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Topic:Infection
Infections in horses encompass a range of diseases caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These infections can affect different systems within the horse, such as the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and integumentary systems, leading to a variety of clinical signs depending on the pathogen and the severity of the infection. Common infectious diseases in horses include equine influenza, strangles, and equine herpesvirus. Diagnosis often involves clinical examination, laboratory testing, and sometimes imaging, to identify the causative agent and assess the extent of the disease. Treatment strategies may include antimicrobial therapy, supportive care, and preventive measures such as vaccination and biosecurity practices. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases in equine populations.
Pediculosis in two research ponies (Equus caballus). Horses and ponies are used infrequently in research but may be valuable animal models for studying both equine-specific diseases and biomedical applications. We report here 2 cases of pediculosis in random-source ponies. Infestation and clinical signs were not present during a 4-wk quarantine period or for 3 to 9 mo thereafter but became apparent coincident with the ponies' movement from pasture to indoor housing. These 2 geldings presented with pruritus associated with excoriating lesions on the neck, and infestation with Bovicola (Werneckiella) equi Denny, 1842 was diagnosed. Ponies were tre...
Molecular characterization of equine rotaviruses circulating in Argentinean foals during a 17-year surveillance period (1992-2008). P[12]G3 and P[12]G14 equine rotaviruses (ERVs) are epidemiologically important in horses. In Argentina, the prevalent ERV strains have been historically P[12]G3. The aim of this study was the detection and characterization of ERV strains circulating in foals in Argentina during a 17-year study (1992-2008). Additionally, the gene sequences of VP7, VP4 and NSP4 encoding genes of representative Argentinean ERV strains were determined and phylogenetic analyses were performed to elucidate the evolutionary relationships of the ERV strains in Argentina. ERVs were detected in 165 (21%) out of 771 diar...
Horses naturally infected by Trypanosoma vivax in southern Brazil. In this study, we reported the first outbreak of the infection by Trypanosoma vivax in horses in southern Brazil, a non-endemic region where bovines have only recently been found infected by this trypanosome species. We evaluated 12 horses from a farm in southern Brazil, where four horses displayed pale mucous membranes, fever, weight loss, and swelling of abdomen, prepuce, or vulva. The diagnosis of T. vivax was confirmed in four horses by morphological parameters of trypomastigotes in blood smears and species-specific PCR. All T. vivax-infected animals showed anemia, and most showed increase...
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of minocycline hydrochloride in horses. To determine the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of minocycline in horses. Methods: 5 healthy Thoroughbred mares for the pharmacokinetic experiment and 6 healthy Thoroughbred mares for the tissue distribution experiment. Methods: Each mare was given 2.2 mg of minocycline hydrochloride/kg, IV. Blood samples were collected once before minocycline administration (0 hours) and 10 times within 48 hours after administration in the pharmacokinetics study, and 24 tissue samples were obtained at 0.5 and 3 hours in the distribution study. Results: No adverse effects were observed in any of the ...
Comparison of feces versus rectal swabs for the molecular detection of Lawsonia intracellularis in foals with equine proliferative enteropathy. The purpose of the current study was to compare the molecular detection rate of Lawsonia intracellularis between feces and rectal swabs collected from 42 foals with suspected equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). Fecal samples and rectal swabs were processed for DNA purification by using an automated extraction system. The purified DNA was then analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of the aspartate ammonia lyase (aspA) gene of L. intracellularis. Absolute quantitation was calculated by using a standard curve for L. intracellularis and expressed as copy number...
[An indirect ELISA for the detection of Babesia caballi in equine animals]. To clone and express BC48 gene of Babesia caballi, and to establish an indirect ELISA for the diagnosis of B. caballi in equine animals. Methods: The genomic DNA of B. caballi was extracted from the infected donkey blood. BC48 gene was amplified by PCR. The PCR product was cloned into expression plasmid pET28a, and expressed in E. coli BL21 with IPTG induction. The recombinant protein was purified by Ni-NTA affinity chro-matography and was used as a diagnostic antigen to establish an indirect ELISA. The reaction conditions of the indirect ELISA were optimized. Specificity and sensitivity of th...
Right dorsal colon resection and bypass for treatment of right dorsal colitis in a horse. To describe a novel surgical technique for management of right dorsal colitis in the horse. Methods: Clinical report. Methods: 14-year-old Warmblood gelding. Methods: The horse was referred for treatment of a stromal abscess and signs of right dorsal colitis. Plasma chemistry revealed marked hypoproteinemia. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination showed a thickened right dorsal colon (RDC). Medical treatment was unsuccessful. With the horse in left lateral recumbency under general anesthesia, an approach to the right side of the abdomen through a 16th rib resection was made. The thoracic cavit...
Needlestick and infection with horse vaccine. This report describes a case of accidental needlestick injury involving a live equine vaccination, Equilis StrepE. A vet presented herself to the Emergency Department having accidentally injected herself with an equine vaccination. Her left thumb (injury site) was inflamed and had lymphangitis progressing proximally along her left arm. Her inflammatory markers were not raised. The swelling, erythma and lymphangitis had improved markedly with intravenous antibiotics. She had no sequelae at follow-up. Equilis StrepE is a vaccine for submucosal administration containing a modified live avirulent ...
Cotton rats and house sparrows as hosts for North and South American strains of eastern equine encephalitis virus. Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) is an arbovirus that causes severe disease in humans in North America and in equids throughout the Americas. The enzootic transmission cycle of EEEV in North America involves passerine birds and the ornithophilic mosquito vector, Culiseta melanura, in freshwater swamp habitats. However, the ecology of EEEV in South America is not well understood. Culex (Melanoconion) spp. mosquitoes are considered the principal vectors in Central and South America; however, a primary vertebrate host for EEEV in South America has not...
Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in working horses. Fecal samples for detection of gastrointestinal parasites were collected from 221 working horses from September 2002 to May 2003 from 14 villages in Urmia, North West of Iran. Fecal samples of 46 horses (20.8%) were negative for parasite eggs or oocysts. One hundred and seventy five positive horses (48.9%) were infected with a single parasite type and 49 (22.2%) and 18 (8.1%) of horses had multiple infections with two and three parasites, respectively. The highest prevalence and intensity rate belonged to small strongyles. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites eggs and oocyst in the p...
Characterization of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolated from swine in three Michigan counties. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci are a major cause of nosocomial infections but are rarely found in humans in the community and have not been identified in food animals in the United States. We evaluated a total of 360 fecal specimens from humans and their animals being raised for exhibit at three county fairs in Michigan. Fecal samples from 158 humans, 55 swine, 50 cattle, 25 horses, 57 sheep, 14 goats, and 1 llama were obtained and plated onto Enterococcosel agar containing 16 μg/ml of vancomycin. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) was isolated from six pigs but not from human...
Morphological and biochemical changes in the blood of horses naturally infected with Gasterophilus sp. larvae. Gasterophilus sp. constitute a group of specific parasites, which larval forms are found in horses and other phylogenetically related species--donkeys, mules and zebras. Their invasion is associated with marked fluctuations of hematological and biochemical blood parameters, including the activity of many enzymes and the electrolyte concentration. The purpose of the study was to analyze changes in selected biochemical and morphological blood parameters of horses infected with botfly larvae. The experimental group was formed of horses infested by Gasterophilus sp. larvae whereas the control grou...
The effect of the 162 km endurance ride on equine peripheral blood neutrophil and lymphocyte functions. Strenuous exercise is recognized as a stress, which may induce functional immunodeficiency and increase individual susceptibility to infection. It has been shown in equine athletes, that alterations in leukocyte functions occur after moderate and submaximal exertion, however, no data deal with the effect of extreme physical exertion. In this study, we evaluated leukocyte functions (neutrophil oxidative burst and lymphocyte proliferation activity in response to mitogens) in horses following the CEI 3* 162 km endurance ride. Exercise-induced stress was manifested as neutrophilic leukocytosis and...
