Crossiella equi sp. nov., isolated from equine placentas.

This research article discusses the discovery of a new bacterial species, named Crossiella equi, that was isolated from horse placentas infected with nocardioform placentitis.

Isolation of Actinomycetes

• The research carried out over the past ten years has identified a type of bacteria, known as actinomycetes, in the placentas of horses diagnosed with nocardioform placentitis.
• Nocardioform placentitis is an infection that, even though known to be relatively rare, has seen an increasing number of cases, particularly in 1999 where 144 mares’ placentas were infected.
• This infection can have serious consequences as about half of the cases resulted in the loss of the foal.

Discovery of Crossiella equi

• The researchers were able to isolate a typical actinomycete referred to as a branching mycelium from the placental lesions.
• Further analysis, including a comparison of a sequence of the 16S rDNA gene against public databases, revealed a relationship to members part of the suborder Pseudonocardineae.
• Further investigation showed a close phylogenetic relationship to an existing bacterial species called Crossiella cryophila which related to them both being of the same genus, Crossiella.

Identification of a new species

• Final results from the research led to the proposal of a new bacterial species named Crossiella equi, due to its identification in equine placentas.
• The specific strain of this species identified as LDDC 22291-98(T) (= NRRL B-24104(T) = DSM 44580(T)), has been labelled as the type strain.

Conclusion

• This research is groundbreaking in the identification of a new bacterial species that could broaden our understanding of nocardioform placentitis in horses, and can also focus on determining specific treatments or preventive measures tailored to combat Crossiella equi.