Work

Identification of Naturally Occurring Inhabitants of Vaginal Microbiota in Cows and Determination of Their Antibiotic Sensitivity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in bovine reproductive health in the periparturient period. This study aimed to characterize the naturally occurring bacterial species in the vaginal microbiome of healthy Holstein Frisian cows and evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity. Vaginal samples were collected from 44 healthy cows on three dairy farms. A total of 54 bacterial species were detected, with Gram-positive bacteria comprising 87% of the isolates. The most prevalent genera were Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus. Antibiotic susceptibility tests indicated that some isolates carried resistance genes, but most remained sensitive to commonly used antibiotics. The average vaginal mucosa pH was 7.2. These findings provide valuable insights into the diversity of vaginal microbiota of healthy dairy cows. Understanding the bacterial composition and antibiotic susceptibility can support reproductive health management and prudent use of antibiotics in dairy herds.

Source: Veterinary Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/vetsci12050423

Authors: Zsóka Várhidi, Viktor Jurkovich, Péter Sátorhelyi, Balázs Erdélyi, Orsolya Palócz, György Csikó

Institutions: University of Veterinary Medicine, Fermentia (Hungary)

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Physiology in Livestock

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534