Time, temperature and media: the three keys to improve the recovery of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis from preputial bull samples.

The isolation of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) from clinical samples is the gold standard for confirming cases of bovine genital campylobacteriosis, an important cause of infertility in cattle and a potential public health concern. Furthermore, isolation is also necessary for the development of autologous vaccines, characterization of strains for antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, etc. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of culture methods is usually low, and there is no standardized protocol to maximize the recovery of Cfv from clinical samples. The aim of the current study is to design a protocol for the culture of Cfv from preputial samples by evaluating the combination of different transport, enrichment and culture media considering the impact of certain factors (time between collection and enrichment, temperature, and use of filters). The use of modified Lander's transport medium and storing the sample for 24 h at 21 ± 2 °C led to the highest recovery of Cfv CFUs. In contrast, the storage of the samples during 24-48 h in PBS and Thomann rarely allowed the recovery of Cfv regardless of the temperature. The enrichment medium yielding the best results was Preston (significantly higher recovery than Brucella medium), while Cfv could not be isolated with Bolton. Regarding our diagnostic assay (using Lander as transport medium and Preston as enrichment medium), the best protocol in terms of maximizing Cfv recovery as well as limiting contaminations is to culture the samples in i) solid media Preston or Skirrow, and ii) using 0.65 µm filters and incubating plates at 37 °C in microaerophilic conditions.

Design of a multi-epitope-based vaccine candidate against Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis using a reverse vaccinology approach.

BACKGROUND: Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC), a worldwide distributed venereal disease caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), has a relevant negative economic impact in cattle herds. The control of BGC is hampered by the inexistence of globally available effective vaccines. The present in silico study aimed to develop a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Cfv through reverse vaccinology. RESULTS: The analysis of Cfv strain NCTC 10354 proteome allowed the identification of 9 proteins suitable for vaccine development. From these, an outer membrane protein, OmpA, and a flagellar protein, FliK, were selected for prediction of B-cell and T-cell epitopes. The top-ranked epitopes conservancy was assessed in 31 Cfv strains. The selected epitopes were integrated to form a multi-epitope fragment of 241 amino acids, which included 2 epitopes from OmpA and 13 epitopes from FliK linked by GPGPG linkers and connected to the cholera toxin subunit B by an EAAAK linker. The vaccine candidate was predicted to be antigenic, non-toxic, non-allergenic, and soluble upon overexpression. The protein structure was predicted and optimized, and the sequence was successfully cloned in silico into a plasmid vector. Additionally, immunological simulations demonstrated the vaccine candidate's ability to stimulate an immune response. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed a novel vaccine candidate suitable for further in vitro and in vivo experimental validation, which may become a useful tool for the control of BGC.

The History of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis in the Face of Political Turmoil and Structural Change in Cattle Farming in Germany.

Contagious bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC), also known as bovine venereal campylobacteriosis, is a disease relevant to international trade listed by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). It is caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), one of three subspecies of Campylobacter fetus. Bulls are the reservoir but BGC may also be spread by artificial insemination (AI). BGC is characterized by severe reproductive losses such as infertility, early embryonic death and abortion with considerable economic losses. This significant economic impact has prompted several countries to adopt stringent eradication and surveillance measures to contain the disease. While there are commercial and autologous vaccines available, scientific evidence for the effectiveness of vaccination is still lacking. In Germany, BCG was already found to be endemic in the 1920s, shortly after the agent and the disease had been described for the first time. It can be assumed that BCG had already circulated uncontrolled for a long time in the predecessor states of Germany, influenced only by the political situation and trading networks of the time. After WW II, BCG was eradicated in the German Democratic Republic due to industrialized cattle production based on AI but it was still endemic at low levels in the Federal Republic of Germany with its diverse cattle production. There has been a steady decline in BGC incidence in re-unified Germany over the past 28 years. A single genetic Cfv lineage was identified which probably emerged in the 19th century and diversified over time. Interestingly, no recurrent cross-border introduction became evident. This review gives insight into the history of bovine genital campylobacteriosis considering the structural change in cattle farming in Germany and reflecting on the political background of the time.

