Growing Role of Fungi in Mycotic Abortion of Domestic Animal

Infectious abortion, caused by diverse types of microbes, is of a great economic and public health significance. Among various etiologic agents, bacteria, fungi, and viruses are implicated in 50 to 62%, 22 to 25 %, and 15 to 25 % of cases, respectively. Mycotic abortion is an important reproductive problem of dairy cattle all over the world. The disease has been reported from many countries, including Australia, India, New Zealand, and USA. It is caused by a number of different fungi, which are mostly distributed in the environment. Among the fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus is associated with most cases of abortions followed by zygomyectes. Fungal abortions in cattle have been recorded usually between 6 to 8 months of gestation. Aborted animals usually suffer from retention of the placenta. Moldy fodder or silage, and confinement of pregnant animals in humid, hot, old and unhygienic houses are recognized, as predisposing factors for mycotic abortion. The transmission and epidemiology of disease are still considered inadequately studied. Direct microscopy and cultural isolation of the fungal agent in the clinical specimen still considered as the main stay of diagnosis. Prognosis of case is usually good but very rarely, cows may develop pneumonia or endometritis after few weeks of abortion. Currently, no treatment has been evolved for mycotic abortion. Avoidance of moldy feed and the provision of hygienic shed to pregnant animals will certainly reduce the incidence of disease. It is emphasized that future studies on the pathogenesis and epidemiology of disease will be rewarding. Furthermore, application of molecular techniques for quick diagnosis of mycotic abortion in domestic animals should be attempted.