Surface Plasmonics and Its Applications in Infrared Sensing

Abstract

In cyclic mares, the uterine environment can easily disturbed due to inflammatory proc‐ esses that occur secondary to microbial invasion. Different aerobic and anaerobic bacteria can enter the uterus during natural mating, artificial insemination, reproductive examina‐ tion or parturition. The postpartum period is a critical phase since due to relaxation of the uterus and cervix may favor recurrent infections air intake (pneumovagina) or urine col‐ lection in mares with poor perineal conformation. Infections are mainly caused by oppor‐ tunistic or commensal microorganisms, such as Streptococcus zooepidemicus, hemolytic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Other microorganisms like Taylorella equigenita‐ lis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomona aeruginosa are transmitted through venereal route. Regarding to the fungal endometritis, the most common fungi include Candida and Aspergillus. These microorganisms cause infertility as a result of repeated inseminations during the breeding season and proliferate when the natural immune system is weak‐ ened in mares with advanced age and multiparous, or after repeated use of antibiotics. Indeed, in susceptible mare to endometritis, uterine defense mechanisms involving phag‐ ocytosis and opsonization by neutrophils, local synthesis of antibodies, mucociliary activ‐ ity, vascular and myoelectric activity permeability are compromised, leading to fluid accumulation in response to inflammation and infertility.