Results of bacteriological and cytological examinations of the endometrium of subfertile mares in stud farms in Serbia.

This research investigates the ailments affecting the fertility of mares in Serbia, focusing on uterine microbiology, antibiotic resistance, and endometrial cytology. The study found that the main cause of equine endometritis was the bacterium Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, although its existence was not always confirmed by endometrial cytology.

Research Setup

• The research was conducted on 51 mares with fertility issues from 16 different stud farms in Serbia.
• Each mare’s uterine culture was examined using a double guarded uterine swab.
• Endometrial cytology, the study of cell structure and function, was carried out using a special device known as a cytology brush.

Findings

• In 21 out of 51 mares, at least one type of bacterium was isolated from the uterus.
• The most common bacterium was Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, which was found in 13 samples, followed by E. coli found in four samples.
• The study found all instances of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus to be susceptible to the antibiotic penicillin.

Cytology Results

• The results from endometrial cytology, however, were inconsistent.
• In 17 animals with a positive bacteriological culture, cytology did not show any alterations, suggesting that this method may not always be broad enough to detect bacterial infections within the endometrium.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is the leading cause of equine endometritis in Serbia, as well as in many other countries.
• The bacterium can be easily detected using a uterine culture; however, endometrial cytology is not as reliable in proving an endometrial infection with this agent.