Isolation and comparison of Arcanobacterium hippocoleae isolates from the genital tract of 15 mares.

The research article involves the study and comparison of Arcanobacterium hippocoleae strains isolated from the genital tract of 15 different mares who were apparently healthy. The study also includes genotypic and phenotypic characterisations and identifies a degree of natural divergence within the species.

Objective and Methodology

• The primary aim of this study was to isolate and compare Arcanobacterium hippocoleae strains from the genital swabs collected from 15 mares who were seemingly healthy, with at least one having had an abortion a month earlier.
• These mares varied in breeds, with a dominance of thoroughbreds, and they came from 11 different breeding farms situated in the Brittany region of France.
• The researchers used various methods such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, MALDI-TOF MS typing, a CAMP test, and the API® Coryne system to verify the species identification and to observe the divergence in A. hippocoleae.

Findings

• The 16S rRNA gene sequencing method proved the identity of the species by comparing it to the reference strain A. hippocoleae CIP 106850.
• A degree of natural divergence was found within the species of A. hippocoleae. The divergence was gauged by the variations in 16S rRNA sequencing, MALDI-TOF MS typing, CAMP test results, and in the profiles of the Coryne system.
• All the strains that were under examination showcased susceptibility to the antimicrobials that were tested.

Implications and Conclusion

• In order to estimate the prevalence of A. hippocoleae in stallions and mares and to investigate its presence outside the Brittany region in France, a national survey would be necessary.
• The study conducted was confined to the Brittany region as the isolates were collected from a single field laboratory in this area.