Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Chlamydia psittaci infection as a cause of respiratory disease in neonatal foals.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Gough, S L et al.
- Affiliation:
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Between 2016 and 2018, 15 very sick newborn foals with serious breathing problems were treated at three hospitals in New South Wales due to an infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a bacteria not previously linked to respiratory issues in foals. The study looked at the symptoms and outcomes of these infections. Unfortunately, 13 of the foals either died or had to be euthanized within 36 hours of being hospitalized, while only two survived and were able to go home. Autopsies on the foals that did not survive showed severe lung infections and other organ issues. This research suggests that Chlamydia psittaci should be considered as a possible cause of severe illness in newborn foals, and those handling infected foals should wear protective gear.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: During 2016-2018, 15 critically ill neonatal foals with acute respiratory distress associated with Chlamydia psittaci infection were presented to three referral hospitals in New South Wales. Chlamydia psittaci has not previously been associated with the development of neonatal respiratory disease. OBJECTIVES: To investigate and describe the clinical features and outcome of C. psittaci infection in neonatal foals. STUDY DESIGN: Multicentre retrospective case series. METHODS: The clinical, clinicopathological, necropsy and histological features of 15 foals with confirmed C. psittaci infection were reviewed and reported. RESULTS: Thirteen foals with C. psittaci infection died or were subjected to euthanasia within 36 h of hospitalisation and two foals survived to discharge. Findings during post-mortem examination of nonsurviving foals included bronchopneumonia, pulmonary congestion, hepatic congestion and hepatic inflammation. Detection of C. psittaci was achieved using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of swabs of nasal secretions (4/6) and rectal mucosa (5/7) from live foals, lung tissues of foals at necropsy (11/14) and foetal membranes (4/5). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Small numbers of confirmed cases of neonatal C. psittaci infection and inconsistent sampling methods. CONCLUSIONS: Chlamydia psittaci should be considered a differential diagnosis for neonatal foals with signs of severe systemic disease, including equine neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (EqNARDS). Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic pathogen and a personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn for the management of foals with suspected or confirmed infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31436332/