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Research in veterinary science1979; 26(3); 383-384;

The development of immunity to Parascaris equorum infection in the foal.

Abstract: Following infection with 8000 Parascaris equorum eggs in two- to four-week-old foals reared under worm-free conditions a high percentage of the infective dose completed its tissue migration and returned to the small intestine. Patent infections were establisehd between 81 and 104 days after infection and high faecal egg counts were recorded. A group of six- to 12-month-old foals, which had been either reared under worm-free conditions or exposed to natural ascarid and strongyle infections on pasture, received a similar infection of 8000 P equorum eggs. Compared with the younger foals there was a marked reduction in the number of larvae reaching the small intestine. Also, patent infections were established less frequently (50 per cent of cases) and, when present, the faecal egg counts remained low.
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Publication Date: 1979-05-01 PubMed ID: 574660
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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.

This research investigates the development of immunity towards the Parascaris equorum infection in young foals. The study found that older foals displayed a stronger immune response to the infection as evidenced by the fewer number of larvae reaching the small intestine and the lower fecal egg counts.

Study Method

  • The researchers exposed two-to-four week old foals, raised in parasite-free environments, to an infection of 8000 Parascaris equorum eggs.
  • The team monitored the progress and migration of the infective dose throughout the tissue, noting the return of a large percentage to the small intestine.
  • Patent infections were observed, with the time frame spanning from 81 to 104 days post-infection.
  • High faecal egg counts were recorded in these young foals.
  • In contrast, a group of older foals (aged between six to 12 months), which had either been similarly raised in worm-free environments or exposed to natural ascarid and strongyle infections while on pasture, was also exposed to the same egg infection.

Find Observations

  • Results displayed a significant reduction in the number of larvae reaching the small intestine in the older foals compared to their younger counterparts.
  • Patent infections were established less frequently in the older foals occurring in 50 per cent of the cases, as against an almost constant occurrence in younger foals.
  • The faecal egg count also remained comparatively low in the older foals even when patent infections were present.

Implications of the Findings

  • The study’s findings suggest that immunity towards Parascaris equorum infection strengthens with age in foals.
  • Older foals showed fewer number of larvae in the small intestine, less frequency of patent infections, and lower fecal egg counts.
  • This indicates effective immune response to tackle the infection with ageing in foals.
  • This research can be critical for designing strategies to control and prevent Parascaris equorum infection in foals and mature horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Clayton HM, Duncan JL. (1979). The development of immunity to Parascaris equorum infection in the foal. Res Vet Sci, 26(3), 383-384.

Publication

Research in veterinary science
ISSN: 0034-5288
NlmUniqueID: 0401300
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 26
Issue: 3
Pages: 383-384

Researcher Affiliations

Clayton, H M
    Duncan, J L

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Ascaridoidea / immunology
      • Horse Diseases / immunology
      • Horse Diseases / parasitology
      • Horses / immunology
      • Immunity, Active
      • Nematode Infections / immunology
      • Nematode Infections / parasitology
      • Nematode Infections / veterinary

      Citations

      This article has been cited 5 times.
      1. Boelow H, Krücken J, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G. Epidemiological study on factors influencing the occurrence of helminth eggs in horses in Germany based on sent-in diagnostic samples. Parasitol Res 2023 Mar;122(3):749-767.
        doi: 10.1007/s00436-022-07765-4pubmed: 36627515google scholar: lookup
      2. Ilić T, Bogunović D, Nenadović K, Gajić B, Dimitrijević S, Popović G, Kulišić Z, Milosavljević P. Gastrointestinal Helminths in Horses in Serbia and Various Factors Affecting the Prevalence. Acta Parasitol 2023 Mar;68(1):56-69.
        doi: 10.1007/s11686-022-00636-zpubmed: 36350537google scholar: lookup
      3. Cain JL, Nielsen MK. The equine ascarids: resuscitating historic model organisms for modern purposes. Parasitol Res 2022 Oct;121(10):2775-2791.
        doi: 10.1007/s00436-022-07627-zpubmed: 35986167google scholar: lookup
      4. Getachew M, Trawford A, Feseha G, Reid SW. Gastrointestinal parasites of working donkeys of Ethiopia. Trop Anim Health Prod 2010 Jan;42(1):27-33.
        doi: 10.1007/s11250-009-9381-0pubmed: 19548106google scholar: lookup
      5. Bell RJ, Holste JE. Efficacy of ivermectin oral liquid for horses. Can Vet J 1990 Jul;31(7):519-21.
        pubmed: 17423630
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