Work

First Detection of Rhodococcus equi in a Foal in Bulgaria—A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The case describes the following scenario: A 56-day-old Arabian filly presented with classical symptoms of respiratory distress and a rapidly deteriorating condition despite intensive antimicrobial treatment, resulting in death. Post-mortem examination revealed severe bronchopneumonia with characteristic disseminated pus-containing nodules. Microbiological tests and PCR confirmed the presence of R. hoagii carrying the virulence-associated protein A (vapA) gene. The isolate was sensitive to macrolides and fluoroquinolones but showed resistance or intermediate susceptibility to several commonly used antimicrobials. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by this intracellular pathogen and emphasizes the importance of early detection, targeted therapy, and biosecurity measures — especially in the absence of an effective commercial vaccine.

Source: Animals

DOI: 10.3390/ani15142058

Authors: Betina Boneva-Marutsova, Plamen Marutsov, Katharina Kerner, Georgi Zhelev

Institutions: Trakia University, Laboklin (Germany)

Language: English

Topic: Infectious Disease Case Reports and Treatments

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896