Taylorella

Taylorella is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria belonging to the family Moraxellaceae. The type species is Taylorella equigenitalis. Taylorella are small, coccobacillary organisms, often appearing pleomorphic in direct smears. They are known to be fastidious, requiring enriched culture media for growth, and are typically isolated from mucosal surfaces.

Taylorella equigenitalis is primarily known for its role as the causative agent of Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM), a highly contagious venereal disease of horses. CEM affects the reproductive tract of mares, leading to endometritis, cervicitis, and vaginitis, and can result in temporary infertility and abortion. Stallions can also be asymptומים carriers, harboring the bacteria in their genital tract. Diagnosis is typically made through bacterial culture and identification of characteristic colonies on specialized media, followed by biochemical and serological tests.

While Taylorella equigenitalis is the most well-known species, other Taylorella species have been described, such as Taylorella asinigenitalis, isolated from donkeys, and Taylorella dairense. However, Taylorella equigenitalis remains the species of significant veterinary importance due to the economic impact and trade restrictions associated with CEM. Control and prevention of CEM rely on strict biosecurity measures, diagnostic testing of breeding stock, and treatment of infected animals.