Molecular diagnosis of bovine genital campylobacteriosis using high-resolution melting analysis.

Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a worldwide spread venereal disease of cattle caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv). Although several real-time PCR assays were developed for Cfv identification, most target mobile genetic elements, which may lead to false-positive diagnosis. In this study, a real-time PCR assay coupled with High-Resolution Melting analysis (HRM) was developed for the identification of Campylobacter fetus subspecies and application in BGC diagnosis. Two HRM assays targeting different single nucleotide polymorphisms were validated using 51 C. fetus strains, including 36 Cfv and 15 C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff). The specificity was assessed in 50 preputial samples previously tested as negative for C. fetus and in 24 strains from other Campylobacter species. The analytical sensitivity was determined with ten-fold dilutions of Cfv genome copies and in preputial samples spiked with Cfv cells. Both HRM assays accurately identified the 51 C. fetus strains, showing 100% concordance with the previous identification. C. fetus subspecies identification by HRM showed concordant results with the glycine test in 98.0% of the isolates. No amplification was obtained in C. fetus negative preputial samples as well as in strains from other Campylobacter species. The assays were able to detect 102 genome copies of Cfv, while for preputial washing samples the limit of detection was 103 CFU/mL. These novel HRM assays represent a highly specific and sensitive tool for the identification of C. fetus subspecies and show potential for direct use in bull preputial samples for BGC diagnosis.

Genomic epidemiology of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis from Germany.

Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) causes bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC), a World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)-listed trade-relevant disease characterized by severe reproductive losses, such as infertility, early embryonic death and abortion in cattle. BGC has significant economic implications that have prompted several countries to adopt stringent eradication and surveillance measures to contain the disease. In Germany, there has been a low incidence of BGC cases over the past 28 years. This study aimed to illustrate the genomic diversity of German Cfv strains isolated from different federal states in Germany. This study analyzed 63 Cfv strains, collected between 1985 and 2015, by whole-genome sequencing and compared them with genome data of 91 international Cfv isolates. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Cfv population is genetically conserved and has geographic clusters. In Germany, one phylogenetic lineage comprising all strains was identified. This German lineage was part of a subclade that probably emerged in the nineteenth century and diversified over time. The results of this study point to a non-recurrent cross-border introduction of Cfv in Germany. The BGC control interventions in Germany can be considered successful as no outbreaks were reported since 2015.

Prevalence of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis, Associated Risk Factors and Spatial Distribution in Spanish Beef Cattle Based on Veterinary Laboratory Database Records.

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a sexually transmitted disease that causes early reproductive failure in natural breeding cattle that are managed extensively. The aim of this study was to assess the BGC prevalence in Spain from 2011 to 2019 using data collected cross-sectionally from the diagnostic reports issued by the SALUVET veterinary diagnostic laboratory from a total of 5,182 breeding bulls from 1,950 herds managed under "dehesa" systems (large herds within fenced pastures and all-year breeding season) or mountain systems (smaller herds with seasonal breeding management and grazing in communal mountain pastures). Infection was detected by PCR in 7.7 and 12.2% of the bulls and herds tested, respectively. The "dehesa" herd management system (OR = 2.078, P = < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.55-1.77), bovine trichomonosis status of the herd (OR = 1.606, P = 0.004, 95% CI = 1.15-2.22), and bulls ≥3 years old (OR = 1.392, P = 0.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.92) were identified as risk factors associated with Campylobacter fetus venerealis infection. We also studied the high-risk areas for circulation of the infection in extensive beef cattle herds in Spain, showing four significant clusters in "dehesa" areas in the south-western provinces of the country and a fifth cluster located in a mountain area in northern Spain. The results obtained in the present study indicate that BGC is endemic and widely distributed in Spanish beef herds. Specifically, "dehesa" herds are at greater risk for introduction of Cfv based on relatively high local prevalence of the infection and the use of specific management practices.

Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis meningitis associated with a companion dog in a young adult: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter spp., common commensals in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, especially poultry, can cause acute gastrointestinal illness in humans through animal-to-human transmission. Although Campylobacter fetus, especially subspecies fetus, rarely leads to systemic infections such as bacteremia in immunocompromised patients, it is unclear whether Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis (Cfv) causes infectious diseases in humans. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old man with a history of chronic alcoholism visited the emergency department with weakness of the left extremities. The patient was clinically diagnosed with community-acquired bacterial meningitis. The organism from the blood culture was subsequently identified as Campylobacter fetus. On phylogenetic analysis, the 16S rRNA sequence showed 99.93% similarity with other Cfv 16S rRNA sequences. The patient had no exposure to identifiable sources except for close contact with a companion dog, which could have been a possible source of transmission. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that Cfv could lead to human systemic infections such as meningitis and that companion animals, in addition to well-known animal hosts, could be sources of transmission.

Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis Strains.

The pathogenesis mechanisms of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), the etiologic agent of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis remain elusive. This study evaluated the virulence potential and biovar characteristics of Cfv isolates (n = 13) by PCR screening of putative virulence-factor (VF) genes, Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis, antimicrobial susceptibility to tetracycline, penicillin, enrofloxacin and streptomycin testing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS; n = 5), also comparing the latter with 26 other whole-genome sequences of Cfv strains. The putative VF genes encoding type IV secretion system of Cfv (virB2-virB11/virD4) were absent in 92% of isolates, including isolates from aborted foetuses, evidencing that these VF genes are not essential for Cfv pathogenicity. The parA gene, used as a Cfv diagnostic molecular target, was detected in only 3 of 13 isolates, invalidating its use for diagnosis purposes. Three novel sequence types were identified by MLST. Although no in vitro antimicrobial resistance was detected, WGS identified antimicrobial resistance-related genes, including those encoding the multidrug efflux pumps CmeABC and YkkCD, indicating that their presence is not enough to provide antimicrobial resistance. The SNP and accessory protein families analysis segregated the Cfv and Cfv biovar intermedius (Cfvi) strains into different clusters. In conclusion, this study evidenced virulence potential and biovar characteristics of Cfv and Cfvi, which are of relevance for the control of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis.

Assessment of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis molecular diagnosis using clinical samples of bulls.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) is the pathogen responsible for Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC), a venereal disease of cattle associated with impaired reproductive performance. Although several PCR assays were developed to identify this pathogen, most of them are still poorly evaluated in clinical samples. This study evaluated real-time PCR assays for Cfv detection in preputial samples of bulls (n = 308). RESULTS: The detection at the subspecies level (Cfv) compared four assays: two targeting ISCfe1 and two targeting parA gene. The detection at the species level (C. fetus) considered an assay targeting the nahE gene and a commercial kit for C. fetus identification. At the subspecies level, assays directed either to different targets (parA and ISCfe1), or to the same target (ISCfe1 or parA), showed a high percentage of disagreeing results. All samples positive at the subspecies level (n = 169) were negative in C. fetus detection assays, which strongly suggests the horizontal gene transfer of ISCfe1 and parA to other bacterial species. This was confirmed by microbiological isolation of three Campylobacter portucalensis strains responsible for false positive results. Sequences with a high level of identity with ISCfe1 and parA gene of Cfv were identified in C. portucalensis genome. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study reveals that PCR assays solely directed to a subspecies target originate a high rate of false positive results, due to the presence of parA and ISCfe1 homologous sequences in other bacterial species, namely of the genus Campylobacter. Although the specificity of these methods may be higher if applied to bulls from herds with clinical features of BGC or in other geographical regions, current PCR diagnosis should couple subspecies and species targets, and further research must be envisaged to identify Cfv specific molecular targets.

Genotyping and antibiotic resistance patterns of Campylobacter fetus subsp.venerealis from cattle farms in India.

