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Clinical and microbiological evaluation of a phytotherapeutic intrauterine therapy in mares with bacterial
T F G Lima1, M A F Sá2, V L T Jesus3
1B.E.T. Laboratories, Rio de Janeiro/RJ, Brazil.
Background:
Endometritis is a major cause of subfertility in mares and an important source of economic loss in the equine industry. Growing concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance have stimulated interest in alternative therapies.
Objectives:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a phytotherapeutic intrauterine treatment in mares with endometritis and its in vitro antimicrobial activity against uterine isolates.
Methods:
Twenty mares with bacterial endometritis based on uterine culture, cytology, and ultrasonography were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 10). Control mares received uterine lavage followed by intrauterine infusion of lactated Ringer's solution, whereas treated mares received lavage followed by infusion of a phytotherapeutic solution. Clinical response was evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h, and 10 days post-treatment using bacteriological culture, endometrial cytology, and ultrasonography. Treatment response was defined as negative uterine culture associated with negative endometrial cytology (<2 PMNs/field).
Results:
No differences were observed between groups (P > 0.05) for bacterial clearance, cytological improvement, or treatment response. On Day 10, persistent bacterial growth was detected in 50% of control mares and 60% of treated mares. The most frequent isolates were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus β-hemolyticus, and Staphylococcus spp. All isolates were classified as susceptible to gentamicin in vitro, whereas the phytotherapeutic solution showed no detectable antimicrobial activity.
Limitations:
The small sample size and absence of an antimicrobial-treated comparison group may limit interpretation of the findings.
Conclusions:
Under the conditions of this preliminary study, the phytotherapeutic intrauterine treatment did not improve clinical or microbiological outcomes compared with uterine lavage alone.
