Ghanem M. Al-Ghamdi,
Serology Study of Streptococcus equi in Saudi Arabia,
Veterinary Research,
Volume 5,Issue 5,
2012,
Pages 107-109,
ISSN 1993-5412,
vr.2012.107.109,
(https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=vr.2012.107.109)
Abstract: Strptococcus equi which is a Gram-positive bacteria
causes strangles a highly contagious disease that affects the respiratory system
of the horse. The disease is characterized by fever, nasal discharges and enlargement
of the lymph nodes in the head and upper neck region. The aim of this study
was to determine the prevalence of S. equi infection among horses residing
on horse farms in the main regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To achieve
this aim, field visits were made to horse farms in Al-Ahsa, Dammam, Jubail,
Riyadh, Jeddah, Hafr Al-Baten, Al-Baha and Al-Tayf. A total of 103 farms that
contained 1343 horses were investigated. Farm owners and managers were questioned
regarding the presence of signs similar to strangles. In the meantime, serum
was collected from 181 horses. This initial survey indicated no horses had clinical
signs of strangles. However, serologic work detected antibody titer against
S. equi in 52 horses (>28%) of which 12 horses had highly significant
titer. These horses were located in several locations around Saudi Arabia. It
is very likely that the disease has been underdignaosed.
Keywords: Horses;Streptococcus equi;serology;underdiagnosed;Saudi Arabia