Protection against Ehrlichia equi is conferred by prior infection with the human granulocytotropic Ehrlichia (HGE agent).
Abstract: A Thoroughbred filly that developed clinical signs of equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis following inoculation with the human granulocytotropic ehrlichia was shown to be resistant to challenge with Ehrlichia equi, a closely related agent. This result further substantiates the close and potentially conspecific relationship between these two granulocytotropic ehrlichiae.
Publication Date: 1995-12-01 PubMed ID: 8586731PubMed Central: PMC228702DOI: 10.1128/jcm.33.12.3333-3334.1995Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research suggests that once a Thoroughbred filly has been infected with the human granulocytotropic ehrlichia (HGE agent), it gains immunity to Ehrlichia equi, a potentially related strain. This study further emphasizes the probable genetic relation between the two ehrlichiae.
Overview of the Study
The research revolves around:
- The examination of the relationship between Ehrlichia equi and the human granulocytotropic ehrlichia (HGE agent) bacterium.
- Experimentation involving a Thoroughbred filly which was initially inoculated with the HGE agent.
- The observation that the horse developed resistance to Ehrlichia equi, post exposure to the HGE agent.
- The implication of these findings on the possible genetic relationship between the two bacteria.
Details of the Inoculation Process
The process of the study encompassed:
- Inoculation of the filly with the HGE agent.
- Clinical manifestation of equine granulocytic ehrlichiosis, a disease caused by these types of bacteria that affects horses.
- The horse’s subsequent exposure to Ehrlichia equi.
- The horse displaying resistance to Ehrlichia equi infection.
Relationship between HGE agent and Ehrlichia equi
This study further substantiates the belief that:
- HGE agent and Ehrlichia equi could be closely interrelated, possibly even conspecifics, i.e., originating from the same species.
- Previous exposure to the HGE agent confers immunity to Ehrlichia equi.
- Further research is necessary to establish the accurate genetic relationship between these bacteriums.
Cite This Article
APA
Barlough JE, Madigan JE, DeRock E, Dumler JS, Bakken JS.
(1995).
Protection against Ehrlichia equi is conferred by prior infection with the human granulocytotropic Ehrlichia (HGE agent).
J Clin Microbiol, 33(12), 3333-3334.
https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.33.12.3333-3334.1995 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- DNA, Bacterial / genetics
- Ehrlichia / genetics
- Ehrlichia / immunology
- Ehrlichia / pathogenicity
- Ehrlichiosis / immunology
- Ehrlichiosis / microbiology
- Ehrlichiosis / veterinary
- Female
- Granulocytes / microbiology
- Horse Diseases / immunology
- Horse Diseases / microbiology
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Humans
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Species Specificity
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This article includes 10 references
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Citations
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