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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(11); doi: 10.3390/ani11113035

Antimicrobial Resistance in Equine Reproduction.

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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Publication Date: 2021-10-22 PubMed ID: 34827768PubMed Central: PMC8614435DOI: 10.3390/ani11113035Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in horse reproduction, exploring how bacteria in the reproductive organs resist antibiotics used in artificial insemination. The authors examine the effects of these antibiotic-resistant bacteria, alternatives to using antibiotics, and areas for future research.

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance in Equine Reproduction

The researchers focused their study on antibiotic resistance in the reproductive tract of horses. Their main area of interest was to understand the effects of the antibiotics used in semen extenders – a substance used to prepare semen for artificial insemination.

  • The study found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria were present in the uterus and vagina of horses worldwide. These findings were based on literature reports from various locations spanning the last two decades.
  • The bacteria reside on the mucosal surfaces of the reproductive tract, enabling their transfer to the semen during collection. The authors note that additional contamination may occur during processing, even when strict hygiene measures are followed.
  • These bacteria compete with the sperm for nutrients in the semen extender, a process that can generate toxins harmful to sperm quality.

Effects of Antibiotics and Potential Pathogens

The study observed the effects of antibiotics added during semen processing and their impact on sperm quality, as well as the role of potential pathogens that may affect fertility.

  • The researchers highlighted the common practice of adding antibiotics during semen processing to curb the growth of bacteria, despite its potential negative effect on sperm.
  • However, the authors discussed the current recommendations that advocate for prudent use of antibiotics. These guidelines state that antibiotics should be used for therapeutic purposes only and that bacterial sensitivity should first be established.
  • The study identified potential pathogens such as E.coli, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas that can occasionally contribute to fertility issues in horses.

Alternatives to Antibiotics and Further Research

In closing, the researchers evaluated potential alternatives to using antibiotics during semen processing and suggested potential areas for further research.

  • They explored the possibility of physically removing the bacteria from the semen as an alternative to using antibiotics during processing.
  • The authors identified the need for further research into the use of colloid centrifugation, a technique potentially useful for separating bacteria from sperm during processing.

Cite This Article

APA
Malaluang P, Wilén E, Lindahl J, Hansson I, Morrell JM. (2021). Antimicrobial Resistance in Equine Reproduction. Animals (Basel), 11(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11113035

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 11

Researcher Affiliations

Malaluang, Pongpreecha
  • Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
Wilén, Elin
  • Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
Lindahl, Johanna
  • Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
  • 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.
Hansson, Ingrid
  • Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7036, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
Morrell, Jane M
  • Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.

Conflict of Interest Statement

J.M. is the inventor and patent holder of the colloid mentioned in the last section of this article, on alternatives to antibiotics. However, this did not in any way influence the writing of the review.

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