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) is of considerable economic importance to the cattle industry worldwide. Cfv causes syndrome of temporary infertility in female cattle, early embryonic mortality, aberrant oestrus cycles, delayed conception, abortions and poor calving rates. In the present study, a total of 200 samples obtained from vaginal swabs, cervicovaginal mucous (CVM), preputial washes and semen straws were investigated that were obtained from organized cattle farm of MLRI, Manasbal and unorganized sectors. Out of a total of 200 samples, 49 (47·57%) vaginal swabs, 1 (3·33%) preputial wash and 8 (25%) carried out CVM samples were positive for Cfv, whereas none of the semen straws were positive for Cfv. A total of eleven isolates of Cfv were recovered. PFGE (Pulse field gel electrophoresis) analysis revealed four different pulsotypes (I-IV) circulating in the screened farms. A common pulsotype circulating among farms could not be established. Insertion element (ISCfe1), a 233 bp amplicon of Cfv, was sequenced and the sequence was deposited in GenBank (accession no: MK475662).

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis: main features and perspectives for diagnosis and control / Campilobacteriose genital bovina: principais características e perspectivas para o diagnóstico e controle

ABSTRACT: Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a venereal disease caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. In countries with large cattle herds, such as Brazil, where the use of natural breeding as a reproductive strategy is a common practice, BGC is considered an important cause of reproductive failure and economic losses. In these cases, the bull is the asymptomatic carrier of the bacterium and the infected females can have infertility and even abortions. The techniques for the diagnosis of C. fetus are isolation in culture medium and identification by biochemical tests, immunofluorescence, immunoenzymatic assays and molecular techniques. Disease control is based on vaccination with bacterins. This review described the epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, and advances in the diagnosis and control of BGC.

RESUMO: A campilobacteriose genital bovina (CGB) é uma importante enfermidade de caráter venéreo causada por Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. Em países com grandes rebanhos bovinos, como o Brasil, onde o uso da monta natural como estratégia reprodutiva é uma prática corrente, a CGB é considerada uma importante causa de falhas reprodutivas e perdas econômicas. Nestes casos, o touro é o portador assintomático da bactéria e as fêmeas infectadas podem apresentar infertilidade e até mesmo abortos. As técnicas para o diagnóstico de C. fetus são o isolamento em meio de cultura e identificação por testes bioquímicos; imunofluorescência; ensaios imunoenzimáticos e técnicas moleculares. O controle da doença é baseado em vacinação. Neste sentido, esta revisão consiste em uma abordagem sobre a epidemiologia, a etiologia, a patogenia, os avanços no diagnóstico e controle da CGB.

Diagnosis of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis in South America.

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a venereal infectious disease that affects reproduction. It is caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis (Cfv), which may include the biotype intermedius. The bull is a lifelong asymptomatic carrier and transmitter of the disease. In females Cfv may cause infertility and sporadic abortion. The objective of this study is to review and discuss methods for the diagnosis of BGC, its prevalence and economic impact in South America. BGC is a worldwide distributed disease and can cause a pregnancy rate decrease of 15-25%. The farm prevalence of BGC in different regions of South American countries shows a variation between 2.3 and 100%. Discrepancies may depend on the differences on sanitary, management, and reproductive practices between farms and regions, but also on the interpretation of different diagnostic tests. Currently known laboratory tests include bacterial culture, direct immunofluorescence, immunoenzymatic assays, vaginal mucus agglutination test, PCR-based methods, histology and immunohistochemistry, which are applied and interpreted in diagnostic laboratories at different scales. Epidemiologic data of BGC in South America should be interpreted with caution. High prevalence has been reported in some studies, although the low specificity of the diagnostic tests used could lead to an overestimation of the results.

Assessment of listing and categorisation of animal diseases within the framework of the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) No 2016/429): bovine genital campylobacteriosis.

