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Journal of veterinary internal medicine2011; 25(6); 1209-1220; doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00835.x

Diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of infections caused by Rhodococcus equi in foals.

Abstract: Rhodococcus equi, a gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen, is one of the most common causes of pneumonia in foals. Although R. equi can be cultured from the environment of virtually all horse farms, the clinical disease in foals is endemic at some farms, sporadic at others, and unrecognized at many. On farms where the disease is endemic, costs associated with morbidity and mortality attributable to R. equi may be very high. The purpose of this consensus statement is to provide recommendations regarding the diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of infections caused by R. equi in foals.
Copyright © 2011 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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Publication Date: 2011-11-01 PubMed ID: 22092608DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00835.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research paper provides guidelines for diagnosing, treating, preventing and controlling infections in foals caused by Rhodococcus equi, a common cultivable pathogen found at horse farms that often leads to pneumonia.

Abstract Summary

Rhodococcus equi is a bacteria that widely exists in horse farms’ environments and is one of the common causes of pneumonia in foals. Notably, the impact and prevalence of this disease vary by farm: it’s endemic in some, sporadic in others, and completely unobserved in many. In circumstances where the disease is pervasive, the potential financial implications due to the resultant foals’ health issues could be significant. This research paper aims to provide comprehensive recommendations about diagnosing, treating, preventing, and controlling R. equi infections in foals.

Detailed Explanation

Rhodococcus equi and its Impact

  • Rhodococcus equi is a gram-positive, facultative intracellular pathogen that can cause serious illness in foals, particularly pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
  • While R. equi bacteria can be cultured from virtually every horse farm’s environment, there are vast disparities in the incidence of associative disease. On some farms, foal illness caused by R. equi is endemic—ubiquitous and continuously present. On other farms, cases of infection are sporadic, cropping up from time to time but not a constant presence. There are also those farms where infections of R. equi in foals are completely unrecognized.
  • In instances where R. equi associated diseases are endemic, the cost implications can be heavily burdensome. The financial strain comes from the manifold issues attributable to R. equi, which range from the costs of treating ill foals to the potential economic loss from mortality.

Detection and Treatment of R. equi

  • The research paper focuses on devising methods for effective diagnosis and treatment of R. equi infections, which are crucial for limiting its impact and controlling its spread. An accurate diagnosis can lead to immediate and effective treatment, reducing the likelihood of severe complications or mortality.
  • Treatment methods would likely focus on antibiotic therapies to combat the bacterial infection, as well as supportive care to strengthen the foal’s overall health and wellness to fend off potential subsequent infections.

Prevention and Control of R. equi Infections

  • The paper underscores the necessity of robust preventive measures for R. equi infections. Given the ubiquitous presence of R. equi bacteria in horse farm environments, it’s important to implement farm-wide strategies that limit the foal’s exposure to the bacteria.
  • The researchers also highlight the need for routine infection control practices to hinder the spread of pathogens across the farm. This can include regular sterilization of equipment and facilities, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by farmhands.

Cite This Article

APA
Giguère S, Cohen ND, Chaffin MK, Slovis NM, Hondalus MK, Hines SA, Prescott JF. (2011). Diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of infections caused by Rhodococcus equi in foals. J Vet Intern Med, 25(6), 1209-1220. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00835.x

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 25
Issue: 6
Pages: 1209-1220

Researcher Affiliations

Giguère, S
  • Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. gigueres@uga.edu
Cohen, N D
    Chaffin, M Keith
      Slovis, N M
        Hondalus, M K
          Hines, S A
            Prescott, J F

              MeSH Terms

              • Actinomycetales Infections / microbiology
              • Actinomycetales Infections / therapy
              • Actinomycetales Infections / veterinary
              • Animals
              • Anti-Bacterial Agents / blood
              • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacokinetics
              • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
              • Biological Availability
              • Half-Life
              • Horse Diseases / microbiology
              • Horses
              • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
              • Rhodococcus equi

              Citations

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