Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Purulent meningoventriculitis caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus in a snow leopard (Panthera uncia).
- Journal:
- Journal of comparative pathology
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Yamaguchi, R et al.
- Affiliation:
- Azabu University · Japan
Plain-English summary
A 16-year-old male snow leopard developed a serious infection in the brain caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, which is known to cause respiratory infections in both people and animals. The snow leopard showed signs of neurological problems and sadly passed away about a month after these symptoms began. An examination after death revealed swollen blood vessels in the brain and cloudy fluid surrounding it, indicating inflammation. The bacteria were found in both the brain tissue and the fluid, suggesting it was the cause of the infection. This case is notable because it's the first time this type of infection has been reported in a big cat other than a domestic cat, and it may have come from horse meat the leopard was fed.
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes respiratory tract infections in man and animals. SEZ infections are very rare in felids. This report describes purulent meningoventriculitis caused by SEZ in an approximately 16-year-old male snow leopard (Panthera uncia). The animal exhibited neurological signs and died 1 month after their onset. On necropsy examination, the surface blood vessels of the brain were swollen and there was an increased volume and turbidity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Microscopically, suppurative inflammation accompanied by gram-positive cocci was observed in the meninges and near the ventricles. SEZ was isolated from the brain tissue and CSF. This is the first report of infection with SEZ in a felid other than a domestic cat. This animal had not had direct contact with horses, but it had been fed horse flesh that may have been the source of infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22516084/