[Aspergillus fumigatus in nasopharyngeal cavity of horses].

The research article investigates the presence of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus in the nasopharyngeal cavity of healthy horses. This fungus is related to various respiratory and sinus infections in horses that show symptoms like that of Strangle’s sign, a disease caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi spp.

Introduction and Aim

• This research was carried out to determine the occurrence of the fungal species Aspergillus fumigatus in healthy horses that are kept in both individual stalls (boxes) and fields.
• A. fumigatus is a globally widespread fungus that opportunistically infects a wide range of hosts and often causes conditions like rhinopharyngitis, sinusitis, and infections in guttural pouches.
• The symptoms of these infections are similar to Strangle’s sign, an infectious disease in horses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi spp.

Methodology

• The study was conducted using 226 nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from horses.
• The samples were obtained using standard mycological procedures designed to culture and identify A. fumigatus.

Results

• The research found that A. fumigatus was present in 26 (11.5%) of the horses from which nasopharyngeal swabs were taken.
• This demonstrates that a significant percentage of horses, even those appearing healthy, carry this opportunistic pathogen in their nasopharyngeal cavity.

Implications

• This study highlights the importance of screening horses for A. fumigatus, especially given its role as an opportunistic pathogen and potential cause of respiratory and sinus infections.
• The findings suggest that horse owners and veterinarians should be aware of the presence of this fungus in horses, even those that are apparently healthy, as they could become a source of infection for other animals or even humans.