Infectious Causes of Abortion

Submitted by: Farhan Tariq (15), Hammad bin Javed (23),

M Abrar(31)
Submitted to: Dr. Ghulam Hussain Dilbar

What is Abortion?
Abortion is a medical procedure or the termination of a pregnancy, resulting in the removal
of the fetus or embryo from the uterus, either by surgical means or through medication.

Infectious causes of abortion:

Abortion in animals can be caused by various infectious agents. Some common causes of
abortion in animals include:

1. Brucellosis:The bacterium Brucella, responsible for brucellosis, often infects the

reproductive organs. In pregnant animals, particularly cattle, goats, and pigs, the bacteria
can target the placenta and fetus, leading to abortion. The infection triggers inflammation
and damage to the reproductive tissues, disrupting the normal development of the fetus
and eventually causing expulsion.
Hosts: Cattle (abortion in 2nd half of gestation), Goats (abortion in the 4th month), and
Sheep (abortion in late gestation)

2. Campylobacteriosis: Bacteria like Campylobacter fetus, can lead to abortion. The

bacteria typically infect the reproductive organs of cattle, causing inflammation and
damage. This can result in infertility, early embryonic death, or abortion. The bacteria
may be transmitted through contaminated feed, water, or direct contact with infected
animals. Preventive measures, such as maintaining good hygiene practices and
vaccination, can help control the spread of campylobacteriosis in cattle.
Hosts: Sheep, Cattle (abortion between 4-8 months)

3. Chlamydiosis: Chlamydia abortus,The bacteria primarily infect the placenta and fetal
tissues, triggering an inflammatory response. This inflammation can result in damage to
the placenta and interfere with nutrient and oxygen supply to the developing fetus.
Chlamydia abortus is often transmitted through direct contact with infected animals,
contaminated feed, or fomites.
 Preventing chlamydiosis involves practicing good herd management, biosecurity
measures, and implementing vaccination strategies.
Hosts: Sheep, Goats, Cattle(abortion near end of last trimester)

4. Coxiella burnetii (Q fever): The exact mechanisms aren't fully understood, but it's
believed that the bacteria target the placenta. This can lead to inflammation, vascular
damage, and impaired blood flow, ultimately resulting in abortion or stillbirth.
Hosts: Goats, Sheep, and Cattle.

5. Leptospirosis: Caused by the bacteria Leptospira.The bacteria primarily infect the

kidneys, and pregnant animals may shed the bacteria in their urine. If a pregnant animal
becomes infected, the bacteria can spread to the reproductive organs, including the uterus
and placenta.
The infection can compromise blood flow to the fetus, causing fetal distress and, in
severe cases, leading to abortion.
Hosts: Cattle, Horse and Goat(abortion in last trimester)

6. Toxoplasmosis: In animals, including livestock, Toxoplasma gondii infection can lead to

abortion through a similar mechanism as in humans. Here's a simplified explanation:
Animals can become infected by ingesting oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii, which are shed
in the feces of infected cats. Once ingested, the parasites can multiply in the animal's
tissues, particularly in the muscles and organs.In pregnant animals, the parasite can cross
the placenta, infecting the developing fetus.This damage can lead to developmental
abnormalities or death of the fetus.
Hosts: Sheep, Goats, and Cats.

7. Neosporosis: Protozoan parasite Neospora caninum, can lead to abortion in animals,

particularly in cattle. The parasite can infect the placenta and fetal tissues, triggering an
immune response that damages these structures. This damage can disrupt the normal
development of the fetus, leading to abortion.
Hosts: Cattle (cause abortion between 4-6 months)
8. Rift Valley fever: The RVF virus primarily targets the liver of infected animals, causing
hepatic necrosis (cell death in the liver). This can lead to a decrease in blood clotting
factors and an increase in hemorrhage, affecting various organs.
During pregnancy, the virus can infect the placenta and the fetus directly. This can result
in fetal malformations and death, leading to abortion. The virus's impact on the vascular
system may also compromise blood flow to the developing fetus, contributing to
pregnancy loss.
Hosts: Cattle, Sheep, and Goats

