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Adherence of Haemophilus somnus to bovine embryos after in vitro exposure
M S Thomson1, D A Stringfellow, L H Lauerman
1Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849.
Abstract:
Preimplantation bovine embryos were exposed in vitro to Haemophilus somnus to determine whether the bacteria would adhere to zona pellucida-intact embryos or would adhere to or infect zona pellucida-free embryos. The effect of H somnus on in vitro embryonic development also was investigated. After exposure to H somnus and before washing, some of the zona pellucida-intact embryos were held in antibiotic-containing medium. Haemophilus somnus was isolated from 10 to 42 zona pellucida-intact embryos and none of the zona pellucida-free embryos. Haemophilus somnus was not recovered from any of the 32 antibiotic-treated embryos. The coculture system was not compatible with normal embryonic development, and all embryos had begun to degenerate by the end of the 18-hour exposure period.
Insights
Haemophilus somnus bacteria adhered to zona pellucida-intact bovine embryos but not zona pellucida-free ones. The bacteria negatively impacted early embryo development in vitro.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Embryology
- Bovine Reproduction
Background:
- Haemophilus somnus is a significant pathogen in cattle, potentially affecting reproductive health.
- Understanding bacterial interactions with early-stage embryos is crucial for reproductive success and disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adherence and infectivity of Haemophilus somnus to preimplantation bovine embryos.
- To assess the impact of Haemophilus somnus exposure on in vitro bovine embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- In vitro exposure of zona pellucida-intact and zona pellucida-free bovine embryos to Haemophilus somnus.
- Isolation of Haemophilus somnus from embryos post-exposure.
- Evaluation of embryonic development in a coculture system with Haemophilus somnus.
Main Results:
- Haemophilus somnus was isolated from 10 out of 42 zona pellucida-intact embryos.
- No Haemophilus somnus was recovered from zona pellucida-free embryos.
- All embryos exposed to the coculture system showed signs of degeneration within 18 hours.
Conclusions:
- Haemophilus somnus can adhere to the zona pellucida of bovine embryos.
- The zona pellucida may act as a barrier against Haemophilus somnus adherence and infection.
- The in vitro coculture system used was detrimental to early bovine embryonic development.