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Topic:Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a neurological disease affecting horses, caused by the protozoan parasites Sarcocystis neurona or, less commonly, Neospora hughesi. The disease occurs when these parasites infect the central nervous system, leading to a range of neurological symptoms. Horses with EPM may exhibit signs such as ataxia, muscle weakness, and incoordination. Diagnosis can be challenging and typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, serological testing, and sometimes cerebrospinal fluid analysis. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies for Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis in horses.
Evidence for Sarcocystis as the etiologic agent of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) was diagnosed in 10 horses. By electron microscopy, schizonts were found in intact host cells of the spinal cords or, more frequently, free in the extracellular spaces. Developmental stages of schizonts differed morphologically, and the late stage of schizogony was characterized by endopolygeny. These findings permitted tentative identification of the protozoon as a Sarcocystis sp. Free merozoites were present in the extracellular spaces or in cells of the spinal cord. Pericytes of capillaries were most frequently parasitized by merozoites were present ...