9. Herpesviruses: The herpesvirus infection can result in inflammation, tissue damage and
impaired blood flow to the uterus and fetus. Additionally, the virus may directly affect the
developing fetus, causing malformations or death. The immune response triggered by the
infection can further contribute to damage, as the body attempts to control the viral
spread.
Hosts: Cattle (abortion in 4 months), Horses (abortion in 7 month of gestation) and Goats

10. Foot-and-mouth disease (Aphthovirus): The virus primarily targets epithelial tissues,
including those in the mouth, feet, and mammary glands, but it can also spread to other
organs, including the reproductive tract.In pregnant animals, FMD can infect the placenta
and fetal tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. This damage can interfere with the
normal development of the fetus, causing abortion.
Moreover, the general stress and debilitation caused by FMD can also contribute to
pregnancy loss. The immune response against the virus, coupled with the systemic effects
of the disease, can negatively impact the overall health of the animal and its ability to
maintain a pregnancy.
Hosts: Cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals.

11. Listeriosis: Listeria monocytogenes has the ability to cross the placental barrier, allowing
it to infect the placenta directly. Once in the placenta, the bacterium triggers an
inflammatory response, compromising the structure and function of the placenta. Listeria
can also infect the developing fetus, leading to fetal distress, malformations, and death.
The bacterium's presence in fetal tissues can cause systemic infections, disrupting normal
growth and development.
Hosts: Cattle, Sheep, Goats.

12. Bluetongue(Orbivirus):Disease is primarily known for causing fever, oral lesions, and
swelling in the head and neck region of affected animals. If a pregnant animal is infected
 with the bluetongue virus during a susceptible period of gestation, the virus can cross the
placenta and infect the developing fetus. This can result in malformations and fetal death,
potentially leading to abortion.Other abortion inducing factors include;
Elevated body temperature (hyperthermia)
Dehydration and stress
Vascular damage
Hosts: cattle and sheep

13. Bovine viral diarrhea: BVD can cause abortion in cattle through various mechanisms:
 Infection during Pregnancy: If a pregnant cow becomes infected with the BVD
virus during a susceptible period of gestation, the virus can cross the placenta and
infect the developing fetus. This can lead to a range of consequences, including
fetal death and abortion.
 Fetal Infection: BVD virus can directly infect fetal tissues, causing developmental
abnormalities and interfering with the normal growth and function of the fetus.
The virus's impact on fetal organs and systems can result in conditions that trigger
abortion.
Hosts: Cattle (causes abortion during 40 days of pregnancy or after 125 days of pregnancy)

14. Mycotic abortion: Fungal infections causing abortion in animals are often associated
with specific types of fungi, such as Aspergillus and Candida. The mechanisms through
which these fungi can lead to abortion include:
 Placental Infection: Fungi can invade the placental tissues, leading to
inflammation and damage. The placenta is crucial for providing nutrients and
oxygen to the developing fetus, so any disruption in its function can result in
abortion.
 Fetal Infection :Fungi can also directly infect fetal tissues. This can lead to fetal
distress, malformations, and death, ultimately resulting in abortion.
 Toxins Production: Some fungi produce mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds.
Mycotoxins can have detrimental effects on both the mother and the developing
fetus. They may interfere with normal fetal development, cause organ damage, or
induce stress responses that contribute to abortion.
 Systemic Effects: Fungal infections can cause systemic effects in the infected
animal, including fever and metabolic changes. These systemic effects can have
indirect consequences on the pregnancy, impacting the overall health of the
mother and the developing fetus.
Hosts: Cattle (abortion from 4 months to term), Horses
 15. Border disease(Pestivirus): Abortion in Border disease occurs when pregnant ewes get
infected with Border disease virus, leading to fetal damage, inflammation, and
malformations. The immune response and persistently infected lambs contribute to
reproductive issues. Prevention involves vaccination, strict management, and culling
infected animals. Early detection and control measures are crucial.
Hosts: Sheep(abortion occur at any time of gestation)

16. Salmonellosis: Causes abortion in animals by infecting the placenta and fetal tissues,
leading to inflammation and damage. Systemic effects and toxin production contribute to
fetal distress and increase the risk of abortion.
Hosts: Sheep

It's important to note that preventing and managing infectious causes of abortion in animals
often involves proper vaccination, biosecurity measures, and timely veterinary care to diagnose
and treat affected animals.

Reference:
 MSD Veterinary Manual https://www.msdvetmanual.com/