Isolation of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis from seminal vesicle of a naturally challenged bull.

Campylobacter fetus is a well-recognized pathogen that affects reproductive rate in cattle. In the present study, two Angus bulls were kept (39 days) separately with a group of heifers experimentally infected with Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis biovar intermedius (Cfvi), respectively. Each bull resulted infected post-mating by its respective strain (Cfv and Cfvi). Semen samples collected from each bull at days 39, 82, 132 and 269 resulted positive for C. fetus by bacteriological culture and/or direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test, and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from colonies isolated. Diagnosis resulted better with bacteriological culture (100%) compared to DIF (37,5%). Campylobacter fetus was isolated from seminal vesicle and preputial mucosa by bacteriological culture and confirmed by PCR and DIF test from colonies previously isolated from these tissues (day 276). Microscopic lesions detected in both bulls showed moderate diffuse subepithelial lymphoplasmacytic postitis. None of the seminal vesicle presented relevant microscopic lesions. To our knowledge this is the first report of isolation of C. fetus from seminal vesicles in a bull. The experimental model herein described, mimicks the natural infection and constitutes a promising alternative for future studies of campylobacteriosis in cattle.

Culturable symbionts associated with the reproductive and digestive tissues of the Neotropical brown stinkbug Euschistus heros.

Symbionts are widely distributed in eukaryotes, and potentially affect the physiology, ecology and evolution of their host. Most insects harbour free-living bacteria in their haemocoel and gut lumen, intracellular-living bacteria in a range of tissues or bacteria in host-derived specialized cells. Stinkbugs, as do many arthropods, harbour extracellular bacteria in the gut that may affect the fitness of their host. This study identified the culturable symbionts associated with the ovaries, spermatheca, seminal vesicle and posterior midgut region (V4) of males and females of Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Several culture media were used to isolate the bacteria associated with these structures. The selected colonies (morphotypes) were cultured in liquid medium, subjected to genomic DNA extraction, 16S rRNA gene amplification, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. Morphotypes with distinct RFLP patterns were purified and sequenced, and the sequences obtained were used for putative identification and phylogenetic analysis. Comparison of the sequences with those available in the EzTaxon-e database and the use of a matrix of paired distances grouped the isolates in phylotypes belonging to the Phylum Proteobacteria. Proteobacteria was represented by γ-Proteobacteria phylotypes belonging to Enterobacteriaceae, while Firmicutes had Bacilli phylotypes distributed in Enterococcaceae and Staphylococcaceae. Some of the phylotypes identified were associated exclusively with single structures, such as ovaries, spermatheca and the V4 midgut region of males and females. All culturable bacteria associated with the seminal vesicle were also associated with other tissues.

A rare retrovesical hydatid cyst and value of transrectal ultrasonography in diagnosis: a case report and review of the literature.

We present a large hydatid cyst located midline and posterior to prostatic gland and seminal vesicles in an asymptomatic patient. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a large retrovesical mass and the transrectal ultrasonography idetified a degenerated hydatid cyst with "ball of wool'' appearance. Although extremely rare, hydatid disease should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of pelvic particularly retrovesical midline masses.

Prostatic inflammation induces urinary frequency in adult mice.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including urinary frequency and nocturia are common in aging men. Recent studies have revealed a strong association of prostatic inflammation with LUTS. We developed an animal model of bacterial induced, isolated prostatic inflammation and examined the effect of prostatic inflammation on voiding behavior in adult C57BL/6J mice. Prostatic inflammation was induced by transurethral inoculation of uropathogenic E. coli-1677. Bacterial cystitis was prevented by continuous administration of nitrofurantoin. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and bacterial culture were preformed to validate our animal model. Voiding behavior was examined by metabolic cage testing on post-instillation day 1 (PID 1), PID 4, PID 7 and PID 14 and both voiding frequency and volume per void were determined. Mice with prostatic inflammation showed significantly increased voiding frequency at PID 1, 7 and 14, and decreased volume per void at all time points, as compared to mice instilled with saline and receiving nitrofurantoin (NTF). Linked analysis of voiding frequency and voided volumes revealed an overwhelming preponderance of high frequency, low volume voiding in mice with prostatic inflammation. These observations suggest that prostatic inflammation may be causal for symptoms of urinary frequency and nocturia.

