Sequential studies of experimentally induced ovine listerial abortion: clinical changes and bacteriologic examinations
Ladds, P.W.; Dennis, S.M.; Cooper, R.F.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 35(2): 155-160
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 4205016 Document Number: 81486
Listeria monocytogenes was introduced into the amniotic sac of 34 ewes during the latter half of gestation, one hour after these had received an i/m injection of hyperimmune homologous antiserum. At intervals ranging from 1 to 144 hours after infection, 33 of the ewes were killed; the other one aborted twins 9 days after being infected. Three ewes were treated similarly but did not receive antiserum; they were kept until they aborted. Three ewes received antiserum and intra-amniotic injections of sterile saline. All but two of the foetuses retrieved more than 36 hours after infection were dead. L. monocytogenes was present in the abomasum of one foetus 1 hour after infection, and in most of the organs of foetuses examined more than 24 hours after. The organism was never present outside the uterus of ewes which had received antiserum.