Lawsonia intracellularis and equine proliferative enteropathy.

The research article focuses on Lawsonia intracellularis, a pathogen that causes equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) which commonly affects young horses. The article further discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods for this disease.

Understanding Lawsonia intracellularis and equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE)

• Lawsonia intracellularis is recognised as the causative agent for EPE, a disease that predominantly afflicts weanling and yearling horses. It primarily occurs in North America and is most prevalent between August and January, although instances of the disease occurring outside of this period have been reported.
• Please note that Lawsonia intracellularis is an infectious bacterium that targets the epithelial cells of the intestine, leading to a thickening of the intestinal wall and often, the disease EPE. The reasons for this bacterial infection are yet to be fully understood.

Symptoms of EPE

• The typical clinical signs of EPE are generally nonspecific and are similar to most diseases affecting horses. These may include lethargy, pyrexia (or fever), anorexia, peripheral edema (swelling), weight loss, colic (abdominal pain), and diarrhea.
• Due to the vague and common nature of these symptoms, EPE often initially goes unnoticed or is mistaken for other conditions.

Diagnosis of EPE

• The diagnosis of EPE is largely based on the presence of hypoproteinemia (low protein levels in the blood) and hypoalbuminemia (low albumin levels in the blood) alongside the aforementioned clinical signs. Hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia might be suggestive of an impaired absorption of nutrients, a common sign of EPE.
• Positive results from commercial serologic (blood) and/or molecular testing also play an essential role in the diagnosis.

Treatment for EPE

• EPE treatment typically calls for the use of antimicrobials – especially those with good intracellular penetration. This is especially important as Lawsonia intracellularis is an intracellular bacterium, meaning it lives within the cells of the host organism.
• Supportive care is also vital in order to prevent or decrease secondary complications, which can range from dehydration due to diarrhea to shock from severe blood protein loss.