Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Can my pet horse give me meningitis?
By Minces, L R et al.·Published in Epidemiology and infection·2011·Department of Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Human meningitis from Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus acquired as zoonoses.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is a rare bacteria that can cause meningitis, an infection of the brain and spinal cord, in humans, usually after coming into contact with infected animals or their unpasteurized products. The paper discusses various cases of this infection and highlights a specific case of a 51-year-old woman who developed meningitis after being in contact with a horse. She was treated successfully with a medication called ceftriaxone, although penicillin is generally preferred for this type of infection. Overall, the treatment worked well for her.
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus rarely causes meningitis in humans by contact with domestic animals or their unpasteurized products. In this paper we reviewed the literature pertaining to the epidemiological and clinical aspects relating to this infection on previously reported cases of human disease. Additionally, the case of a 51-year-old female who acquired meningitis with this organism after contact with a horse is described. This patient was successfully treated with ceftriaxone, yet penicillin remains the treatment of choice. This aetiological agent should be considered in the proper epidemiological context.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20492747/