Molecular Detection of Pythium insidiosum in Cutaneous Lesions of Horses from Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Pythiosis is an underestimated and neglected disease in Brazil, both in horse breeders and in horses. The molecular detection of <i>P. insidiosum</i> in horses in the Brazilian Northeast represents a milestone in the epidemiology of equine pythiosis in the country. This study reports novel cases of equine pythiosis, diagnosed by molecular methods, in five states of Northeastern Brazil. Clinical samples were submitted to microbiological culture, DNA extraction, and nested-PCR for molecular detection of <i>P. insidiosum</i>. The nested-PCR successfully detected <i>P. insidiosum</i> in four out of five equine lesion samples, demonstrating higher sensitivity compared to microbiological culture, which confirmed the pathogen in only one case. These findings reinforce the effectiveness of molecular diagnosis for equine pythiosis compared to conventional methods. This is the first molecular confirmation of <i>P. insidiosum</i> in horses from Northeastern Brazil, emphasizing the need for broader surveillance and improved diagnostic approaches in neglected regions.