An infection of horses caused by the bacterium PSEUDOMONAS MALLEI. In rare cases, it is transmitted to humans, causing symptoms including fever and general aches and pains. Ulcers may develop where bacteria entered the skin; if bacteria enters the lungs, pneumonia may occur. In severe cases, septicaemia may follow. Treatment is with antibiotics.
(equinia) n. an infectious disease of horses, donkeys, and mules that is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas mallei and can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms include fever and inflammation (with possible ulceration) of the lymph nodes (a form of the disease known as farcy), skin, and nasal mucous membranes. In the untreated acute form death may follow in 2–20 days. In the more common chronic form, many patients survive without treatment. Administration of antibiotics is usually effective.
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