Equine cryptococcal endometritis and placentitis with neonatal cryptococcal pneumonia.

This research paper documents a rare case of fungal endometrial infection, Cryptococcosis, in a horse that led to an infection in the placenta and ultimately the death of a newborn foal due to pneumonia.

Study Objective and Background

• The main objective of this study was to investigate and document a rare case of cryptococcal endometritis and placentitis in a Thoroughbred mare, that subsequently led to the death of her foal due to cryptococcal pneumonia.
• Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease that typically affects the nervous or respiratory systems in humans and animals, but rarely impacts the female genital system.
• In literature, there are only a few recorded cases of the infection causing abortion in horses or uterine infection in humans.

Research Methodology

• Post-delivery, the placenta was submitted to the University of Kentucky’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center for examination. The attributes such as weight, condition, and appearance were studied.
• The bacteria and fungi in the placenta were cultured and identified. Cellular morphology and biochemical profiles were used for identification.
• Particular sections of the placenta were fixed in formalin and processed for hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining as well as mucicarmine staining.
• The reactions and changes in the placenta were observed and noted to study the spread and impact of the disease.

Disease Progression and Treatment

• The newborn foal started showing signs of lethargy at birth which was briefly improved by antibiotic treatment.
• At 6 days of age, the foal developed pneumonic symptoms.
• The foal was treated with antifungals and antibiotics after a transtracheal wash was performed.

Findings and Conclusion

• The findings displayed a proliferation of yeast in the placenta, which was traced to Cryptococcus neoformans. This yeast was found to be budded and surrounded by a thick capsule, and the reaction within the placenta was seen to be inflammatory, causing a slight infiltration of neutrophils.
• Despite treatment, the infection proceeded to develop into pneumonia in the foal, leading to its death at 9 days old. This underlines the severity of Cryptococcosis and the potential risks it poses to both the mother and offspring.