<i>Halicephalobus gingivalis</i> infection in equids

Halicephalobus gingivalis is a ubiquitous, saprophytic, free-living, rhabditiform nematode parasite of soil and manure that has been associated with opportunistic infections in horses, but sporadically also in zebras, cattle and humans. Cases have been reported worldwide, including several European countries. This review summarises the reported cases in equids with a special focus on parasite life cycle, clinical forms, diagnosis, therapy and phylogeny. Notably, the comprehensive phylogenetic analysis carried out in the frame of this review highlights the existence of a putative Lineage 5 beside the four H. gingivalis lineages already reported. Halicephalobosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any rapidly progressing meningoencephalitis case.