THE STREPTOCOCCI OF EQUINES

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Equine Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Streptococcal infections are common in horses.
• Identifying specific streptococcal species and their pathogenicity is crucial for equine health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of streptococci in the nasal mucosa and pharynx of eastern and western horses.
• To determine the pathogenicity of isolated streptococcal strains.

Main Methods:

• Bacteriological examination of nasal and pharyngeal swabs from horses.
• Cultivation and biochemical characterization of streptococcal isolates.
• Pathogenicity testing in mice and rabbits.

Main Results:

• Non-hemolytic streptococci were common in the nasal passages and pharynx of both eastern and western horses.
• Hemolytic streptococci, identified as Streptococcus pyogenes, were found in western horses' nasal passages and were pathogenic.
• Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus equi were isolated from horses with various pathological conditions, including influenza, strangles, and abscesses.

Conclusions:

• Hemolytic streptococci, particularly Streptococcus pyogenes, play a significant role in equine diseases.
• Biochemical profiles differentiate Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus equi, aiding in diagnosis.
• Understanding streptococcal distribution and pathogenicity is vital for controlling equine infections.