Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal infection caused by molds of the genus Aspergillus (most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus).
These fungi are ubiquitous in soil, hay, and straw, and infect susceptible hosts through inhalation or ingestion.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In horses, the most common and clinically significant manifestation of aspergillosis is Guttural Pouch Mycosis.
The guttural pouches are large, bilateral, air-filled diverticula of the auditory (Eustachian) tubes unique to equids.
Inhalation of fungal spores from moldy feed or bedding can lead to the colonization of the guttural pouch mucosa.
This results in the formation of diphtheritic fungal plaques.
These plaques typically localize on the dorsal aspect of the guttural pouch, overlying major blood vessels and cranial nerves.
The expanding fungal hyphae can erode the walls of the internal or external carotid arteries, leading to sudden, severe epistaxis (nosebleeds), which can be fatal.
The plaques can also damage adjacent cranial nerves (CN VII, IX, X, XI, XII), leading to dysphagia, laryngeal hemiplegia (roaring), or Horner's syndrome.
While Aspergillus species can occasionally cause mycotic abortions (A) or pulmonary infections (D) in horses, guttural pouch mycosis is the most common and severe form of equine aspergillosis.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most common form of aspergillosis in horses is Guttural Pouch Mycosis.