Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Mouse Models of Epididymitis Induced by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns
Published on: December 12, 2025
Invasion of Ureaplasma diversum in bovine spermatozoids
Melissa Buzinhani1, Maurício Yamaguti, Rosângela C Oliveira
1Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. joti@usp.br.
Background:
Ureaplasma diversum has been associated with infertility in cows. In bulls, this mollicute colonizes the prepuce and distal portion of the urethra and may infect sperm cells. The aim of this study is to analyze in vitro interaction of U. diversum isolates and ATCC strains with bovine spermatozoids. The interactions were observed by confocal microscopy and the gentamycin internalization assay.
Findings:
U. diversum were able to adhere to and invade spermatozoids after 30 min of infection. The gentamicin resistance assay confirmed the intracellularity and survival of U. diversum in bovine spermatozoids.
Conclusions:
The intracellular nature of bovine ureaplasma identifies a new difficulty to control the reproductive of these animals.
Related Concept Videos
Trichomoniasis
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
Diversity of Protists I
Diversity of Protists II
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae

