Isolation of Rhodococcus equi from the gastrointestinal contents of earthworms (family Megascolecidae)

Rhodococcus equi is Gram-positive, soil-dwelling pathogenic bacteria that cause pulmonary and extra pulmonary pyogranulomatous infections in various animal species and humans. This study showed that R. equi could multiply in the gastrointestinal contents of earthworms, suggesting that they act as an amplifier of R. equi in soil environments and as a source, reservoir, or both of the infection.