This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Eye Diseases » Corneal Ulcers, Fungal and Bacterial Keratitis »
  Discussion on Fungal Isolates and Sensitivity are Geographically Different
Author Message
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Oct 8, 2007 - 11:39 am:

Concerning fungal eye ulcers, in the Northeast US, Fusarium was most often found while in the Southeast, Candida was most common. The initial drugs of choice were also different even when the same organisms were compared. We would like to see more surveys of this type because of the importance of rapid control, the article suggests ways to deal with this variability and suggestions on selecting empirical treatment while waiting for cultures and sensitivity.
DrO

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007 Oct 1;231(7):1086-91.
In vitro susceptibility patterns of fungi associated with keratomycosis in horses of the northeastern United States: 68 cases (1987-2006).

Ledbetter EC, Patten VH, Scarlett JM, Vermeylen FM.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.

Objective-To determine in vitro susceptibility patterns of fungi associated with keratomycosis in horses in the northeastern United States and compare those patterns with results of studies from other geographic regions. Design-Retrospective case series. Animals-68 horses with keratomycosis. Procedures-Medical records of horses with a clinical diagnosis of keratomycosis, positive results of corneal fungal cultures, and susceptibility data were reviewed from the years 1987 to 2006. Fungal identification and in vitro antifungal susceptibility test results were recorded. The percentage of susceptible isolates was compared among antifungals for all isolates together and for the most common genera individually. Results-74 fungal isolates from 68 horses that met inclusion criteria were identified. Aspergillus, Candida, and Fusarium spp were the most frequent isolates. Grouped isolates had the highest percentage of susceptibility to nystatin (87.7%), natamycin (87.5%), and clotrimazole (80.6%). Grouped isolates had the lowest percentage of susceptibility to fluconazole (15.8%) and miconazole (27.5%). Aspergillus spp (>/= 81.0%) were most susceptible to nystatin, clotrimazole, itraconazole, and natamycin. Candida spp (100%) were most susceptible to ketaconazole, natamycin, and nystatin. Fusarium spp (100%) were only consistently susceptible to natamycin. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-On the basis of in vitro susceptibility testing, nystatin, natamycin, or clotrimazole is recommended for initial topical treatment of keratomycosis in horses from the northeastern United States. Contrary to results of studies of ocular fungal isolates of horses from other regions, Candida spp were identified more frequently and miconazole had lower in vitro efficacy in the present study.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC