Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi.
Abstract: Strangles, caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi subsp equi, is a highly contagious disease of equids classically characterized by a high fever and enlarged lymph nodes of the head. Diagnostic sampling depends on the stage of the disease. The goal of treating strangles is to control transmission and to eliminate infection while providing future host immunity. Daily temperature checking and isolation of febrile horses is the key to controlling outbreaks. Eradication of this disease will not be possible until S equi carriers are eliminated from the equine population.
Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2023-02-01 PubMed ID: 36737294DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.11.006Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article examines the disease Strangles in horses, discussing its cause, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment methods, and the importance of controlling transmission for disease eradication.
Disease Overview
- Strangles is a contagious disease affecting horses and other equids, caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.
- The disease is characterized by symptoms such as high fever and enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the head region.
Diagnostics
- Diagnostics depends on the stage of the disease. The study does not elaborate on the specific diagnostic procedures employed, but in general terms, a diagnosis may involve identification of symptoms and potentially lab testing to confirm the presence of the bacteria.
Treatment and Control
- The main objective of treating strangles is to reduce transmission, eliminate the infection and ensure future immunity in the host.
- The key approach in controlling outbreaks is daily temperature monitoring and quarantine of feverish horses. These measures are vital in preventing the spread of the disease among equine populations.
Disease Eradication
- According to the research, total eradication of Strangles won’t be achievable until carriers of the S. equi bacteria are completely eliminated from the equine population. These carriers can potentially spread the disease even if they do not show apparent symptoms.
Future Perspectives and Research
- The paper underlines the importance of further studies and intensive efforts to identify and eliminate carriers in an attempt to eradicate the disease. This would involve improving diagnostic capabilities and the implementation of efficient containment strategies within equine populations.
Cite This Article
APA
Boyle AG.
(2023).
Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 39(1), 115-131.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2022.11.006 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA. Electronic address: boylea@vet.upenn.edu.
MeSH Terms
- Horses
- Animals
- Streptococcus equi
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Streptococcus
- Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
- Streptococcal Infections / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Zhao Y, Liu Y, Tao J, Cao J, Lin Y, He Q, Fang X, Yun S, Du M, Su S, Bao T, Bai D, Zhang X, Dugarjaviin M. Isolation, identification and comparative genomic analysis of Lactobacillus salivarius from Mongolian horse vagina. Front Microbiol 2025;16:1635639.
- Pinn-Woodcock TL, Aprea MS, Lejeune M, Tomlinson JE. Molecular detection of pathogens in an equine fever diagnostic panel: 2019-2023. Equine Vet J 2026 Mar;58(2):486-496.
- Knox A, Beddoe T. Enhancement of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with guanidine hydrochloride for the detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (Strangles). PeerJ 2024;12:e17955.
- Veiga RF, Clarindo LN, Fensterseifer AL, Pompelli LH, Sfaciotte RAP, Schwarz DGG, Eloy LR, Ferraz SM. Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus equi isolated from horses in Santa Catarina state, Southern Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2024 Dec;55(4):4147-4155.
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