Glanders in animals: a review on epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and countermeasures.
Abstract: Glanders or farcy, caused by Burkholderia mallei, is an infectious and zoonotic disease of solipeds. Horses, donkeys and mules are the only known natural reservoir of B. mallei. Although glanders has been eradicated from most countries, it has regained the status of a re-emerging disease because of the numerous recent outbreaks. Pre-symptomatic or carrier animals are the potential source of infection for the healthy equine population and play a crucial role in the spreading of the infectious agent. Glanders is characterized by ulcerating nodular lesions of the skin and mucous membrane. Generalized symptoms include fever, malaise, depression, cough, anorexia and weight loss. Burkholderia mallei can invade its host through mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract and the integument. Its virulence mechanisms and pathogenesis are not yet completely understood. A major problem when using serological tests for diagnosing glanders is the occurrence of false-positive and false-negative results leading to difficulties in international trade with equids and to the spread of glanders to disease-free regions. Moreover, poor tests critically result in poor control of disease. These tests are not only incapable of discriminating between B. mallei and B. pseudomallei antibodies, they are also unable to differentiate between malleinized and naturally infected animals. Combined use of both serological and molecular detection methods increases the detection rate of glanders. Countermeasures against glanders include early detection of disease in susceptible animals, stringent quarantine measures, testing and safe destruction of infected carcasses, adequate compensation to the animal owners, disinfection of infected premises and awareness about glanders and the zoonotic implications through veterinary extension services. An account of the clinical picture and successful experimental therapy of spontaneous equine glanders is also given.
© 2012 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
Publication Date: 2012-05-27 PubMed ID: 22630609DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2012.01342.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
Summary
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This study delves into the details of Glanders or Farcy in animals, which is an existing zoonotic disease caused by Burkholderia mallei, primarily affecting horses, donkeys, and mules. The paper covers its epidemiology, clinical symptoms, diagnostic hurdles, and mitigation strategies.
Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation
- The research discusses Glanders, an infectious disease that primarily infects solipeds like donkeys, mules, and horses.
- Burkholderia mallei is the bacterium causing the infection. While it was eradicated from many countries, recent outbreaks have elevated it to the status of a re-emerging disease.
- The bacteria can enter the host through several pathways like mucous membranes, the gastrointestinal tract, or the skin.
- However, the complete mechanisms of its virulence and pathogenesis are not yet fully comprehended.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosing Glanders has its challenges due to the chances of false-positive and false-negative results when using serological tests.
- This uncertainty not only hampers international trade with equids but also risks spreading to disease-free regions.
- Moreover, such diagnostic tests cannot draw a clear distinction between antibodies of B. mallei and B. pseudomallei, nor can they distinguish between malleinized (vaccinated) and naturally infected animals.
- The research suggests that using both serological and molecular detection methods could potentially increase the accuracy of glanders detection.
Countermeasures
- The paper recommends several countermeasures to control the spread of glanders, including early detection, strict quarantine measures, and testing.
- Other recommendations include safe disposal of infected carcasses, providing apt compensation to the owners, and sanitizing the infected premises.
- Moreover, raising awareness about the disease and its zoonotic implications through vet extension services is also suggested.
- The study also provides an overview of the clinical picture and successful experimental therapy of spontaneous equine glanders.
Cite This Article
APA
Khan I, Wieler LH, Melzer F, Elschner MC, Muhammad G, Ali S, Sprague LD, Neubauer H, Saqib M.
(2012).
Glanders in animals: a review on epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and countermeasures.
Transbound Emerg Dis, 60(3), 204-221.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1865-1682.2012.01342.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Jena, Germany. drkhan_uaf@yahoo.com
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Burkholderia mallei / genetics
- Burkholderia mallei / isolation & purification
- Burkholderia mallei / pathogenicity
- Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control
- Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
- Equidae
- Glanders / diagnosis
- Glanders / epidemiology
- Glanders / prevention & control
- Horses
- Virulence
- Zoonoses / diagnosis
- Zoonoses / epidemiology
- Zoonoses / prevention & control
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