Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026
Chronic Salmonella Infected Mouse Model
Published on: May 31, 2010
Abortion in donkeys associated with Salmonella abortus equi infection
H Wang1,2, K J Liu1,2, Y H Sun1,2
1College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Background:
Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar abortus equi (S. abortus equi) is well known as the aetiological agent of equine abortion. However, abortion caused by S. abortus equi has not been previously described in donkeys.
Objectives:
To investigate whether S. abortus equi was correlated with an abortion outbreak consisting of 61 abortions.
Study Design:
Investigation of the clinical cases using pathoanatomical, bacteriological, serological and molecular approaches.
Methods:
Autopsies on nine aborted foetuses were performed. Tissue specimens from seven aborted foetuses and two mares were cultured and subjected to detection of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV-4) and equine arteritis virus (EAV) by polymerase chain reaction. The isolates were serotyped according to the Kaufmann-White scheme and analysed by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Detection of EHV and EAV antibodies was performed in all pregnant mares.
Results:
No obvious gross lesions were observed in the foetuses. Nine Gram-negative isolates were obtained from all nine tissue samples and were identified as Salmonella spp. All of the isolates belonged to the B group, the O antigen epitope was 4, 12 and H antigen was not obtained. The isolates of Salmonella were characterised as sequence type (ST) 251. Detection of EHV-1, EHV-4 and EAV was negative.
Main Limitations:
The mechanism that causes abortion in donkeys needs further study and the lack of histological examination.
Conclusion:
Salmonella abortus equi was isolated as the single agent and was responsible for the abortions. Equine practitioners should be aware of S. abortus equi infection as a cause of abortion in donkeys.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:26Stages of Infection
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...