Evidence of multiple virulence subtypes in nosocomial and community-associated MRSA genotypes in companion animals from the upper midwestern and northeastern United States. Not much is known about the zoonotic transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in companion animals in the United States. We report the rate of prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA recovered from clinical samples of animals requiring treatment at veterinary clinics throughout the upper midwestern and northeastern United States. Methods: We compared phenotypes, genotypes, and virulence profiles of the MRSA isolates identified in companion animals, such as cats, dogs, horses, and pigs, with typical human nosocomial and community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) genotypes to assess ...
Antimicrobial disposition in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid of horses. Part I. Sulfadiazine and trimethoprim. Sulfadiazine (SDZ) and trimethoprim (TMP) concentrations were examined in plasma and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF), following intravenous and oral administration and compared to minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of common bacterial isolates from equine lower airway infections. SDZ/TMP (25/5 mg/kg) was administered intravenously, intragastric or per os to fed horses, and blood samples were collected before and 11 times, over 24 h, after administration. PELF samples were collected via a tampon device four times after drug administration and analysed for drug concentrations. Add...
Antimicrobial disposition in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid of horses, part II. Doxycycline. Doxycycline concentrations, following two types of oral administration to horses, in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) were examined and compared to plasma concentrations. The oral bioavailability was estimated from plasma concentrations achieved after an intravenous study in two horses. Doxycycline (10 mg/kg) was administered either intragastric or as topdressing to nonfasted horses. Blood samples were collected for drug analysis, before and 11 times after administration during 24 h. PELF samples were collected by a tampon device four times after drug administration and analysed for do...
Comparative evaluation of four competitive/blocking ELISAs for the detection of influenza A antibodies in horses. New Zealand is free from equine influenza and has never experienced an incursion in its horse population. As part of New Zealand's preparedness to an incursion of an exotic animal disease, it was considered necessary to select the most accurate test for equine influenza (EI) from the array of those available. Four readily available blocking/competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), originally developed and marketed for the detection of antibodies against the avian influenza virus, were evaluated using serum samples from New Zealand non-infected, non-vaccinated horses (n=365), and...
In vitro selection and differentiation of ivermectin resistant cyathostomin larvae. Cyathostomins are considered to be the primary helminth pathogen of horses and macrocyclic lactones (ML) are the most frequently used anthelmintics. Therefore, ML resistance is a serious threat for the control of these parasites. In the present study ivermectin resistant cyathostomin L3 were in vitro selected, using a reiterative larval migration inhibition assay (rLMIA) and differentiated by reverse line blot (RLB). Larvae were obtained from two populations, one from a never treated, free-roaming horse population in the nature reserve Oostvaardersplassen (OVP) and the other from regularly ive...
Pharmacokinetics of amikacin in plasma and selected body fluids of healthy horses after a single intravenous dose. No studies have determined the pharmacokinetics of low-dose amikacin in the mature horse. Objective: To determine if a single i.v. dose of amikacin (10 mg/kg bwt) will reach therapeutic concentrations in plasma, synovial, peritoneal and interstitial fluid of mature horses (n=6). Methods: Drug concentrations of amikacin were measured across time in mature horses (n=6); plasma, synovial, peritoneal and interstitial fluid were collected after a single i.v. dose of amikacin (10 mg/kg bwt). Results: The mean±s.d. of selected parameters were: extrapolated plasma concentration of amikacin at time ze...
Investigation of the sensitivity and specificity of radiological signs for diagnosis of periapical infection of equine cheek teeth. Radiography is commonly used for the diagnosis of equine cheek teeth (CT) infection but, to our knowledge, no study to date has evaluated the relative values of individual specific radiographic signs when making a diagnosis. Objective: To investigate the sensitivity and specificity of individual radiographic signs identified from the literature for the diagnosis of CT apical infection using a retrospective case-control study. Methods: Cropped radiographs taken using computed radiography of 41 apically infected CT and 41 control CT were independently blindly evaluated by 3 clinicians for the pr...