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis has been assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on the eligibility of bovine genital campylobacteriosis to be listed, Article 9 for the categorisation of bovine genital campylobacteriosis according to disease prevention and control rules as in Annex IV and Article 8 on the list of animal species related to bovine genital campylobacteriosis. The assessment has been performed following a methodology composed of information collection and compilation, expert judgement on each criterion at individual and, if no consensus was reached before, also at collective level. The output is composed of the categorical answer, and for the questions where no consensus was reached, the different supporting views are reported. Details on the methodology used for this assessment are explained in a separate opinion. According to the assessment performed, bovine genital campylobacteriosis can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention as laid down in Article 5(3) of the AHL. The disease would comply with the criteria as in sections 4 and 5 of Annex IV of the AHL, for the application of the disease prevention and control rules referred to in points (d) and (e) of Article 9(1). The assessment here performed on compliance with the criteria as in section 3 of Annex IV referred to in point (c) of Article 9(1) is inconclusive. The animal species to be listed for bovine genital campylobacteriosis according to Article 8(3) criteria is mainly cattle as susceptible and reservoir.

Characterization of the Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis adhesion to bovine sperm cells / Caracterización de la adhesión de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis a espermatozoides bovinos

Campylobacter fetus is extracellular bacteria of the genital tract of cattle. They cause infertility and abortion, but there is no documented information on the susceptibility of bovine sperm cells to this bacteria. The aim of this present work was to study the effects provoked by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis when in interaction with bovine sperm cells. The bovine spermatozoa were obtained frozen bovine semen pooled from uninfected bulls, and were exposed to living campylobacter over different periods of time. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy first revealed a tropism, then a close proximity followed by tight adhesion between these two different cells. A decrease in the spermatozoa motility was observed. Motile bacteria were observed during the next 3 h, this process began with a tight membrane­membrane adhesion. The adhesion between Campylobacter fetus to the sperm cell occurred either by the flagella or by sperm head. Results from this study demonstrated with light microscopy scanning electron microscopy allowed us to characterize some aspects of the interaction of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and bovine sperm while preserving the cellular and bacterial structure. This ex vivo model might be useful for studies on adhesion and cytopathogenicity of different field strains of Campylobacter fetus.

Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis es un patógeno extracelular del tracto genital de bovinos. En las hembras causa subfertilidad y aborto, mientras que los toros son portadores en el esmegma prepucial y se desconoce si provoca daño en los espermatozoides. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue estudiar los efectos de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis sobre espermatozoides bovinos. Los espermatozoides obtenidos a partir de pajuelas de semen pertenecientes a toros no infectados, se coincubaron con una cepa de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis por diferentes períodos de tiempo. Por microscopía óptica y electrónica de barrido se observó el tropismo inicial de la bacteria hacia los espermatozoides y la adhesión bacteriana, de forma colateral se observó su efecto en el espermograma. Post incubación los espermatozoides presentaron menor motilidad progresiva y mayor porcentaje de muertos con respecto al control. Se comprobó la viabilidad de la bacteria a las 3 h. Se registró la adhesión de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis a la membrana celular de distintas porciones del espermatozoide: cabeza, pieza media, cuello y cola. Los resultados de este estudio permitieron caracterizar la interacción entre Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis y espermatozoides bovinos por microscopía óptica y electrónica de barrido. La aplicación de este modelo ex vivo permitirá profundizar los conocimientos referentes a los procesos de adhesión y citopatogenicidad de Campylobacter fetus.

PCR detection of Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis in smegma samples collected from dairy cattle in Fars, Iran.

Bovine venereal campylobacteriosis, caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv), is regarded as one of the major threats to the cattle industry around the world. Abortion and infertility are two important reproductive problems in cows infected with C. fetus subsp. venerealis. Reports on the presence of Cfv are scarce in the cattle, in Iran. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the presence of Cfv in the reproductive tract of dairy cattle either slaughtered in Shiraz abattoir or dairy herds with a history of infertility and abortion, and further to identify and differentiate this micro-organism in dairy cattle in Fars, south of Iran. A total of 95 smegma samples from the preputial cavity and the fornix of the cervical opening were collected using scraping method from bulls (n = 34) and cows (n = 61) in addition to eight samples of commercially bull frozen semen. Smegma samples were then cultured for isolation of Cfv and then the extracted DNA was examined for the presence of Cfv using an optimized multiplex PCR assay. None of the frozen semen samples examined were positive for Cfv. However, out of 95 smegma samples, thirteen animals (12.6%) were found positive for Cfv consisting of 3 males and 10 females. In conclusion, the results of the current study clearly confirmed the presence of Cfv using PCR in the slaughtered cattle and dairy farms with a history of poor fertility and abortion in Fars, Iran.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis / Produção e caracterização de anticorpos monoespecíficos contra Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis

