Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Mare with skin nodules in Brazil - what to know about leishmaniasis
By de Pinho, Flaviane Alves et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2023·Teaching Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Clinical evolution of equine leishmaniasis with self-limiting cutaneous disease caused by Leishmania infantum in northeastern Brazil: A case report.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old Mangalarga Marchador mare developed skin nodules on her head and neck shortly after arriving at a new home in Brazil. Over seven weeks, these nodules turned into ulcerated lesions and spread to her legs. Blood tests showed signs of anemia and inflammation, and a biopsy confirmed she had a skin infection caused by Leishmania infantum. The vet treated her with a topical antiseptic and insect repellent, and after 14 months of regular follow-ups, the mare's skin lesions improved significantly without needing specific medication for the infection.
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Abstract
Leishmania infantum infections have long been described in humans and dogs worldwide, but characterization of equine cases remains scarce. We describe the clinical evolution of a natural L. infantum infection to contribute to the diagnostic knowledge and epidemiology of equine leishmaniasis (EL). An auction-acquired four-year-old Mangalarga Marchador mare from Pernambuco state, presented a few subcutaneous nodules on the head and neck upon arrival at the purchaser's stud at Bahia state, in November of 2019. They progressed to multiple ulcerated and non-ulcerated nodules and spread to both right limbs in seven weeks. Hematology revealed anemia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and elevated plasma fibrinogen. Histopathology of the biopsied nodules identified a granulomatous dermatitis with macrophages containing Leishmania amastigotes. PCR detected Leishmania in skin lesions, but not in blood or spleen aspirate samples; ITS1 PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing confirmed L. infantum species. A topical antiseptic and insect-repellent therapy and a monthly follow-up were established. All lesions improved progressively, without specific anti-Leishmania treatment, and 14 months later there was a consistent resolution. This first description of EL by L. infantum in an endemic area is relevant to emphasize the need for epidemiological studies, and to enhance clinicians' awareness for differential diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37208087/