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Sobral GG, Gomes Neto OC, Lima TC, Carneiro GF. Lyophilization as an alternative for conservation of equine plasma as a source of immunoglobulin G for neonatal foals. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 141:105139. [PMID: 38964562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105139] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Providing plasma with immunoglobulins is essential for the health of foals with failure of passive transfer of immunity. The use of lyophilized plasma (LP) offers a simple and affordable option in terms of transportation and storage. This study aimed to measure the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG), total protein (TP), and total solids (TS) in fresh equine plasma before and after lyophilization. Plasma was collected from six healthy male horses. The samples underwent freeze-drying and were reconstituted in deionized water to their original volume. The concentrations of IgG in both fresh and reconstituted LP were determined by simple radial immunodiffusion and TS and TP concentrations measured using refractometry. Results indicated that the IgG concentration in fresh plasma (8.9 ± 3.2 g/L) was not different from LP (7.1 ± 2.2 g/L; P > 0.05). The TP concentration in fresh plasma was 6.6 ± 0.5 g/dL, which decreased to 5.7 ± 0.2 g/dL after lyophilization (P < 0.05). The TS of fresh plasma were 7.5 ± 0.8 %, and also lower in LP 6.3 ± 0.5 % (P < 0.05). The findings revealed that the lyophilization process preserves IgG concentration with small losses in TS and TP upon reconstitution. The research supports the potential of lyophilized equine plasma as a promising treatment option, with future efforts focused on optimizing the product, validating its efficacy and stability through clinical trials, and developing practical packaging solutions for use in the equine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- G G Sobral
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n - Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil.
| | - O C Gomes Neto
- Central Monte Verde de Reprodução Equina, Fazenda Japecanga, s/n, Bezerros, PE, 55660-000, Brazil
| | - T C Lima
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n - Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - G F Carneiro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n - Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
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2
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Sanz MG. Rhodococcus equi-What is New This Decade? Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2023; 39:1-14. [PMID: 36898784 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Foals become infected shortly after birth; most develop subclinical pneumonia and 20% to 30% develop clinical pneumonia that requires treatment. It is now well established that the combination of screening programs based on thoracic ultrasonography and treatment of subclinical foals with antimicrobials has led to the development of resistant Rhodococcus equi strains. Thus, targeted treatment programs are needed. Administration of R equi-specific hyperimmune plasma shortly after birth is beneficial as foals develop less severe pneumonia but does not seem to prevent infection. This article provides a summary of clinically relevant research published during this past decade.
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Haubenthal T, Hansen P, Krämer I, Gindt M, Jünger-Leif A, Utermöhlen O, Haas A. Specific preadaptations of Rhodococcus equi cooperate with its Virulence-associated protein A during macrophage infection. Mol Microbiol 2023; 119:285-301. [PMID: 36627747 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Gram-positive Rhodococcus equi (Prescotella equi) is a lung pathogen of foals and immunocompromised humans. Intra-macrophage multiplication requires production of the bacterial Virulence-associated protein A (VapA) which is released into the phagosome lumen. VapA pH-neutralizes intracellular compartments allowing R. equi to multiply in an atypical macrophage phagolysosome. Here, we show that VapA does not support intra-macrophage growth of several other bacterial species demonstrating that only few bacteria have the specific preadaptations needed to profit from VapA. We show that the closest relative of R. equi, environmental Rhodococcus defluvii (Prescotella defluvii), does not multiply in macrophages at 37°C even when VapA is present because of its thermosensitivity but it does so once the infection temperature is lowered providing rare experimental evidence for 'thermal restriction'. Using growth experiments with isolated macrophage lysosomes and modified infection schemes we provide evidence that R. equi resists the attack by phagolysosome contents at low pH for several hours. During this time, R. equi produces and secretes VapA which enables it to grow at the expense of lysosome constituents. We present arguments that, under natural infection conditions, R. equi is VapA-less during the initial encounter with the host. This has important implications for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philipp Hansen
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ina Krämer
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Mélanie Gindt
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Olaf Utermöhlen
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Albert Haas
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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4
