Immunity in equine cyathostome infections.
Abstract: Defining the characteristics of immunity and immune responses to equine cyathostome infections is clearly important to advancing our understanding of the development of these nematodes within the host, the clinical conditions attributed to them, and in developing more rational and novel strategies for their control. Nonetheless, little is currently known on this topic. Current data based on field observations, worm burdens and fecal egg counts suggest that horses acquire a resistance to cyathostome infection with age. This response is slow to develop and incomplete in that most horses regardless of age harbor significant populations of these nematodes. More convincing evidence has been obtained from experimental infections which indicate that mature horses previously exposed to infection are resistant to re-infection and this resistance is directed at all stages of the parasite life cycle. Further, some immunity against the developing stages within the mucosa appears to require less exposure and occurs in younger animals. Some non-specific events which induce expulsion of all species of lumenal dwelling nematodes also appear to take place post-infection with L3. Antibodies have been detected in limited studies against somatic extracts of adult worms. Not surprisingly, titers of these antibodies do not correlate resistance to re-infection. Serendipitous observations have, however, associated a greater expression of the gene for IL-4 with the spontaneous expulsion of lumenal parasites. The development of a usable model is required to further advance our knowledge in this area.
Publication Date: 1999-09-15 PubMed ID: 10485359DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00093-xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article discusses the immune response of horses, particularly mature ones, towards equine cyathostome infections. It suggests that horses develop resistance against such infections with age and prior exposure, albeit gradually and incompletely.
Overview of the Research Article
- This scientific paper delves into the understanding of immunity and immune responses in horses towards infections caused by cyathostomes (a type of nematode).
- Despite the importance of the subject, the existing data on this topic is limited.
- The research findings showcased in this article are mainly based on field observations, worm burdens, and fecal egg counts.
Development of Immunity in Horses Against Cyathostome Infections
- The data suggests that horses slowly develop resistance against cyathostome infections as they age.
- However, this immunity formation is not comprehensive and most horses of all ages still harbor significant populations of the nematodes.
- Proof supporting this notion has been obtained through experimental infections.
- It is revealed that mature horses which have been previously exposed to the infection demonstrate resistance to reinfection, covering all stages of the nematode’s life cycle.
Immunity Against Developing Stages and Role of Antibodies
- The paper also discusses that immunity against the developing stages of the parasite within the mucosa seems to require less exposure, and thus can occur in younger animals.
- A post-infection, non-specific event also occurs that brings about the expulsion of all species of luminal dwelling nematodes.
- Restricted studies have detected antibodies against somatic extracts of adult worms, yet their titers do not correlate with resistance to reinfection.
Role of Gene Expression in Immunity
- Accidental observations have linked a greater expression of the gene IL-4 with spontaneous expulsion of luminal parasites.
- The authors argue that further research in this area is dependent on the development of a practical research model.
Cite This Article
APA
Klei TR, Chapman MR.
(1999).
Immunity in equine cyathostome infections.
Vet Parasitol, 85(2-3), 123-225.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00093-x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horse Diseases / immunology
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horses
- Immunity, Innate
- Strongylida Infections / immunology
- Strongylida Infections / veterinary
- Strongyloidea
Citations
This article has been cited 12 times.- Jürgenschellert L, Krücken J, Bousquet E, Bartz J, Heyer N, Nielsen MK, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Occurrence of Strongylid Nematode Parasites on Horse Farms in Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany, With High Seroprevalence of Strongylus vulgaris Infection.. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:892920.
- Slivinska K, Klich D, Yasynetska N, Żygowska M. The Effects of Seasonality and Group Size on Fecal Egg Counts in Wild Przewalski's Horses (Equus Ferus Przewalskii, Poljakov, 1881) in The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine During 2014 - 2018.. Helminthologia 2020 Dec;57(4):314-321.
- Tombak KJ, Budischak SA, Hauck S, Martinez LA, Rubenstein DI. The non-invasive measurement of faecal immunoglobulin in African equids.. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2020 Aug;12:105-112.
- Tydén E, Jansson A, Ringmark S. Parasites in Horses Kept in A 2.5 Year-Round Grazing System in Nordic Conditions without Supplementary Feeding.. Animals (Basel) 2019 Dec 17;9(12).
- Hu X, Wei Y, Huang S, Liu G, Wang Y, Hu D, Liu S. Effects of breeding center, age and parasite burden on fecal triiodothyronine levels in forest musk deer.. PLoS One 2018;13(10):e0205080.
- Misuno E, Clark CR, Anderson SL, Jenkins E, Wagner B, Dembek K, Petrie L. Characteristics of parasitic egg shedding over a 1-year period in foals and their dams in 2 farms in central Saskatchewan.. Can Vet J 2018 Mar;59(3):284-292.
- Zakrajsek E. Unusual presentation of cyathostomiasis in an adult Thoroughbred mare.. Can Vet J 2017 Nov;58(11):1221-1223.
- Sheferaw D, Alemu M. Epidemiological study of gastrointestinal helminths of equines in Damot-Gale district, Wolaita zone, Ethiopia.. J Parasit Dis 2015 Jun;39(2):315-20.
- Lyons ET, Tolliver SC, Kuzmina TA. Investigation of strongyle EPG values in horse mares relative to known age, number positive, and level of egg shedding in field studies on 26 farms in Central Kentucky (2010-2011).. Parasitol Res 2012 Jun;110(6):2237-45.
- Kuzmina TA. Contamination of the environment by strongylid (Nematoda: Strongylidae) infective larvae at horse farms of various types in Ukraine.. Parasitol Res 2012 May;110(5):1665-74.
- Francisco I, Arias M, Cortiñas FJ, Francisco R, Mochales E, Dacal V, Suárez JL, Uriarte J, Morrondo P, Sánchez-Andrade R, Díez-Baños P, Paz-Silva A. Intrinsic Factors Influencing the Infection by Helminth Parasites in Horses under an Oceanic Climate Area (NW Spain).. J Parasitol Res 2009;2009.
- von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Traversa D, Demeler J, Rohn K, Milillo P, Schurmann S, Lia R, Perrucci S, di Regalbono AF, Beraldo P, Barnes H, Cobb R, Boeckh A. Effects of worm control practices examined by a combined faecal egg count and questionnaire survey on horse farms in Germany, Italy and the UK.. Parasit Vectors 2009 Sep 25;2 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S3.
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