Borrelia burgdorferi infections with special reference to horses. A review.
Abstract: This review discusses the literature on B. burgdorferi infections in view of the rising incidence of this infection in general and the increasing concerns of horse owners and equine practitioners. Lyme disease, the clinical expression of Borrelia infections in man is an important health problem. The geographic distribution of B. burgdorferi infections in equidae should resemble that of human cases because the vector tick involved, Ixodes ricinus, feeds on both species and, indeed, the infection has been established many times in horses. However, a definite diagnosis of the disease "Lyme borreliosis" in human beings as well as in horses and other animals is often difficult to accomplish. Although a broad spectrum of clinical signs has been attributed to B. burgdorferi infections in horses, indisputable cases of equine Lyme borreliosis are extremely rare so far, if they exist at all.
Publication Date: 2006-01-13 PubMed ID: 16402512
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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This research article explores the occurrence and impact of the bacterial infection Borrelia burgdorferi in horses, given its rising prevalence and increased concern amongst equine professionals. The paper discusses the link between these infections in horses and humans, states the challenge in making a definitive diagnosis, and debates the authenticity of certain attributed clinical signs.
Recognition of Borrelia burgdorferi and Lyme Disease
This research paper delves into the intricacies of Borrelia burgdorferi infections. This bacterium is responsible for Lyme disease in humans, which is growing in terms of medical concern due to its increasing incidence rates. As the disease is transmitted through Ixodes ricinus ticks, which are known to feed on both humans and horses, the study proposes that the prevalence of B. burgdorferi infections in equines should mirror that seen in human cases.
- The geographical spread of B. burgdorferi infections is therefore expected to align with the distribution of Lyme disease cases in humans.
Vexing Diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis
The article offers insight into the challenges that often arise while trying to diagnose Lyme borreliosis in both humans and horses. The ticks are efficient transmitters of the bacterium, yet the manifestation of this in disease form is often difficult to conclusively ascertain.
- The variability of symptoms in both humans and horses creates a complex diagnostic labyrinth for medical and equine practitioners to navigate.
Questioning the Existence of Equine Lyme Borreliosis
The paper critically analyzes the many clinical signs that have been linked to B. burgdorferi infections in horses. However, it disputes the veracity of these attributed symptoms by questioning the existence of definitive cases of equine Lyme borreliosis. In fact, it goes so far as to assert that confirmed cases of this condition in horses are exceptionally rare, if they exist at all.
- This challenges the contemporary understanding and demands further scientific exploration of this issue.
Cite This Article
APA
Butler CM, Houwers DJ, Jongejan F, van der Kolk JH.
(2006).
Borrelia burgdorferi infections with special reference to horses. A review.
Vet Q, 27(4), 146-156.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. c.m.butler@vet.uu.nl
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arachnid Vectors / microbiology
- Borrelia burgdorferi / classification
- Borrelia burgdorferi / physiology
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Ixodes / microbiology
- Lyme Disease / diagnosis
- Lyme Disease / epidemiology
- Lyme Disease / prevention & control
- Lyme Disease / veterinary
- Prognosis
- United States / epidemiology
Citations
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