Isolation of Histoplasma Capsulatum Var Farciminosum and other Co-Infecting Bacteria from Local Breeds of Horses with Characteristic Lesion of Epizootc Lymphangutis in Akaki and Kality Districts, Central Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the transportation infrastructure is at its lower stage particularly in the rural areas (Birhanu et al., 2014). As a result, most of the transportation activities are performed by the use of Equines. Besides, in the northern and north-western part of the country, equines have also been used for ploughing activities showing their contribution in crop production. In some part of the country they are used as food source (Ameni et al., 2006; EARO, 1999; SPANA, 2006). Despite their uses, equines suffer from many diseases, among which Equine histoplasmosis (EH) or Epizootic lymphangitis (EL) is one of the nastiest chronic fungal disease seen mainly in equids. It is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum a thermally dimorphic fungus. particularly in Africa, Middle East and Asia. Epizootic lmphangitis is called a 'fat leg' because it is known by swelling of legs. In Ethiopia EL is known as 'Biche' in Afan Oromo and 'Nidifit' in Abstract: Across sectional study was carried out from November 2016 up to May 2017 in Bishoftu and Akaki towns in order to isolate Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum (HCF) and other co-infect bacteria from local breeds of horses with characteristic lesion of Epizootc lymphangutis. A questionnaire was also designed and administered to assess the socioeconomic impact of the disease in the community. A total of 72 clinical specimens (pus) were collected aseptically using a purposive sampling technique. These specimens were examined under microscope to identify HCF. It was also cultured on Sabourad's Dextrose Agar media and various bacteriological culture media and selective media for isolation of fungus and bacteria respectively. Only (58.3%) of mycelia growth was recorded and (98.6 %) indicated positivity under microscope using stain. Regarding the isolation of co-infect bacteria, Staphylococcus (88.8 %), Streptococcus (41.2 %), Micrococcus (75 %), gram positive Bacilli (41.7%), Corynebacterium ( 22.2%), Aeromona (34.7%), Proteus (20.8%), Klebssiella (22.2%), Pseudomonas (20.8 %) and E coli (6.8%) were identified. The study animals were also classified as those which never get treatment and those horses taking therapy (topical iodide application) in the SPANA Clinics. The occurrences of co-infect bacteria was found greater in those horses which didn’t take any therapy. But the treatment does not protect the emerging of new nodules and co-infect bacteria. Similarly, the study animals were grouped in to early, moderate and severe based on stage of the disease. The proportion of bacterial isolates was greater in those horses which were severely infected than those horses grouped in the moderate and early cases of the disease. The presence of co-infect bacteria were observed in both study area with some difference in proportion. The impact of the disease was assessed by asking various communities including users owners, traffic polices and workers from municipality whose their job related with urban hygiene and greener. The response of all respondents clearly indicated that the disease is causing lots of negative consequences in the community by reducing the income, performance and welfare of the animals. The current study revealed the presence of various bacterial species which may aggravate the disease and comprise the progress of treatment. As the impact of the disease is increasing in the societies, effective control measures like combined application of chemotherapy should be put in place.