Emericella nidulans as an agent of guttural pouch mycosis in a horse.

This research paper discusses a case where a horse suffered from a fungal infection in the guttural pouch which was caused by Emericella nidulans, leading to the death of the horse. It also emphasizes the importance of considering Emericella nidulans as a main instigator of guttural pouch mycosis in horses.

The Case

• The research focuses on a 9-year-old Anglo-Arab horse that suffered from a fungal infection known as guttural pouch mycosis.
• The fungus causing this infection was identified as Emericella nidulans.
• This case was severe enough that it led to the horse’s death through exsanguination, or severe blood loss, which occurred due to erosion of the external carotid artery.

Examination and Findings

• Upon examination of the mycotic plaque, the researchers discovered various features characteristic of Emericella nidulans. They observed septate hyphae (divided fungal filaments), conidial heads (asexual spore-producing structures), hülle cells (specialized fungal cells) and mature cleistothecia (enclosed spore-producing structures).
• The researchers were able to confirm the infection was caused by Emericella nidulans through culture, a method of growing the fungus in a controlled environment for study.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• Based on their findings and previous studies, the researchers suggest that Emericella nidulans be recognized as a major cause of guttural pouch mycosis in horses.
• This focus will help in better diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections in horses, potentially preventing fatal cases like the one reported in this study.