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Equine veterinary journal1997; 29(4); 314-318; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03129.x

The association of erythromycin ethylsuccinate with acute colitis in horses in Sweden.

Abstract: In Sweden there are several reports of mares developing acute colitis while their foals were being treated orally for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia with the combination of erythromycin and rifampicin. In this study 6 adult horses were given low oral dosages of these antibiotics, singly or in combination. Within 3 days post administration of erythromycin, in one case in combination with rifampicin, 2 horses developed severe colitis (one fatal). Clostridium difficile was isolated from one of the horses, whereas no specific pathogens were isolated from the other. Both horses had typical changes in blood parameters seen in acute colitis. Clostridium difficile was also isolated from the faeces of a third horse given an even lower dosage of erythromycin in combination with rifampicin. This horse developed very mild clinical symptoms and recovered spontaneously. In the fourth horse given erythromycin only, very high numbers of Clostridium perfringens were isolated. The horses given rifampicin only did not develop any clinical symptoms and there were no major changes in their faecal flora. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that low dosages of erythromycin ethylsuccinate can induce severe colitis in horses associated with major changes of the intestinal microflora. Clostridium difficile has been demonstrated as a potential aetiological agent in antibiotic-induced acute colitis.
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Publication Date: 1997-07-01 PubMed ID: 15338913DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03129.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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.

A study conducted in Sweden suggests that low doses of erythromycin ethylsuccinate, an antibiotic, could cause severe colitis in horses, with Clostridium difficile identified as a potentially causative agent.

Research Context

  • The study was generated by reports in Sweden of mares developing acute colitis (inflammation of the colon) when their foals were being treated for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia using a combination of antibiotics, namely erythromycin and rifampicin.
  • Researchers found that such cases necessitated an investigation into the relationship between erythromycin ethylsuccinate and acute colitis in horses.

Research Methodology

  • In the study, six adult horses were given low oral dosages of the mentioned antibiotics, either singly or in combination.
  • Observations were made to document any changes in horses’ health, primarily looking for symptoms of colitis.
  • Additionally, faecal samples were analyzed to detect the presence of pathological bacteria known to induce colitis.

Research Findings

  • Within three days post administration of erythromycin, two horses developed severe colitis, one of which was a fatal case. This included one case involving a combination treatment with rifampicin.
  • Clostridium difficile was isolated from one of the horses, though no specific pathogens were identified in the other.
  • Both of these horses displayed typical changes in blood parameters, namely those indicative of acute colitis.
  • A third horse, which was administered a lower dose of erythromycin in combination with rifampicin, had Clostridium difficile isolated from its faeces. Though this horse exhibited very mild clinical symptoms, it recovered spontaneously.
  • The fourth horse, which was only given erythromycin, was found to have very high numbers of Clostridium perfringens.
  • No clinical symptoms were observed in the horses that were only given rifampicin, and no significant changes were identified in their faecal flora.

Study Conclusion

  • The research concluded that low doses of erythromycin ethylsuccinate can cause severe colitis in horses and can result in significant changes to the intestinal microflora.
  • The bacterium, Clostridium difficile, was identified as a potential causative agent in antibiotic-induced acute colitis.

Implications of the Study

  • This study emphasizes the need to reassess and review treatment methods involving erythromycin for horses, considering the potential for severe colitis.
  • The findings could contribute towards the development of safer alternative treatment methods and preventative measures against Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in young horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Gustafsson A, Båverud V, Gunnarsson A, Rantzien MH, Lindholm A, Franklin A. (1997). The association of erythromycin ethylsuccinate with acute colitis in horses in Sweden. Equine Vet J, 29(4), 314-318. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03129.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 29
Issue: 4
Pages: 314-318

Researcher Affiliations

Gustafsson, A
  • Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural sciences, Box 7018, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
Båverud, V
    Gunnarsson, A
      Rantzien, M H
        Lindholm, A
          Franklin, A

            MeSH Terms

            • Actinomycetales Infections / drug therapy
            • Actinomycetales Infections / veterinary
            • Acute Disease
            • Animals
            • Animals, Suckling
            • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
            • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
            • Clostridioides difficile / growth & development
            • Clostridioides difficile / isolation & purification
            • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / chemically induced
            • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / microbiology
            • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / veterinary
            • Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate / administration & dosage
            • Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate / adverse effects
            • Feces / microbiology
            • Female
            • Horse Diseases / chemically induced
            • Horse Diseases / microbiology
            • Horses
            • Male
            • Rhodococcus equi / drug effects
            • Rifampin / administration & dosage
            • Rifampin / adverse effects
            • Sweden

            Citations

            This article has been cited 19 times.
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