fertile stallion using next-generation sequencing. Hypervariable region V3 was chosen for bacterial identification. A total of nine phyla was detected. The most abundant ones were Bacteroidetes (46.50%), Firmicutes (29.92%) and Actinobacteria (13.58%). At family level, we found 69 bacterial families, but only nine are common in all samples. Porphyromonadaceae (33.18%), Peptoniphilaceae (14.09%), Corynebacteriaceae (11.32%) and Prevotellaceae (9.05%) were the most representative ones, while the Firmicutes phylum displayed the highest number of families (23, a third of the total). Samples showed high inter-subject variability. Findings previously described in other species notably differ from our findings. Families found in human such as Lactobacillaceae, Staphylococcaceae and Streptococcaceae only represented a 0.00%, 0.17% and 0.22% abundance in our samples, respectively. In conclusion, Porphyromonadaceae, Prevotellaceae, Peptoniphilaceae and Corynebacteriaceae families are highly represented in the seminal microbiome of healthy, fertile stallions. A high variation among individuals is also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Quiñones-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada, Cría Caballar de las Fuerzas Armadas, Córdoba, España
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España
| | - Isabel Ortiz
- Veterinary Reproduction Group Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España
| | - Francisco Crespo
- Centro Militar de Cría Caballar de Ávila, Cría Caballar de las Fuerzas Armadas, Ávila, España
| | - José Luis Vega-Pla
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada, Cría Caballar de las Fuerzas Armadas, Córdoba, España
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Comparative Semen Microbiota Composition of a Stallion in a Taylorella equigenitalis Carrier and Non-Carrier State. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050868. [PMID: 32429567 PMCID: PMC7278458 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Contagious equine metritis carriers have become a new cause of concern in horse stud farms. Their detection can result in significant financial loss and force owners to have their animals undergo antibiotic treatment. Current research has not been able to satisfactorily explain the appearance of carriers in agent-free farms. Studies made on microbial flora have given new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of different issues in animal systems. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful tool that can draw an accurate picture of microbial flora. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the seminal bacterial composition of one stallion before and after being diagnosed with Taylorella equigenitalis using NGS. Our results show that the microbial seminal flora visibly changed between the samples analyzed. Corynebacteriaceae, an opportunistic bacterial family, was more common in the infected sample. However, Porphyromonadaceae, a natural component in several tissues, was more abundant in the negative sample. Despite the constraints of a single-case study, these findings can open the door to new therapeutic tools, as flora transplants. Similarly, seminal flora analysis may foresee microbial shifts, letting practitioners take preventive actions before a potential outbreak. Furthermore, these actions would have the extra benefit of reducing the administration of antibiotics to treat an infection. Abstract Contagious equine metritis is receiving renewed attention due to the continuous detection of carriers in apparent agent-free farms. Interactions of Taylorella with the seminal microflora may be the plausible cause behind these spontaneous changes of the carrier state. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to compare the differences in the seminal microbiome composition of one stallion in the contagious equine metritis carrier state and non-carrier state. Samples were cryopreserved after their extraction. Cell disruption was performed by high-speed homogenization in grinding media. Bacterial families were identified via V3 amplification of the 16S rRNA gene and Ion Torrent sequencing. Only bacterial families with relative abundance above 5% were taken into consideration. The positive sample contained a strong dominance of Corynebacteriaceae (37.75%) and Peptoniphilaceae (28.56%). In the negative sample, the Porphyromonadaceae (20.51%), Bacteroidaceae (19.25%) and Peptoniphilaceae (18.57%) families prevailed. In conclusion, the microbiome seminal composition varies when an individual carries Taylorella from when it is free of it. The wider differences were found in the Corynebacteriaceae, Porphyromonadaceae and Bacteroidaceae families. Due to the limitations of a single-case analysis, further studies are needed for a better understanding of the stallion seminal microflora interactions.
