Complications associated with Streptococcus equi infection on a horse farm.
Abstract: Complications associated with Streptococcus equi infection developed in 15 (20.3%) of 74 horses on one farm included death, guttural pouch empyema, purpura hemorrhagica, upper respiratory tract obstruction, pneumonia, pleuropneumonia, agalactia, mesenteric lymph node abscessation, and periorbital abscessation. Death was attributed to pneumonia in 3 horses and to upper respiratory tract obstruction in 2 horses. One horse was euthanatized because of severe purpura hemorrhagica.
Publication Date: 1987-12-01 PubMed ID: 3692991
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The study focuses on the complications that emerged from a Streptococcus equi infection in 15 out of 74 horses on a specific farm. These complications ranged from death to different types of abscessations, pneumonia, and obstructions.
Research Context
- This research was conducted on a single farm, where 74 horses were exposed to Streptococcus equi infection. The farm thus served as a suitable microcosm for studying and understanding the underlying association between Streptococcus equi infection and its complications in affected horses.
Findings and Analysis
- The study found that 20.3% of the horses (15 out of 74) developed various complications from the Streptococcus equi infection.
- These complications included death, guttural pouch empyema (infection in the pouches of the horse’s throat), purpura hemorrhagica (a life-threatening disease indicated by widespread hemorrhages, edema, and vessel damage), upper respiratory tract obstruction, two types of pneumonia, agalactia (failure to produce milk), mesenteric lymph node abscessation (abscess formation in lymph nodes located in the membrane connecting the intestine), and periorbital abscessation (abscess formation around the eye socket).
- Pneumonia was the cause of death in three horses, while two others died due to upper respiratory tract obstruction.
- One horse was euthanized due to the severe onset of purpura hemorrhagica, highlighting the gravity of this particular complication.
Implications of the Study
- This study provides crucial insights into the potential complications that can arise from Streptococcus equi infections in horses. Such information can help in early diagnosis, efficient treatment strategies, and the overall management of horse health in farms.
- The findings also underscore the need for preventive measures to safeguard the health of horses from Streptococcus equi infection, which could significantly cut down the risk of fatal outcomes and serious health complications.
Cite This Article
APA
Sweeney CR, Whitlock RH, Meirs DA, Whitehead SC, Barningham SO.
(1987).
Complications associated with Streptococcus equi infection on a horse farm.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 191(11), 1446-1448.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horses
- Male
- Respiratory Tract Infections / complications
- Respiratory Tract Infections / veterinary
- Streptococcal Infections / complications
- Streptococcal Infections / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 14 times.- Rask E, Righetti F, Ruiz A, Bjerketorp J, Frosth S, Frykberg L, Jacobsson K, Guss B, Flock JI, Henriques-Normark B, Hartman E, Gustafsson A, Paillot R, Waller AS. Closing the Stable Door on Strangles: Serological Responses of Vaccinated Horses on a Farm Following the Arrival of a New Horse. Animals (Basel) 2025 Dec 13;15(24).
- Kabir A, Lamichhane B, Habib T, Adams A, El-Sheikh Ali H, Slovis NM, Troedsson MHT, Helmy YA. Antimicrobial Resistance in Equines: A Growing Threat to Horse Health and Beyond-A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024 Jul 29;13(8).
- Brankston G, Rossi TM, O'Sullivan TL, Greer AL. Diagnostic testing patterns for Streptococcus equi subsp. equi in Ontario horses during the years 2008 to 2018. Can Vet J 2021 Jun;62(6):629-636.
- Zhu Y, Chen S, Yi Z, Holyoak R, Wang T, Ding Z, Li J. Nasopharyngeal Microbiomes in Donkeys Shedding Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi in Comparison to Healthy Donkeys. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:645627.
- Pye J, Galuppo L, Whitcomb MB, Clothier K, Byrne B. Isolation of Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus from an abdominal abscess in an adult mare. Can Vet J 2020 Dec;61(12):1307-1311.
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- Cohen ND, Cywes-Bentley C, Kahn SM, Bordin AI, Bray JM, Wehmeyer SG, Pier GB. Vaccination of yearling horses against poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fails to protect against infection with Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. PLoS One 2020;15(10):e0240479.
- Boyle AG, Timoney JF, Newton JR, Hines MT, Waller AS, Buchanan BR. Streptococcus equi Infections in Horses: Guidelines for Treatment, Control, and Prevention of Strangles-Revised Consensus Statement. J Vet Intern Med 2018 Mar;32(2):633-647.
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- Morrow BL, McNatt R, Joyce L, McBride S, Morgan D, Tressler C, Mellits C. Highly pathogenic beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections in cats from an institutionalized hoarding facility and a multi-species comparison. J Feline Med Surg 2016 Apr;18(4):318-27.
- Singh SK, Bharati AP, Singh N, Pandey P, Joshi P, Singh K, Mitra K, Gayen JR, Sarkar J, Akhtar MS. The prophage-encoded hyaluronate lyase has broad substrate specificity and is regulated by the N-terminal domain. J Biol Chem 2014 Dec 19;289(51):35225-36.
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- Hoopes JT, Stark CJ, Kim HA, Sussman DJ, Donovan DM, Nelson DC. Use of a bacteriophage lysin, PlyC, as an enzyme disinfectant against Streptococcus equi. Appl Environ Microbiol 2009 Mar;75(5):1388-94.
- Koo H, Ryu SH, Ahn HJ, Jung WK, Park YK, Kwon NH, Kim SH, Kim JM, Yoo BW, Choi SI, Davis WC, Park YH. Immunostimulatory effects of the anionic alkali mineral complex Barodon on equine lymphocytes. Clin Vaccine Immunol 2006 Nov;13(11):1255-66.
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