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de Souza RP, Mousquer MA, Müller V, Barbosa JCR, Leite FPL, Guedes RMC, Curcio BDR, Nogueira CEW. High Seroprevalence of Lawsonia intracellularis in Thoroughbred Farms in Southern Brazil. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 128:104890. [PMID: 37423472 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to carry out a serological survey to identify the seroprevalence of Lawsonia intracellularis in six Thoroughbred farms in the Southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. During 2019 and 2020, blood samples from 686 Thoroughbred horses were obtained from six different breeding farms. Horses were divided into groups according to age: (1) broodmares (>5 years), (2) two-year-old foals, (3) yearlings, and (4) 0-6 months-old foals. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture of the external jugular vein. The detection of antibodies (IgG) against L. intracellularis was performed by Immunoperoxidase Monolayer Assay. The detection of specific antibodies (IgG) against L. intracellularis in the evaluated population was 51%. The highest detection (86.8%) of IgG was in the broodmares category, while the lowest (5.2%) was in foals of 0-6 months of age. Regarding the farms, the Farm 1 had the highest (67.4%) prevalence of seropositivity against L. intracellularis, while Farm 4 had the lowest (30.6%). There was no record of clinical manifestation of Equine Proliferative Enteropathy in the sampled animals. The results of this study show the high seroprevalence of L. intracellularis in Thoroughbred farms in the Southern of Rio Grande do Sul, suggesting a large and continuous exposure to the agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela P de Souza
- Departament of Veterinary Clinics, Federal University of Pelotas, UFPel, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Mariana A Mousquer
- Departament of Veterinary Clinics, Federal University of Pelotas, UFPel, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vitória Müller
- Center for Technological Development, Biotecnology, Federal University of Pelotas, UFPel, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Carolina Reis Barbosa
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fábio Pereira Leivas Leite
- Center for Technological Development, Biotecnology, Federal University of Pelotas, UFPel, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Roberto Maurício C Guedes
- Department of Veterinary Clinic and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna da Rosa Curcio
- Departament of Veterinary Clinics, Federal University of Pelotas, UFPel, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos E W Nogueira
- Departament of Veterinary Clinics, Federal University of Pelotas, UFPel, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Page AE, Partridge E, Erol E, Scoggin KE, Fedorka CE, Ruby RE, Ball BA, Horohov DW, Adam E. Development and Use of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay to Determine Temporal Exposure Patterns to Putative Agents of Nocardioform Placentitis. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 109:103826. [PMID: 34843887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cases of nocardioform placentitis are characterized by focal, mucoid placentitis resulting in late-term abortion, premature birth, or small, full-term foals, occur sporadically, and are most commonly associated with Crossiella equi and Amycolatopsis spp. infection. The goal of this project was to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantifying antibodies against Crossiella equi and Amycolatopsis spp. and utilize the ELISA to determine when exposure occurs. Serum samples collected during the 2020 foaling season from Crossiella equi (n = 8) and Amycolatopsis spp. (n = 32) infected mares, as well as nonaffected mares (n = 51 mares), were used to develop and optimize bacteria-specific ELISAs. Following development of the ELISAs, banked serum samples from a single, central Kentucky Thoroughbred farm collected during 2012 to 2013 (n = 104 mares) and 2013-14 (n = 82 mares) were analyzed. Differences in various groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Crossiella equi-infected mares had significantly higher ELISA unit (EU) values on the Crossiella equi ELISA near parturition when compared to the other two groups (P < .001). Using the Amycolatopsis spp. ELISA, EU values were not significantly different between Amycolatopsis spp. infected and non-affected mares, suggesting this ELISA is not specific for Amycolatopsis spp. During 2013 to 2014, there were significant increases in EU values between June and late September for the Crossiella equi ELISA, suggesting exposure in the summer and early fall months. Data from the Crossiella equi ELISA may help provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of nocardioform placentitis, guide the development of a successful experimental challenge model, and allow for further refinement of these ELISAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen E Page
- University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY.
