[Mycoplasmas isolated from the genital tract of mares (author’s transl)].

The research article talks about the isolation of Mycoplasmas from the genital tract of infertile mares, their characterization, their relationship with other bacteria, clinical manifestations, and their sensitivity to various antibiotics.

Mycoplasma Isolation and Characterization

• The researchers extracted Mycoplasmas from the cervix swabs of 11 out of 161 infertile mares they studied. This constitutes about 6.8% of the sampled population.
• A total of 17 strains were isolated. These included 11 strains of Mycoplasma equigenitalium, 2 of Mycoplasma subdolum, 3 of Acholeplasma laidlawii, and 1 of Acholeplasma equifetale.
• The identification of these different mycoplasmas was done using the indirect immunofluorescent test and the metabolic inhibition test.

Coexistence of Mycoplasmas and Other Bacteria

• The authors also conducted investigations to check for the presence of other bacteria in the cervix swabs of the mares.
• However, they did not find any specific correlation or relationship between the presence of Mycoplasmas and other bacteria.

Clinical Manifestations of Mycoplasmas

• About 5 out of the 11 mares that had Mycoplasmas also showed pneumovagina, which is an abnormal condition where air enters the vagina leading to distension and ineffectiveness of the reproductive process.

Mycoplasma Sensitivity to Antibiotics

• Tests for antibiotic sensitivity showed that all the isolated Mycoplasmas were sensitive to Chloramphenicol, Tetracyclin, Tylosin, and Gentamycin but resistant to Penicillin and Polmyxin B.
• When exposed to Erythromycin, all of the Acholeplasma isolates showed sensitivity while all of the Mycoplasma isolates were resistant.
• When exposed to Streptomycin, M. equigenitalium and Acholeplasma isolates were sensitive, while the M. subdolum strains were resistant.

Implications and Limitations

• The researchers conclude by citing that the significance of Acholeplasmas and Mycoplasmas in the genital organs of mares remains unclear, indicating a need for further research in this area.