Tracing the source and route of uterine colonization by exploring the genetic relationship of Escherichia coli isolated from the reproductive and gastrointestinal tract of dairy cows

The source and route of bacterial colonization of the uterus are still not established. The objective was to investigate the source and route of bacterial colonization of the uterus by exploring the genetic relationship among E. coli strains isolated from the gastrointestinal and the reproductive tract of dairy cows pre- and postpartum. Secondarily, uterine health status (metritis vs. healthy) was evaluated. Cows (n = 34) had the rectoanal junction (RAJ), vulva, and vagina swabbed every three days starting six days before expected calving until nine days postpartum. The uterus was swabbed postpartum. A blood sample was collected at all time points, but cultures were negative. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 44 isolates recovered from eight cows (four metritic and four healthy) with growth on selective E. coli media from the RAJ, vulva and/or vagina and uterus. Clonal isolates were found in the RAJ or the vulva prepartum and in the vulva, vagina or uterus postpartum. Clonal isolates were also found in the RAJ, the vulva, the vagina and the uterus postpartum. Clonal isolates were found in individual cows and different cows. Absence of clustering based on virulence factor genes and all genes indicate no strain specificity to body site or uterine health status. These findings indicate that the gastrointestinal tract is the likely source of bacteria that colonize the reproductive tract via ascending colonization of the uterus through the lower genital tract. Additionally, cow to cow transmission occurs, and strains are not specific to body site or to health status.