Ten cases ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuisinfections linked to equine abortions in Japan, 2018–2019

Abstract

Equine abortions can lead to tremendous economic losses for horse breeders and are divided into infectious and non-infectious causes.Infectious abortions are commonly attributed to viruses and bacteria, and fungi can occasionally lead to equine abortions (Giles et al., 1993). Common viral agents that lead fetal deaths are equine herpesvirus (EHV)-1, EHV-4 and equine arteritis virus, and common

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Horses: A Narrative Review

“…Clinical manifestation of NTM in humans includes pulmonary disease (which comprised 90% of all NTM infections), lymphadenitis, soft tissue and bone infections, and disseminated disease [ 25 ]. In equids, infections with M. avium species are primarily associated with the gastrointestinal tract [ 12 , 13 , 26 ] and the reproductive system [ 11 , 15 , 17 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. A limited number of equine cases included abnormalities of soft tissue [ 14 , 16 ], bone infection [ 4 ], and interstitial pneumonia [ 2 ].…”

“…During the last few decades, mycobacteria have been reported to cause placentitis and abortions in mares [ 11 , 15 , 17 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. The first case of foal abortion associated with Mycobacterium terra infection was reported in 1981 [ 11 ].…”

The Mycobacterium avium complex – an underestimated threat to humans and animals

“…Of these, MAH, a ubiquitous environmental saprophyte, causes chronic lung disease and is an etiological agent of lymphadenitis in pigs. MAH also has a wide range of hosts: cases of disseminated MAH infection have been described in other mammals, including dogs, cats, cattle, goats, domestic rabbits, cervidae and horses [11,12,13,14]. MAA and MAS are most often isolated from birds, in which their symptoms and course resemble tuberculosis [3].…”

“…Pathogenesis and clinical signs in animals. MAC bacteria are also known to cause disease in many animal species, such as dogs [55], cats [56], pigs [42], cattle [57], horses [12] and birds [58]. MAC infections are rarely diagnosed in dogs,; however, the presence of the disease is generally regarded to be associated with immunodeficiency.…”

“…Horses are relatively resistant to MAC infections, with documented cases referring more to MAA [74] and MAH [12] infections. In the course of the disease, horses often suffer from diarrhea, mastitis and neck stiffness, as well as dyspnea and chronic cough.…”