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A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Published on: June 23, 2022
Streptococcus equi meningoencephalomyelitis in a foal.
Carrie Finno1, Nicola Pusterla, Monica Aleman
1Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|September 5, 2006
Summary
Streptococcus equi subsp equi can cause severe meningoencephalomyelitis in foals, leading to neurological signs and fever. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, though outcomes can be poor, highlighting the need for awareness in horses with strangles history.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Equine Infectious Diseases
- Bacterial Pathogenesis
Background:
- Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi subsp equi, is a common upper respiratory tract infection in horses.
- Neurological complications following strangles are rare but can be severe.
Observation:
- A 4-month-old American Paint Horse foal presented with acute ataxia, head tilt, fever, and a heart murmur.
- The foal had a recent history of Streptococcus equi subsp equi infection.
Findings:
- Hematologic analysis revealed leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and mild anemia.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed high protein and nucleated cell counts, with degenerate neutrophils.
- Real-time PCR confirmed Streptococcus equi subsp equi in cerebrospinal fluid, leading to a diagnosis of meningoencephalomyelitis.
Implications:
- Streptococcus equi subsp equi meningoencephalomyelitis should be considered in foals with neurological signs and a history of strangles.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing this severe condition.
- This case underscores the potential for Streptococcus equi subsp equi to cause central nervous system infections in horses.
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