Please carefully read the guidelines below prior to submitting samples to the Diagnostic Services Bacteriology Laboratory for Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) screening. This test will only detect S. equi, the causative agent of strangles in horses, and no other organisms will be reported. If there is concern for other pathogens, please submit for “Aerobic Culture and Sensitivity Testing”.

These guidelines are for both bacterial culture and for PCR testing to screen clinically normal (healthy) horses or horses that are showing clinical signs consistent with strangles.  Please ensure to indicate on the sample submission form if the horse is showing clinical signs, as these cases are prioritized by the laboratory.

For the submission of 10 or more samples from your clinic in one day, please contact the laboratory at least 1 day prior to submission. Large numbers of samples (10 or more) will only be accepted by the laboratory Monday to Thursday, unless special arrangements with the laboratory have been made. Samples submitted for PCR testing are sent to a reference laboratory and are routinely sent by courier Monday to Wednesday. Prior arrangements must be made with the laboratory to ship samples for PCR testing on Thursday.

 

Bacterial culture PCR Testing

Nasopharyngeal flush

Guttural pouch flush

Nasal or
nasopharyngeal swab

Lymph node/abscess aspirate or swab of aspirate

Nasopharyngeal flush

Guttural pouch flush

Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab

Lymph node/abscess aspirate or swab of aspirate
Clinically normal horses YES YES NO

N/A

 YES YES NO

N/A
Horses with clinical signs YES YES YES YES YES YES NO NO

 

For the submission of flushes:

  • submit at least 10 mL of fluid
  • submit in a sterile, leak proof container (screw caps preferred)
  • package separately from each other and from paper work in case of leakage during transit

For the submission of swabs for culture:

  • only use swabs with transport medium
  • dry swabs are NOT appropriate for testing and will be rejected by the laboratory
     

For the submission of swabs for PCR:

  • DO NOT use swabs with bacterial transport medium (gel or sponge)
  • swabs in a sterile container (e.g., red-top tube or other container without an additive) with a few drops of saline to prevent desiccation
  • swabs in Viral Transport Medium,
  • avoid calcium alginate swabs

 

 

For more information or any questions, please call the Diagnostic Services Bacteriology Laboratory at 902-566-0821 or email dsbacteriology@upei.ca