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Knox A, Zerna G, Beddoe T. Current and Future Advances in the Detection and Surveillance of Biosecurity-Relevant Equine Bacterial Diseases Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2663. [PMID: 37627456 PMCID: PMC10451754 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Horses play an important role throughout the world, whether for work, culture, or leisure, providing an ever-growing significant contribution to the economy. The increase in importation and movement of horses, both nationally and internationally, has inevitably allowed for the global equine industry to grow. Subsequently, however, the potential for transmission of fatal equine bacterial diseases has also escalated, and devasting outbreaks continue to occur. To prevent such events, disease surveillance and diagnosis must be heightened throughout the industry. Current common, or "gold-standard" techniques, have shown to be inadequate at times, thus requiring newer technology to impede outbreaks. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has proven to be a reliable, rapid, and accessible tool in both diagnostics and surveillance. This review will discuss equine bacterial diseases of biosecurity relevance and their current diagnostic approaches, as well as their respective LAMP assay developments. Additionally, we will provide insight regarding newer technology and advancements associated with this technique and their potential use for the outlined diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Travis Beddoe
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences, Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3082, Australia; (A.K.); (G.Z.)
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van den Wollenberg L, van Maanen C, Buter R, Janszen P, Rey F, van Engelen E. Detection and molecular characterization of Actinomyces denticolens causing lymph node abscessation in horses. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1225528. [PMID: 37546341 PMCID: PMC10399742 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1225528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Abscessation of equine head lymph nodes can be caused by various bacteria, but Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is mainly involved. At our laboratory, samples of three unrelated horses with submandibular abscesses were found negative for S. equi, and further testing proved the presence of another genus. This raised the question for the exact identity of this pathogen and whether these isolates were epidemiologically related and it warranted further characterization with regards of virulence and resistance factors. Methods Culture followed by identification using MALDI-TOF MS, MIC testing and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to characterize the bacteria. Results Bacterial culture and subsequent identification with MALDI-TOF MS resulted in the reliable identification of A. denticolens in two of the three cases. Final confirmation of A. denticolens for all three isolates was achieved by analysis of the WGS data, supported by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The three isolates showed 95% nucleotide sequence identity. The number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (10,170 to 36,058) indicated that the isolates were not clonal, suggesting that these cases were epidemiologically unrelated. Only four known virulence related genes were detected. The absence of known antibiotic resistance genes was in line with the high susceptibility, as indicated by the susceptibility patterns obtained for two of the three isolates. Conclusion We conclude that A. denticolens should be included in the differential diagnosis of (submandibular) lymph node abscessation in horses, especially if strangles cannot be confirmed with laboratory diagnostics. Furthermore, we report the first draft genome of A. denticolens isolated from horses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C. van Maanen
- Royal GD (Animal Health Service), Deventer, Netherlands
| | - R. Buter
- Royal GD (Animal Health Service), Deventer, Netherlands
| | - P. Janszen
- Equine Clinic De Raaphorst, Wassenaar, Netherlands
| | - F. Rey
- Veterinary Clinic Winsum, Equine Division, Winsum, Netherlands
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Boyle AG. Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2023; 39:115-131. [PMID: 36737294 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.11.006] [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: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Strangles, caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi subsp equi, is a highly contagious disease of equids classically characterized by a high fever and enlarged lymph nodes of the head. Diagnostic sampling depends on the stage of the disease. The goal of treating strangles is to control transmission and to eliminate infection while providing future host immunity. Daily temperature checking and isolation of febrile horses is the key to controlling outbreaks. Eradication of this disease will not be possible until S equi carriers are eliminated from the equine population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley G Boyle
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
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Chhabra D, Bhatia T, Goutam U, Manuja A, Kumar B. Strangles in equines: An overview. Microb Pathog 2023; 178:106070. [PMID: 36924902 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106070] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, is a highly infectious respiratory disease affecting horses and other equines. The disease is economically important and compromises the productivity of equine farm significantly. The disease is characterized by pyrexia, mucopurulent nasal discharge, and abscess formation in the lymph nodes of the head and neck of horses. The disease transmission occurs either directly by coming in contact with infectious exudates or indirectly via fomite transmission. Besides this, carrier animals are the primary and most problematic source of disease infection. The organism not only initiates outbreaks but also makes the control and prevention of the disease difficult. The diagnosis of strangles is best done by isolating and characterizing the bacteria from nasal discharge, pus from abscesses, and lymphoid tissues or by using PCR. ELISA can also be used to detect serum protein M (SeM) antibodies for diagnosis. The most popular treatment for strangles is with penicillin; however, the treatment is affected by the stage, feature and severity of the disease. Prevention and control of strangles can be achieved through vaccination and good hygiene practices. Basically, this review describes the global prevalence of S. equi, as well as general aspects of the disease, like pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, control and management of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharvi Chhabra
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, 125001, India
| | - Tanvi Bhatia
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, 125001, India
| | - Umesh Goutam
- Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Anju Manuja
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, 125001, India.
| | - Balvinder Kumar
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, 125001, India.
