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==Description==  

'''Glanders''' is a contagious disease caused by [[Burkholderia mallei|''Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) mallei'']]. It exists in '''acute''' and '''chronic''' forms. Animals are infected by ingestion of contaminated feed or water, inhalation or via open wounds. The organism invades mucosa and desseminates to other tissue via the lymphatics.  

 

==Introduction==  

'''Glanders''' is a contagious disease caused by '''''Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) mallei'''''. It exists in '''acute''' and '''chronic''' forms. Animals are infected by ingestion of contaminated feed or water, inhalation or via open wounds. The organism invades mucosa and disseminates to other tissue via the lymphatics resulting in nodules and ulcers in the respiratory tract and on the skin.

 

''Burkholderia mallei'' is a species of the ''[[Burkholderia species - Overview|Burkholderia]]'' genus. The presence of ''B. mallei'' in the host causes hypersensitivity reactions.

Three forms of the condition have been described; animals will show signs of one or more forms.

Three forms of the condition have been described; animals will show signs of one or more forms.

* Pulmonary form:

 

'''Pulmonary form''':

 

Small calcified or caseous nodules develop in the lungs, the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed and consolidated. The resulting pneumonia causes respiratory distress and coughing. The nodules frequently degenerate and release their contents into the bronchioles which results in spread of the infection into the upper airways.  

Small calcified or caseous nodules develop in the lungs, the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed and consolidated. The resulting pneumonia causes respiratory distress and coughing. The nodules frequently degenerate and release their contents into the bronchioles which results in spread of the infection into the upper airways.  

   

   

* Nasal form:

'''Nasal form''':

Nodules form on the nasal mucosa, nasal septum and nasal turbinates. These break down to become ulcerative with raised irregular borders, the lesions may heal to form chracteristic star shaped scars. A thick mucopurulent discharge is seen at the nostrils. The local lymph nodes are enlarged and as the disease progresses, they become firm and adhere to underlyinig tissues.  

 

Nodules form on the nasal mucosa, nasal septum and nasal turbinates. These break down to become ulcerative with raised irregular borders, the lesions may heal to form characteristic star shaped scars. A thick mucopurulent discharge is seen at the nostrils. The local lymph nodes are enlarged and as the disease progresses, they become firm and adhere to underlyinig tissues.  

   

   

* Cutaneous form (Farcy):

'''Cutaneous form (Farcy)''':

Carnivores can also be infected by ingestion of infected carcasses.

Carnivores can also be infected by ingestion of infected carcasses.

The diease is '''zoonotic''', humans are infected by inoculation through a wound and mortality is high.  

The disease is '''zoonotic''', humans are infected by inoculation through a wound and mortality is high.  

 

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Equidae are most commonly affected, horses tend to get the chronic form and mules and donkeys the acute form.   

Equidae are most commonly affected, horses tend to get the chronic form and mules and donkeys the acute form.   

The disease was once widespread in the UK but was eradicated in 1928 and is now a Notifiable disease. Animals imported from areas at high risk of the disease must be blood tested before entry into the UK is permited. Distribution is limited to parts of SE Asia, The Middle East, India, North Africa, China and Mongolia.  

The disease was once widespread in the UK but was eradicated in 1928 and is now a Notifiable disease. Animals imported from areas at high risk of the disease must be blood tested before entry into the UK is permitted. Distribution is limited to parts of SE Asia, The Middle East, India, North Africa, China and Mongolia.  

   

   

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Clinical signs may be sufficient to diagnose the condition, however they do not develop until the disease is advanced, therefore specific tests are indicated in suspected cases to aid prompt diagnosis.

A diagnosis of ''B.mallei'' can be made by collecting specimens, including discharges from lesions and blood for serology. The bacteria grows on media containing 1% glycerol. Most strains are non-lactose fermenters on MacConkey agar. Complement fixation and agglutination can be carried out, as can serology.

===Clinical Signs===

===Clinical Signs===

====Acute====

====Acute====

====Chronic====

====Chronic====

* Nodular, ulcerative nasal lesions

* Nodular, ulcerative nasal lesions

* Subcutaneous nodules which rupure and discharge exudate

* Subcutaneous nodules which rupture and discharge exudate

* Enlarged lymph nodes

* Enlarged lymph nodes

Animals are debilitated and show clinical signs for several months, the disease may be fatal or the animal may appear to recover but it will act as a carrier and source of infection for spread of the disease.  

Animals are debilitated and show clinical signs for several months, the disease may be fatal or the animal may appear to recover but it will act as a carrier and source of infection for spread of the disease.  

===Clinical tests===

===Clinical Tests===

The Mallein test is used most frquently to diagnose the condition, a fraction of the causative organism is injected intradermally into the eyelid or applied as eyedrops, a positive result is seen as local swelling and discharge 1-2 days post testing.  

The '''Mallein test''' is used most frequently to diagnose the condition, a fraction of the causative organism is injected intradermally into the eyelid or applied as eyedrops, a positive result is seen as local swelling and discharge 1-2 days post testing.  

===Laboratory Tests===

===Laboratory Tests===

Other diagnostic tests include an Elisa, complement fixation and culture of the orgamism from exudative lesions.  

Other diagnostic tests include an [[ELISA testing|Elisa]], complement fixation and culture of the organism from exudative lesions.  

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

There is no vaccine available. Prevention and control focuses on prompt detection and slaughter of infected animals and complete quarantine and disinfection of the affected premises.  

There is no vaccine available. Prevention and control focuses on prompt detection and slaughter of infected animals and complete quarantine and disinfection of the affected premises.  

    

    

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Prognosis is poor, the diease is usually fatal. Animals which survive should be slaughtered to prevent spread of the disease.  

Prognosis is poor, the disease is usually fatal. Animals which survive should be slaughtered to prevent spread of the disease.  

 

 

 

 

==References==

==References==

* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''

* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''

[[Category:Respiratory_Bacterial_Infections]]

[[Category:Respiratory_Bacterial_Infections]]

[[Category:Zoonoses]]

[[Category:Zoonoses]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_lizzyk]]

[[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Horse]]

[[Category:Respiratory_Disorders_-_Horse]]