The present
report describes the clinical, macroscopic and histologic findings associated with Halicephalobus gingivalis
infection in a
male Arab horse, in the
state of Minas Gerais,
Brazil. The
animal presented with acute
neurologic signs that quickly progressed to a
comatose status. Due to the lack of response to
therapy, rapid progression of signs and poor
prognosis, the
horse was euthanized.
Post-mortem examination revealed large granulomatous nodules in the
kidneys. Renal and internal iliac
lymph nodes were enlarged and with loss of corticomedullary distinction. Histopathology revealed granulomatous
encephalitis,
nephritis,
lymphadenitis and focal granulomatous
pneumonia associated with marked and
chronic infection caused by H. gingivalis. This is the first
report of H. gingivalis
infection in
horses in Minas Gerais. H. gingivalis
infection should be included in the list of
differential diagnosis of equine neurologic
diseases in the
state of Minas Gerais.(AU)