2023, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A
Rhodococcus equi: An emerging bacterial pathogen of public health significance
Author(s): Mahendra Pal, Kirubel Paulos Gutama, Sujatha Singh and Sonia Botton
Abstract: Rhodococcus equi, a well-known pathogen in equines, is now emerging as an important opportunistic pathogen of humans especially in immunocompromised subjects, such as HIV-infected individuals, causing the lung infection. The soil, particularly polluted with animal manure, is considered as the natural habitat of R. equi. The source of infection is exogenous, and transmission occurs through inhalation of organisms from the environment. It is a common cause of disease in foals between the ages of two and six months. Rhodococcus equi has several clinical symptoms in foals. Pneumonia with abscess in the lungs is the most prevalent. Intestinal disease, which may or may not be linked with diarrhea, is another less prevalent signs of disease. Many R. equi-infected foals recover, but those who are seriously afflicted may not. A bacterial culture and cytology of a transtracheal wash are required for a definitive diagnosis of Rhodococcus equi infection. Antibiotics, such as erythromycin (or another macrolide) and rifampin are often used to treat R. equi infection. Currently, no vaccine is commercially available for immunization. Infection with R. equi is difficult to avoid, however, there are some key management aspects that can help lower the risk of infection. The best ways are good foal management, regular screening, and early identification.
Pages: 32-35 | Views: 434 | Downloads: 232
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How to cite this article:
Mahendra Pal, Kirubel Paulos Gutama, Sujatha Singh, Sonia Botton. Rhodococcus equi: An emerging bacterial pathogen of public health significance. J Adv Microbiol Res 2023;4(1):32-35.
