Prevalence and serum protein values of strangles ( <i>Streptococcus equi</i> ) affected mules at Remount Depot, Sargodha (Pakistan)
Authors: Ijaz M., Khan M. S., Khan M. A., Avais M., Maqbool A., Ali M. M., Shahzad W.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Summary
# Strangles in Mules: Prevalence and Serum Protein Markers Strangles caused by *Streptococcus equi* remains a significant respiratory disease in equine populations, yet little data exists regarding its occurrence and systemic effects in mules. Researchers at a Pakistani remount facility cultured nasal swabs and submandibular lymph node aspirates from 250 mules, identifying *S. equi* in 39.6% of samples, with notably higher infection rates in younger animals compared to adults. Infected mules demonstrated marked alterations in serum protein profiles: total serum protein, globulin and fibrinogen concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05), whilst albumin concentrations decreased significantly (P<0.05) relative to unaffected animals. These changes mirror the acute phase response to bacterial infection, suggesting that serum protein electrophoresis could serve as a useful diagnostic adjunct alongside culture and clinical findings, particularly in outbreak situations where rapid identification of affected animals is critical for biosecurity management. For practitioners managing mixed equine populations or working in regions with high strangles prevalence, awareness of these serological markers may help identify subclinical carriers and guide treatment decisions, though culture remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Serum protein profiles (elevated globulin and fibrinogen with decreased albumin) can help confirm S. equi infection in mules when clinical signs are present
- •Young mules appear at higher risk of strangles infection and warrant closer monitoring in multi-animal settings
- •Screening populations for S. equi carriage in nasal discharge and submandibular drainage is valuable for infection control at depots and breeding facilities
Key Findings
- •39.6% (99/250) of mules at the depot tested positive for S. equi in nasal discharge or submandibular pus samples
- •Foals showed higher prevalence of S. equi infection compared to adult mules
- •Strangles-affected mules demonstrated significantly elevated total serum protein, globulin, and fibrinogen (P<0.05)
- •Serum albumin concentrations were significantly decreased in S. equi-positive mules (P<0.05)