Mycotic keratitis in a horse caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The first reported case in Finland.
Abstract: The first identified Finnish case of equine mycotic keratitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus is described. The clinical picture, the sampling method, the macro- and micromorphology of the causative fungus and the therapy applied are reported in detail. Therapy with natamycin (Pimafucin 2.5% eyedrops. Gist-Brocades) was successful. Mykotisk keratit hos häst orsakad av beskrivs första gången i Finland. Klinisk bild, provtagning, makroskopisk och mikroskopisk morfologi av svampen samt terapi rapporteras i detalj. Terapin med natamycin (Pimafucin® 2.5 % ögondroppar, Gist-Brocades) var effektiv.
Publication Date: 1991-01-01 PubMed ID: 1814187PubMed Central: PMC8127900DOI: 10.1186/BF03546967Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research presents the first known case of mycotic keratitis in a horse caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus in Finland, exploring the clinical signs, the sampling method, the characteristics of the fungus, as well as the successful treatment with natamycin.
Clinical Picture
- The article begins by describing the clinical picture of the horse infected with mycotic keratitis. Mycotic keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea, which can lead to serious sight problems in horses if left untreated. The clinical picture allows the reader to understand the symptoms and signs of the disease in the infected horse.
Sampling Method
- The researchers then outline the sampling method used to diagnose the infection. This likely involves taking a sample from the horse’s cornea and sending it for laboratory analysis to identify the causative agent.
Fungus Characteristics
- Next, the macro- and microscopic morphology of the Aspergillus fumigatus fungus that caused the infection is detailed. Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous fungus that can cause a wide spectrum of diseases in humans and animals, including mycotic keratitis. Describing its features helps in understanding why it is capable of causing this particular disease.
Therapy and Treatment
- The article concludes by reporting on the treatment applied to the horse. The researchers used a therapeutic agent called natamycin, which is typically used to treat fungal infections of the eye. The treatment was successful, pointing to natamycin as a viable option for treating similar cases in the future.
Cite This Article
APA
Aho R, Tala M, Kivalo M.
(1991).
Mycotic keratitis in a horse caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The first reported case in Finland.
Acta Vet Scand, 32(3), 373-376.
https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03546967 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- National Veterinary Institute, Regional Laboratory, Oulu, Finland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Aspergillosis / microbiology
- Aspergillosis / veterinary
- Aspergillus fumigatus / isolation & purification
- Eye Infections, Fungal / microbiology
- Eye Infections, Fungal / veterinary
- Female
- Finland
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horses
- Keratitis / microbiology
- Keratitis / veterinary
References
This article includes 16 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Tahoun A, Elnafarawy HK, Elmahallawy EK, Abdelhady A, Rizk AM, El-Sharkawy H, Youssef MA, El-Khodery S, Ibrahim HMM. Epidemiological and Molecular Investigation of Ocular Fungal Infection in Equine from Egypt. Vet Sci 2020 Sep 8;7(3).
- Mustikka MP, Grönthal TSC, Pietilä EM. Equine infectious keratitis in Finland: Associated microbial isolates and susceptibility profiles. Vet Ophthalmol 2020 Jan;23(1):148-159.
- Elad D. Therapy of Non-Dermatophytic Mycoses in Animals. J Fungi (Basel) 2018 Oct 30;4(4).
- Elad D, Segal E. Diagnostic Aspects of Veterinary and Human Aspergillosis. Front Microbiol 2018;9:1303.
- Nardoni S, Mancianti F, Sgorbini M, Taccini F, Corazza M. Identification and seasonal distribution of airborne fungi in three horse stables in Italy. Mycopathologia 2005 Aug;160(1):29-34.
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