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Cryopreservation of Preimplantation Embryos of Cattle, Sheep, and Goats
Published on: August 5, 2011
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Can Chlamydia abortus be transmitted by embryo transfer in goats?
M Oseikria1, J L Pellerin1, A Rodolakis2
1LUNAM University, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Sanitary Security of Reproduction Biotechnology Unit, Nantes, France.
Theriogenology
|June 26, 2016
Summary
Chlamydia abortus adheres to and penetrates intact caprine embryo zona pellucida. The standard International Embryo Transfer Society washing protocol fails to remove the bacteria, posing a transmission risk during embryo transfer.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Reproduction
- Microbiology
- Embryology
Background:
- Chlamydia abortus is a significant pathogen in small ruminants, causing abortion.
- Embryo transfer is a common practice in livestock, necessitating pathogen-free embryos.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Chlamydia abortus adheres to or penetrates intact zona pellucida (ZP-intact) of in vivo-derived caprine embryos after in vitro infection.
- To evaluate the efficacy of the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) washing protocol in removing C. abortus from infected caprine embryos.
Main Methods:
- In vitro infection of ZP-intact caprine embryos with Chlamydia abortus.
- Application of the IETS standard washing protocol (10 successive baths).
- Detection of C. abortus DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in embryos and wash fluids.
Main Results:
- Chlamydia abortus DNA was detected in all infected ZP-intact caprine embryos after the washing protocol.
- C. abortus DNA was present in the final wash baths for most embryos, indicating incomplete removal.
- Control embryos and their wash fluids tested negative for C. abortus DNA.
Conclusions:
- Chlamydia abortus can adhere to or penetrate the zona pellucida of caprine embryos.
- The IETS washing protocol is insufficient to eliminate C. abortus from infected embryos.
- Infected embryos pose a potential risk for transmitting C. abortus during embryo transfer procedures.
