Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Equine pythiosis in Costa Rica: report of 39 cases

Research article published in Mycopathologia (1986)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Desarrollo de fármacosMendoza L et al. · Mycopathologia, 1986

Abstract

Thirty-nine pythiosis equine cases, were studied at the Veterinary Medicine School of the National University of Costa Rica, between 1981 and 1984. Lesions were located in different parts of their anatomy: anterior and posterior extremities, abdomen, thorax, breast and mammary gland, and were characterized by their tumoral appearance with necrotic tissue in which yellow-white coral-like necrotic masses, called kunker or leeches were shown. Splendore-Hoeppli like phenomenon and eosinophilic inflammatory reaction around the hyphae, was microscopically observed. Pythium sp. (Hyphomyces destruens) was isolated in Sabouraud dextrose agar from ground kunkers. Immunodiffusion (ID) to diagnose this disease in equines, was performed with success. Immunotherapy was applied to 5 of affected horses, and three were cured. Some epizootiological aspects of the pythiosis are also discussed.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsCosta RicaDermatomycosesFemaleHorse DiseasesHorsesImmunodiffusionImmunotherapyMalePythiumSkin Tests

Resumen

Thirty-nine pythiosis equine cases, were studied at the Veterinary Medicine School of the National University of Costa Rica, between 1981 and 1984.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This report details 39 cases of equine pythiosis in Costa Rica between 1981 and 1984, describing tumoral lesions characterized by yellow-white coral-like necrotic masses known as kunkers or 'leeches'. Despite the terminology, this article has no relevance to actual hirudotherapy or the leech secretome; the term 'leeches' is used purely descriptively for the macroscopic appearance of infectious masses caused by Pythium sp. (Hyphomyces destruens). The study focuses on veterinary pathology, diagnosis via immunodiffusion, and immunotherapy in horses. Consequently, it offers no applicable scientific value to the American Society of Hirudotherapy.

Citación

Equine pythiosis in Costa Rica: report of 39 cases

Mendoza L et al. · Mycopathologia, 1986

DOI

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