[Pilot study of the occurrence of Prototheca in fecal samples of horses].

The research article is about a pilot study that examined horse fecal samples to detect the presence of Prototheca spp. using a selective culture medium. The results indicate that horses can also harbor and shed Prototheca spp. at varying frequencies.

Research Objective

• The main goal of this pilot research was to investigate the occurrence of Prototheca spp. in horse fecal samples. Prototheca spp. are algae linked to infections in various animals and, in rare cases, humans, leading to diseases such as protothecosis. Therefore, understanding its presence and spread is important for veterinary and human health.

Methodology

• The researchers gathered fecal samples from 146 horses.
• To detect the presence of Prototheca spp., a selective medium created by PORE in 1973 was utilized. This selective medium facilitates the growth of Prototheca spp., allowing for their easy detection.

Findings

• Prototheca zopfii, a common species of Prototheca, was found in monoculture from 9 of the fecal samples. This translates to a 6.2% occurrence rate within the sample.

Significance

• The pilot study provides preliminary evidence that horses can also act as hosts for Prototheca spp., implying it is possible for them to transmit the infectious agent to other animals or even humans.
• Beyond indicating horses’ potential role in Prototheca spp. spread, the findings hint at variability in shedding frequency, which may be crucial for understanding the transmission dynamics of this group of algae.