LESÕES GENITAIS EM CARNEIROS EXPERIMENTALMENTE INFECTADOS COM HISTOPHILUS SOMNI.

Infectious epididymitis is considered a major cause of economic losses for the sheep industry worldwide. It is caused mainly by Brucella ovis, Actinobacillus seminis, and Histophilus somni. This study aimed to investigate histopathological changes associated with experimental infection with H. somni in rams. Ten rams with 18 to 24 months, were infected by intra-epididymal inoculation with H. somni. Eight rams inoculated with H. somni became infected. Five rams had at least one positive organ by bacteriology. Microscopically, the main lesions were observed inflammatory changes in the genitourinary tract and testicular degeneration. H. somni was able of causing infection, colonizing several organs of the genitourinary tract, however, laboratorial diagnostic techniques are required for direct confirmation of the etiologic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]