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Kahn SK, Cohen ND, Bordin AI, Coleman MC, Heird JC, Welsh TH. Transfusion of hyperimmune plasma for protecting foals against Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. Equine Vet J 2022; 55:376-388. [PMID: 35834170 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The bacterium Rhodococcus equi causes pneumonia in foals that is prevalent at breeding farms worldwide. In the absence of an effective vaccine, transfusion of commercial plasma from donor horses hyperimmunised against R. equi is used by many farms to reduce the incidence of pneumonia among foals at farms where the disease is endemic. The effectiveness of hyperimmune plasma for controlling R. equi pneumonia in foals has varied considerably among reports. The purposes of this narrative review are: 1) to review early studies that provided a foundational basis for the practice of transfusion of hyperimmune plasma that is widespread in the US and in many other countries; 2) to summarise current knowledge of hyperimmune plasma for preventing R. equi pneumonia; 3) to provide an interpretive summary of probable explanations for the variable results among studies evaluating the effectiveness of transfusion of hyperimmune plasma for reducing the incidence of R. equi pneumonia; 4) to review mechanisms by which hyperimmune plasma might mediate protection; and 5) to consider risks of transfusing foals with hyperimmune plasma. Although the weight of evidence supports the practice of transfusing foals with hyperimmune plasma to prevent R. equi pneumonia, many important gaps in our knowledge of this topic remain including the volume/dose of hyperimmune plasma to be transfused, the timing(s) of transfusion, and the mechanism(s) by which hyperimmune plasma mediates protection. Transfusing foals with hyperimmune plasma is expensive, labour-intensive, and carries risks for foals; therefore, alternative approaches for passive and active immunisation to prevent R. equi pneumonia are greatly needed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne K Kahn
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Noah D Cohen
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Angela I Bordin
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Michelle C Coleman
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - James C Heird
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Thomas H Welsh
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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5
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Bordin AI, Huber L, Sanz M, Cohen N. Rhodococcus equi Foal Pneumonia: Update on Epidemiology, Immunity, Treatment, and Prevention. Equine Vet J 2022; 54:481-494. [PMID: 35188690 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pneumonia in foals caused by the bacterium Rhodococcus equi has a worldwide distribution and is a common cause of disease and death for foals. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarise recent developments pertaining to the epidemiology, immune responses, treatment, and prevention of rhodococcal pneumonia of foals. Screening tests have been used to implement earlier detection and treatment of foals with presumed subclinical R. equi pneumonia to reduce mortality and severity of disease. Unfortunately, this practice has been linked to the emergence of antimicrobial resistant R. equi in North America. Correlates of protective immunity for R. equi infections of foals remain elusive, but recent evidence indicates that innate immune responses are important both for mediating killing and orchestrating adaptive immune responses. A macrolide antimicrobial in combination with rifampin remains the recommended treatment for foals with R. equi pneumonia. Great need exists to identify which antimicrobial combination is most effective for treating foals with R. equi pneumonia and to limit emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains. In the absence of an effective vaccine against R. equi, passive immunisation remains the only commercially-available method for effectively reducing the incidence of R. equi pneumonia. Because passive immunisation is expensive, labour-intensive, and carries risks for foals, great need exists to develop alternative approaches for passive and active immunisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela I Bordin
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Laura Huber
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA
| | - Macarena Sanz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164-6610, USA
| | - Noah Cohen
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-4475, USA
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6
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Rivolta AA, Pittman DC, Kappes AJ, Stancil RK, Kogan C, Sanz MG. The type of anticoagulant used for plasma collection affects in vitro Rhodococcus equi assays. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:50. [PMID: 35164828 PMCID: PMC8842809 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-05933-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The efficacy of Rhodococcus equi-specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) is usually evaluated in vitro. Anticoagulants (AC) used for plasma collection can negatively impact bacterial replication but their effect on R. equi growth has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to establish the effect that AC routinely used in veterinary medicine (ACD, K2EDTA, Li Heparin, and Na Citrate) have on in vitro R. equi growth. To assess this, in vitro assays commonly used to test HIP efficacy (direct effect on microorganism and macrophage infection), were performed using each AC and non-treated bacteria.
Results
There was no direct effect of ACD, Li Heparin or Na Citrate on R. equi growth. These AC significantly (p < 0.05) delayed growth for 12 h following opsonization. The number of R. equi colonies after macrophage infection was significantly (p < 0.05) lower 72 h post-opsonization with Na Citrate. K2EDTA inhibited the formation of R. equi colonies by 12 h in all the assays. In conclusion, AC should be taken into consideration when interpreting in vitro results as their negative effect on bacterial growth may be mistakenly interpreted as HIP efficacy. ACD and Li Heparin appear more appropriate for the selected assays.
