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Leptospira abortion in horses.
E C Hodgin1, D A Miller, F Lozano
1Louisiana Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803.
Summary
Leptospira infection caused late-term equine abortions and neonatal death in Louisiana. Key findings included icterus and nephritis, confirmed by spirochete visualization.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Equine Health
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira species.
- Equine abortions and neonatal deaths can have various etiologies, requiring accurate diagnosis.
Observation:
- Four late-term equine abortions/stillbirths and one neonatal death occurred in Louisiana.
- Clinical signs were not specified, but pathological findings were consistent across cases.
Findings:
- Leptospira infection was identified as the causative agent.
- Consistent gross lesions included icterus (jaundice).
- Consistent microscopic lesions included interstitial nephritis (kidney inflammation).
- Spirochetes were visualized in kidney, liver, and placental tissues using Warthin-Starry staining.
- Immunofluorescence confirmed the diagnosis in two cases.
Implications:
- Highlights Leptospira as a significant cause of reproductive loss in horses.
- Emphasizes the importance of diagnostic pathology in identifying infectious causes of equine abortion.
- Suggests potential zoonotic risk and the need for biosecurity measures in affected areas.