Rhodococcus equi Flashcards
what are the characteristics of R. equi in the lab setting
- gram +
- non-hemolytic
- salmon-pink mucoid colonies
what problems does R. equi cause
- Pneumonia in foals
- mesenteric lymphadenitis & arthritis in foals
- tubercle lesions in cervical lymph nodes of swine and cattle
what group of animals are we mainly concerned about with R. equi
foals
True or False:
Rhodococcus equi in naturally found in the horse intestine.
true
besides the horse intestine, where can R. equi also be found
-soil
- stable with contaminated horse manure
how can foals come in contact with Rhodococcus equi
-soil
-feces
-inhalation of infected dust
what is the main cell that changes the pathogenesis of R. equi
macrophages
what is the outcome of phagocytosed macrophages in the alveoli
neutrophilic infiltration and abscess formation in the lungs
when are foals mostly susceptible to Rhodococcus equi
4 and 12 weeks of age
what are common clinical signs of R. equi in foals
- difficulty breathing / cough
-lethargy - serous to mucopurulent nasal discharge
what else is commonly seen with R. equi
lymphadenitis
how does R. eqi present in swine
lymphadenitis of the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes
in what species would you expect to see lesion on the liver in a case of R. equi
goats
how can you diagnose Rhodococcus equi
- clinical signs
- bacteria culture
- transtracheal aspirates
what is the treatment regime for Rhodococcus equi
Erythromycin + Rifampin > 4 weeks
