An abattoir survey of bacterial and fungal infections of cattle reproductive tract in Cameroon highlands

Abstract

A study was carried out on 549 slaughtered cattle (227 males and 322 females) in Ngaoundere (Adamawa high Guinean savannah), Dschang and Bafoussam (Western highlands) in Cameroon, in order to determine the prevalence of bacterial and fungal infections of the reproductive tract. Swabbing was done at different regions of the reproductive tract for microbiological analysis. Gram negative bacteria showed a higher (P < 0.05) prevalence than Gram positive. The prevalence rate varied significantly (P < 0.05) between localities, breeds, age groups and sex. Bororo zebus and crossbreeds exhibited a higher (P < 0.05) level of streptococcal infections. Seminal vesicles, epididymis and testicles in male; vulva, uterus and oviducts in female were mostly affected by Staphylococcus spp. As for fungi infections, Candida and Mucor spp. were observed with a higher prevalence of candidiasis, which varied significantly (P < 0.05) between localities and sex, but was comparable between breeds and different age groups. Mucor spp. Infections were recorded only in vulva, oviducts and ovaries. This study suggest that non specific bacterial and fungal infections of the reproductive tract are prevalent, and could be an important factor in fertility disturbance, especially if they are combined with poor reproductive and feeding management which are common in cattle producing systems.

Keywords: Reproductive tract; infections; cattle; Cameroon

Cameroon Journal of Experimental Microbiology Vol. 4 (2) 2008: pp. 75-79