Chronic bacterial seminal vesiculitis as a potential disease entity in men with chronic prostatitis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate bacterial infection in the seminal vesicles by bacteriological examination and radionuclide imaging in men with chronic prostatitis. METHODS: The study included 50 patients with chronic prostatitis who showed hot uptake in seminal vesicles on Tc-99m ciprofloxacin imaging and eight patients who did not show hot uptake. The evaluation included the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and four-glass test. In all participants, transperineal aspiration of seminal vesicle fluid under the guidance of transrectal ultrasonography and bacteriological examination was carried out. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients who showed hot uptake in the seminal vesicles on the isotope study, microorganisms were isolated from the seminal vesicle fluid in 17 patients (positive predictive value, 34%). The most common causative organisms were Escherichia coli in 13 patients (26%), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species in two patients (4%), Enterococcus faecalis in one patient (2%) and Chlamydia trachomatis in one patient (2%). No microorganisms were isolated in the eight patients who did not show hot uptake in the seminal vesicles (negative predictive value, 100%). However, there were no significant differences in National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index total scores and subscores between the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic bacterial seminal vesiculitis might simultaneously affect a considerable portion of patients with chronic prostatitis, although the clinical implication of the disease remains to be further investigated.

Seminal vesicle abscess following prostate biopsy requiring transgluteal percutaneous drainage.

Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy (TRUSB) of the prostate directly contaminates the prostate with rectal flora. Patients commonly receive fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics to prevent infection. Infectious complications following TRUSB are increasing. The most common offending organism is Escherichia coli (E. coli), with isolates of this bacteria showing growing resistance to FQs. We present to our knowledge the first reported case of seminal vesicle abscess formation after TRUSB. The abscess was initially not seen on computed tomography and eventually treated with percutaneous drainage by a transgluteal approach. We review literature on infectious complications following TRUSB with implications for future antibiotic prophylaxis.

Suspected seminal vesiculitis in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).

A 32-year-old male Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) underwent routine transrectal stimulation for semen collection as part of an artificial insemination program. The procedure consisted of a preinsemination semen collection followed by two consecutive days of semen collections for artificial insemination. The second day's sample contained large numbers of inflammatory cells, intracellular bacteria, and phagocytized sperm. Semen was submitted for culture and sensitivity. Culture revealed Acinetobacter lwoffii, Staphylococcus intermedius, Kocuria roseus, and an unidentified gram-positive organism. Empirical antibiotic therapy with trimethoprim sulfa was initiated and then changed to enrofloxacin based on sensitivity panel results for a total of 28 days of treatment. Diagnostic semen collections were performed during treatment and 2 wk posttreatment to determine the success of therapy. Posttreatment collections revealed resolution of the inflammation. The origin of the infection was suspected to be the seminal vesicles.

Transrectal ultrasonography in infertile patients with persistently elevated bacteriospermia.

