Investigation of campylobacteriosis and genital trichomoniasis in bulls from rural properties in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso state, Brazil

Abstract

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) and bovine trichomoniasis (BT) are diseases of cattle that are primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Although bulls may be asymptomatic, these infectious diseases contribute to reproductive failure, embryonic death, and abortion in cows. Infection in cattle causes significant economic losses. BGC is caused by two bacterial subspecies, Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, whereas the protozoan Tritrichomonas foetus causes BT. Mato Grosso state has the largest bovine herd in Brazil, particularly in the Pantanal region. This area encompasses vast expanses of land characterized by annual floods and a predominant reliance on natural breeding for animal reproduction. These conditions create a favorable environment for the occurrence of BGC and BT within the herd. Given the lack of up-to-date data regarding the prevalence of these diseases, this study aimed to examine the presence of Campylobacter spp. and Tritrichomonas foetus in samples from 100 bulls in the municipalities of Poconé, Santo Antônio de Leverger, and Nossa Senhora do Livramento located in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso state. Preputial smegma samples were retrieved using preputial swabs and stored in a saline solution at -80 C for subsequent analysis. Polymerase chain reaction was used to identify the presence of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis, Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, and Tritrichomonas foetus. Despite a questionnaire revealing epidemiological conditions conducive to the persistence and spread of these pathogens, they were not detected in the bulls evaluated on rural properties in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso region.