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Funisitis associated with leptospiral abortion in an equine placenta
M Sebastian1, R Giles, J Roberts
1Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA. msebasti@uky.edu
Abstract:
Funisitis, inflammation of the umbilical cord, is well recognized in human placentas. This report describes a case of funisitis associated with leptospiral infection in the placenta of a Thoroughbred foal born prematurely. The umbilical cord had diffuse superficial yellow discoloration along its entire length. Microscopic evaluation showed an exudate of neutrophils admixed with fibrin on the surface. Warthin-Starry staining showed spirochetes in the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord. A locally extensive, severe placentitis not involving the star and allantoic cystic hyperplasia were the other lesions observed in the allantochorion. Leptospira funisitis is similar to the funisitis of congenital syphilis in humans, although there are some major microscopic differences. In Leptospira funisitis, lesions were limited to the cord surface, whereas in lesions in human umbilical cords with Treponema pallidum infection, the changes are observed mostly around the vessels and in the Wharton's jelly.
Insights
This study reports a case of equine funisitis, an umbilical cord inflammation, caused by leptospiral infection in a prematurely born foal. Microscopic analysis revealed spirochetes, indicating a novel cause of this condition in veterinary medicine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Equine Neonatal Disease
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Funisitis, or umbilical cord inflammation, is a recognized condition in human placentas.
- Leptospiral infections are a significant cause of abortion and neonatal disease in livestock.
Observation:
- A case of premature Thoroughbred foal birth presented with funisitis.
- The umbilical cord exhibited diffuse yellow discoloration and microscopic evidence of neutrophilic exudate and fibrin.
- Warthin-Starry staining identified spirochetes within the Wharton's jelly.
Findings:
- The foal's placenta showed severe placentitis and allantoic cystic hyperplasia.
- Leptospira was identified as the causative agent of funisitis in this equine case.
- Microscopic lesions in equine Leptospira funisitis differ from human congenital syphilis, primarily affecting the cord surface.
Implications:
- This finding expands the known causes of funisitis in foals.
- It highlights the potential for Leptospira to cause umbilical cord inflammation in horses.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of neonatal equine infections.
