Fungal Placentitis Caused by Aspergillus terreus in a Mare: Case Report.
Authors: Orellana-Guerrero Daniela, Renaudin Catherine, Edwards Lisa, Rose Elizabeth, Aleman Monica, Moore Peter F, Dujovne Ghislaine
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Fungal Placentitis Caused by Aspergillus terreus in a Mare Whilst bacterial placentitis dominates the literature on equine abortion and perinatal mortality, fungal involvement remains poorly characterised and rarely reported. This case describes a 5-year-old Thoroughbred at 217 days' gestation presenting with classic placentitis signs—premature udder development and milk leakage—alongside severe ultrasonographic changes and purulent cervical discharge. Culture and PCR identified a mixed infection including Aspergillus terreus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus viridans, and Pseudomonas; notably, this represents the first documented case of *A. terreus*-associated placentitis in the equine literature. Despite aggressive treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobials, NSAIDs, antifungal agents, and hormonal support, the fetus survived a further 14 days before dying in utero, with post-mortem confirmation of fungal colonisation on the chorionic surface but not within fetal tissues. For practitioners, this case highlights the importance of submitting placental samples for fungal culture in cases of severe, refractory placentitis, particularly when bacterial culture yields mixed or sparse growth; further investigation into the prevalence and clinical significance of fungal placentitis may inform preventive strategies and treatment protocols in mares at risk.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Fungal placentitis should be considered in differential diagnosis of mares presenting with premature udder development and purulent vaginal discharge, even though bacterial causes predominate
- •Aspergillus terreus may be underdiagnosed; suspect fungal involvement when standard antimicrobial therapy fails and submit samples for both bacterial culture and fungal identification including PCR
- •Despite aggressive multimodal treatment including antifungals, extensive placental fungal infection can lead to fetal death in utero, so early diagnosis and aggressive intervention are critical
Key Findings
- •A 5-year-old thoroughbred mare with Aspergillus terreus placentitis at 217 days gestation presented with premature udder development and purulent cervical discharge
- •Culture identified mixed microbial growth including Aspergillus terreus, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus viridans, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- •Despite 14 days of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, antifungal therapy, and hormonal treatment, fetal demise occurred in utero with Aspergillus terreus isolated from chorionic surface
- •This is the first reported case of Aspergillus terreus causing placentitis in horses, with fungal placentitis remaining rare compared to bacterial causes