Influence of estrous cycle stage on adhesion of Streptococcus zooepidemicus to equine endometrium.

The research investigates the impact of a horse’s estrous cycle on the adherence of a bacterial pathogen, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, to the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. It shows that estrous cycle stages do not significantly affect bacterial adhesion, except in the case of Category III endometrium during estrus which showed an increased attachment of the bacterium.

Research Methodology

• The researchers used female horse endometrial tissues representative of Kenney’s categories I, II, and III, which are classification for horse uterus health.
• The endometrial tissues were incubated with phosphate buffer, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or S zooepidemicus in vitro or outside of a living organism in a controlled environment.

Experiment Findings

• No bacteria were observed when the endometrial tissues were combined with phosphate buffer or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• While testing for adherence of S pneumoniae and S zooepidemicus to the epithelia, the researchers found that there was no significant difference in the attachment of S zooepidemicus to the endometrial tissue from mares in estrus or diestrus when endometrial classification was not considered.

Impact of Estrous Cycle on Bacterial Adhesion

• However, when considering the endometrial category, the data varied. It was discovered that bacterial attachment was significantly higher in category III endometrium during estrus.
• Estrus refers to the period when a female horse is more sexually active and receptive to a male horse whereas diestrus is a period when she is not sexually receptive.
• The research implies that horses with category III endometrium, indicating abnormal uterus health, are more susceptible to S zooepidemicus infecting the uterus lining during their estrus phase.