Protection against clinical endotoxemia in horses by using plasma containing antibody to an Rc mutant E. coli (J5).

This study investigates the use of plasma with specific antibodies to treat horses with endotoxic shock, a severe condition often fatal. The results suggest that plasma containing antibodies to Rc mutant E. coli (J5) significantly reduces mortality rates and improves recovery signs in horses suffering from this condition.

Study Overview

This research was a double-blind trial incorporating 32 horses showing signs of endotoxic shock from various causes such as acute toxic enteritis and volvulus of the large colon. The experiment involved equine plasma donors who were immunized with a whole-cell bacterin of an Rc mutant E. coli (J5). The plasma, harvested pre-immunization (preimmune plasma) and post-immunization (hyperimmune plasma), was administered to the horses along with traditional treatment methods.

• The experiment focused on the potential therapeutic uses of hyperimmune plasma, containing an elevated concentration of antibodies that recognize lipopolysaccharide (LPS) core antigen.
• The preimmune plasma served as a control to compare the efficacy of treatment.

Findings

The trial’s findings demonstrated a significant decrease in mortality and improved recovery in horses treated with hyperimmune plasma.

• The mortality rate in the group receiving hyperimmune plasma was 13%, compared to 47% in the group receiving preimmune plasma.
• It was also noted that horses administered with the hyperimmune plasma showed a significantly improved clinical appearance after 48 hours compared to the control group.
• The period to recovery was shorter in the hyperimmune plasma group, further supporting the treatment’s efficacy.

Conclusion

From the observed results, the introduction of hyperimmune plasma to standard treatment protocols for horses suffering from conditions leading to endotoxic shock could be beneficial and lifesaving. However, further research is necessary to solidify these findings and determine the most effective dosage and administration procedures.