Isolation ofCampylobacter FetusSubspeciesFetusin a Two-Year-Old Quarterhorse with Chronic Diarrhea of an Undetermined Etiology

Abstract

Abstract.A 2-year-old Quarterhorse was evaluated for chronic diarrhea and weight loss of 5 weeks duration after numerous diagnostic tests failed to identify an underlying cause. Historically, the horse was housed at pasture where human household waste vehicles were routinely cleaned and the effluent could run onto the field. Physical examination revealed poor body condition and frequent high-volume diarrhea. Diagnostic testing for Salmonella spp., endoparasites, Cryptosporidium spp., Clostridium spp., and diffuse infiltrative bowel disease were negative. Rectal tissue histopathology failed to identify Mycobacterium spp., spirochetal organisms, or submucosal infiltration with cells. Rectal tissue biopsy and a fresh fecal sample identified numerous Campylobacter organisms with microaerobic culture. Molecular testing revealed the species as Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus as a possible organism associated with large bowel disease in this filly. The organism was sensitive to fluoroquinolone antimicrobials in vitro. The filly responded transiently to therapy, forming discrete fecal balls after 72 hr of treatment. At 5 months follow-up, the horse had gained weight, was alert and responsive, but reverted back to having soft ''cow-pie'' feces. Reculture of the feces at 9 months failed to identify any Campylobacter organisms. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to identify C. fetus subsp. fetus from feces and tissue of a horse with the use of molecular methods. This organism could play a role in the etiology of chronic diarrhea in horses.

Clinical and epidemiological analysis of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus infections in humans and comparative genetic analysis with strains isolated from cattle

“…It is hypothesized that exposure to livestock and raw or undercooked animal products represent the main sources for human CFF infections [ 6 ]. CFF has been identified in faeces of beef cattle, sheep, pigs, monkeys, and horses [ 6 , 14 , 15 ]. However, so far no comparative analysis of geno- and phenotypic data of human and animal CFF strains has been performed in a given geographic region, and data from epidemiologic studies of human CFF infection are still scarce.…”

Disease Risk Assessments Involving Companion Animals: an Overview for 15 Selected Pathogens Taking a European Perspective

“…Campylobacter spp. infection also occurs in other companion animal species, but prevalence has not been studied systematically and the infection has only rarely been associated with disease (Harvey and Greenwood, 1985;Gardner and Young, 1987;Skirrow, 1994;L opez et al, 2002;Hurcombe et al, 2009). Birds are natural hosts for C. jejuni (Wieland et al, 2005) and Campylobacter spp.…”

Clinical Approach to Commonly Encountered Problems

“…562 Lawsonia intracellularis can cause equine proliferative enteropathy resulting in diarrhea, colic, edema, and weight loss. 568,569 Both equine rotavirus and coronavirus can be important enteropathogens. Although primarily a respiratory pathogen, Rhodococcus equi also can cause diarrhea, particularly in foals 2 to 4 months of age.…”

“…554,555,568,571,599 However, even in severe cases a definitive diagnosis often is not made, making the problem particularly frustrating.…”