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Veterinary microbiology2013; 167(1-2); 61-66; doi: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.04.012

Leptospirosis in horses.

Abstract: Leptospirosis in horses has been considered a relatively uncommon infection. However, recent data suggest that the infection is widespread, with the incidence and infecting serovars varying considerably in different geographical regions. The majority of infections remain asymptomatic. Clinical signs in equine leptospirosis resemble those seen in other animal species. However, leptospirosis as a cause of acute respiratory distress is becoming more frequently recognised. A particular feature of equine leptospirosis is post infection recurrent uveitis (moon blindness or periodic ophthalmia), which appears to be mediated by autoimmune mechanisms involving cross reactivity between ocular tissues and leptospiral membrane proteins. There are no leptospiral vaccines licensed for use in horses, with no prospect for any becoming available in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, prevention of equine leptospirosis must rely on good hygiene practices, minimisation of rodent contact, and vaccination of other species of production and companion animals.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2013-04-16 PubMed ID: 23647816DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.04.012Google 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.

The research paper delves into the prevalence and impact of leptospirosis in horses. Despite its frequency historically being deemed low, recent findings imply that the infection rate may be higher than thought, varying significantly depending on the geographical area. The study also notes the role of leptospirosis in causing acute respiratory distress in horses and the autoimmunity-driven uveitis that often follows the infection. Recommendations for prevention lean on hygiene practices and vaccination in other animal species.

Leptospirosis Prevalence in Horses

  • The research stipulates that current understandings of the prevalence of leptospirosis in horses may be significantly understated. Recent data indicates that the infection could be widespread among horses, with incidences and infecting serovars varying significantly across different geographical regions.
  • However, most horses infected with leptospirosis do not exhibit observable symptoms, which makes the diagnosis and estimation of prevalence difficult.

Symptoms and Consequences of Equine Leptospirosis

  • The clinical presentations of leptospirosis in horses are similar to those seen in other animal species, but they are not always present or easily identifiable.
  • Interestingly, the research notes an increasing number of cases where leptospiral infection leads to acute respiratory distress in horses. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
  • Recurrent uveitis, commonly known as moon blindness or periodic ophthalmia, post infection is a significant feature of equine leptospirosis. The research indicates that this condition is mediated by autoimmune mechanisms in which there is a cross-reactivity between ocular tissues and leptospiral membrane proteins.

Prevention and Control of Equine Leptospirosis

  • The research stresses that there are no currently licensed leptospiral vaccines for horses and that it is unlikely that any will be available in the foreseeable future.
  • Consequently, equine leptospirosis control heavily relies on maintaining good hygiene practices and minimizing contact with rodents, as these animals are often carriers of leptospirosis.
  • The vaccination of other production and companion animals also represents a preventive measure as it reduces the potential sources of infection for horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Verma A, Stevenson B, Adler B. (2013). Leptospirosis in horses. Vet Microbiol, 167(1-2), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.04.012

Publication

Veterinary microbiology
ISSN: 1873-2542
NlmUniqueID: 7705469
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 167
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 61-66

Researcher Affiliations

Verma, Ashutosh
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Stevenson, Brian
    Adler, Ben

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / pathology
      • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
      • Horses
      • Leptospira / physiology
      • Leptospirosis / diagnosis
      • Leptospirosis / epidemiology
      • Leptospirosis / pathology
      • Leptospirosis / prevention & control
      • Leptospirosis / veterinary
      • Uveitis / veterinary

      Citations

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