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Kahn SK, Cywes-Bentley C, Blodgett GP, Canaday NM, Turner-Garcia CE, Flores-Ahlschwede P, Metcalfe LL, Nevill M, Vinacur M, Sutter PJ, Meyer SC, Bordin AI, Pier GB, Cohen ND. Randomized, controlled trial comparing Rhodococcus equi and poly-N-acetyl glucosamine hyperimmune plasma to prevent R equi pneumonia in foals. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2912-2919. [PMID: 34738651 PMCID: PMC8692225 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperimmune plasma raised against β‐1→6‐poly‐N‐acetyl glucosamine (PNAG HIP) mediates more opsonophagocytic killing of Rhodococcus equi (R equi) than does R equi hyperimmune plasma (RE HIP) in vitro. The relative efficacy of PNAG HIP and RE HIP to protect foals against R equi pneumonia, however, has not been evaluated. Hypothesis Transfusion with PNAG HIP will be superior to RE HIP in foals for protection against R equi pneumonia in a randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial. Animals Four hundred sixty Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred foals at 5 large breeding farms in the United States. Methods A randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial was conducted in which foals were transfused within 24 hours after birth with 2 L of either RE HIP or PNAG HIP. Study foals were monitored through weaning for clinical signs of pneumonia by farm veterinarians. The primary outcome was the proportion of foals that developed pneumonia after receiving each type of plasma. Results The proportion of foals that developed pneumonia was the same between foals transfused with RE HIP (14%; 32/228) and PNAG HIP (14%; 30/215). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Results indicate that PNAG HIP was not superior to a commercially available, United States Department of Agriculture‐licensed RE HIP product for protecting foals against R equi pneumonia under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne K Kahn
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Colette Cywes-Bentley
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mariana Vinacur
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Angela I Bordin
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gerald B Pier
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Noah D Cohen
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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8
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Reuss SM. Rhodococcus equi
, extrapulmonary disorders and lack of response to therapy. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Reuss
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA, Inc. Duluth Georgia USA
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9
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Kahn SK, Cywes-Bentley C, Blodgett GP, Canaday NM, Turner-Garcia CE, Vinacur M, Cortez-Ramirez SC, Sutter PJ, Meyer SC, Bordin AI, Vlock DR, Pier GB, Cohen ND. Antibody activities in hyperimmune plasma against the Rhodococcus equi virulence -associated protein A or poly-N-acetyl glucosamine are associated with protection of foals against rhodococcal pneumonia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250133. [PMID: 34437551 PMCID: PMC8389416 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of transfusion with hyperimmune plasma (HIP) for preventing pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi remains ill-defined. Quarter Horse foals at 2 large breeding farms were randomly assigned to be transfused with 2 L of HIP from adult donors hyperimmunized either with R. equi (RE HIP) or a conjugate vaccine eliciting antibody to the surface polysaccharide β-1→6-poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG HIP) within 24 hours of birth. Antibody activities against PNAG and the rhodococcal virulence-associated protein A (VapA), and to deposition of complement component 1q (C՛1q) onto PNAG were determined by ELISA, and then associated with either clinical pneumonia at Farm A (n = 119) or subclinical pneumonia at Farm B (n = 114). Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Among RE HIP-transfused foals, the odds of pneumonia were approximately 6-fold higher (P = 0.0005) among foals with VapA antibody activity ≤ the population median. Among PNAG HIP-transfused foals, the odds of pneumonia were approximately 3-fold (P = 0.0347) and 11-fold (P = 0.0034) higher for foals with antibody activities ≤ the population median for PNAG or C՛1q deposition, respectively. Results indicated that levels of activity of antibodies against R. equi antigens are correlates of protection against both subclinical and clinical R. equi pneumonia in field settings. Among PNAG HIP-transfused foals, activity of antibodies with C՛1q deposition (an indicator of functional antibodies) were a stronger predictor of protection than was PNAG antibody activity alone. Collectively, these findings suggest that the amount and activity of antibodies in HIP (i.e., plasma volume and/or antibody activity) is positively associated with protection against R. equi pneumonia in foals.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylglucosamine/immunology
- Actinomycetales Infections/immunology
