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Home / Equine Research Bank / Can Vet J / Halicephalobus gingivalis encephalomyelitis in a horse.
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne2000; 41(7); 559-561;

Halicephalobus gingivalis encephalomyelitis in a horse.

Abstract: An 8-year-old, Arabian mare presented with acute progressive ataxia and a firm swelling over the right mandible. Radiographs revealed multiple radiolucent areas on the mandibles. The mare's neurological signs progressed, she was consequently euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed mandibular granulomatous reactions and meningoencephalitis due to the nematode Halicephalobus gingivalis.
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Publication Date: 2000-07-25 PubMed ID: 10907579PubMed Central: PMC1476181
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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.

This research study examines a case of an Arabian horse that die due to an infection by the nematode Halicephalobus gingivalis that affected the brain and spinal cord and resulted in the formation of lumps in the lower jaw.

Background

  • This study revolves around a case study of an eight-year-old Arabian mare
  • The horse presented acute progressive ataxia, a condition that affects the coordination and balance of the horse due to nerve damage.
  • It was also observed that the horse was having an abnormal swelling over the right mandible, which is unusual in horses.

Radiographic Analysis and Overall Decline

  • Medical imaging, specifically radiographic, analyses were performed to find any underlying anomalies.
  • The radiographs revealed multiple radiolucent areas on mandibles. Radiolucency usually indicates the presence of structures that are less dense or containing air, which could be an indicator of abnormality.
  • Despite the efforts to help the horse regain its health, the neurological signs of the horse worsened over time. This progressive neurologic deterioration is a typical sign of encephalomyelitis, an inflammatory condition involving the brain and spinal cord.

Postmortem Results

  • As a last resort to understand the cause and progression of the disease, the mare was euthanized and a postmortem examination was performed.
  • During the postmortem, the pathologists found granulomatous reactions in the mandibles. These granulomas are usually a form of inflammation caused by a persistent infection.
  • Further examination revealed that the horse had meningoencephalitis caused by Halicephalobus gingivalis, a nematode.
  • Halicephalobus gingivalis is a free-living nematode that is known to cause opportunistic infections in horses and humans and can be fatal, as happened in this case.

Cite This Article

APA
Bröjer JT, Parsons DA, Linder KE, Peregrine AS, Dobson H. (2000). Halicephalobus gingivalis encephalomyelitis in a horse. Can Vet J, 41(7), 559-561.

Publication

The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 7
Pages: 559-561

Researcher Affiliations

Bröjer, J T
  • Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph.
Parsons, D A
    Linder, K E
      Peregrine, A S
        Dobson, H

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Encephalitis / parasitology
          • Encephalitis / veterinary
          • Female
          • Granuloma / parasitology
          • Granuloma / veterinary
          • Horse Diseases / parasitology
          • Horse Diseases / pathology
          • Horses
          • Mandibular Diseases / parasitology
          • Mandibular Diseases / veterinary
          • Nematode Infections / pathology
          • Nematode Infections / veterinary

          References

          This article includes 12 references
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          Citations

          This article has been cited 8 times.
          1. Pillai VV, Mudd LJ, Sola MF. Disseminated Halicephalobus gingivalis infection in a horse. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023 Mar;35(2):173-177.
            doi: 10.1177/10406387221141698pubmed: 36482716google scholar: lookup
          2. Noiva R, Ruivo P, de Carvalho LM, Fonseca C, Fevereiro M, Carvalho P, Orge L, Monteiro M, Peleteiro MC. First description of a fatal equine infection with Halicephalobus gingivalis in Portugal. Relevance for public health. Vet Med Sci 2019 May;5(2):222-229.
            doi: 10.1002/vms3.142pubmed: 30672155google scholar: lookup
          3. Onyiche TE, Okute TO, Oseni OS, Okoro DO, Biu AA, Mbaya AW. Parasitic and zoonotic meningoencephalitis in humans and equids: Current knowledge and the role of Halicephalobus gingivalis. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2018 Feb;3(1):36-42.
            doi: 10.1016/j.parepi.2017.12.002pubmed: 29774297google scholar: lookup
          4. Pintore MD, Cerutti F, D'Angelo A, Corona C, Gazzuola P, Masoero L, Colombo C, Bona R, Cantile C, Peletto S, Casalone C, Iulini B. Isolation and molecular characterisation of Halicephalobus gingivalis in the brain of a horse in Piedmont, Italy. Parasit Vectors 2017 Mar 7;10(1):135.
            doi: 10.1186/s13071-017-2070-3pubmed: 28270191google scholar: lookup
          5. Taulescu MA, Ionicã AM, Diugan E, Pavaloiu A, Cora R, Amorim I, Catoi C, Roccabianca P. First report of fatal systemic Halicephalobus gingivalis infection in two Lipizzaner horses from Romania: clinical, pathological, and molecular characterization. Parasitol Res 2016 Mar;115(3):1097-103.
            doi: 10.1007/s00436-015-4839-7pubmed: 26631187google scholar: lookup
          6. Lim CK, Crawford A, Moore CV, Gasser RB, Nelson R, Koehler AV, Bradbury RS, Speare R, Dhatrak D, Weldhagen GF. First human case of fatal Halicephalobus gingivalis meningoencephalitis in Australia. J Clin Microbiol 2015 May;53(5):1768-74.
            doi: 10.1128/JCM.00032-15pubmed: 25694532google scholar: lookup
          7. Jung JY, Lee KH, Rhyoo MY, Byun JW, Bae YC, Choi E, Kim C, Jean YH, Lee MH, Yoon SS. Meningoencephalitis caused by Halicephalobus gingivalis in a thoroughbred gelding. J Vet Med Sci 2014 Mar 1;76(2):281-4.
            doi: 10.1292/jvms.13-0437pubmed: 24107465google scholar: lookup
          8. Ferguson R, van Dreumel T, Keystone JS, Manning A, Malatestinic A, Caswell JL, Peregrine AS. Unsuccessful treatment of a horse with mandibular granulomatous osteomyelitis due to Halicephalobus gingivalis. Can Vet J 2008 Nov;49(11):1099-103.
            pubmed: 19183732
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