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Equine veterinary journal2002; 33(7); 707-713; doi: 10.2746/042516401776249363

Detection of IgG and IgE serum antibodies to Culicoides salivary gland antigens in horses with insect dermal hypersensitivity (sweet itch).

Abstract: We postulated that all horses exposed to the bites of Culcoides (midges) would have an antibody response to the antigen secreted in Culcoides saliva, but that IgE antibody would be restricted to allergic individuals. Using immunohistology on sections of fixed Culicoides, we have demonstrated the presence of antibodies in horse serum which recognise Culicoides salivary glands. Antibodies were detected in the serum of horses with insect dermal hypersensitivity and in the serum of normal horses exposed to Culicoides bites. In contrast, no antibodies were detected in serum from native Icelandic ponies which had not been exposed to Culicoides. Anti-salivary gland IgG antibodies were detected in serum from both allergic and healthy horses exposed to Culicoides. IgE antibodies were only detected in horses with signs of insect dermal hypersensitivity, they were not found in serum of healthy controls nor in the serum of horses with a history of hypersensitivity but in remission at the time of sampling. Using western blotting we confirmed the presence of antibodies to Culicoides antigens and demonstrated that individual horses react to different numbers of antigens. This paper demonstrates the ability of serum from allergic horses to detect Culcoides antigens and will enable further studies to isolate and characterise the allergens.
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Publication Date: 2002-01-05 PubMed ID: 11770994DOI: 10.2746/042516401776249363Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research study explored the presence of specific IgG and IgE antibodies in horses exposed to the bites of Culicoides (midges). It found that all horses exposed to these insects developed an IgG antibody response, while only allergic horses produced the IgE antibodies, potentially indicating a link to the insect hypersensitivity condition referred to as ‘sweet itch’.

Overview of the Research Study

  • The researchers proposed a theory that all horses exposed to midge bites would display an antibody response to the salivary antigen of Culicoides, but only allergic horses would show the presence of the IgE antibody.
  • They used immunohistology, a technique that uses antibodies to detect specific tissues, on samples of fixed Culicoides to support their hypothesis.
  • The study found these antibodies in horse serum, which suggests that Culicoides salivary glands were recognized by the horses’ immune system.

Finding Specific Antibodies in Horses

  • The researchers discovered antibodies in the serum of both horses suffering from insect dermal hypersensitivity (an allergic reaction often referred to as ‘sweet itch’) and normal horses who were exposed to midge bites.
  • On the other hand, there were no antibodies found in the serum of native Icelandic ponies, which had not been exposed to Culicoides.
  • The researchers distinguished between the type of antibodies found, noticing that IgG antibodies were discovered in the serum of both allergic and healthy horses, while IgE antibodies were exclusive to horses showing signs of insect dermal hypersensitivity.
  • No IgE antibodies were found in the healthy control group or in the serum of horses that had a history of hypersensitivity but were in remission at the time of sampling.

Western Blotting Technique

  • For further verification, the team used a method known as western blotting to confirm the presence of antibodies reacting to Culicoides antigens.
  • The analysis found that individual horses react to a varied number of antigens.

Impact of the Research Study

  • The study provides essential evidence that serum from allergic horses can detect Culicoides antigens. This outcome might help future research to identify and characterize these allergens that cause the allergic reaction in horses.
  • By understanding which animals produce specific antibodies in response to Culicoides bites, potential treatments or preventative measures could be developed to manage or reduce the occurrence of ‘sweet itch’ in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Wilson AD, Harwood LJ, Björnsdottir S, Marti E, Day MJ. (2002). Detection of IgG and IgE serum antibodies to Culicoides salivary gland antigens in horses with insect dermal hypersensitivity (sweet itch). Equine Vet J, 33(7), 707-713. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516401776249363

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 33
Issue: 7
Pages: 707-713

Researcher Affiliations

Wilson, A D
  • Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Bristol, School of Medical Sciences, UK.
Harwood, L J
    Björnsdottir, S
      Marti, E
        Day, M J

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Blotting, Western / veterinary
          • Ceratopogonidae / immunology
          • Dermatitis / etiology
          • Dermatitis / immunology
          • Dermatitis / veterinary
          • Horse Diseases / etiology
          • Horse Diseases / immunology
          • Horses
          • Hypersensitivity / veterinary
          • Immunoglobulin E / blood
          • Immunoglobulin G / blood
          • Immunohistochemistry / veterinary
          • Insect Bites and Stings / immunology
          • Insect Bites and Stings / veterinary
          • Salivary Glands / immunology

          Citations

          This article has been cited 18 times.
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