From glanders to Hendra virus: 125 years of equine infectious diseases.

This research article provides a comprehensive review of developments in equine infectious disease over the past 125 years, incorporating milestone discoveries in microbiology and genomics, and speculating on future directions.

Introduction and Main Objective

• Authored by Josh Slater, this research paper takes a retrospective approach to study equine infectious diseases. The primary goal of this research is to shed light on the significant advancements that have occurred in the field over the last century and a quarter.

Overview of the Historical Developments

• Starting from glanders, a chronic and contagious disease that primarily affects equines, the article moves through a timeline that spans over 125 years, providing insights into the significant illnesses impacting horses, and the microbiological and genomics-based responses to those diseases.
• These disease range from bacterial, like glanders caused by Burkholderia mallei, to viral ones such as the Hendra virus, a bat-borne disease that not only affects horses, but can also be transmitted to humans.
• The role of advances in microbiology and genomics in diagnosing, understanding, and treating the evolving spectrum of equine diseases is distinctly emphasized throughout the article. It particularly highlights the role of genomics in revealing the complex interaction between host and pathogen.

Speculation on the Future Developments

• Along with the historical context, the author also speculates on what the future might hold for equine disease research.
• There’s an expectation of further advancements in our understanding of horse health, stemming from more sophisticated genomic studies and technology.
• The article suggests that advancements in genomic techniques may help in early detection of the diseases, developing efficient treatment strategies, and even in creating disease resistant equine breeds.
• Beyond the current horizon, the research also contemplates the potential for revolutionary leaps in equine health due to the integration of technology and big-data approach to veterinary science.

Concluding Remarks

• Summing up, the research article provides a comprehensive historical review of equine infectious diseases over the past 125 years—a journey from glanders to Hendra virus. It also presents an optimistic view of future directions in the field with the promise of potential disease eradication brought about by developments in microbiology and genomics.