| 1. |
- Akula, Srinivas, et al.
(författare)
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Quantitative Transcriptome Analysis of Purified Equine Mast Cells Identifies a Dominant Mucosal Mast Cell Population with Possible Inflammatory Functions in Airways of Asthmatic Horses
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. - : MDPI. - 1661-6596 .- 1422-0067. ; 23:22
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease and a serious health problem in horses as well as in humans. In humans and mice, mast cells (MCs) are known to be directly involved in asthma pathology and subtypes of MCs accumulate in different lung and airway compartments. The role and phenotype of MCs in equine asthma has not been well documented, although an accumulation of MCs in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is frequently seen. To characterize the phenotype of airway MCs in equine asthma we here developed a protocol, based on MACS Tyto sorting, resulting in the isolation of 92.9% pure MCs from horse BALF. We then used quantitative transcriptome analyses to determine the gene expression profile of the purified MCs compared with total BALF cells. We found that the MCs exhibited a protease profile typical for the classical mucosal MC subtype, as demonstrated by the expression of tryptase (TPSB2) alone, with no expression of chymase (CMA1) or carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3). Moreover, the expression of genes involved in antigen presentation and complement activation strongly implicates an inflammatory role for these MCs. This study provides a first insight into the phenotype of equine MCs in BALF and their potential role in the airways of asthmatic horses.
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| 2. |
- Elfman, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Air quality in Horse Stables
- 2011
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Ingår i: Chemistry, emission control, radioactive pollution and indoor air quality. - Rijeka : IN-TECH. - 9789533073163 - 9533073160 ; , s. 655-680
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Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)
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| 3. |
- Elfman, Lena, et al.
(författare)
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Influence of horse stable environment on human airways
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1745-6673. ; 4, s. 10-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Many people spend considerable amount of time each day in equine stable environments either as employees in the care and training of horses or in leisure activity. However, there are few studies available on how the stable environment affects human airways. This study examined in one horse stable qualitative differences in indoor air during winter and late summer conditions and assessed whether air quality was associated with clinically detectable respiratory signs or alterations to selected biomarkers of inflammation and lung function in stable personnel. METHODS: The horse stable environment and stable-workers (n = 13) in one stable were investigated three times; first in the winter, second in the interjacent late summer and the third time in the following winter stabling period. The stable measurements included levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, total and respirable dust, airborne horse allergen, microorganisms, endotoxin and glucan. The stable-workers completed a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, underwent nasal lavage with subsequent analysis of inflammation markers, and performed repeated measurements of pulmonary function. RESULTS: Measurements in the horse stable showed low organic dust levels and high horse allergen levels. Increased viable level of fungi in the air indicated a growing source in the stable. Air particle load as well as 1,3-beta-glucan was higher at the two winter time-points, whereas endotoxin levels were higher at the summer time-point. Two stable-workers showed signs of bronchial obstruction with increased PEF-variability, increased inflammation biomarkers relating to reported allergy, cold or smoking and reported partly work-related symptoms. Furthermore, two other stable-workers reported work-related airway symptoms, of which one had doctor's diagnosed asthma which was well treated. CONCLUSION: Biomarkers involved in the development of airway diseases have been studied in relation to environmental exposure levels in equine stables. Respirable dust and 1,3-beta-glucan levels were increased at winter stabling conditions. Some employees (3/13) had signs of bronchial obstruction, which may be aggravated by working in the stable environment. This study contributes to the identification of suitable biomarkers to monitor the indoor horse stable environment and the personnel. An improved management of the stable climate will be beneficial for the health of both stable workers and horses.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Hedberg Alm, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
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Clinical features and treatment response to differentiate idiopathic peritonitis from non-strangulating intestinal infarction of the pelvic flexure associated with Strongylus vulgaris infection in the horse
- 2022