AIM: To identify and define prostate and seminal vesicle abnormalities in patients with chronic male accessory gland infection (MAGI) who failed to respond to antibacterial treatment. METHODS: We selected 67 consecutive patients with MAGI and persistently elevated bacteriospermia (=or>10(6) colony forming units [CFU]/mL) after three antibiotic courses. Fourteen infertile patients with initial chronic microbial (=or>10(6) CFU/mL) MAGI who responded to antibacterial treatment (<10(3) CFU/mL) served as a control group. All patients and controls underwent transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) scans and semen analysis. Patients with low seminal plasma volume (<1.5 mL) underwent both pre-ejaculatory and post-ejaculatory TRUS examination. RESULTS: TRUS revealed multiple abnormalities indicative of: (i) bilaterally extended prostato-vesiculitis (group A: 52 cases, 77.6%) (nine of these patients also had micro-emphysematous prostate abscess); and (ii) prostato-vesiculitis with unilateral or bilateral sub-obstruction of the ejaculatory ducts (group B: 15 cases, 22.4%). Mean sperm concentration, total sperm number, ejaculate volume and pH value were significantly higher in group A than in group B. In addition, sperm forward motility and the percentage of normal forms were significantly worse than in controls, whereas leukocyte concentration was significantly higher in group A. Group B patients had all sperm parameters, but their pH values, significantly different from those of controls. CONCLUSION: Although antibiotic therapy is considered suitable when microbial MAGI is suspected, it is impossible to account for a poor response to antibiotics merely on the basis of conventional criteria (clinical history, physical and ejaculate signs). Thus, TRUS may be helpful in the follow-up of these patients.

Polymicrobial seminal vesical abscess in a kidney transplant recipient.

Seminal vesicle abscess is extremely rare and is associated with specific predisposing conditions. Here we report a polymicrobial seminal vesicle abscess in a kidney transplant recipient that was not associated with any of the known precipitating events.

Case report: tubercular cold abscess of seminal vesicle: minimally invasive endoscopic management.

BACKGROUND: Tubercular cold abscess of the seminal vesicle is very rare, and only a few cases are reported in literature. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and to the best of our knowledge has not been reported. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old man presented with a 7-year history of blood in the semen and a reddish brownish discharge per urethra while defecating. On rectal examination, a soft fluctuant mass was felt above the prostate. Abdominal ultrasonography showed cystic swelling of the right seminal vesicle bulging into the posterior bladder wall. Semen examination showed abundant pus cells and 90% immotile sperm with normal morphology. Acid-fast bacilli were not seen, but acid-fast bacilli were found in a 24-hour urine specimen. Cystoscopy showed tubercles in the urethra and brownish discharge from the orifice of the right ejaculatory duct on per-rectal compression of the mass. The abscess cavity was incised with a Collings' knife. Brownish material was evacuated, and the abscess cavity was seen. An 18F Foley catheter was placed for 3 days. Antitubercular therapy was instituted. Ultrasonography repeated after 3, 25, 45, and 75 days showed gradual regression of the abscess cavity. Semen examination after 75 days was normal, with 75% motility, and cystoscopy 45 days postoperatively showed complete healing of the wound. CONCLUSION: The incision connecting the bladder with the abscess cavity facilitated evacuation of pus and complete resolution of the abscess.

Chlamydial seminal vesiculitis without symptomatic urethritis and epididymitis.

We previously reported that seminal vesiculitis was associated with acute epididymitis, and that Chlamydia trachomatis was the major causative pathogen for infection of the seminal vesicle, suggesting that seminal vesiculitis was a discrete disease entity. In this paper, we report two patients with bacteriologically and cytologically proven seminal vesiculitis who had asymptomatic urethritis but not epididymitis. The clinical courses of these patients suggest that chlamydial seminal vesiculitis may be a cause of asymptomatic infection of the urethra or subsequent development of acute epididymitis.

A patient with seminal vesiculitis prior to acute chlamydial epididymitis.

This is the first report of a case of seminal vesiculitis prior to acute chlamydial epididymitis. At the first visit to the clinic, the patient wished to check whether he had Chlamydia trachomatis in his genital tract, because his wife had been diagnosed as having chlamydial cervicitis. He had no specific symptoms at that time; however, transrectal ultrasonograpy (TRUS) revealed swelling of seminal vesicles, which suggested the presence of seminal vesiculitis. Two days after the first visit, he had high-grade fever and was diagnosed as having acute epididymitis caused by C. trachomatis. We had previously reported that seminal vesiculitis was always complicated with acute epididymitis, so this case could provide important evidence that seminal vesiculitis might precede acute epididymitis. It suggested that acute epididymitis could be affected by seminal vesiculitis via the retrograde transmission route.

