Identificação e comparação de bactérias isoladas do útero de éguas virgens, resistentes e susceptíveis à endometrite

Abstract

Endometritis is one of the most common diseases affecting horses worldwide, being the third most common in the species. Bacteria are commonly associated with endometritis, so antimicrobials are routinely used as treatment. However, their widespread and often inappropriate use has been a source of global public health concern due to the selection of multidrug-resistant strains. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and compare the uterine microbiota profile of resistant, susceptible, and virgin mares at the onset of estrus. Bacteria were obtained from low-volume uterine lavage (LUVB), which were cultured and isolated using traditional agar plate culture, Gram staining, and antibiogram. Species were subsequently identified using the MALDI-TOF or VITEK® 2 COMPACT technique, followed by selection of lactic acid-producing strains. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed, followed by a comparison of the occurrence of positive and negative cultures, as well as the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. No potentially probiotic bacteria were identified in this study. Furthermore, the predominant microorganisms in the isolates were Escherichia coli, followed by Klebisiella aerogenes and Streptococcus spp. in the group of resistant mares. In the group of susceptible mares, Streptococcus spp. was more predominant in an analysis of the isolates' genus alone, followed by E. coli. In the group of virgin mares, E. coli predominated, followed by Enterococcus faecalis. Bacterial isolates showed high resistance rates, particularly to erythromycin and penicillin, for all groups of animals evaluated. No bacteria with probiotic potential were identified, but the results reinforce concerns about antimicrobial resistance and highlight the importance of bacterial isolation and identification, as well as the need for further studies to characterize safe strains in the treatment of equine endometritis.