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Frosth S, Morris ERA, Wilson H, Frykberg L, Jacobsson K, Parkhill J, Flock JI, Wood T, Guss B, Aanensen DM, Boyle AG, Riihimäki M, Cohen ND, Waller AS. Conservation of vaccine antigen sequences encoded by sequenced strains of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:92-101. [PMID: 35000217 PMCID: PMC10078666 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13552] [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: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S equi) is the cause of Strangles, one of the most prevalent diseases of horses worldwide. Variation within the immunodominant SeM protein has been documented, but a new eight-component fusion protein vaccine, Strangvac, does not contain live S equi or SeM and conservation of the antigens it contains have not been reported. OBJECTIVE To define the diversity of the eight Strangvac antigens across a diverse S equi population. STUDY DESIGN Genomic description. METHODS Antigen sequences from the genomes of 759 S equi isolates from 19 countries, recovered between 1955 and 2018, were analysed. Predicted amino acid sequences in the antigen fragments of SEQ0256(Eq5), SEQ0402(Eq8), SEQ0721(EAG), SEQ0855(SclF), SEQ0935(CNE), SEQ0999(IdeE), SEQ1817(SclI) and SEQ2101(SclC) in Strangvac and SeM were extracted from the 759 assembled genomes and compared. RESULTS The predicted amino acid sequences of SclC, SclI and IdeE were identical across all 759 genomes. CNE was truncated in the genome of five (0.7%) isolates. SclF was absent from one genome and another encoded a single amino acid substitution. EAG was truncated in two genomes. Eq5 was truncated in four genomes and 123 genomes encoded a single amino acid substitution. Eq8 was truncated in three genomes, one genome encoded four amino acid substitutions and 398 genomes encoded a single amino acid substitution at the final amino acid of the Eq8 antigen fragment. Therefore, at least 1579 (99.9%) of 1580 amino acids in Strangvac were identical in 743 (97.9%) genomes, and all genomes encoded identical amino acid sequences for at least six of the eight Strangvac antigens. MAIN LIMITATIONS Three hundred and seven (40.4%) isolates in this study were recovered from horses in the UK. CONCLUSIONS The predicted amino acid sequences of antigens in Strangvac were highly conserved across this collection of S equi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Frosth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ellen Ruth A Morris
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
| | | | - Lars Frykberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Jacobsson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Jan-Ingmar Flock
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Intervacc AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Bengt Guss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David M Aanensen
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ashley G Boyle
- Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Miia Riihimäki
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Noah D Cohen
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew S Waller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,Intervacc AB, Stockholm, Sweden
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Whitlock FM, Newton JR. A practitioner's guide to understanding infectious disease diagnostics in the United Kingdom. Part 2: Serological diagnostic testing methods and diagnostic test result interpretation. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Gehlen H, Rutenberg D, Simon C, Reinhold-Fritzen B, Drozdzewska K. [Management and hygiene measures during an outbreak of herpes, influenza, strangles or infections with multidrug resistant bacteria]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2022; 50:115-125. [PMID: 35523188 DOI: 10.1055/a-1809-2163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to describe general guidelines of hygiene measures in the horse stable as well as to provide current recommendations for an outbreak of a common infectious disease. General cleanliness, hand hygiene, avoidance of stress, regular deworming, and vaccinations belong to the basic hygiene measures in a horse herd. All new or returning equids should be submitted to a quarantine period as an important prevention measure. Repeated washing and disinfection of hands may prevent spreading of infectious agents to people and horses.The conception of a hygiene plan, including general biosecurity procedures and standard operating procedures in a case of an outbreak of an infectious disease, zoonosis, or colonization with multi-resistant bacteria is strongly recommended. As soon as the disease is suspected, extended hygiene measures including protective clothing, cleaning, disinfection, and isolation of potentially infected animals should be implemented. Prompt confirmation of the causative agent by examination of appropriate samples is crucial. It is important to adjust all safety measures based on the contagious nature of the respective pathogen and its major transmission routes. Apart from a lock-down of the stable, clinic or show grounds, the segregation of horses plays an important role. Implementation of the "traffic light system" is recommended. In this, the red group ("infected") include animals with clinical signs of the disease or that have been tested positive. All horses with possible pathogen contact should be allocated to a yellow group ("suspected") and regularly controlled for the signs of infection and fever. Clinically normal horses without contact to the infected animals belong to the green group ("healthy"). A change of protective clothing and an extensive disinfection should be performed when moving between the groups.The extended hygiene measures are to be maintained until all animals have been tested negative or fail to exhibit clinical signs of the disease for a certain time period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Gehlen
- Klinik für Pferde, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin
| | - Dusty Rutenberg
- Klinik für Pferde, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin
