Diagnóstico bacteriológico, citológico e histopatológico da endometrite equina Bacteriological, cytological and histopathological diagnosis of equine endometritis

Endometritis is one of the major causes of equine infertility, with considerable economic impact. However, there is no agreement for the ideal method of diagnosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate bacteriological, cytological and histopathological findings of 21 mares with infertility history. Escherichia coli (10 strains), Group C Streptococcus [(GCS), Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (4) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (3)], Enterococcus sp. (3) and Staphylococcus aureus (2) were isolated from 13 animals. Non-pathogenic organisms were recovered from eight animals. Resistance to cephalothin, clindamycin, erythromycin, penicillin and tetracycline was observed among species. Smears containing cells of the uterine wall were classified according to inflammation degree in mild (6), moderate or severe (12) and absence of inflammation (3). Cellular infiltrates were observed in all biopsy samples analyzed, with a degree of intensity ranging from moderate to intense. The presence of E. coli was significantly related to severe inflammation, while non pathogenic organisms were significantly related to absence ou mild inflammation.