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Veterinary microbiology2013; 167(1-2); 215-234; doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.01.015

Fungal diseases of horses.

Abstract: Among diseases of horses caused by fungi (=mycoses), dermatophytosis, cryptococcosis and aspergillosis are of particular concern, due their worldwide diffusion and, for some of them, zoonotic potential. Conversely, other mycoses such as subcutaneous (i.e., pythiosis and mycetoma) or deep mycoses (i.e., blastomycosis and coccidioidomycosis) are rare, and/or limited to restricted geographical areas. Generally, subcutaneous and deep mycoses are chronic and progressive diseases; clinical signs include extensive, painful lesions (not pathognomonic), which resemble to other microbial infections. In all cases, early diagnosis is crucial in order to achieve a favorable prognosis. Knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical signs, and diagnosis of fungal diseases is essential for the establishment of effective therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic protocols of equine fungal infections as a support to early diagnosis and application of targeted therapeutic and control strategies.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2013-01-29 PubMed ID: 23428378DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.01.015Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This article focuses on the various types of fungal diseases in horses, namely dermatophytosis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis, which are common worldwide and can also affect humans. Other less common or geographically limited subcutaneous and deep fungal infections are also examined, with a discussion on the importance of early diagnosis and establishing effective therapeutic strategies.

Fungal Diseases in Horses

  • The article discusses common forms of fungal diseases or mycoses often found in horses. These include dermatophytosis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis. These diseases are well-known and found across the world. Of significant concern is their ability to transfer to humans (zoonotic potential).
  • Other less common mycoses such as subcutaneous mycoses (like pythiosis and mycetoma) or deep mycoses (blastomycosis and coccidioidomycosis) are also mentioned. These diseases are usually less common and may be restricted to specific geographic locations.

Clinical Signs and Diagnostic Challenges

  • Notwithstanding their type, these fungal diseases often cause chronic and progressive problems. The typical clinical symptoms include the formation of extensive, painful lesions which are not pathognomonic — meaning they aren’t unique to these diseases and can be mistaken for other microbial infections, thereby making diagnosis challenging.
  • The authors stress the importance of early diagnosis, as it is crucial for making a prognosis and controlling disease progression.

Effective Therapeutic Strategies

  • Knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical symptoms and how to diagnose these diseases is emphasized as essential. This is because such understanding allows for effective strategies to be developed for treating the diseases.
  • The article also aims to provide a review of the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches and therapeutic protocols related to horse fungal infections. This review is intended to support the early diagnosis and implementation of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Cafarchia C, Figueredo LA, Otranto D. (2013). Fungal diseases of horses. Vet Microbiol, 167(1-2), 215-234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.01.015

Publication

Veterinary microbiology
ISSN: 1873-2542
NlmUniqueID: 7705469
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 167
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 215-234

Researcher Affiliations

Cafarchia, Claudia
  • Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Str. prov.le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy. Electronic address: claudia.cafarchia@uniba.it.
Figueredo, Luciana A
    Otranto, Domenico

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Fungi / physiology
      • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
      • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / microbiology
      • Horses
      • Mycoses / diagnosis
      • Mycoses / drug therapy
      • Mycoses / epidemiology
      • Mycoses / microbiology
      • Mycoses / veterinary

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