Streptococcus equi subsp. equi
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Causes Strangles
- Caused by very pathogenic Streptococcus equi subsp. equi
- Haemolytic streptococci of Lancefield group C are common inhabitants of the equine nasopharynx
- Streptococcus zooepidemicus and S. equisimilis are usually non-pathogenic
- Typically suppurative rhinitis, pharyngitis and lymphadenitis of the lymph nodes of the head and neck that drain the upper respiratory tract, these lymph nodes often rupture and discharge pus 2-3 weeks after the onset of infection
- Infection with Streptococcus equi occurs after contact with contaminated feed, water bowls or an infected carrier horse
- Organism remains viable in environment for months
- Possibility of other sources of infection - in pharynx of in-contact dogs?, guttural pouches of persistently infected horses
- Attaches to nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, then mucosa, lymphatics and lymph nodes
- Multiplies extra-cellularly