Pseudallescheria boydii infection of the nasal cavity of a horse.

The study discusses the case of an 18-year-old horse with a chronic, foul-smelling nasal discharge. An examination revealed a fungal infection by Pseudallescheria boydii within the nasal cavity that was successfully treated with antifungal agents.

Background and Presentation

• The research article starts with the presentation of a case involving an 18-year-old American Quarter Horse. The horse, weighing 454 kg, was brought in for evaluation due to a persistent, intermittently occurring, malodorous nasal discharge coming from the right nostril.
• The horse’s condition worried the health team, resulting in a thorough examination with endoscopy. The endoscopy revealed a mycotic plaque located near the nasomaxillary opening of the right caudal maxillary sinus. Notably, this opening appeared larger than it would typically be in a normal setting.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• The veterinarian team collected specimens from the abnormal mycotic plaque for analysis. Upon culturing, these specimens yielded the fungal species Pseudallescheria boydii, revealing the cause of the issue. Pseudallescheria boydii is a fungus found in soil and water known to cause various types of infections in animals and humans.
• Upon diagnosis, the horse was promptly started on a detailed antifungal treatment regimen. This treatment included 2% miconazole administered intranasally, sodium iodide given intravenously, and potassium iodide orally administered.

Outcome and Follow-Up

• The researchers monitored the horse’s progress following the treatment. Revisions conducted thirty and sixty days after the start of the treatment showed promising results.
• At both follow-up points, the horse’s nasal cavity was found to be free of infection, indicating that the antifungal therapy was successful in curing the Pseudallescheria boydii infection.

Significance and Implications

• This case study can lead to a better understanding of Pseudallescheria boydii infections in horses, including the presentation, diagnosis, and successful treatment protocol.
• The research introduces the possibility of other horses suffering from similar issues with undetected fungal infections being the root cause. Such infections might be treatable with the same or similar antifungal therapies.