Identification of water system biofilm bacteria the negative effects on reproductive traits

摘要

Bacteria that develop biofilm layers in water purification systems have been recognized as a growing problem in the swine industry. Within the past year, a 160 head boar stud identified a bacterial contaminant, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, in their water distillation system used to extend raw semen. This bacterium has been cultured in extended porcine semen and has been found to be resistant to aminoglycosides normally used in porcine semen extenders. Initially, this organism was discovered during routine microbiology and visual light microscopic evaluations. Several samples were collected throughout the water system used to purify the water for semen extension and submitted for aerobic culture and microbial susceptibility analysis. A xylosoxidans was identified in extended semen samples as well as distilled water samples on multiple occasions over a 4 month time period with no decrease in sperm cell motility. Cleaning, disinfecting and allowing dry downtime of the distillation and distilled water delivery system did eliminate the contamination of A xylosoxidans, but only for a short period of time.