Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates from horses with pneumonia or pleuropneumonia and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the aerobes.

Abstract: Frequency of aerobic and anaerobic isolates in 327 aspirates and in 123 pleural fluid samples from 327 horses with pneumonia or pleuropneumonia and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the aerobes were reported. Of the 327 horses, 75% survived, 20% were euthanatized, and 5% died. Tracheobronchial aspirates or pleural fluid specimens from 25 of the horses did not yield growth. Of the remaining 302 horses, 221 had only aerobic organisms isolated, whereas only anaerobes were isolated from 6 of the 302 horses. The remaining 75 horses had mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infections. The survival rates for horses with aerobic only isolates was twice that of horses with anaerobic isolates. The aerobic bacteria most frequently isolated were beta-Streptococcus spp, Pasteurella spp, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter spp. The anaerobic species most frequently isolated were Bacteroides spp and Clostridium spp.
Publication Date: 1991-03-01 PubMed ID: 2026535
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research seeks to understand the frequency and types of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infections in horses with pneumonia or pleuropneumonia. The study further discusses the survival rate of these horses and the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolated aerobic bacteria.

Objective of the Study

The study set out to investigate the occurrence of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial infections in horses that were suffering from pneumonia or pleuropneumonia. Furthermore, the research investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of aerobic bacteria.

Sample Size and Results

  • The study involved a considerable sample size of 327 horses, which solidifies the credibility of the collected data. Among these, pneumonia or pleuropneumonia was diagnosed.
  • From the total sample, 75% of the horses survived the ordeal, while 20% were euthanatized, and 5% unfortunately died.
  • Interestingly, tracheobronchial aspirates or pleural fluid specimens drawn from 25 of these horses did not show any bacterial growth, leaving 302 horses for further investigation.
  • From the latter, aerobic organisms were isolated from 221 horses, while only 6 had anaerobic bacteria isolated. This contrast in numbers suggest that aerobic organisms are more common in such conditions than their anaerobic counterparts are.
  • The remaining 75 horses were found to have mixed infections of both bacterial types.

Bacterial Types and Survival Rate

  • The survival rate for horses with only aerobic bacteria was found to be twice that of those with anaerobic bacteria, suggesting how each bacteria type impacts the severity of the disease.
  • Among the aerobic bacterial species, beta-Streptococcus spp, Pasteurella spp, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter spp were most frequently isolated.
  • For the anaerobic species, Bacteroides spp, and Clostridium spp were prevalent.

Conclusion

From this study, it became apparent that both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are common among horses with pneumonia or pleuropneumonia. However, those with aerobic bacteria had a higher survival rate, suggesting a potentially more adverse effect of anaerobic bacteria. These findings could be critical for developing effective treatment strategies for such horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Sweeney CR, Holcombe SJ, Barningham SC, Beech J. (1991). Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial isolates from horses with pneumonia or pleuropneumonia and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the aerobes. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 198(5), 839-842.

Publication

ISSN: 0003-1488
NlmUniqueID: 7503067
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 198
Issue: 5
Pages: 839-842

Researcher Affiliations

Sweeney, C R
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
Holcombe, S J
    Barningham, S C
      Beech, J

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
        • Bacteria, Aerobic / drug effects
        • Bacteria, Aerobic / isolation & purification
        • Bacteria, Anaerobic / isolation & purification
        • Bronchi / microbiology
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / microbiology
        • Horses
        • Male
        • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
        • Pleura / microbiology
        • Pleuropneumonia / microbiology
        • Pleuropneumonia / veterinary
        • Pneumonia / microbiology
        • Pneumonia / veterinary
        • Trachea / microbiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 15 times.
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