- Actinomycetales Infections/microbiology
- Actinomycetales Infections/prevention & control
- Actinomycetales Infections/veterinary
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn/immunology
- Animals, Newborn/microbiology
- Antibodies, Bacterial/immunology
- Antibodies, Bacterial/therapeutic use
- Bacterial Proteins/immunology
- Female
- Horse Diseases/immunology
- Horse Diseases/microbiology
- Horse Diseases/prevention & control
- Horses/immunology
- Horses/microbiology
- Immunization, Passive/methods
- Immunization, Passive/veterinary
- Male
- Pneumonia, Bacterial/immunology
- Pneumonia, Bacterial/microbiology
- Pneumonia, Bacterial/prevention & control
- Pneumonia, Bacterial/veterinary
- Rhodococcus equi/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne K. Kahn
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Colette Cywes-Bentley
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Mariana Vinacur
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Sophia C. Cortez-Ramirez
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | | | | | - Angela I. Bordin
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | | | - Gerald B. Pier
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Noah D. Cohen
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
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10
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Host-directed therapy in foals can enhance functional innate immunity and reduce severity of Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2483. [PMID: 33510265 PMCID: PMC7844249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82049-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia caused by the intracellular bacterium Rhodococcus equi is an important cause of disease and death in immunocompromised hosts, especially foals. Antibiotics are the standard of care for treating R. equi pneumonia in foals, and adjunctive therapies are needed. We tested whether nebulization with TLR agonists (PUL-042) in foals would improve innate immunity and reduce the severity and duration of pneumonia following R. equi infection. Neonatal foals (n = 48) were nebulized with either PUL-042 or vehicle, and their lung cells infected ex vivo. PUL-042 increased inflammatory cytokines in BAL fluid and alveolar macrophages after ex vivo infection with R. equi. Then, the in vivo effects of PUL-042 on clinical signs of pneumonia were examined in 22 additional foals after intrabronchial challenge with R. equi. Foals infected and nebulized with PUL-042 or vehicle alone had a shorter duration of clinical signs of pneumonia and smaller pulmonary lesions when compared to non-nebulized foals. Our results demonstrate that host-directed therapy can enhance neonatal immune responses against respiratory pathogens and reduce the duration and severity of R. equi pneumonia.
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Flores‐Ahlschwede P, Kahn SK, Ahlschwede S, Bordin AI, Cohen ND. Transfusion with 2 litres of hyperimmune plasma is superior to transfusion of 1 litre for protecting foals against pneumonia attributed to
Rhodococcus equi. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - S. K. Kahn
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - S. Ahlschwede
- Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga Saratoga Springs New YorkUSA
| | - A. I. Bordin
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
| | - N. D. Cohen
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M University College Station Texas USA
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12
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Harvey AB, Bordin AI, Rocha JN, Bray JM, Cohen ND. Opsonization but not pretreatment of equine macrophages with hyperimmune plasma nonspecifically enhances phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Rhodococcus equi. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 35:590-596. [PMID: 33326149 PMCID: PMC7848299 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence regarding the efficacy of equine hyperimmune plasma to prevent pneumonia in foals caused by Rhodococcus equi is limited and conflicting. Hypothesis Opsonization with R. equi‐specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) will significantly increase phagocytosis and decrease intracellular replication of R. equi by alveolar macrophages (AMs) compared to normal plasma (NP). Animals Fifteen adult Quarter Horses were used to collect bronchoalveolar lavage cells. Methods In the first experiment, AMs from 9 horses were pretreated (incubated) with either HIP, NP, or media only (control) and then infected with nonopsonized R. equi. In a second experiment, AMs from 6 horses were infected with R. equi either opsonized with HIP or opsonized with NP. For both experiments, AMs were lysed at 0 and 48 hours and the number of viable R. equi quantified by culture were compared among groups using linear mixed‐effects modeling with significance set at P < .05. Results Opsonization with either HIP or NP increased phagocytosis by AMs (P < .0001) and decreased intracellular survival of organisms in AMs (P < .0001). Pretreating AMs with either HIP or NP without opsonizing R. equi had no effects on phagocytosis or intracellular replication. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Opsonizing R. equi with either NP or HIP decreases intracellular survival of organisms in AMs, but the effect does not appear to be enhanced by using HIP. Mechanisms other than effects on AMs must explain any clinical benefits of using HIP over NP to decrease the incidence of R. equi pneumonia in foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aja B Harvey
