Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Scedosporium prolificans infection associated with arthritis and osteomyelitis in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Swerczek, T W et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Science · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse developed a serious infection caused by a fungus called Scedosporium prolificans, which was linked to arthritis and bone infection in its leg. Initially, the horse was thought to have an issue with a tendon, but treatment didn’t help much. After a procedure to collect fluid from the joint, the horse's leg swelled up significantly, and X-rays showed damage to the bones in that area. Unfortunately, the horse did not improve with treatment and was put to sleep. An examination after death revealed severe joint and bone damage, and tests confirmed the presence of the fungus.
Abstract
Scedosporium prolificans was associated with arthritis and degenerative osteomyelitis in a 6-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse. The horse was suspected to have an inflammatory lesion of the interosseous tendon, but treatment had resulted in only a minimal response. Shortly after diagnostic arthrocentesis of the left metacarpophalangeal joint was performed, the joint became severely swollen, and radiography of the area revealed lysis of the distal end of the third metacarpal bone, the proximal sesamoid bones, and the proximal end of the proximal phalanx. The horse did not respond to treatment and was euthanatized. At necropsy, severe erosive arthritis and degenerative osteomyelitis of the left metacarpophalangeal joint were seen. Swab specimens of the ulcerated lesions of the articular cartilage were submitted for microbial culture, and Scedosporium prolificans was isolated. Scedosporium prolificans is a newly recognized opportunistic fungal pathogen of humans and animals. In humans, S prolificans typically causes focal locally invasive infections that primarily involve musculoskeletal tissues; most often, infection is a result of penetrating trauma or surgical incision. In immunocompromised patients, fatal disseminated infection can occur. The fungus is resistant to almost all currently available antimycotic agents.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11394834/