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Home / Equine Research Bank / Mycopathologia / Investigations into the biology of three ‘phycomycotic...
Mycopathologia1983; 81(1); 23-28; doi: 10.1007/BF00443905

Investigations into the biology of three ‘phycomycotic’ agents pathogenic for horses in Australia.

Abstract: Although 'phycomycosis' is a common disease of horses in northern Australia little is known about the causative fungi. In this paper the laboratory methods for diagnosis are described. These revealed 38 cases caused by Pythium sp. (Hyphomyces destruens), 6 cases caused by Basidiobolus haptosporus and 2 caused by Conidiobolus coronatus. Laboratory studies on the chemotatic behaviour of zoospores of Pythium sp. showed that they were strongly attracted to both animal hairs and plant tissue. Because of this behaviour a simple baiting method using human hair was used to trap the fungus from water samples taken from different locations near Townsville, Queensland. B. haptosporus was isolated by indirect culture from the faeces of 5 bearded dragon lizards (Amphibolurus barbatus) captured near a small creek near Brisbane. By combining previously published information with data obtained in the present study, ecological life-cycles for Pythium sp., B. haptosporus and C. coronatus are proposed. They include mechanisms whereby horses may become infected.
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Publication Date: 1983-01-17 PubMed ID: 6682179DOI: 10.1007/BF00443905Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • 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.

The research article focuses on the study of three fungi that cause a common disease, ‘phycomycosis’, in horses in northern Australia and proposes possible ecological life-cycles for these fungi based on laboratory and field experiments.

Introduction and Purpose:

  • The investigation was carried out because of the widespread presence of ‘phycomycosis’ among horses in northern Australia and the limited knowledge about the fungi causing this disease.

Research Methodology:

  • The research describes the laboratory procedures used to diagnose the diseases.
  • It identified 38 cases of Pythium sp., 6 cases of Basidiobolus haptosporus, and 2 cases of Conidiobolus coronatus.
  • Zoospores of Pythium sp. were studied in the laboratory to understand their chemotactic behaviour.
  • The researchers found that these zoospores showed strong attraction towards animal hairs and plant tissues.

Data Collection and Analysis:

  • A baiting method with human hair was used to trap the Pythium sp. fungus from water samples collected from different locations near Townsville, Queensland. This confirmed the chemotactic behaviour of the zoospores observed in lab conditions.
  • Basidiobolus haptosporus was isolated indirectly from fecal content of five bearded dragon lizards captured near a creek in Brisbane.

Findings and Conclusion:

  • The combination of previously published information with the first-hand data collected helped propose ecological life-cycles for Pythium sp., B. haptosporus, and C. coronatus.
  • The proposed life-cycles include mechanisms of how horses in northern Australia may get infected with these pathogens.

Cite This Article

APA
Miller RI. (1983). Investigations into the biology of three ‘phycomycotic’ agents pathogenic for horses in Australia. Mycopathologia, 81(1), 23-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00443905

Publication

Mycopathologia
ISSN: 0301-486X
NlmUniqueID: 7505689
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 81
Issue: 1
Pages: 23-28

Researcher Affiliations

Miller, R I

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Australia
    • Fungi / isolation & purification
    • Horse Diseases / microbiology
    • Horses
    • Mycoses / microbiology
    • Mycoses / veterinary
    • Pythium / isolation & purification

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 12 times.
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