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Angela I Bordin
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Joana N Rocha
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jocelyn M Bray
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Noah D Cohen
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucjan Witkowski
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
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14
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Bujold AR, Lani NR, Sanz MG. Strain-to-strain variation of Rhodococcus equi growth and biofilm formation in vitro. BMC Res Notes 2019; 12:519. [PMID: 31426832 PMCID: PMC6701102 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4560-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rhodococcus equi is an opportunistic pathogen that causes disease worldwide in young foals and immunocompromised humans. The interactions of R. equi with the host immune system have been described; however, most studies have been conducted using a few well-characterized strains. Because biological differences between R. equi strains are not well characterized, it is unknown if experimental results will replicate when different strains are used. Therefore, our objective was to compare the growth and biofilm formation of low-passage-rate clinical isolates of R. equi to higher-passage-rate, commonly studied isolates to determine whether strain-to-strain variation exists. RESULTS Twelve strains were used: 103+, ATCC 33701, UKVDL206 103S harboring a GFP-expressing plasmid, a plasmid-cured 33701 (higher-passage-rate) and seven low-passage clinical isolates. Generation time in liquid revealed fast, moderate-fast, moderate-slow, and slow-growing isolates. The higher-passage-rate isolates were among the moderate-slow growing strains. A strain's rate of growth did not correspond to its ability to form biofilm nor to its colony size on solid media. Based on our results, care should be taken not to extrapolate in vitro work that may be conducted using different R. equi strains. Further work is needed to evaluate the effect that the observed differences may have on experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina R Bujold
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas R Lani
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Macarena G Sanz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
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Kahn SK, Blodgett GP, Canaday NM, Bevevino KE, Rocha JN, Bordin AI, Cohen ND. Transfusion With 2 L of Hyperimmune Plasma is Superior to Transfusion of 1 L or Less for Protecting Foals Against Subclinical Pneumonia Attributed to Rhodococcus equi. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 79:54-58. [PMID: 31405501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Transfusing foals with Rhodococcus equi hyperimmune plasma (REHIP) is a standard practice at many horse-breeding farms to help prevent R. equi pneumonia. At many large breeding farms, pneumonia is most commonly recognized as subclinical based on thoracic ultrasonography findings. The efficacy of REHIP transfusion and the impact of the volume of plasma transfused for reducing the cumulative incidence of subclinical R. equi pneumonia are unknown. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among foals born and residing through weaning at a large breeding farm. Foals were transfused with either 0 L (n = 2 foals), 1 L (n = 85 foals), or 2 L (n = 62 foals) of REHIP within 36 hours of birth. Volume transfused was principally based on intended use of the foals. All foals at the ranch were routinely screened using thoracic ultrasonography at 5, 7, and 9 weeks of age to detect subclinical pneumonia attributed to R. equi based on farm history. The proportion of the foals receiving < 1 L REHIP that developed subclinical pneumonia (32%; 26/82) was significantly (P = .0068; chi-squared test) greater than that among foals transfused with 2 L of REHIP (12%; 8/68). Despite the important limitations of this observational study, it provides evidence supporting the need for well-designed clinical trials to evaluate the impact of the use and dose of REHIP for preventing subclinical pneumonia. Reducing the incidence of subclinical pneumonia is important because reducing antibiotic treatment of subclinical cases will decrease selection pressure for antimicrobial resistance in R. equi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne K Kahn
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | | | | | - Kari E Bevevino
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Joana N Rocha
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Angela I Bordin
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Noah D Cohen
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.
