Distribution of Corynebacterium renale among healthy bulls with special reference to inhabitation of type III in the prepuce
Hiramune, T.; Narita, M.; Tomonari, I.; Murase, N.; Yanagawa, R.
National Institute of Animal Health Quarterly 15(3): 116-121
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-951X PMID: 1186911 Document Number: 91054
The prevalence of C. renale among apparently healthy bulls reared in Hokkaido was investigated. The organism was isolated from 46 (39%) of 117 preputial washings and from 60 (52%) of 116 semen samples. The isolates belonged to type III, except for a few of type II. No type I strain was isolated. Type III was isolated from the prepuce of six of seven bulls slaughtered and from the urethra in three, but not from any other organ. In the seven bulls, no macroscopic changes were seen, but a slight infiltration of lymphocytes and the formation of lymph nodules were noticed in the prepuce. No other microscopic changes could be demonstrated in any other organ. No serum antibody response was detected. To ascertain the virulence of C. renale isolated from the bulls, a strain of type III was inoculated into the urinary bladder of a healthy cow. The cow exhibited fever and haematuria on and after the 10th day. Typical cystitis was found when the cow was killed on the 14th day after inoculation. It is concluded that C. renale type III organisms inhabit the prepuce of apparently healthy bulls.