Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First outbreak of autochthonous "surra" in horses in Santa Catarina State, Brazil: Parasitological, hematological and biochemical characteristics.
- Journal:
- Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Reck, Carolina et al.
- Affiliation:
- Institute of Veterinary Research and Diagnostic · Brazil
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study describes the first outbreak of a disease called "surra," caused by a parasite, in horses in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Six horses were found to have this infection after showing serious symptoms and were confirmed through specific tests. Initially, these horses had very low blood cell counts and abnormal levels of certain substances in their blood, indicating they were quite ill. After 90 days of treatment, the horses showed signs of recovery, their blood tests returned to normal, and they no longer tested positive for the parasite. However, the researchers could not determine how the horses became infected, highlighting the need for monitoring and control measures to prevent further outbreaks.
Abstract
This study reports the first autochthonous "surra" outbreak in horses in the State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Six horses with clinical suspicion of trypanosomosis had the natural infection by T. evansi confirmed by PCR and rapid serum agglutination test. Clinical, parasitological, and hematology evaluations were performed at initial observation (T0) and 90 days after (T1). At T0, all animals that tested positive for T. evansi in PCR presented with severe clinical signs and out of normal range hematological hematological (hematocrit, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin) and serum biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine, bilirubin, and glucose). At T1, the progressive clinical recovery of animals, normalization of hemato-biochemical parameters, and negative PCR results for T. evansi were observed. It was not possible to identify the vector/mechanism of transmission through which animals were infected; therefore, the implementation of surveillance and control measures is essential to prevent the spread of this disease in horse herds, as well as to other animal species.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32862919/