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16
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Folmar CN, Cywes-Bentley C, Bordin AI, Rocha JN, Bray JM, Kahn SK, Schuckert AE, Pier GB, Cohen ND. In vitro evaluation of complement deposition and opsonophagocytic killing of Rhodococcus equi mediated by poly-N-acetyl glucosamine hyperimmune plasma compared to commercial plasma products. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:1493-1499. [PMID: 31034109 PMCID: PMC6524092 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The bacterium Rhodococcus equi can cause severe pneumonia in foals. The absence of a licensed vaccine and limited effectiveness of commercial R. equi hyperimmune plasma (RE‐HIP) create a great need for improved prevention of this disease. Hypothesis Plasma hyperimmune to the capsular polysaccharide poly‐N‐acetyl glucosamine (PNAG) would be significantly more effective than RE‐HIP at mediating complement deposition and opsonophagocytic killing (OPK) of R. equi. Animals Venipuncture was performed on 9 Quarter Horses. Methods The ability of the following plasma sources to mediate complement component 1 (C1) deposition onto either PNAG or R. equi was determined by ELISA: (1) PNAG hyperimmune plasma (PNAG‐HIP), (2) RE‐HIP, and (3) standard non‐hyperimmune commercial plasma (SP). For OPK, each plasma type was combined with R. equi, equine complement, and neutrophils isolated from horses (n = 9); after 4 hours, the number of R. equi in each well was determined by quantitative culture. Data were analyzed using linear mixed‐effects regression with significance set at P < .05. Results The PNAG‐HIP and RE‐HIP were able to deposit significantly (P < .05) more complement onto their respective targets than the other plasmas. The mean proportional survival of R. equi opsonized with PNAG‐HIP was significantly (P < .05) less (14.7%) than that for SP (51.1%) or RE‐HIP (42.2%). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Plasma hyperimmune to PNAG is superior to RE‐HIP for opsonizing and killing R. equi in vitro. Comparison of these 2 plasmas in field trials is warranted because of the reported incomplete effectiveness of RE‐HIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea N Folmar
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Colette Cywes-Bentley
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Angela I Bordin
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Joana N Rocha
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Jocelyne M Bray
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Susanne K Kahn
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Amanda E Schuckert
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Gerald B Pier
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Noah D Cohen
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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17
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Trevisani MM, Hanna ES, Oliveira AF, Cardoso SA, Roque-Barreira MC, Soares SG. Vaccination of Mice with Virulence-Associated Protein G (VapG) Antigen Confers Partial Protection against Rhodococcus equi Infection through Induced Humoral Immunity. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:857. [PMID: 28553279 PMCID: PMC5425581 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular bacterium causing severe pyogranulomatous pneumonia, ulcerative enterocolitis, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy in foals aged less than 6 months. Less frequently, this pathogen affects various other species, such as pigs, cattle, cats, and even humans. Although rhodococcosis is treated with a combination of antimicrobial agents, resistance is developed in some cases, and thus, antimicrobial susceptibility must be monitored and managed. Considering these limitations of the current therapy and unavailability of a vaccine to prevent the disease, research is particularly focused on the development of an effective vaccine against rhodococcosis. Most vaccines undergoing development utilize the virulence-associated protein (Vap) A antigen, which was identified previously as a key virulence factor of R. equi. Nevertheless, other proteins, such as VapG, present in most virulent R. equi strains, are also encoded by vap genes located on the R. equi bacterial virulence plasmid. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of VapG immunization on the survival of R. equi-challenged mice. We used attenuated Salmonella as a carrier for VapG (Salmonella-vapG+), a procedure previously adopted to develop a VapA-based vaccine. We observed that vaccination with Salmonella-vapG+ induced both an increased IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α production, and a decreased bacterial burden in organs of the R. equi-challenged mice. Nevertheless, Salmonella-vapG+ vaccination protected only 50% of the mice challenged with a lethal dose of R. equi. Interestingly, we observed an increased frequency of B cells in the spleen of Salmonella-vapG+-vaccinated mice and showed that Salmonella-vapG+-vaccinated R. equi-challenged B-cell-knockout mice did not reduce the bacterial burden. Given these results, we discussed the potential role of the humoral immune response induced by Salmonella-vapG+ vaccination in conferring protection against R. equi infection, as well as the employment of VapG antigen for obtaining hyperimmune plasma to prevent rhodoccocosis in young foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel M Trevisani
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ebert S Hanna
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline F Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia A Cardoso
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria C Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandro G Soares
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Sanz MG, Loynachan A, Horohov DW. Rhodococcus equi hyperimmune plasma decreases pneumonia severity after a randomised experimental challenge of neonatal foals. Vet Rec 2016; 178:261. [PMID: 26932206 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Since a vaccine is not available against Rhodococcus equi, R equi-specific hyperimmune plasma (HIP) is commonly used, although its efficacy remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a commercially available HIP to prevent clinical rhodococcal pneumonia in neonatal foals after experimental challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Sanz
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA
| | - A Loynachan
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA
| | - D W Horohov
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546-0099, USA
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