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Bacteriology of uterine infections
Up to 90% of recently calved cows have uterine infections 1 to 2 week after parturition. It is the ability of endometrial defences to eliminate the infection that decides on the progression of uterine infections.
Cows with retained placenta and labour complications show increased bacterial contamination of the uterus.
Bacteriological findings
| 1-2 days post calving | Non-problem cows | RFM cows |
|---|---|---|
| E. coli | 33% | 97% |
| A. pyogenes | 7% | 10% |
| Bacteriodes spp. | - | 20% |
| F. necrophorum | 7% | 3% |
| Clostridium spp. | 7% | 65% |
There is a marked difference in the population of bacteria responsible for uterine infections in different periods post calving.
| Bacteria | Acute | Sub-acute |
|---|---|---|
| A. pyogenes | 33-83% | 33-85% |
| Gram neg. bacteria | 49-67% | 17-70% |
| E. coli | 67-85% | 0-17% |
| Peptostreptococci | 60-80% | <5% |
| remaining | 23-52% | 7-39% |
It has been well established now that there is certain correlation between bacterial species involved in uterine infections.
For more information see the endometritis slide show:
Bacterial Associations in Endometritis
Click on the icon on the right to go to the slide show
Purulent uterine discharge seen on vaginoscopic examination
Bacterial culture
Growth of colonies of bacteria on a culture medium
