Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Syeda Sakeena Gillani ¹
• Imran Altaf ¹
• Muhammad Anas Naeem ¹
• Nadir Hussain ¹
• Sohail Hassan ¹
• Rubina Yasmeen ²

¹ Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-Pakistan

² KBCMA College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences – CVAS, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Narowal-Pakistan

Abstract

Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi subspp. equi, is a highly contagious respiratory disease of equines species and characterized by the abscessation of the neck and head lymph nodes. Recent knowledge of isolates from different regions of the world is essential for investigating the different strains of the disease. In contrast to many other countries, currently, little is known about S. equi subspp equi isolates in Pakistan. Eight isolates originating from 25 suspected horses were identified by their cultural characteristics, biochemical profile, serological reactions, and 16S ribosomal DNA based polymerase chain reaction. Most isolates (n = 7) were micro-aerophilic, hemolytic, Gram-positive streptococci, catalase-negative, and belong to Lancefield group C. While comparing at NCBI database, the study sequences corresponded to Streptococcus equi subspp. equi (n = 3; 37.5%) and Enterococcus species (n = 5; 62.5%). Phylogenetic analysis clustered the study isolates close enough to sequences of S. equi subspp. equi strains.
The findings of the current study increase knowledge of currently prevailing Streptococcus equi subspp. equi strains and highlights the necessity of implementation of intensive biosecurity measures to avoid future outbreaks.

Keywords

• Streptococcus equi
• Phylogenetic
• biosecurity
• Equines
• Polymerase Chain reaction