Nasal bots…a fascinating world! Larvae causing obligatory myiasis are numerous and they may affect cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, wounds, nasopharyngeal cavities (nasal bots), internal organs and the digestive tract (bots) of domestic and wild animals and humans as well. Nasal bots belong to the Family Oestridae, Subfamily Oestrinae, which includes several important genera: Oestrus, Kirkioestrus, and Gedoelstia infecting Artiodactyla (except Cervidae) in Africa and Eurasia, Cephenemyia and Pharyngomyia infecting Cervidae, Rhinoestrus infecting horses, Cephalopina infecting camels, Pharyngobolus infecting African elephan...
Report of the Second Havemeyer EHV-1 Workshop, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA, September 2008. This report summarises the findings of the Second Havemeyer EHV-1 Workshop, which was held in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA in September 2008. A total of 38 delegates, consisting of veterinary clinicians and scientists from academia and industry participated in a series of sessions that focused on equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Each session consisted of a review, followed by short presentations on current research topics. The sessions included EHM epidemiology, in vivo and in vitro models for studying EHM, EHV-1 virulence determinants, real-time PCR diagnostics, antiviral med...
Use of blood culture medium enrichment for synovial fluid culture in horses: a comparison of different culture methods. Standard methods for culturing equine synovial fluid (SF) are often unrewarding. Evidence-based information on the relative efficiency of different systems used for optimisation of isolation of microorganisms from equine SF is lacking. Objective: To compare the results of different culture systems performed in parallel on SF samples from horses clinically diagnosed with synovial sepsis. Methods: Synovial fluid specimens were collected between February 2007 and October 2008 from all horses admitted to a referral hospital that were clinically diagnosed with synovial sepsis and from control horse...
Prevalence of Clostridium perfringens in faeces and ileal contents from grass sickness affected horses: comparisons with 3 control populations. While previous studies have demonstrated an association between equine grass sickness (EGS) and the presence of Clostridium botulinum within ileal contents and faeces, no such associations with other intestinal-derived anaerobic bacteria have been extensively investigated. Objective: The prevalence of C. perfringens in the ileal contents and faeces of EGS horses is greater than control horses; the detection of C. perfringens in faeces by ELISA could be diagnostically beneficial in a clinical setting. Methods: The prevalence of C. perfringens in faeces from EGS horses and healthy grazing contro...
Identification of three novel superantigen-encoding genes in Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, szeF, szeN, and szeP. The acquisition of superantigen-encoding genes by Streptococcus pyogenes has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in humans, and the gain of four superantigens by Streptococcus equi is linked to the evolution of this host-restricted pathogen from an ancestral strain of the opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. A recent study determined that the culture supernatants of several S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strains possessed mitogenic activity but lacked known superantigen-encoding genes. Here, we report the identification and activities of three novel ...
Development of a new primer-probe energy transfer method for the differentiation of neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic strains of equine herpesvirus-1. Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a major pathogen of horses with worldwide distribution that can cause various clinical signs ranged from mild respiratory disease to neurological symptoms. Comparison of neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic EHV-1 strains revealed that a single non-synonymous nucleotide substitution (A/G2254) in the ORF30 region is associated with the altered functions of the viral DNA polymerase and therefore the neuropathogenicity of EHV-1 virus strains. The aim of the present study was the development of a new differentiation method of this particular single nucleotide poly...
Maggot debridement therapy for laminitis. Maggot debridement therapy is a nontraumatic, minimally invasive method to treat infections in a foot compromised by chronic laminitis. A mechanical strategy must first be in place to address the instability of the distal phalanx and hoof capsule. Adverse reactions to maggot debridement therapy are uncommon and the only side effect observed has been irritation or hypersensitivity at the site. Chronic laminitic cases of sepsis/necrosis within the hoof benefit from this procedure due to the noninvasive, continuous debridement and healing properties provided by the larvae.
