Listeria monocytogenes septicaemia in foals.
Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes rarely causes disease in horses
(Emerson and Jarvis 1968; McCain and Robinson 1976; Clark et
al. 1978; Welsh 1983; Wallace and Hathcock 1995; Larochelle et
al. 1999; Wilkins et al. 2000). It is described as a cause of
abortion, septicaemia in equine neonates, mature horses and
ponies and neurological disease in a foal (Emerson and Jarvis
1968; McCain and Robinson 1976; Clark et al. 1978; Welsh
1983; Wallace and Hathcock 1995; Larochelle et al. 1999;
Wilkins et al. 2000). Most cases of listeriosis in other species
arise from the ingestion of contaminated food and listeriosis is a
common disease in ruminants fed on silage, causing
encephalitis, abortion and septicaemia (Low and Donachie
1997). In this report, we describe the clinical course, laboratory
findings, microbiology results and successful medical treatment
of 3 foals with L. monocytogenes septicaemia associated with
diarrhoea or signs of neurological disease.
Publication Date: 2001-09-18 PubMed ID: 11558750DOI: 10.2746/042516401776254727Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article discusses the findings around three cases of infection in foals by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, which caused septicaemia, a serious bloodstream infection, along with diarrhoea or neurological symptoms. Although rare in horses, these cases emphasize the emerging importance and understanding of this disease in equine animals.
Context and Significance of the Study
- The study focuses on a bacterium known as Listeria monocytogenes which, although rarely causing illness in horses, can lead to abortion, septicaemia, and neurological disease. Interestingly, this disease seems to be more common in animals that eat contaminated food, specifically ruminants (animals that regurgitate their food to chew it again, like cows and sheep) fed on silage.
- The researchers are expanding on previous work in this area, as there are many different groups cited who have all, at varying times, explored the relationship between Listeria monocytogenes and disease in equine species.
Methodology & Results
- The study describes the clinical course, laboratory findings, and microbiology results for three foals (young horses under one year old) with L. monocytogenes septicaemia.
- Each of these foals showed either diarrhoea or neurological disease signs in addition to their bloodstream infection, suggesting these could be associated symptoms of the infection in horses.
Implications & Impact
- These findings suggest that Listeria monocytogenes may be a more significant cause of disease in horses than previously believed, particularly in younger ones such as the foals studied here.
- If further research confirms these initial findings, this would have implications for veterinary medicine and farming practices, as Listeria monocytogenes may need to be considered as a potential health threat to horses, especially foals.
- The study also highlights the successful medical treatment of these three cases, which could serve as foundational knowledge for future treatment protocols.
Cite This Article
APA
Jose-Cunilleras E, Hinchcliff KW.
(2001).
Listeria monocytogenes septicaemia in foals.
Equine Vet J, 33(5), 519-522.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516401776254727 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
- Bacteremia / diagnosis
- Bacteremia / drug therapy
- Bacteremia / microbiology
- Bacteremia / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / drug therapy
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horses
- Listeria monocytogenes / drug effects
- Listeria monocytogenes / growth & development
- Listeriosis / diagnosis
- Listeriosis / drug therapy
- Listeriosis / veterinary
- Male
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Phelps S, Chong D, McKenzie E, Kiupel M, Gorman E. Rapport de cas Mononuclear pleocytosis and meningoencephalitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes in an adult horse. Can Vet J 2023 Apr;64(4):363-366.
- Elbert JA, Rissi DR. Systemic Listeria monocytogenes infection and concurrent pleural mesothelioma in a cat. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021 Jan;33(1):120-123.
- Revold T, Abayneh T, Brun-Hansen H, Kleppe SL, Ropstad EO, Hellings RA, Sørum H. Listeria monocytogenes associated kerato-conjunctivitis in four horses in Norway. Acta Vet Scand 2015 Nov 9;57:76.
- Kabir A, Lamichhane B, Habib T, Adams A, El-Sheikh Ali H, Slovis NM, Troedsson MHT, Helmy YA. Antimicrobial Resistance in Equines: A Growing Threat to Horse Health and Beyond-A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024 Jul 29;13(8).
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