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Use of an insect cell culture growth medium to isolate bacteria from horses with effusive, fibrinous pericarditis: a
Samuel L Jones1, Amy Valenzisi, Sushama Sontakke
1Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
Abstract:
Effusive, fibrinous pericarditis is an uncommon disease entity in horses. In 2001, pericarditis occurred in conjunction with an epizootic in central Kentucky that was associated with exposure to eastern tent caterpillars (ETCs). Bacterial isolation from equine pericardial fluid samples was attempted using an insect cell culture growth medium (ICCGM). Using previously cultured, stored frozen samples from four horses with fibrinous pericarditis, inoculation of 10% blood agar plates yielded no growth, whereas simultaneous inoculation of ICCGM resulted in the isolation of Proprionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus equorum, a Streptococcus sp. and Pseudomonas rhodesiae from pericardial fluid samples. A similar or novel caterpillar-associated bacteria was not identified; however, use of an ICCGM might enhance isolation of bacteria from equine pericardial fluid.
Insights
Effusive, fibrinous pericarditis in horses is rare. An insect cell culture growth medium (ICCGM) aided in isolating bacteria like Proprionibacterium acnes from equine pericardial fluid, suggesting its utility.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Effusive, fibrinous pericarditis is an uncommon condition in horses.
- An epizootic in central Kentucky in 2001 was linked to eastern tent caterpillars (ETCs) and pericarditis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bacterial causes of equine pericarditis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of an insect cell culture growth medium (ICCGM) for isolating bacteria from equine pericardial fluid.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolation attempts from stored equine pericardial fluid samples.
- Comparison of growth on 10% blood agar plates versus ICCGM.
Main Results:
- No bacterial growth was observed on blood agar plates.
- ICCGM facilitated the isolation of Proprionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus equorum, a Streptococcus sp., and Pseudomonas rhodesiae.
- No novel or ETC-specific bacteria were identified.
Conclusions:
- The use of ICCGM may improve the isolation of bacteria from equine pericardial fluid.
- Further research is needed to identify specific caterpillar-associated bacteria, if any, involved in equine pericarditis.
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