Cerebrospinal fluid changes in two horses with central nervous system nematodiasis (Micronema deletrix).
Abstract: Two horses with cerebrospinal nematodiasis (Micronema deletrix) had signs similar to those of other neurologic diseases resulting from parasitic (fly larvae, protozoa, or other helminths) migration through the central nervous system (CNS). In one horse (horse 1), a 13-year-old Paso Fino stallion, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was slightly xanthochromic (1+), with a pleocytosis (25 nucleated cells/microliter) and a normal protein level (69 mg/dl). A CSF differential cell count showed 15% neutrophils, 56% lymphocytes, 22% macrophages, 5% eosinophils, and 2% basophils. In the other horse (horse 2), a 19-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse stallion, the CSF was modestly xanthochromic (2+), with pleocytosis (81 nucleated cells/microliter) and a modestly elevated protein concentration (114 mg/dl). A CSF differential cell count showed 9% neutrophils, 41% lymphocytes, and 50% macrophages. The CSF changes were consistent with those described for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and verminous encephalitis. The microscopic lesions in both brains contained multifocal areas of malacia and granulomatous inflammation. Meningeal vessels throughout the brain were greatly thickened and inflamed, and they contained parasites. The CSF changes were not specific and histopathologic examination was required for a definitive diagnosis.
Publication Date: 1988-10-01 PubMed ID: 3230559DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1988.tb00317.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The study investigated changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in two horses affected with a disease of the central nervous system caused by Micronema deletrix, a type of roundworm. The researchers found changes consistent with those seen in equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and verminous encephalitis, along with lesions and inflammation in the horses’ brains. Final diagnosis required a histopathologic examination for confirmation.
Study Subjects and Initial Findings
- The research involved two horses suffering from cerebrospinal nematodiasis, specifically caused by the nematode Micronema deletrix. The observed symptoms in these horses were similar to neurological diseases seen in horses resulting from the migration of various parasites through the central nervous system.
- The first horse, a 13-year-old Paso Fino stallion, showed slightly xanthochromic cerebrospinal fluid and a cell count revealing a pleocytosis condition. The protein level in the CSF was normal.
- The second horse, a 19-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse stallion, had a slightly darker CSF and a higher cell count indicating pleocytosis. Additionally, the protein concentration in this horse’s CSF was moderately elevated.
Key Observations
- Both horses showed changes in cerebrospinal fluid that were consistent with the changes usually seen in cases of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and verminous encephalitis.
- Microscopic examination revealed the presence of lesions in different areas of the brains of both horses. These lesions contained multiple areas of softening tissue (malacia) and granulomatous inflammation, indicating chronic inflammation.
- The vessels in the meninges (layers that cover the brain) were extensively thickened and inflamed and contained parasites both in and around them.
Conclusions
- The observed changes in the cerebrospinal fluid were not inherently specific enough to diagnose the disease only based on these parameters.
- A histopathologic examination, including a microscopic investigation of the affected tissues, was crucial to confirm the diagnosis of central nervous system nematodiasis in the studied horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Darien BJ, Belknap J, Nietfeld J.
(1988).
Cerebrospinal fluid changes in two horses with central nervous system nematodiasis (Micronema deletrix).
J Vet Intern Med, 2(4), 201-205.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.1988.tb00317.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Brain / parasitology
- Brain / pathology
- Central Nervous System Diseases / cerebrospinal fluid
- Central Nervous System Diseases / pathology
- Central Nervous System Diseases / veterinary
- Cerebrospinal Fluid / cytology
- Cerebrospinal Fluid / parasitology
- Horse Diseases / cerebrospinal fluid
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Male
- Nematoda / isolation & purification
- Nematode Infections / cerebrospinal fluid
- Nematode Infections / pathology
- Nematode Infections / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Wollanke B, Gerhards H, Ackermann K. Infectious Uveitis in Horses and New Insights in Its Leptospiral Biofilm-Related Pathogenesis. Microorganisms 2022 Feb 7;10(2).
- Ferguson R, van Dreumel T, Keystone JS, Manning A, Malatestinic A, Caswell JL, Peregrine AS. Unsuccessful treatment of a horse with mandibular granulomatous osteomyelitis due to Halicephalobus gingivalis. Can Vet J 2008 Nov;49(11):1099-103.
- Trostle SS, Wilson DG, Steinberg H, Dzata G, Dubielzig RR. Antemortem diagnosis and attempted treatment of (Halicephalobus) Micronema deletrix infection in a horse. Can Vet J 1993 Feb;34(2):117-8.
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