Myeloma cells Sp2/0-Ag14 and spleen cells from BALB/c mouse immunized with sonicated Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354 were fused with polyethylene glycol (PEG) for the selection of clones producing antibodies. Clones were obtained by limiting dilution and screened for the production of specific antibodies to C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354 by indirect ELISA and western blot against a panel of bacteria: C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354, C. fetus subsp fetus ADRI 1812, C. sputorum biovar sputorum LMG 6647, C. lari NCTC 11352, and Arcobacter skirrowii LMG 6621 for the ELISA and C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354 and C. sputorum biovar sputorum LMG 6647 for the western blotting. Fifteen clones producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) anti-C. fetus subsp. venerealis of the IgM (1) and IgG (14) classes were further screened for species-specificity. Four clones of the 15 obtained were producers of species-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs): two were specific for C. fetus subsp. venerealis and two were specific for C. fetus subsp. fetus. None of the clones were reactive against C. sputorum biovar sputorum LMG 6647. All clones recognized a protein with molecular mass of approximately 148 kDa from lysed C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354.

Para a produção de anticorpos monoclonais contra Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis foram utilizadas as linhagens de células de mieloma Sp2/0-Ag14 e células de baço de camundongos BALB/c imunizados com sonicado de C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354. A detecção dos anticorpos monoclonais foi realizada por ELISA indireto utilizando antígeno sonicado de C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354. A clonagem foi realizada por diluição limitante e os clones foram caracterizados por ELISA indireto utilizando um painel de bactérias escolhidas em função da prevalência e habitats: C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354, C. fetus subsp. fetus ADRI 1812, C. sputorum biovar sputorum LMG 6647, C. lari NCTC 11352 e Arcobacter skirrowii LMG 6621; e no "western blotting" utilizando antígenos sonicados de C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354 e C. sputorum biovar sputorum LMG 6647. Foram obtidos 15 clones produtores de anticorpos anti- C. fetus subsp. venerealis das classes IgM (1) e IgG (14). Quatro clones dentre os 15 clones obtidos foram produtores de anticorpos monoclonais espécie-específicos: dois clones reagiram com maior especificidade contra C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354 e dois clones reagiram com maior especificidade contra C. fetus subsp. fetus ADRI 1812. Nenhum dos clones reagiu contra C. sputorum biovar sputorum LMG 6647, comprovando a especificidade dos anticorpos monoclonais testados. Todos os clones reconheceram uma proteína de massa molecular de aproximadamente 148 kDa no sonicado de C. fetus subsp. venerealis NCTC 10354.

Campilobacteriose genital bovina e tricomonose genital bovina: epidemiologia, diagnóstico e controle / Bovine genital campylobacteriosis and bovine genital trichomonosis: epidemiology, diagnosis and control

A presente atualização trata de duas das mais importantes doenças sexualmente transmitidas de bovinos, a campilobacteriose genital bovina e a tricomonose genital bovina. São abordados aspectos relacionados à epidemiologia destas doenças, principalmente em relação a sua distribuição no Brasil. Também são revisados aspectos importantes de diagnóstico, incluindo as técnicas e interpretação dos resultados, além de medidas de controle para ambas as doenças.

The present update deals with two of the most important sexually transmitted diseases of cattle: bovine genital campylobacteriosis and bovine genital trichomonosis. Epidemiological aspects, mainly their distribution in Brazil, alongside with their diagnosis in cattle are presented and commented. The main points in their diagnoses, including the description of the techniques and the interpretation of the results are also reviewed. Finally the control and prevention of both diseases are discussed.