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Blood culture status in mature horses with diarrhoea: A possible association with survival
Author(s) -
JOHNS I.,
TENNENTBROWN B.,
SCHAER B. DALLAP,
SOUTHWOOD L.,
BOSTON R.,
WILKINS P.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/042516409x360208
Subject(s) - blood culture , horse , medicine , antimicrobial , survival rate , gastroenterology , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , antibiotics , paleontology
Summary Reasons for performing study : The incidence and implications of positive blood cultures in mature horses with diarrhoea is unknown. The diagnosis of bacteraemia may alter treatment and prognosis. Hypothesis : The proportion of horses with diarrhoea that are blood culture positive is higher than previously assumed and a positive blood culture has a negative impact on survival. Methods : Blood cultures were taken at admission and 24 h after admission from 31 mature horses with diarrhoea. Results : Nine (29%) horses were blood culture positive within 24 h of admission. Organisms isolated included Corynebacterium spp. (n = 6), Streptococcus spp. (n = 2), Pantoea agglomerans (n = 1), Gram‐negative rod (n = 1), Bacillus spp. (n = 1) and yeast (n = 1). Horses with positive blood cultures were significantly less likely to survive. Prior treatment with antimicrobial drugs had no significant effect on blood culture status. Horses with positive blood cultures had a significantly higher heart rate, packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma potassium concentration at admission, and a higher PCV and lower total plasma protein concentration 24 h after admission. Conclusions : Positive blood cultures occur more frequently than previously reported, and may have a negative impact on survival in horses with diarrhoea. Potential relevance : Results of blood cultures may be useful in formulating a prognosis for horses with diarrhoea. Further research is required to determine the effect of antimicrobial treatment on outcome.