Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Direct Microbial Identification using An Automated Microbial Identification System to Facilitate the EUCAST RAST Method Without Mass Spectrometry
Published on: May 24, 2024
[Retrospective evaluation of equine blood cultures sampled between 2022 and 2024]
Marie-Louise Geisler1, Anton Heusinger1, Elisabeth Müller1
1Laboklin GmbH und Co. KG, Bad Kissingen.
Objective:
In this study, the results of equine blood cultures sampled during the period from 2022 to 2024 were evaluated. Samples were submitted as routine samples by veterinary practices to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Germany. The study focused mainly on the differentiation of the bacterial isolates. In order to place the results in a clinical context, the study was complemented by a questionnaire sent to the practices enquiring for sepsis-associated clinical signs.
Material And Methods:
The study was carried out retrospectively. A total of 199 blood culture samples submitted by practices located in Germany and other European countries were included into the evaluation. A questionnaire asking for the reason of the individual blood collection and possible presence of sepsis-associated clinical signs was sent to the relevant practices and the returning responses were analyzed.
Results:
50.3% (n=100) of the blood culture samples showed a positive result, divided into 71% monomicrobial and 29% polymicrobial samples. Staphylococci were most frequently detected (30.2%), followed by bacteria of the genus Enterobacterales (18.9%). Nearly half of the horses (41.3%) was pretreated with antibiotics at the time of sample collection. Respiratory infection was the most frequently listed reason (17.4%) for initiation of a blood culture analysis.
Conclusion:
The results of the present study are comparable to previous studies. The isolates were not classified into clinically relevant pathogens and contaminants, as for the majority of patients only one sampling timepoint was available, making any isolate a potential causative agent for bacteremia.
Clinical Relevance:
Sepsis is not a specific condition, but is based on the clinical findings and the result of the performed blood culture analysis. Considering the duration of a bacteriological culture procedure as well as the commonly critical condition of the patient, availability of data concerning the most frequently occurring pathogens is essential in rapidly initiating adequate treatment.
