Fecal leukocytes and epithelial cells in horses with diarrhea.

The research article investigates the presence of leukocytes and epithelial cells in the feces of horses suffering from diarrhea, and explores its correlation with the severity of the disease and its possible relation to salmonellosis.

Research Methodology

• The study was based on microscopic examinations of fecal samples collected from 74 horses diagnosed with diarrhea.
• The diarrhea in these horses was categorized on several characteristics – whether it was acute (lasting less than two weeks) or chronic, whether it was causing mild or severe impacts on the fecal consistency, and whether it was Salmonella positive or negative.

Key Findings

• It was found that a high number of fecal leukocytes (a type of white blood cell) strongly suggested the presence of Salmonella infection (salmonellosis). However, about one-third of the horses that tested negative for Salmonella also exhibited fecal leukocytes.
• Fecal leukocytes were more prevalent among horses with acute and/or severe diarrhea, irrespective of the cause.
• The study recorded an increase in the number of fecal colonic mucosal epithelial cells among horses with severe diarrhea. Moreover, the presence of these cells in horses suffering from chronic diarrhea was observed to be correlated with salmonellosis.

Implications of the Study

• The study reinforces the idea that the counts of fecal leukocytes and epithelial cells tend to rise with equine salmonellosis (Salmonella infection in horses).
• However, these cells may also be found in increased numbers in other types of diarrhea.
• These findings can help in refining diagnostic methods for equine salmonellosis and other severe gastro-intestinal conditions in horses.