Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Campylobacteriosis in an aborted equine fetus.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1989
- Authors:
- Hong, C B & Donahue, J M
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Science
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 7-month-old horse fetus was diagnosed with an abortion caused by a type of bacteria called Campylobacter fetus subsp fetus. The fetus was smaller than expected for its age, and its small intestine showed signs of bleeding and thickening. Under a microscope, there were signs of inflammation and the presence of curved bacteria in the intestinal glands. The bacteria were found in the stomach contents, liver, and lungs, but the placenta could not be examined. This case highlights the serious impact of this bacterial infection on fetal development in horses.
Abstract
Abortion caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp fetus was diagnosed in a 7-month-old equine fetus. The fetus was small for its gestational age. Macroscopically, the proximal portion of the small intestine was hemorrhagic and its wall was thick. Histologically, the Brunner glands were distended with neutrophils, and the submucosa was thick, owing to fluid accumulation and/or cellular infiltrates. Curved bacteria were observed in the Brunner glands and intestinal glands. Campylobacter fetus subsp fetus was isolated from stomach contents, liver, and lungs, and was detected by dark-field microscopic examination of ocular fluid and stomach contents. Placenta was not available for examination.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2917894/