Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Identification of pathogenic Leptospira strains in tissues of a premature foal by use of polymerase chain reaction analysis.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Léon, Albertine et al.
- Affiliation:
- Laboratoire Dé · France
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A premature Thoroughbred foal died just 24 hours after being born, and a thorough examination showed signs of a severe infection in its body. Tests using a special method called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) found DNA from harmful Leptospira bacteria in several of the foal's tissues, including the lungs and liver. Further analysis revealed that the foal also had pneumonia caused by a different type of bacteria and other signs of infection. These findings suggest that the foal had a leptospiral infection along with other serious health issues at the time of its death. The study shows that this PCR test can be a helpful way to identify harmful Leptospira infections in horses.
Abstract
Studies were carried out to determine the cause of death in a prematurely born Thoroughbred foal that died 24 hours after birth. Necropsy revealed gross lesions suggestive of septicemia. A commercial Leptospira polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay designed to specifically amplify the hemolysis-associated protein 1 (hap1) gene present only in pathogenic Leptospira strains detected the presence of Leptospira DNA in various tissues of the foal. Histologic examination of lung, liver, kidney, and myocardium revealed numerous spirochetes in Warthin-Starry-stained tissue sections. Results of PCR analysis and histologic examination suggested a leptospiral infection in the newborn foal. At the moment of death, the infection coexisted with a streptococcal-associated aspiration bronchopneumonia and postpartum septicemia. These findings indicate that the PCR assay based on the amplification of the hap1 gene represents a useful tool for specific detection of pathogenic leptospira in field samples taken from horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16617708/