The Antibacterial Action of Penicillin, Streptomycin, and Sulfanilamide against Heavy Suspensions of Vibrio Fetus Added to Semen Extender

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Abstract
Although the clinical complex now known as bovine vibriosis was reported by MacFadyean and Stockman (10) in 1913 and from 1917 to 1923 was tile subject of intensive studies by Smith and coworkers (21-26), the disease for many years was regarded as of minor importance in the general problem of reproductive diseases of cattle. The gradual elimination of brucellosis confirms our belief of long standing that factors other than Brucella abortus are often responsible for a considerable degree of interference with the normal repro- ductive processes. The work of Plastridge (11, 12, 15, 16) and European workel~ revived interest in the disease and stimulated the initiation of intense study in this and other countries. Until recently, observable abortion was generally regarded as the only sig- nificant symptom. We now know that delayed conception and sterility are common manifestations of the infection. Some investigators, such as Stegenga and Terpstra (27-29) in Holland, report that Vibrio fetus is the primary etio- logical agent in outbreaks of "enzootic sterility." Clinical observations made in our laboratory confirm the fact that the disease is very widespread. Unpub- lished experimental data by Hughes and McEntee (7) indicate that infertility is the principal manifestation of the disease. Observable abortion may be infrequent or absent. In 1943, Plastridgc and Williams (14) suggested that the bull might be an important factor in the preservation and dissemination of the disease. In 1949, Herrick (6), and in 1950, Webster and Thorp (31) called attention to and empha- sized the venereal nature of the disease and the fact that it may be readily transmitted by coitus. With the establishment of the male ~s the principal disseminator of the disease and the lack of a simple and accurate means to detect infected animals, the question of how to prevent spread of the disease becomes a matter of great importance. This is true especially when the semen from known infected bulls or from potentially infected bulls is used to artificially inseminate cattle over a wide area. We nmst know whether noninfected cattle. can become infected in this manner and, if so, what means can be taken to prevent the occurrence. Plastridge and his coworkers (17), Terpstra and Eisma (30), and Hughes and McEntee (7) have infected virgin heifers by artificial