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Al-Kass Z, Spergser J, Aurich C, Kuhl J, Schmidt K, Morrell JM. Effect of presence or absence of antibiotics and use of modified single layer centrifugation on bacteria in pony stallion semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 54:342-349. [PMID: 30351456 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria contaminate semen during collection and handling. The objective of this study was to identify the bacteria in pony stallion semen, the effects of antibiotics included in commercial semen extenders (lincomycin and spectinomycin) and the effect of modified single layer centrifugation (MSLC), on bacterial load. Ejaculates from six pony stallions, 3 ejaculates per animal, were extended in EquiPlus extender either with or without antibiotics. Aliquots were processed by MSLC to form four treatment groups: control and MSLC with antibiotics (CA and SA, respectively) and control and MSLC without antibiotics (CW and SW, respectively). Bacteriological examinations were carried out within 2 hr. Thirty-one species of bacteria were isolated from one or more ejaculates, with Corynebacterium spp. being the most frequently detected. Corynebacterium spp. were present in all ejaculates. The MSLC resulted in a significantly lower total bacterial count than controls (CA vs. SA, p < 0.001; CW vs. SW, p < 0.0001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyad Al-Kass
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Joachim Spergser
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Department for Small Animals and Horses, Center for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juliane Kuhl
- Department for Small Animals and Horses, Center for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Schmidt
- Department for Small Animals and Horses, Center for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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Evaluation of the microbial quality of fresh ejaculates of camel (Camelus dromedarius) semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:218-23. [PMID: 25132210 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A series of five factorial arranged experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of different management during semen collection on the microbial quality (bacterial load, type of microbes and frequency of isolation) of dromedaries' semen. Microbial analysis of seventy-nine fresh ejaculates from twenty-two camels showed the presence of nine variant colonies. The most prevalent organisms in the dromedary semen were species of Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Streptococcus. One yeast species was represented among the isolates. The middle aged camels (9-13 years) had significantly (P>0.05) higher mean bacterial loads than young (4-8 years) and old aged (14-18 years) animals. The mean bacterial populations of ejaculates collected by an electro-ejaculator were significantly (P>0.05) higher than those collected by an artificial vagina. Candida spp. was identified in 53.8% of the samples collected by an electro-ejaculator and was not detected in ejaculates collected by an artificial vagina. The mean semen bacterial load detected during the breeding season was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that collected during the non-breeding season. No fungi were isolated from semen samples collected in the non-breeding season. The difference between the mean semen bacterial loads in the first and the second ejaculate was highly significant (P<0.01). The preputial wash significantly (P<0.01) reduced the bacterial load. This study revealed that the microbial contamination of dromedaries' semen is found in different intensities during different management procedures of semen collection.
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Pasing SS, Aurich C, von Lewinski M, Wulf M, Krüger M, Aurich JE. Development of the genital microflora in stallions used for artificial insemination throughout the breeding season. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 139:53-61. [PMID: 23602488 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
An important factor influencing stallion fertility is the microbial contamination of semen. Aims of this study were to investigate changes in the microbiological population of the genital mucosa and semen in artificial insemination stallions (n=16) from before to after one breeding season (February-August). MALDI-TOF-MS (matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) was used for identification of microbial agents. For bacteriology, swabs from the urethral opening, urethral fossa and penile sheath as well as semen were collected at 4-week-intervals. For semen motility and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa, changes over time (P<0.001) occurred. In 14.3% of genital swabs and 25.0% of ejaculates no microbial growth was found. Intensity of total microbial growth increased throughout the breeding season (P<0.001). From the penile sheath, between 1.4±0.1 microbial species in February and 3.3±0.4 in August were identified. From semen, 1.1±0.3 microbial species in February and 2.9±0.6 in August were obtained. The number of microbial species isolated from the sheath of the penis (2.0±0.1) and urethral fossa (2.0±0.1) was greater (P<0.01) compared with the urethral opening (1.6±0.1) and semen (1.5±0.1). The microbial flora consisted of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, dominated by coagulase-negative staphylococci, alpha-haemolytic streptococci and coryneforms. Only occasionally potentially pathogenic agents (E. coli, Ps. aeruginosa) were found. The microbial flora was not related to seminal characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie S Pasing
- Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Science, Vienna University of Veterinary Sciences, 16845 Neustadt (Dosse), Germany
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Dean CJ, Hobgood AM, Blodgett GP, Love CC, Blanchard TL, Varner DD. The addition of ticarcillin-clavulanic acid to INRA 96 extender for stallion semen cooling. Equine Vet J 2012:95-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00638.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. J. Dean
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences; College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources; Texas Tech University; Texas USA
| | | | | | - C. C. Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; Texas USA
| | - T. L. Blanchard
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; Texas USA
| | - D. D. Varner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; Texas USA
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Rota A, Calicchio E, Nardoni S, Fratini F, Ebani V, Sgorbini M, Panzani D, Camillo F, Mancianti F. Presence and distribution of fungi and bacteria in the reproductive tract of healthy stallions. Theriogenology 2011; 76:464-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Revised: 02/12/2011] [Accepted: 02/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Corona A, Cherchi R. Microbial quality of equine frozen semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 115:103-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2007] [Revised: 04/28/2008] [Accepted: 11/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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