| | - Emma Partridge
- University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY
| | - Erdal Erol
- University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Lexington, KY
| | - Kirsten E Scoggin
- University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY
| | - Carleigh E Fedorka
- University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY
| | - Rebecca E Ruby
- University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Lexington, KY
| | - Barry A Ball
- University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY
| | - David W Horohov
- University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY
| | - Emma Adam
- University of Kentucky Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY
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Loublier C, Cerri S, Gryspeerdt A, Amory H, Bauwens C, Cesarini C. High Seroprevalence Against Lawsonia intracellularis Among Adult Horses in Belgium. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 95:103304. [PMID: 33276923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Lawsonia intracellularis (LI) is an obligate intracellular gram-negative rod causing equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE). Occasional cases of EPE have been reported in foals living in Belgium, but the seroprevalence of equine LI in this country is unknown. The target population included clinically healthy adult horses, whose blood samples were collected and analyzed for specific IgG antibodies against LI using a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. The results were expressed as percentage of inhibition (PI). Samples that had a PI <20% were judged as negative, those between 20 and 30% as inconclusive, and those >30% were considered positive. A total of 356 blood samples were analyzed with 352 horses (98.8%) testing positive, 2 horses (0.6%) testing negative, and 2 horses (0.6%) showing inconclusive results. The large percentage of seropositive samples obtained in this study confirms a widespread exposure of Belgian horses to LI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Loublier
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine Internal Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Simona Cerri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine Internal Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Hélène Amory
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine Internal Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Caroline Bauwens
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Carla Cesarini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine Internal Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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Diseases of the Alimentary Tract. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7167529 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Sanz MG, Oliveira AF, Loynachan A, Page A, Svansson V, Giguère S, Horohov DW. Validation and evaluation of VapA-specific IgG and IgG subclass enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to identify foals with Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. Equine Vet J 2015; 48:103-8. [PMID: 25257622 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Rhodococcus equi (Rhodococcus hoagii/Prescottella equi) is a common cause of foal pneumonia, but its diagnosis remains a challenge for equine veterinarians. While the VapA-specific (virulence-associated protein A) immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has low sensitivity and specificity for detecting pneumonic foals, little is known about VapA-specific IgG subclasses. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the performance of VapA-specific ELISA for IgG and its subclasses IgGa, IgGb and IgG(T) in the early diagnosis of pneumonia caused by R. equi. STUDY DESIGN Assay validation followed by assessment of diagnostic performance using archived samples from animals of known status. METHODS Serum samples from exposed (n = 125) and nonexposed adult horses (n = 10) and from experimentally challenged and naturally infected foals were used for ELISA validation. Post mortem and tissue culture records of the last 24 years from the Institute for Experimental Pathology at the University of Iceland in Keldur, Iceland laboratory were evaluated to confirm the absence of R. equi cases in Iceland. The diagnostic performance of VapA-specific IgG and its subclasses was evaluated using banked serum samples from pneumonic (n = 21) and healthy foals (n = 80). To evaluate each IgG assay, a cut-off value was selected based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and used to calculate sensitivity and specificity. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were calculated for each ELISA. RESULTS Using sera from Iceland, where R. equi infection has not been reported, the VapA-specific IgG ELISA differentiated exposed from nonexposed horses. When used to identify infected foals, VapA-specific IgG, IgGa and IgGb had no diagnostic value. In contrast, IgG(T) had high sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS Horses from Iceland are not exposed to VapA(+) R. equi and can serve as negative controls. VapA-specific IgG subclasses, with the exception of IgG(T), are poor predictors of disease. Further investigation on the use of IgG(T) as a diagnostic tool in field conditions is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Sanz
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - A F Oliveira
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - A Loynachan
- Department of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - A Page
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - V Svansson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - S Giguère
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - D W Horohov
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Sanz MG, Villarino N, Ferreira-Oliveira A, Horohov DW. VapA-specific IgG and IgG subclasses responses after natural infection and experimental challenge of foals with Rhodococcus equi. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2015; 164:10-5. [PMID: 25681111 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2015.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a common cause of pneumonia in young foals worldwide and has considerable economic effects on the global equine industry. Despite ongoing efforts, no vaccine is currently available to prevent rhodococaal pneumonia. This is due, in part, to an incomplete understanding of the protective immune response to this bacterium. While antibodies to VapA, a lipoprotein produced by virulent R. equi, are useful in differentiating antibody production in response to pathogenic versus non-pathogenic strains, the significance of the humoral response of foals to this lipoprotein remains poorly defined. The objectives of this study were to evaluate changes in VapA-specific IgG and IgG subclasses after exposure and infection of neonatal foals. Experimental foals included those challenged with R. equi at 1 (n=18), 2 (n=4) and 3 (n=6) weeks of age. Confirmed naturally infected (n=7) and not infected (n=3) foals were also included. All foals were bled 24h after birth and weekly thereafter for a period of 8 weeks. Antibody changes over time were evaluated. Following birth, VapA-specific IgGs significantly (p<0.05) decreased over time in all foals as a result of normal decay of passively transferred antibodies. Both VapA-specific IgGa and IgG(T) significantly increased (p<0.05) after experimental challenge, however, the rise in IgG(T) occurred earlier. Only a significant (p<0.05) increase in VapA-specific IgG(T) over time was seen after natural infection. Whether VapA-specific IgG(T) can be used to differentiate rhodococcal from other pneumonias requires further investigation under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Sanz
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Kentucky,Lexington, KY 40546-009, United States
| | - N Villarino
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164-6610, United States
| | - A Ferreira-Oliveira
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Kentucky,Lexington, KY 40546-009, United States
| | - D W Horohov
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Kentucky,Lexington, KY 40546-009, United States.