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Ingår i: BMC Veterinary Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1746-6148. ; 18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Peritonitis in horses secondary to non-strangulating infarction (NSII) has a guarded prognosis, even after intestinal resection. In contrast, horses with idiopathic peritonitis respond well to medical treatment. Affected horses in both cases often show signs of both colic and systemic inflammation, but early diagnosis is crucial for optimal treatment and an accurate prognosis. One cause of NSII is thrombus formation secondary to Strongylus vulgaris larval migration. There has been a documented increase in S. vulgaris prevalence in Sweden since the implementation of selective anthelmintic treatment in 2007, which subsequently could result in a rise in NSII cases. In a retrospective clinical study, medical records from cases diagnosed with NSII of the pelvic flexure or idiopathic peritonitis from three equine referral hospitals in Sweden during 2017-2020 were reviewed. Information including demographic data, relevant medical history, and clinical- and laboratory parameters were obtained from patient records. To facilitate the differentiation between cases of idiopathic peritonitis and cases with confirmed NSII of the pelvic flexure, the aim of the study was to compare clinical and laboratory parameters, clinical progression and initial response to antimicrobial treatment. A secondary aim was to compare survival-rates. Results Horses with NSII (n = 20) were significantly more likely to present during the winter months with a poorer response to medical treatment within 48 h. Cases of idiopathic peritonitis (n = 107) had a 100% survival rate with medical treatment, although one case required surgical correction of a colon displacement. In comparison, all confirmed NSII cases were non-responsive to antimicrobial treatment, with a survival rate to discharge of 50% after colon resection. Specific rectal findings and peripheral blood neutropenia were strongly associated with NSII. Conclusions In Sweden, idiopathic peritonitis cases still predominate over S. vulgaris associated NSII cases and have an excellent survival rate with antimicrobial treatment. However, horses presenting with septic peritonitis during the winter months with a palpable rectal mass and displaying fever and colic signs beyond 48 h of medical treatment are likely to suffer from NSII of the pelvic flexure and should be considered for abdominal surgery.
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| 6. |
- Hedberg Alm, Ylva, et al.
(författare)
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Parasite Occurrence and Parasite Management in Swedish Horses Presenting with Gastrointestinal Disease-A Case-Control Study
- 2020
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Ingår i: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple Summary Abdominal pain, colic, is a common clinical sign in horses, sometimes reflecting life-threatening disease. One cause of colic is parasitic infection of the gut. Various drugs, anthelmintics, can be used to reduce or eliminate such parasites. However, frequent use has led to problems of drug resistance, whereby many countries now allow anthelmintics to be used on a prescription-only basis. In Sweden, this has led to a concern that parasitic-related colic in horses is increasing. This study aimed to investigate whether horses with colic differed in parasitological status compared to horses without colic. A secondary aim was to collect information regarding current parasite control measures used by horse owners. Exposure to S. vulgaris, a parasite with the potential to cause life-threatening disease, appeared high as determined by the presence of antibodies in the blood. Horses with inflammation in the abdominal cavity had higher antibody levels than other causes of colic. Despite new legislation, 29% of owners did not use fecal analyses for parasites and the use of extended methods to diagnose specific parasites was low. Also, owners rarely used alternative methods to reduce the pasture parasite burden. The study suggests a need for education in the use of both fecal analyses and pasture management.Abstract All grazing horses are exposed to intestinal parasites, which have the potential to cause gastrointestinal disease. In Sweden, there is a concern about an increase in parasite-related equine gastrointestinal disease, in particular Strongylus vulgaris, since the implementation of prescription-only anthelmintics approximately 10 years ago. In a prospective case-control study, parasitological status, using fecal analyses for strongyle egg counts, the presence of Anoplocephala perfoliata eggs and S. vulgaris Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as well as serology for S. vulgaris, were compared between horses presenting with or without gastrointestinal disease at a University hospital during a one-year period. Information regarding anthelmintic routines and pasture management was gathered with an owner-filled questionnaire. Although the prevalence of S. vulgaris PCR was 5.5%, 62% of horses were positive in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test and horses with peritonitis showed higher antibody levels for S. vulgaris, as compared to other diagnoses or controls. Overall, 36% of the horse owners used only fecal egg counts (FEC), 32% used FEC combined with specific diagnostics for S. vulgaris or A. perfoliata, and 29% dewormed routinely without prior parasite diagnostics. Effective management methods to reduce the parasitic burden on pastures were rare and considering exposure to S. vulgaris appears high; the study indicates a need for education in specific fecal diagnostics and pasture management.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Ovesen, Louise, et al.
