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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2014; 30(3); 591-607; doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2014.08.007

New perspectives for the diagnosis, control, treatment, and prevention of strangles in horses.

Abstract: Strangles, characterized by abscessation of the lymph nodes of the head and neck, is the most frequently diagnosed infectious disease of horses worldwide. The persistence of the causative agent, Streptococcus equi, in a proportion of convalescent horses plays a critical role in the recurrence and spread of disease. Recent research has led to the development of effective diagnostic tests that assist the eradication of S equi from local horse populations. This article describes how these advances have been made and provides advice to assist the resolution and prevention of outbreaks. New perspectives on preventative vaccines and therapeutic interventions are discussed.
Publication Date: 2014-10-06 PubMed ID: 25300634DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2014.08.007Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

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.

This research article focuses on strides made in the control, prevention, and treatment of strangles—a commonly diagnosed infectious disease in horses. The study provides insights into recent developments in diagnostic tests and discusses new possibilities for therapeutic interventions and vaccines.

Overview of Strangles in Horses

  • Strangles is a highly infectious disease prevalent in horses and is manifested through swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck.
  • The disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, which has been known to remain in the bodies of horses after they have recovered from the illness. The persistence of this bacterium can cause repeated outbreaks of the disease and facilitate its spread in local horse populations.

Development of Diagnostic Tests

  • Research has led to advances in diagnostic test procedures that aid in effectively recognizing the presence of S equi, helping to eradicate the bacterium from regional horse populations.
  • The article extensively discusses how these significant discoveries were made, although specific techniques and methods are not mentioned in the abstract.

Vaccines and Therapeutic Interventions

  • The research further delves into recent developments in preventative measures and potential treatment approaches. These advancements address not just the symptoms but also the underlying persistent S equi infection.
  • The study offers advice on how to use these innovations to prevent new outbreaks, treat infected horses, and systematically remove S equi from horse populations, potentially leading to the eradication of the disease.

Implications of the Research

  • The insights from this study can pave the way for a more effective management plan against strangles. It can revolutionize how veterinary practitioners approach the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and containment of this horse disease.
  • The potential for eradicating strangles could drastically improve the health and wellbeing of horse populations worldwide, having significant implications for the equestrian industry, horse owners, veterinarians, and horses themselves.

Cite This Article

APA
Waller AS. (2014). New perspectives for the diagnosis, control, treatment, and prevention of strangles in horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 30(3), 591-607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2014.08.007

Publication

ISSN: 1558-4224
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 30
Issue: 3
Pages: 591-607
PII: S0749-0739(14)00065-0

Researcher Affiliations

Waller, Andrew S
  • Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK. Electronic address: andrew.waller@aht.org.uk.

MeSH Terms

  • Abscess / microbiology
  • Abscess / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / microbiology
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Horses
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / therapy
  • Streptococcal Infections / veterinary
  • Streptococcus equi / isolation & purification

Grant Funding

  • 86970 / Wellcome Trust

Citations

This article has been cited 22 times.
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