Besnoitiosis in a horse.
Besnoitiosis was confirmed in a pony which presented with inspiratory dyspnoea, scleroderma and ventral oedema. Numerous cysts were visible in the sclerae. Histological examination of the skin confirmed the presence of numerous cysts. The parasite could not be transmitted by subcutaneous injection of homogenised skin from the infected horse to rabbits and a horse. Ultrastructural morphology of the crescent-shaped bradyzoites was not compatable with Besnoitia besnoiti or B. jellisoni and it is proposed that the infection was caused by B. bennetti.
van Heerden
J
J
Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Medical University of Southern Africa, Medunsa.
Els
H J
HJ
Raubenheimer
E J
EJ
Williams
J H
JH
D000818:Animals; D003048:Coccidiosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D021741:Eimeriida / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000473:pathology; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D012876:Skin Diseases, Parasitic / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*