Molecularly confirmed Echinococcus equinus infection in a UK horse with concurrent intestinal disease. Issue 3 (31st May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferreira, Helena; Fews, Debra; Grimm, Felix; Silva, Gonçalo; Macaulay, Ewan
• Is Part Of: Veterinary record case reports. Volume 9:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-05-31
• Subjects: Echinococcus -- horses -- molecular techniques -- zoonoses; Veterinary medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; 636.08905
• DOI: 10.1002/vrc2.107
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-6121

Abstract

Abstract: A 15‐year‐old Cob mare presented with a 1‐year history of weight loss. Blood work was compatible with inflammation and abdominal ultrasonography showed mild thickening of the intestinal wall and a hypoechoic cystic structure in the liver. Despite medical treatment, euthanasia was elected due to further weight loss and poor welfare. Necropsy revealed a cyst in the liver containing hydatid sand. Cytology of the cystic fluid and histopathology of the cyst wall confirmed infection by a metacestode. PCR of the cystic fluid yielded a sequence identical to that documented for the COX1 gene of Echinococcus equinus . Histopathology of a thickened area of intestine noted at post‐mortem was suggestive of mild lymphoplasmacytic enteritis and this was suspected to be the cause of clinical disease. The metacestode infection was considered sub‐clinical. Routine speciation of hydatid cysts using PCR should improve assessment of the epidemiology of E. equinus and help monitor its zoonotic potential.