Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses: 538 cases (1982-1993).
Abstract: To describe clinical manifestations of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses and to evaluate diagnostic methods for identification of this disease. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 538 horses with a diagnosis of C pseudotuberculosis infection. Results: Median age of horses with external abscesses was similar to that in horses with internal abscesses. Breed and sex did not appear to be associated with infection. Cases were detected during all 12 months; however, the disease was most common in the fall and early winter, with the highest incidence in September, October, and November in every year. Most horses (492/538, 91.4%) had a single episode of infection, without recurrence in subsequent years. Of 538 horses, 308 had pectoral abscesses, although infection was documented in many other anatomic locations. Forty-two horses had internal abscesses involving the abdomen or thoracic cavity. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection was readily identified by bacterial culture of aspirate samples from abscesses. The synergistic hemolysis inhibition test was useful for diagnosis of internal abscesses; however, it was unreliable for the diagnosis of external abscesses. Horses with external abscesses responded well to conventional treatment, in contrast to those with internal abscesses. The overall case fatality was low (3.9%), and was considerably lower for horses with external abscesses (0.8%) than for horses with internal abscesses (40.5%). Conclusions: Serology (synergistic hemolysis inhibition titers > or = 512) is useful for diagnosis of internal abscesses, but not reliable for diagnosis in horses with external abscesses. Prognosis for horses with internal abscesses is considerably poorer than for those with external abscesses.
Publication Date: 1996-08-15 PubMed ID: 8756884
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article is about a study on Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses, where 538 cases were analyzed to understand clinical manifestations, evaluate diagnostic methods, and assess factors such as age, breed, sex, and abscess location. The study also evaluated treatment responses and fatality rates.
About the Research
This is a retrospective case series study, which basically refers to a study where medical records for a group of patients with a particular condition (in this case, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses) are reviewed to study the outcome.
Clinical Manifestations and Factors
- The study found that the age of the horses with external abscesses was similar to that of the horses with internal abscesses, indicating that age does not play a significant role in the type of abscess formation.
- Sex and breed of the horses were not associated with the infection.
- The disease was prevalent throughout the year, but cases escalated in the fall and early winter months, with the highest incidence noted in September, October, and November.
- Most horses had a single episode of infection with no recurrence in subsequent years.
Abcesses and Infection
- Out of 538 horses, 308 had pectoral abscesses, but the infection was found in several other anatomic locations as well. Some horses also had internal abscesses involving the abdominal or thoracic cavity.
- Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection was readily identified by bacterial culture of aspirate samples from abscesses.
Diagnostic Methods
- The Synergistic Hemolysis Inhibition (SHI) test was a useful tool for diagnosing internal abscesses but proved unreliable for diagnosing external abscesses.
- Conversely, serology (a diagnostic method that involves testing blood serum) appeared useful for diagnosing internal abscesses but not external ones.
Treatment Response and Fatality
- Horses with external abscesses responded well to conventional treatment, while those with internal abscesses did not.
- While the overall case fatality was relatively low (3.9%), horses with internal abscesses had a much higher fatality rate (40.5%) than horses with external abscesses (0.8%).
Conclusions
The study concluded that the prognosis for horses with internal abscesses related to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection is considerably poorer than those with external abscesses. It also highlighted the importance of serology in diagnosing internal abscesses.
Cite This Article
APA
Aleman M, Spier SJ, Wilson WD, Doherr M.
(1996).
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in horses: 538 cases (1982-1993).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 209(4), 804-809.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Abscess / diagnosis
- Abscess / epidemiology
- Abscess / veterinary
- Animals
- Corynebacterium Infections / diagnosis
- Corynebacterium Infections / epidemiology
- Corynebacterium Infections / veterinary
- Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis / isolation & purification
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses
- Incidence
- Male
- Recurrence
- Retrospective Studies
- Seasons
Citations
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- Silva WM, Carvalho RDO, Dorella FA, Folador EL, Souza GHMF, Pimenta AMC, Figueiredo HCP, Le Loir Y, Silva A, Azevedo V. Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Changes in the Benchmark Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Biovar Equi Exoproteome after Passage in a Murine Host.. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017;7:325.
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