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Page AE, Stills HF, Horohov DW. Sub-isotypic differences in the immunoglobulin G response to Lawsonia intracellularis in vaccinated, seropositive, and equine proliferative enteropathy-affected horses. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2014; 162:162-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Page AE, Slovis NM, Horohov DW. Lawsonia intracellularis and Equine Proliferative Enteropathy. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2014; 30:641-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Page AE, Stills HF, Horohov DW. The effect of passively acquired antibodies onLawsonia intracellularisinfection and immunity in the horse. Equine Vet J 2014; 47:655-61. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. E. Page
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington USA
| | - H. F. Stills
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics; University of Kentucky; Lexington USA
| | - D. W. Horohov
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center; University of Kentucky; Lexington USA
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Sanz MG, Oliveira AF, Page A, Horohov DW. Administration of commercial Rhodococcus equi specific hyperimmune plasma results in variable amounts of IgG against pathogenic bacteria in foals. Vet Rec 2014; 175:485. [PMID: 25117301 DOI: 10.1136/vr.102594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is the most common cause of pneumonia in young foals. A vaccine is not available and the use of R equi-specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) is common. Despite its widespread use, the efficacy of HIP in preventing disease remains controversial. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the virulence associate protein A (VapA)-specific IgG and IgG subclasses in commercially available R equi HIP and (2) to evaluate serum VapA-specific IgG and IgG subclasses in foals following administration of commercial R equi HIP. Three different lots from four commercial R equi HIP were sampled. VapA-specific IgG and IgG subclasses were evaluated in all samples using an ELISA. Serum was collected from newborn foals either after commercial R equi HIP was administered (n=97) or not (n=70). Serum was also collected from each mare. Administration of HIP significantly (P<0.001) increased VapA-specific IgGs in recipient foals, however, there was a marked variation in VapA-specific IgGs in foals receiving the same product. VapA-specific IgGs were significantly different (P<0.001) between products and varied between lots, with coefficients of variation ranging from 17 to 123 per cent. These results may explain previously reported disparities in HIP efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Sanz
- Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA
| | - A F Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA
| | - A Page
- Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA
| | - D W Horohov
- Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA
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Demographic and Environmental Risk Factors for Exposure to Lawsonia intracellularis in Horses in Israel. J Equine Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Page A, Fallon L, Bryant U, Horohov D, Luna T, Marsh P, Slovis N, Sprayberry K, Loynachan A. Acute Deterioration and Death with Necrotizing Enteritis Associated withLawsonia intracellularisin 4 Weanling Horses. J Vet Intern Med 2012; 26:1476-80. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2012.01002.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A.E. Page
- Department of Veterinary Science; University of Kentucky; Lexington; KY
| | - L.H. Fallon
- Hagyard Equine Medical Institute; Lexington; KY
| | - U.K. Bryant
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; University of Kentucky; Lexington; KY
| | - D.W. Horohov
- Department of Veterinary Science; University of Kentucky; Lexington; KY
| | - T.W. Luna
- Equine Medical Associates; PSC; Lexington; KY
| | - P.S. Marsh
- Equine Medical Associates; PSC; Lexington; KY
| | - N.M. Slovis
- Hagyard Equine Medical Institute; Lexington; KY
| | | | - A.T. Loynachan
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory; University of Kentucky; Lexington; KY
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Compston P, Grieve L. Science in brief: Clinical news from the 57th convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, 2011. Equine Vet J 2012; 44:251-3. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00550.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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