A Human Case of an Infection by the Pathogenic Streptococci that Causes “Strangles” in Horses

Strangles is a contagious upper respiratory tract infection primarily affecting equines. It is rare disease with zoonotic transmission. It is caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus equi. We present the rare case of strangles in an elderly patient complicated by bacteraemia, osteomyelitis and native valve endocarditis. The patient was treated successfully with appropriate antibiotics and no surgical intervention was needed. In an age of accelerated emerging zoonosis, this is an important entity clinicians should be aware of to prevent delay in diagnosis and poor outcome. LEARNING POINTS: Strangles is a disease of equines, rarely it can affect the humans and can delay the diagnosis and management. This case represents the importance of thorough history taking and assessment. Use of an appropriate antibiotics can avoid surgical interventions in the some cases of Strangles.