[Primary seminal vesicle abscess: diagnosis and treatment by transrectal ultrasound]. / Absceso primario de vesicula seminal: diagnóstico y tratamiento mediante ecografía transrectal.

A 38 years old man with the only past medical history of bilateral orchiopexy 15 years ago is diagnosed of left primary seminal vesicle abscess. The patient is sent to our emergency service with an ultrasound finding of either dilated vas deferent or seminal vesicle abscess with hiperecogenic material inside it. The examination was performed after a 5 month history of purulent ejaculation. The diagnose of seminal vesicle abscess is confirmed by TRUS and, in the same procedure, drainage of the abscess was completed by needle-aspiration puncture. After this treatment the patient stay 12 hours at the observation room with intravenous antibiotics and is discharged home with oral antibiotics. We are interested in this case because of the low incidence of this pathology and the easy diagnosis and treatment by TRUS.

[A microcomputerized pulsed water-sac massage with drug penetration instrument for treatment of male patients with immunity infertility accompanied by chronic seminal vesiculitis].

This article describes the development of an innovative microcomputerized pulse-water-sac massage with drug penetration instrument and reports its effectiveness in the patients with immunity infertility accompanied by chronic seminal vesiculitis. The instrument was developed on the basis of the pathological characteristics of immunity infertility accompanied by chronic seminal vesiculitis, and along the lines of our practice in integrating the modern theory of traditional Chinese medicine, with multiple techniques of biomedical engineering sciences. 181 male patients with immunity infertility accompanied by chronic seminal vesiculitis received the treatment. Of these cases, 135(74.6%) were cured, 37(20.4%) were treated with significant therapeutic effects and 9(5.0%) with improved effects. The results of antisperm antibody (AsAb) tests became negative in 85.6% of the patients after treatment, and the pregnancy rate of their wives was 49.1%. No mild adverse effects were observed in all cases.

[Etiology and management of persistent hematospermia: a pilot study].

OBJECTIVES: To study the etiology of persistent hematospermia and to evaluate the efficacy of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided transperineal needle aspiration and irrigation for diagnosis and treatment of persistent hematospermia. METHODS: Twelve patients were included in the study, with a mean age of (36.4 +/- 10.8) years old, and a mean duration of the disease of (13.9 +/- 6.4) months. After the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) by prostatic massage was cultured, patients with recurrent hematospermia received TRUS-guided transperineal needle aspiration for seminal vesicle fluid (SVF), which was sent for bacteriological and cytological examination. If the EPS culture were positive, certain antibiotics according to the drug sensitivity assay were injected into the abnormal seminal vesicle(s) via TRUS-guided transperineal needle puncture. The treatment would be repeated one month later if the patients still had hematospermia. The patients were followed up every three months. RESULTS: Abnormal images were found in left seminal vesicle (SV) in 4 cases, right in 3 cases, bilateral in 2 cases, and no abnormal findings in 3 cases. The abnormal findings included: 7 cases of SV and/or ejaculatory duct dilation, 3 cases of thickening SV wall, 3 cases of calcification or calculi of SV, and 1 case of Müllerian duct cyst. SVF cultures were positive in 7 cases: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 4 cases, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MRCNS), E. Coli, Proteus mirabilis 1 case, respectively. In five of these 7 cases, bacteriological cultures of SVF and EPS showed the same results. All patients were treated by TRUS-guided transperineal injection of certain antibiotics into SV. Seven cases were injected once, 5 cases twice. The mean follow-up period of 10 patients was (16.7 +/- 5.9) months. Hematospermia disappeared in 6 cases. CONCLUSIONS: SV infection of bacteria, especially infection of the drug resistant strains was one of the main causes of persistent hematospermia. The difficulties in treatment of persistent hematospermia were due to infection of drug resistant bacteria, calcification or calculi of SV, obstruction of ejaculatory duct. TRUS-guided transperineal aspiration of SVF was helpful to the etiologic diagnosis of persistent hematospermia.