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Mycopathologia1986; 94(2); 123-129; doi: 10.1007/BF00437377

Equine pythiosis in Costa Rica: report of 39 cases.

Abstract: Thirty-nine pythiosis equine cases, were studied at the Veterinary Medicine School of the National University of Costa Rica, between 1981 and 1984. Lesions were located in different parts of their anatomy: anterior and posterior extremities, abdomen, thorax, breast and mammary gland, and were characterized by their tumoral appearance with necrotic tissue in which yellow-white coral-like necrotic masses, called kunker or leeches were shown. Splendore-Hoeppli like phenomenon and eosinophilic inflammatory reaction around the hyphae, was microscopically observed. Pythium sp. (Hyphomyces destruens) was isolated in Sabouraud dextrose agar from ground kunkers. Immunodiffusion (ID) to diagnose this disease in equines, was performed with success. Immunotherapy was applied to 5 of affected horses, and three were cured. Some epizootiological aspects of the pythiosis are also discussed.
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Publication Date: 1986-05-01 PubMed ID: 3088454DOI: 10.1007/BF00437377Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research article is about a study on 39 cases of equine pythiosis in Costa Rica performed at the Veterinary Medicine School of the National University between 1981 and 1984. The researchers isolated the Pythium species from infected tissues, identified the characteristics of the disease, established an immunodiffusion diagnostic test, and tested immunotherapy on five affected horses with some success.

Disease Identification and Presentation

  • The research investigated 39 cases of equine pythiosis, which is an infectious disease caused by the Pythium species, specifically Hyphomyces destruens.
  • The affected horses presented with lesions in various body parts, including their extremities, abdomen, thorax, breast, and mammary glands. These lesions had a tumorous appearance with necrotic or dead tissue.
  • The necrotic tissue contained yellow-white coral-like formations called kunkers or leeches.

Microscopic Observations and Identification of Causative Agent

  • Under the microscope, a Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon, an immune reaction, was observed around the invasive hyphae or filaments of the fungus.
  • This cellular reaction was characterized by numerous inflammation-causing eosinophil cells.
  • The Pythium species was isolated from these kunkers and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar, a medium used to grow fungi and yeasts, confirming it as the causative agent for this condition.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • An immunodiffusion (ID) test was used successfully to diagnose the disease in horses. This method of testing uses the horse’s immune response to the Pythium species to confirm infection.
  • Immunotherapy, a treatment method that boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight off disease, was administered to five of the affected horses. Of these, three were cured of the infection, showing promise for this treatment approach.

Additional Research Areas

  • Besides the main focus, the article also discusses various epizootiological aspects of pythiosis, which would involve the occurrence, distribution, and control of the disease in horse populations. This could help in understanding the transmission dynamics and implementing preventive measures.

Cite This Article

APA
Mendoza L, Alfaro AA. (1986). Equine pythiosis in Costa Rica: report of 39 cases. Mycopathologia, 94(2), 123-129. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00437377

Publication

Mycopathologia
ISSN: 0301-486X
NlmUniqueID: 7505689
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 94
Issue: 2
Pages: 123-129

Researcher Affiliations

Mendoza, L
    Alfaro, A A

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Costa Rica
      • Dermatomycoses / microbiology
      • Dermatomycoses / pathology
      • Dermatomycoses / therapy
      • Dermatomycoses / veterinary
      • Female
      • Horse Diseases / microbiology
      • Horse Diseases / pathology
      • Horse Diseases / therapy
      • Horses
      • Immunodiffusion
      • Immunotherapy
      • Male
      • Pythium / isolation & purification
      • Skin Tests

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