A premature birth associated with Leptospira pomona infection in a mare.

This research article discusses a rare case of a premature birth in a Thoroughbred mare linked to an infection with Leptospira pomona, a type of bacteria responsible for leptospirosis.

Context and Relevance of the Study

• In general, diseases in horses due to Leptospira, a leptospirosis-causing bacteria, are not common. Whilst many horses show serological evidence (presence of antibodies in blood) indicating subclinical (not severe enough to present definite or readily observable symptoms) infection by various serotypes (different variants within a species) of the bacteria, very few of them become seriously ill.
• This low rate of severe disease incidence in horses, as compared to other species, is suggested to imply that leptospiral infection is usually mild or subclinical in horses.

Prior Research

• Leptospirosis in horses has been reported since 1947, first in the U.S.S.R, due to a serotype related to Leptospira grippotyphosa.
• Subsequent records of leptospirosis in horses, based on serological results, were found in various countries including the United States of America, Australia, Switzerland, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Rumania, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
• An Australian study found that 41% of blood samples from apparently normal horses showed positive reactions to formolised leptospiral antigen, indicating that a large proportion of horses may be infected subclinically.

Findings of the Study

• This research paper focuses on a unique case of a premature birth in a Thoroughbred mare, which was diagnosed to be due to an L. Pomona infection.
• Both clinical and serological evidence supported the diagnosis, highlighting the potential impact of leptospiral infections on horse reproduction. This could have serious implications for the equine industry.