Uterine Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock: Impacts, Insights, and Innovations

Uterine infections are a major cause of infertility and economic loss in livestock, particularly in dairy animals. The widespread and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the treatment of reproductive tract infections has contributed significantly to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among uterine pathogens. Common infections such as metritis, endometritis, and pyometra, caused by organisms like Escherichia coli, Trueperella pyogenes, and Fusobacterium necrophorum, have shown increasing resistance to conventional antimicrobial therapies. This not only complicates treatment protocols but also threatens overall reproductive efficiency by increasing days open, reducing conception rates, and raising culling risks. Moreover, the lack of proper diagnosis and antibiotic sensitivity testing before treatment aggravates the problem. The growing concern of multidrug-resistant strains necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches such as probiotics, phytotherapeutics, immunomodulators, and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. This article highlights the mechanisms, implications, and drivers of AMR in uterine infections, while also advocating for improved diagnostic techniques, antimicrobial stewardship, and a One Health approach to safeguard both animal and public health.Key words: Antimicrobial Resistance, Uterine Infections, Livestock Reproduction, Dairy Cattle Health, Metritis and Endometritis, Antibiotic Stewardship