Bacteriological and serological studies of haemophilus equigenitalis, agent of contagious equine metritis.
Abstract: Seventeen strains of haemophilus equigenitalis isolated from the cervix, clitoris, and urethra of mares were biochemically characterized with the API 10E and APIZYM test kit systems, conventional biochemical tests, and the porphyrin test. Antisera were prepared in rabbits. All of the strains were positive to the porphyrin test, and the requirement for factor X (hemin) or V (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) was not shown. Catalase, oxidase, phosphatase, and phosphoamidase tests were positive with all of the strains. Aminopeptidase (arylamidase) activity has been detected on beta-naphthylamide derivatives of eight amino acids and of di- and tripeptides. No glycosidase activity was found. Antisera prepared in rabbits strongly agglutinated all H. equigenitalis strains, but none of the various other bacterial strains. These characteristics should prove to be useful in the identification of H. equigenitalis.
Publication Date: 1981-10-01 PubMed ID: 7197288PubMed Central: PMC271983DOI: 10.1128/jcm.14.4.355-360.1981Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article deals with the investigation and biochemical characterisation of specific strains of the bacterium haemophilus equigenitalis found in horses. The study also includes testing of the bacterium with antisera made in rabbits to observe the reactions.
Characterisation of Haemophilus Equigenitalis
- The bacteria, specifically 17 strains of haemophilus equigenitalis, were isolated from various parts of the horse-mare’s reproductive organs like the cervix, clitoris, and urethra.
- These isolated strains were characterised using several biochemical tests. The API 10E and APIZYM test kit systems, along with conventional biochemical tests and the porphyrin test, were utilised for this purpose.
- All the strains tested positive to the porphyrin test
- The research found that there was no requirement for two essential growth factors, known as factors X (hemin) and V (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
- Further tests confirming the presence of catalase, oxidase, phosphatase, and phosphoamidase in all of the haemophilus equigenitalis strains.
- Aminopeptidase activity was detected in the presence of beta-naphthylamide derivatives of eight amino acids and di- and tripeptides.
- However, no glycosidase activity was detected in the strains.
Study of Antisera Reaction
- Antisera, which are blood serums containing antibodies, were prepared in rabbits for the study.
- The prepared antisera strongly agglutinated (clumped together) all the haemophilus equigenitalis strains. Agglutination is a reaction that indicates the presence of specific antigens or antibodies.
- Interestingly, none of the various other bacterial strains, when tested with the antisera, showed any agglutination.
Identification Benefits
- The results of the study show how the biochemical characteristics and reaction to antisera could be helpful in identifying the haemophilus equigenitalis strains specifically.
- This means that such tests can be used to identify the presence of this bacteria more easily, accurately and specifically in cases of infectious diseases in mares.
Cite This Article
APA
Tainturier DJ, Delmas CF, Dabernat HJ.
(1981).
Bacteriological and serological studies of haemophilus equigenitalis, agent of contagious equine metritis.
J Clin Microbiol, 14(4), 355-360.
https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.14.4.355-360.1981 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Agglutination Tests
- Animals
- Culture Media
- Endometritis / microbiology
- Endometritis / veterinary
- Female
- Haemophilus / classification
- Haemophilus / immunology
- Haemophilus / physiology
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horses
- Hydrolases / metabolism
- Porphyrins / analysis
- Temperature
References
This article includes 20 references
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