Detection of Neorickettsia risticii, the agent of Potomac horse fever, in a Gypsy Vanner stallion from Manitoba.
Abstract: A horse with colitis from Manitoba referred to the Veterinary Medical Centre, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, was diagnosed with Potomac horse fever (PHF). Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the feces confirmed Neorickettsia risticii infection. This is the first reported case of PHF in Manitoba. Détection deNeorickettsia risticii,agent de la fièvre du Potomac, chez un étalon Gypsy Vanner du Manitoba. Un diagnostic de fièvre du Potomac a été posé pour un cheval du Manitoba atteint de colite qui avait été recommandé au Veterinary Medical Centre du Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Une analyse des fèces par amplification en chaîne par la polymérase a confirmé l’infection par Neorickettsia risticii. Il s’agit du premier cas de fièvre du Potomac au Manitoba.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).
Publication Date: 2016-03-05 PubMed ID: 26933267PubMed Central: PMC4751770
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Summary
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This study reports the first case of Potomac horse fever in a horse from Manitoba, confirmed through a fecal polymerase chain reaction analysis that identified the infection as Neorickettsia risticii.
Background and Purpose
- The purpose of this research was to diagnose and report the first case of Potomac horse fever (PHF) in Manitoba. PHF is a serious disease in horses, often leading to severe diarrhea, fever, and even death. The disease is caused by the bacteria, Neorickettsia risticii.
- The study focuses on a particular horse, a Gypsy Vanner stallion, that was showing signs of colitis, a common symptom of PHF.
Methodology
- The horse was referred to the Veterinary Medical Centre at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for diagnosis and treatment.
- Diagnosis of PHF was confirmed using a polymerase chain reaction analysis of the horse’s feces.
Results and Findings
- The horse tested positive for Neorickettsia risticii infection, confirming the diagnosis of PHF. This makes it the first reported case of PHF in Manitoba.
- The application of a polymerase chain reaction analysis in this case demonstrates its effectiveness as a diagnostic tool for detecting Neorickettsia risticii.
Conclusion and Significance
- By identifying and reporting the first case of PHF in Manitoba, this research will hopefully increase awareness among local veterinarians and horse owners regarding the potential presence of the disease in the area.
- This study also demonstrates the value of polymerase chain reaction analysis in the accurate and rapid diagnosis of Neorickettsia risticii infection.
Cite This Article
APA
Durán MC, Marqués FJ.
(2016).
Detection of Neorickettsia risticii, the agent of Potomac horse fever, in a Gypsy Vanner stallion from Manitoba.
Can Vet J, 57(3), 293-295.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
MeSH Terms
- Anaplasmataceae Infections / diagnosis
- Anaplasmataceae Infections / diagnostic imaging
- Anaplasmataceae Infections / veterinary
- Animals
- Colitis / diagnostic imaging
- Colitis / microbiology
- Colitis / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horses
- Male
- Manitoba
- Neorickettsia risticii
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
- Ultrasonography / veterinary
References
This article includes 14 references
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