Taylorella

• Taylorella

  • Gram-negative rods or coccobacilli
  • Facultative anaerobe or microaerophilic, non-motile
  • Oxidase-positive, Catalase positive, phosphatase positive
  • Produces no acid from carbohydrates
  • Fastidious and slow-growing
  • Optimal growth is obtained on chocolate agar with a rich base at 37°C under 5-10% CO2
  • Does not grow on MacConkey
• Sources/Reservoir of Taylorella

  • It resides exclusively in the equine genital tract
  • Stallions develop no signs of disease but both sexes can remain carriers indefinitely
  • It is the causal agent of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)
• Direct Microscopy

  Fluorescent Antibody Technique (FAT)
• Chocolate agar with highly nutritive base such as Eugon or Columbia agar and preferably equine blood, incubated at 37°C under 10% CO,


  for 2 or more days
• Serology


  slide agglutination test, latex agglutination test, complement fixation
• Taylorella equigenitalis - Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)

  History and Clinical signs

  -       temporary infertility, occasionally abortion within the first 60 days of gestation, copious mucopurulent discharge as a result of purulent metritis

  Lesions

  -       erosion and degenerative changes in the endometrium

  Treatment and Prevention

  -       Uterine/Vaginal lavage, Local application of antimicrobial drugs, Surgical removal of clitoral sinuses Appropriate, routine hygienic methods
• Taylorella equigenitalis - Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)

  Host

  -       Horse (mare)

  Transmission

  -       Venereal (Direct contact with carrier stallion, harboring the organism in preputial smegma and urethral fossa), mares can also be infected by attendants and via veterinary instruments