Human Case by the Pathogenic Streptococci that Causes “Strangles” in Horses

This abstract mentions, the patient was elderly, so I am presuming a compromised immune system. This is a reminder to be diligent around sick pets and horses to avoid contact with infected materials. Consider gloves and always wash your hands. Those with compromised immune systems should avoid contact with horses with infection altogether.

A Human Case of an Infection by the Pathogenic Streptococci that Causes “Strangles” in Horses
Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2023 Jan 23;10(1):003719.
Authors
Falgun Gosai 1 , Neha Gosai 2
Affiliations

1 Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois, USA.
2 Avalon School of Medicine, Curacao.

Abstract

Strangles is a contagious upper respiratory tract infection primarily affecting equines. It is rare disease with zoonotic transmission. It is caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus equi. We present the rare case of strangles in an elderly patient complicated by bacteraemia, osteomyelitis and native valve endocarditis. The patient was treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics and no surgical intervention was needed. In an age of accelerated emerging zoonosis, this is an important entity clinicians should be aware of to prevent delay in diagnosis and poor outcome.

Learning points: Strangles is a disease of equines, rarely it can affect the humans and can delay the diagnosis and management.This case represents the importance of thorough history taking and assessment.Use of an appropriate antibiotics can avoid surgical interventions in the some cases of Strangles.

Keywords: Strangles; osteomyelitis; zoonosis.