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U reaplasma diversum in bull semen in A ustralia: its detection and potential effects
Author(s) -
Hobson N,
Chousalkar KK,
Chenoweth PJ
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/avj.12113
Subject(s) - sperm , biology , semen , andrology , herd , pathogen , immunology , zoology , genetics , medicine
Background The primary objective of this study was to confirm the infection status of U reaplasma diversum in Australian bulls and to identify morphological changes of sperm from U . diversum ‐positive bulls. Methods Fresh semen samples were taken from 29 sexually active beef bulls from suspect herds in the Riverina/Upper Murray region. U . diversum was identified using PCR analyses and culture of the organism. Results Nine of the bulls were PCR ‐positive for U . diversum but none of these had genital lesions. Sperm from infected bulls showed increased incidence of abnormal tails (bent and coiled), as well as surface abnormalities (i.e. small protuberances or lumps). Conclusions The results suggest impairment of sperm function and possibly fertility. Further investigations into the potential role of U . diversum as a pathogen for Australian cattle are warranted.