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Cryptococcal pneumonia and abortion in an equine fetus
1California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System, Tulare 93274.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|November 15, 1992
Summary
Cryptococcus neoformans caused abortion in an equine fetus. The mare experienced endometritis but the infection resolved naturally without treatment, allowing for a healthy foal the next year.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Mycology
- Equine Infectious Diseases
- Reproductive Pathology
Background:
- Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that can cause disease in various hosts.
- Fungal infections in equine pregnancies can lead to significant reproductive losses.
Observation:
- A 9-month-old equine fetus aborted due to Cryptococcus neoformans-induced pneumonia.
- The mare, an American Paint, was diagnosed with endometritis post-abortion.
- Initial vaginal cultures were positive for Cryptococcus neoformans one month after abortion.
Findings:
- The equine endometritis and Cryptococcus neoformans infection in the mare resolved spontaneously within five months without antimicrobial or antifungal therapy.
- Subsequent breeding of the mare resulted in a live, premature foal.
- The foal showed no evidence of Cryptococcus neoformans infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for spontaneous resolution of Cryptococcus neoformans infections in mares following abortion.
- It suggests that mares with post-abortion endometritis due to Cryptococcus may still have successful future pregnancies.
- Further research into the host-pathogen dynamics and immune response in equine Cryptococcus infections is warranted.