Pathology, microbiology, and molecular evaluation of tissues from equids serologically positive for Burkholderia mallei in Midwestern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Glanders is a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei that primarily affects horses, mules and donkeys. The can cause lesions in skin, lungs several other organs. However, it often manifests as an asymptomatic disease. In Brazil, serological tests of high sensitivity specificity are used to assist detection antibodies against B. contribute control due mandatory euthanasia seroreactive animals, equids with positive serology for generated great conflicts between breeders, veterinarians diagnostic laboratories. This study clarifies limitations complementary detecting mallei. It describes clinical, morphological laboratory findings 24 equines from different municipalities Mato Grosso State, which reacted complement fixation test were western blotting glanders. Data tissue samples collected horses histological, microbiological molecular analysis. 23 no clinical signs, alterations, isolation, or would characterize infection. On hand, horse without lesional alterations showed sequence amplification compatible PCR. Considering infection subject application animal sanitary defense measures that, international requirement national legislation, results tools should support sanitation procedures error bacteria Brazil.