Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis associated with Neospora caninum in a USA captive bred zebra (Equus zebra).
Abstract: A 6-year-old female captive zebra (Equus zebra) had a three-year history of slow progressive neurologic signs that recently worsened with hind limb ataxia, head tilt, and circling. Gross examination including the brain and spinal cord were unremarkable. On histopathology, the brain and brainstem had multiple random areas of severe lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis associated with numerous 15-25 μm in diameter protozoal cysts with a discernible outer wall containing numerous 2 × 4 μm oval to crescent-shaped organisms. Immunohistochemistry and PCR identified the presence of Neospora organisms associated with the lesions. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is generally associated with Sarcocystis neurona or less commonly Neospora hughesi. Molecular characterization revealed the first case of EPM associated with Neospora caninum in an equid as confirmed by DNA analysis.
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021-08-24 PubMed ID: 34879932DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100620Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Case Reports
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This study investigates a case of Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) in a captive zebra associated with the pathogen Neospora caninum, representing the first confirmed case of this association in an equid species.
Background
- EPM or Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis is a disease that impacts horses and other members of the equid family.
- It is generally caused by the protozoan parasites Sarcocystis neurona or, less commonly, Neospora hughesi.
- In this study, a 6-year-old captive female zebra that had shown progressive neurologic signs for three years was examined.
Findings and Analysis
- The zebra’s condition had recently worsened, leading to hind limb ataxia (lack of muscle control), head tilting, and circling behaviors.
- Physical examination of the zebra and its brain and spinal cord did not reveal noticeable abnormalities.
- However, histopathology, the study of changes in tissues caused by disease, revealed several areas in the brain and brainstem where severe lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis, an inflammation of the brain and meninges accompanied by a hyperplasia of plasma cells and lymphocytes, was present.
- These areas were associated with numerous 15-25 µm diameter protozoal cysts containing several 2 × 4 µm oval to crescent-shaped organisms.
- The organisms were identified as Neospora through immunohistochemistry and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests.
Significance
- This is the first documented case of EPM caused by Neospora caninum in an equid, confirmed through a DNA analysis.
- This discovery expands the understanding of the potential pathogens responsible for causing EPM in equines.
- It also underscores the need for differential diagnosis in EPM cases, considering multiple potential causative agents.
Implication for Future Research
- This research highlights that Neospora caninum could be an emerging pathogen in equids, which needs further study.
- Future research may explore the prevalence of Neospora caninum in different equid populations and its potential impact on their health.
Cite This Article
APA
Ruppert S, Lee JK, Marsh AE.
(2021).
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis associated with Neospora caninum in a USA captive bred zebra (Equus zebra).
Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports, 26, 100620.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100620 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Pathology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA. Electronic address: jlee2@midwestern.edu.
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Coccidiosis / diagnosis
- Coccidiosis / veterinary
- Encephalomyelitis / veterinary
- Equidae
- Female
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Neospora / genetics
- Sarcocystosis / diagnosis
- Sarcocystosis / veterinary