(författare)
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Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Bacteroides spp. From Clinical Samples From Horses
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. - : Elsevier BV. - 0737-0806 .- 1542-7412. ; 45, s. 46-52
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The objective of the study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of 28 individual clinical isolates from horses, previously identified by phenotypic methods as Bacteroides spp., and to species identify these isolates using matrix-assisted-laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Rarely are Bacteroides spp. identified to species level, and treatment of infection with anaerobes is seldom guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The gram-negative anaerobic rods were species identified using MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by nitrocefin hydrolysis and broth microdilution. The isolates were identified as Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides heparinolyticus, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides pyogenes, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides sp., Parabacteroides distasonis, Porphyromonas sp., Prevotella sp., and Prevotella dentasini. All isolates had low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of metronidazole. beta-Lactamase production and high MICs of penicillin, cephalothin, ceftiofur, erythromycin, fusidic acid, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were recorded for B. fragilis, B. ovatus, and B. thetaiotaomicron. Parabacteroides distasonis did not produce beta-lactamase but were still resistant to penicillin and in addition to the aforementioned substances also had high MICs of tetracycline. Bacteroides heparinolyticus, B. pyogenes, and the isolates identified as Porphyromonas sp., Prevotella sp., and P. dentasini did not produce beta-lactamase and were generally more susceptible against the tested antimicrobial agents. It is concluded that antimicrobial susceptibility differs substantially between species of genus Bacteroides and it is difficult to species identify anaerobic gram-negative rods by conventional phenotypic methods. It is important both to species identify gram-negative anaerobic rods and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing to ensure correct treatment. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 9. |
- Pringle, John, et al.
(författare)
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Influence of penicillin treatment of horses with strangles on seropositivity to Streptococcus equi ssp. equi-specific antibodies
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. - : Wiley. - 0891-6640 .- 1939-1676. ; 34, s. 294-299
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Antibiotic treatment of horses with strangles is reported to impair the development of immunity to subsequent exposure to Streptococcus equi ssp equi (S. equi). However, apart from a single clinical report, evidence-based studies for this hypothesis are lacking. Hypothesis/Objective To determine whether penicillin treatment during clinical strangles influences the development or persistence of seropositivity to S. equi-specific antibodies. Animals A natural outbreak of strangles with 100% morbidity in 41 unvaccinated mature Icelandic horses. Methods A prospective longitudinal study of acute clinical strangles from onset through full recovery approximately 10 months after the index case. Horses were monitored clinically 6 times for S. equi, as well as serologically for antibodies to antigens A and C of S. equi using an enhanced indirect ELISA. Seven horses received penicillin within 11 days of onset of fever (Group 1), 5 between 16 and 22 days after onset of fever (Group 2), and the remainder (Group 3, n = 29) received no antibiotics during clinical disease. The proportions of seropositive horses in each group were compared using an extension of Fisher's exact test with P < .05 as the level of significance. Results Although all horses were seropositive to S. equi within 2 months of the index case, significantly fewer horses treated early (Group 1) remained seropositive by 4 to 6 months (P = .04 and .02, respectively). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Findings support earlier suggestions that penicillin administered during acute strangles can interfere with persistence of humoral immunity to S. equi.
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| 10. |
- Pringle, John, et al.
(författare)
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Long term silent carriers of Streptococcus equi ssp. equi following strangles; carrier detection related to sampling site of collection and culture versus qPCR
- 2019
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Ingår i: Veterinary Journal. - : Elsevier BV. - 1090-0233 .- 1532-2971. ; 246, s. 66-70
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- After strangles outbreaks, Streptococcus equi ssp. equi (S. equi) can persist in clinically normal silent carriers for months to years. Two naturally occurring outbreaks of strangles with 53 and 100% morbidity, respectively, were followed longitudinally to assess occurrence of carrier state and optimal detection methods Outbreak A involved 98 yearling warmbloods, and outbreak B 38 mature Icelandic horses. Fully recovered horses were sampled at least 6 months after index cases using nasal swabs (one sampling occasion only) nasopharyngeal lavage and guttural pouch visualisation and lavages for culture and qPCR to S. equi. Any horse with at least a single sample positive was deemed a carrier. Descriptive statistics and sensitivity and negative predictive values were calculated. Comparisons were made with McNemars and Fishers exact tests.Carrier rates in outbreak A were 3% based on culture and 15% based on qPCR and for outbreak B 13% based on culture and 37% based on qPCR. All culture positives were also qPCR positive. One carrier culture negative sampled after an additional 8 months was culture positive to S. equi, indicating that qPCR positives should be suspected to carry live bacteria. Findings indicate that reliance on guttural pouch sampling and appearance does not capture all silent carriers. All culture positives were identified by qPCR and even horses positive by qPCR but culture negative should be suspected carriers of live bacteria. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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