Ovine orchitis, with special reference to orchitis associated with Arcanobacterium pyogenes

Initially, the literature on ovine orchitis, a disorder with significant reproductive consequences, is briefly reviewed. Subsequently, the results of research work on orchitis associated with Arcanobacterium pyogenes are presented. A. pyogenes was isolated from the preputial cavity and the scrotal skin of healthy rams, as well as from field cases of ovine orchitis. Intratesticular inoculation of the organism caused orchitis, by means of clinical, cytological, seminological, bacteriological and pathological examinations. Although semen quality was affected and severe histopathological changes were evident, regeneration of testicular elements were evident at the late stages of the disease. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.