Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bacterial infection linked to heart disease in horses
By Aalbaek, Bent et al.·Published in APMIS : acta pathologica, microbiologica, et immunologica Scandinavica·2007·Department of Veterinary Pathobiology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Actinobacillus equuli subsp. equuli associated with equine valvular endocarditis.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looks at a case of heart valve infection in a horse caused by a specific type of bacteria called Actinobacillus equuli subsp. equuli. While many strains of this bacteria can be found in healthy horses, this is the first time it has been linked to a serious condition like endocarditis (an infection of the heart valves) in horses. The researchers also provide new details about the characteristics of this bacteria compared to what was known before. Overall, this case adds important information to our understanding of how this bacteria can affect horses' health.
Abstract
Microbiological and pathological data from a case of equine valvular endocarditis are reported. Limited information is available on the pathogenic potential of equine Actinobacillus species as several strains originate from apparently healthy horses. After the establishment of two subspecies within this species, this seems to be the first report of an etiological association between A. equuli subsp. equuli and equine endocarditis. Furthermore, new information on some phenotypical characteristics of this subspecies is reported, compared to previous findings.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18184417/