Alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus? Anyone?

[goldenrow]

Preface: Yes, we are working with our vet.

Vet sent a text saying that a sample sent to the University vet lab for a horse with a snotty nose and a cough has grown 2 streptococcus species, and that they are alpha-hemolytic. I know Strangles is beta-hemolytic, but what does an alpha-hemolytic mean? The Google is not very helpful on this topic.

He said we will get more results tomorrow. Until then, “keep doing what we are doing.”

This horse has not developed a fever, and is eating and drinking normally. He is quarantined away from other horses, with his own hay, water, and the owners are doing his chores, as to limit contamination to the other horses on the farm.

[Dutchmare433]

Strep pneumoniae (pathogenic) and Strep viridians (more of a group…mainly commensal)…are both alpha-hemolytic.

[My_Two_Cents]

@Dutchmare433

Strep pneumoniae (pathogenic) and Strep viridians (more of a group…mainly commensal)…are both alpha-hemolytic.

Is Alpha-hemolytic streptococcus species treated differently than the “normal” strangles protocol? Glad the horse is eating and drinking and that he is in quarantine. Hopefully nothing else comes down with it.

[Dutchmare433]

@My Two Cents

Is Alpha-hemolytic streptococcus species treated differently than the “normal” strangles protocol? Glad the horse is eating and drinking and that he is in quarantine. Hopefully nothing else comes down with it.

Often strangles is just allowed to run its course, so in that respect yes they are treated differently, a Strep pneumo infection is generally treated with antibiotics after sensitivities are done.

Strep sp. can have hemolysins, meaning they can lyse red blood cells. Beta-hemolytic means it can fully lyse red blood cells, alpha hemolysis is partial lysis caused by hyrdrogen peroxide produced by the bacteria. There are also non-hemolytic strep sp. Keep in mind that there are many different groups of Beta-hemolytic streps. Type of hemolysis is more used as a way to categorize and differentiate species and serotypes rather than being a cause for different treatment.

[mbv]

Was the sample type a nasal swab? Alpha Streps are normal mucosal and skin bacteria. In a horse, not typically considered clinically significant. If you swab the nose of any (normal) horse you could/would likely isolate alpha Streps. Strep pneumoniae doesn’t have the same role in equine respiratory disease as it does in human disease. Would not usually be considered significant if in nasal swab, especially a mixed culture.
It is good that your horse is isolated even though there is no evidence of strangles. May be viral and similar quarantine would be best. Is more testing pending? You can have a false negative strangles screen and you may want to ask your vet about doing a follow up sample if there is still clinical suspicion. Can also ask your vet about Strep equi PCR although culture with a good lab has a relatively good sensitivity too and often less expensive.
Also, some beta Streps are normal in the nose, but overall are more capable of causing cellular damage than alpha or non hemolytic Streps. An example of normal beta Strep in the nose is Strep equi ssp zooepidemicus. In fact, there are lots of normal bacteria in the nose! Usually the lab will be looking for some specific pathogens in this sample type. Some labs will have a veterinary microbiologist on staff who might be able to help you interpret your results if your vet seems unsure or if you are particularly interested.
you may be interested in this resource as well https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00902832/document

[trinity-consultants]

Have you ever heard of Lactiferm Capsules, which is a pro biotic that suppress the bacteria?
This source could be useful as they create bespoke horse nutrition products for horse health. Click the link they have been very helpful over the last 20 years and as far as I know, even vets don’t like to admit but they all say that these products works better, plus they are natural.

[Simkie]

Yo, Trinity: advertising isn’t allowed here. Read the “Forum Rules and No Advertising Policy” that you can find at the top of every single page.