References:
Quinn P.J., Markey B.K., Leonard R.C.,
Fitzpatrick E.S., Fanning S. (2016). Concise
Review of Veterinary Microbiology.
Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley &
Sons Ltd.
Coumbe K. (2012). Equine Veterinary
Nursing. Chichester, West Sussex: John
Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Images:
#1-
http://www.carolina.com/images/product/l
arge/821342_B_CHM.jpg
#2- http://foodconsulting.co.za/wp-
content/uploads/2014/09/microbiology.jpg
All horses featured in this publication are
owned by Michelle & Paige Vaden and
images taken by Michelle Vaden and Celia
Horvac
SuperNova
See references for credit #2
How Microbiology is utilized
in the detection of pathogens
1. The making and
microscopically viewing a gram
stain that will reveal the
bacteria present and help
classify them.
2. Bacterial cultures will follow to
allow more specific
identification of the organism.
3. Sensitivity testing against a
range of antimicrobial drugs
would be undertaken to aid
selection of appropriate
treatment.
4. If available, the use of PCR
(Polymerase Chain Reaction)
tests which allow a more rapid Horse featured: SuperNova, descendant to
bacterial identification. Seattle Slew. Owned by Michelle & Paige
Vaden
Causative organism in CEM
(contagious equine metritis)
By Michelle Vaden,
MT(AAB), RVT Taylorella
equigenitalis
 Horses featured: Mare: Dixie and her foal (2017) Destiny. Horses owned by Michelle & Paige
Vaden and image taken by Celia Horvac

Taylorella equigenitalis
Taylorella equigenitalis is the causative agent for contagious equine metritis
(CEM). CEM is a highly contagious, localized venereal disease characterized by
mucopurulent vulval discharge and temporary infertility in mares. It is found in
the genital tract of stallions, mares and foals and only affect Equidae. Foals
born to infected dams may acquire infection in utero or during parturition.
Infected stallions and a minority of infected mares remain asymptomatic and
up to 25% of mares remain carriers, that is for every 5 mares 1 mare is a
carrier!

Diagnosis, Detection and Treatment

This condition is economically important
because it disrupts breeding programs on stud
farms and can cause unnecessary hardship and
frustrations to a horse owner when their horse
is having difficulty breeding.
Diagnosis is based on the history of
individual animals and laboratory test.
See references for credit #1
Characteristics:
Taylorella equigenitalis is a short Gram-
Negative rod
Non-motile
Catalase, oxidase and phosphatase positive
Specimen requirements:
Specimens for bacteriology should be
collected before and after the breeding
season.
Mares:
Swabs from mares should be taken from
the clitoral fossa and sinuses, and from the
endometrium at oestrus using a double-
guarded swab.
Stallions:
Swabs from stallions and teaser stallions
are taken from the urethra, urethral fossa
and penile sheath.

Microaerophilic (needs oxygen to grow) Treatment:

Slow-growing (will not colonize until 4-7
days)
Highly fastidious, requiring chocolate agar
with 5-10% CO2 for optimal growth
Elimination of T. equigenitalis from both
mares and stallions can be achieved by
washing the external genitalia with a 2%
solution of chlorhexidine, combined with
local application of antimicrobial drugs.