Campylobacteriosis in an aborted equine fetus.

This study documents an instance of spontaneous abortion in a seven-month-old horse fetus, which was attributed to infection by the bacterial species Campylobacter fetus subsp fetus. The fetus was below the expected size and displayed significant abnormalities in the small intestine and other organs.

Background of the Study

• The study centers on an abnormal fetal abortion case in equines (horses) where the infection is attributed to a bacterial species known as Campylobacter fetus subsp fetus.
• The fetus in question was found to be below the regular size expected for its seven-month gestation period, pointing to potential abnormalities.

Research Findings

• Investigation of the fetus revealed clear macroscopic abnormalities. The near portion of the small intestine was pathologically hemorrhagic and featured an unusually thick wall.
• Under histological examination, the Brunner glands (a part of the digestive system found in the duodenum section of the small intestine) were found to be unnaturally expanded due to the presence of neutrophils – white blood cells which indicate an immune response.
• The submucosa (the layer of tissue under the mucous membranes) was unusually thick, which could be due to fluid accumulation or increased presence of cellular infiltrates – cells that move from blood vessels to organs or tissues due to injury or infection.

Isolation of Campylobacter fetus subsp fetus

• Bacteria with a curved shape, consistent with the Campylobacter species, were observed in the Brunner glands and the intestinal glands.
• The researchers successfully isolated the Campylobacter fetus subsp fetus bacteria from the stomach contents, liver, and lungs of the fetus. These findings further corroborated the link between the bacterial infection and the observed abnormalities.
• The presence of Campylobacter was also confirmed by a dark-field microscopic examination of the ocular fluid and stomach contents.

Limitations of the Study

• The researchers noted that they were not able to examine the placenta in this case. Considering that placental abnormalities can cause abortions in horses, not being able to examine the placenta could possibly limit the complete understanding of this case.