Influence of a device intravaginal to synchronization/induction of estrus and its reuse in sheep vaginal flora

The objective of this study was to characterize the vaginal bacterial flora and their antibiotic susceptibility in vitro after, application, and the reuse of an intravaginal progesterone device (CIDR) in controlling the estrous cycle in sheep. Thirty Texel ewe lambs were used, after carefully assessed on their health and body condition. Experimental groups were formed by new CIDR (CIDRn, n = 15) and CIDR reused (CIDRu, n = 15). Treatment with progesterone lasted 6 days. Sterile swabs were used for vaginal sample collection, a procedure performed previously of CIDR insertion and on the moment of CIDR removing. The predominant flora prior to insertion of intravaginal devices proved to be 93.3% (14/15) and 80.0% (12/15) of gram-positive agents, especially of the genera Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. in CIDRn CIDRu groups, respectively. Upon removal of the devices, however, it was observed that the emergence of gram-negative agents in 100% of the samples CIDRn, most of them belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae genus. In CIDRu group, there was a balance between negative- and gram-positive agents on the removal of the devices. Regarding to susceptibility, our findings revelated some degree of resistance in all samples. Therefore, our conclusions pointed out that intravaginal devices (CIDR), when employed in the first use, or reuse, for a period of 6 days, promote a change in vaginal flora of sheep, highlighting the predominance of gram-negative agents during its removal.