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Mitchell C, Steward KF, Charbonneau ARL, Walsh S, Wilson H, Timoney JF, Wernery U, Joseph M, Craig D, van Maanen K, Hoogkamer-van Gennep A, Leon A, Witkowski L, Rzewuska M, Stefańska I, Żychska M, van Loon G, Cursons R, Patty O, Acke E, Gilkerson JR, El-Hage C, Allen J, Bannai H, Kinoshita Y, Niwa H, Becú T, Pringle J, Guss B, Böse R, Abbott Y, Katz L, Leggett B, Buckley TC, Blum SE, Cruz López F, Fernández Ros A, Marotti Campi MC, Preziuso S, Robinson C, Newton JR, Schofield E, Brooke B, Boursnell M, de Brauwere N, Kirton R, Barton CK, Abudahab K, Taylor B, Yeats CA, Goater R, Aanensen DM, Harris SR, Parkhill J, Holden MTG, Waller AS. Globetrotting strangles: the unbridled national and international transmission of Streptococcus equi between horses. Microb Genom 2021; 7:mgen000528. [PMID: 33684029 PMCID: PMC8190609 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The equine disease strangles, which is characterized by the formation of abscesses in the lymph nodes of the head and neck, is one of the most frequently diagnosed infectious diseases of horses around the world. The causal agent, Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, establishes a persistent infection in approximately 10 % of animals that recover from the acute disease. Such 'carrier' animals appear healthy and are rarely identified during routine veterinary examinations pre-purchase or transit, but can transmit S. equi to naïve animals initiating new episodes of disease. Here, we report the analysis and visualization of phylogenomic and epidemiological data for 670 isolates of S. equi recovered from 19 different countries using a new core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) web bioresource. Genetic relationships among all 670 S. equi isolates were determined at high resolution, revealing national and international transmission events that drive this endemic disease in horse populations throughout the world. Our data argue for the recognition of the international importance of strangles by the Office International des Épizooties to highlight the health, welfare and economic cost of this disease. The Pathogenwatch cgMLST web bioresource described herein is available for tailored genomic analysis of populations of S. equi and its close relative S. equi subspecies zooepidemicus that are recovered from horses and other animals, including humans, throughout the world. This article contains data hosted by Microreact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen F. Steward
- Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
- Present address: Technology Networks, Sudbury, UK
| | | | - Saoirse Walsh
- Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
- Present address: University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hayley Wilson
- Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
- Present address: University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Ulli Wernery
- Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Dubai, UAE
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lucjan Witkowski
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Rzewuska
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ilona Stefańska
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Żychska
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Ray Cursons
- University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Els Acke
- Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John Pringle
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bengt Guss
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Lisa Katz
- University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ellen Schofield
- Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
- Present address: University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Roxane Kirton
- Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Norwich, UK
- Present address: Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Horsham, UK
| | | | - Khalil Abudahab
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ben Taylor
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Corin A. Yeats
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Richard Goater
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - David M. Aanensen
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon R. Harris
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Present address: Microbiotica Limited, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Matthew T. G. Holden
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Andrew S. Waller
- Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Intervacc AB, Stockholm, Sweden
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Boyle AG, Mitchell C, Stefanovski D, Waller AS. Horses vaccinated with live attenuated intranasal strangles vaccine seroconvert to SEQ2190 and SeM. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:299-305. [PMID: 33630353 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dual antigen iELISA uses two Streptococcus equi subsp equi surface protein antigens composed of N-terminal portions of SEQ2190 (Antigen A) and SeM (Antigen C). It is currently used to identify animals exposed to S. equi which have developed an immune response to the target antigens. OBJECTIVES To determine the usefulness of the dual antigen iELISA in a population of horses vaccinated with Pinnacle IN. We hypothesised that horses vaccinated for strangles with a live attenuated, non-encapsulated SeM-2 strain of S. equi, would seroconvert when tested 5 weeks later by the dual antigen iELISA. STUDY DESIGN Prospective case-control study. METHODS Three separate serum samples were obtained from 26 client-owned horses vaccinated annually with Pinnacle® IN and 26 university-owned (non-vaccinates): at annual strangles vaccination (S1), 5-week post-vaccination (S2) from vaccinates, and a third (S3) (at 10 weeks) from vaccinates who received a booster. Seropositivity was defined as an OD450 nm value ≥0.5 for one or both antigens. Mixed-effects ordered logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with a suspect seropositive and seropositive value on the combined Antigen A and Antigen C iELISA. Post hoc pairwise comparisons of linear predictive margins were used to assess the differences in OD450 at a specific time between Antigens A and C. RESULTS Nineteen of 25 (76%) vaccinates were seropositive at S2 compared to 1 of 26 (4%) non-vaccinates. When adjusted for sample number, vaccinates were more likely to be seropositive or suspect than non-vaccinates (OR 14; P = .02, 95% CI 1.62-122.03). The OD450 value was significantly larger for Antigen C than Antigen A for vaccinates (P < .001; 95% CI 0.13-0.26) when normalised by age, sex and breed. MAIN LIMITATIONS Guttural pouch sampling for S. equi in seroconverted horses was unavailable. CONCLUSIONS With a high rate of seroconversion to both antigens, the use of the dual antigen iELISA is not recommended in populations vaccinated with Pinnacle® IN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley G Boyle
- Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Catriona Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology, Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Andrew S Waller
- Department of Microbiology, Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.,Intervacc AB, Hägersten, Sweden
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Štritof Z, Mitchell C, Turk N, Habuš J, Hađina S, Perharić M, Waller AS. Seroprevalence of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in Croatia - Short communication. Acta Vet Hung 2021; 68:361-363. [PMID: 33570507 DOI: 10.1556/004.2020.00061] [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: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Clinical cases resembling strangles are regularly seen in some areas of Croatia. However, there are no data on the prevalence of infection and the clinical forms or geographic distribution of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in horses resident in Croatia, in order to estimate the geographic distribution of infection. The study included 291 horse sera from the eight counties where the majority of Croatian horses are kept. Sera were tested by indirect ELISA (iELISA) for the presence of serum antibodies against S. equi protein A (SEQ_2190) and protein C (SeM). Positive horses were detected in all counties. Overall seroprevalence was 16.5 per cent (48/291), ranging from 7.1 to 29.6 per cent. A positive association was observed between the population size of the horses in the counties and the seropositivity rates: the larger the population, the higher the seropositivity. The results of this study suggest that S. equi infection is widespread in Croatia. Further investigation of the clinical manifestations, circulating strains and other characteristics of the disease in Croatia and raising awareness of the disease among horse owners are now required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zrinka Štritof
- 1Department for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Catriona Mitchell
- 2Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, UK
| | - Nenad Turk
- 1Department for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Habuš
- 1Department for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suzana Hađina
- 1Department for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matko Perharić
- 1Department for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Pringle J, Venner M, Tscheschlok L, Waller AS, Riihimäki M. Markers of long term silent carriers of Streptococcus equi ssp. equi in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:2751-2757. [PMID: 33074578 PMCID: PMC7694814 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficulty in detection of silent carriers of Streptococcus equi is a key reason for its continued spread to immunologically naïve groups of horses. OBJECTIVE To determine whether clinical examination, markers of inflammation, or serology differentiate silent carriers of S. equi in recovered comingled horses. ANIMALS Ninety-eight warmblood yearlings and 72 unaffected mares on a large breeding farm (outbreak A), 38 mature Icelandic horses at a riding stable (outbreak B), and 27 mixed breed horses at a boarding stable (outbreak C). METHODS Prospective observational study 6 months to 2 years after strangles outbreaks. Carriers were defined as any animal positive on culture or qPCR to S. equi from nasopharyngeal lavage or guttural pouch endoscopy and lavage. Most horses had complete physical exams and 1 group included evaluation of white blood cell counts and serum amyloid A. Sera from all horses was tested for antibodies to antigens A and C of S. equi using an enhanced indirect ELISA. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Data were compared using paired t tests, Wilcoxon ranked test, chi square, or the Fishers exact test. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS Apart from weanlings at 6 months in outbreak A, there was no significant association between any clinical markers or serology with carrier state (P = .06-1). Moreover, 3/12 culture positive carriers were seronegative to S. equi. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Silent carriers of S. equi do not differ clinically or on markers of inflammation to their noncarrier herd-mates. Moreover, serology alone will not distinguish carriers in comingled horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Pringle
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Miia Riihimäki
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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12
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Laing G, Christley R, Stringer A, Ashine T, Cian F, Aklilu N, Newton R, Radford A, Pinchbeck G. Pathology, infectious agents and horse- and management-level risk factors associated with signs of respiratory disease in Ethiopian working horses. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:670-681. [PMID: 32853420 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory disease is a common cause for presentation of working horses to clinics in Ethiopia and a priority concern for owners. OBJECTIVES To identify risk factors for and association of pathogens with respiratory signs in working horses. STUDY DESIGN Unmatched case-control study. METHODS Cases were those animals recently coughing (last 7 days) or observed with coughing, nasal discharge or altered respiration at the time of examination. A physical exam and respiratory endoscopy were performed including a tracheal wash sample to detect the presence of pathogens and serology performed on blood. An owner questionnaire was administered. Risk factors were determined using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Data on 108 cases and 93 unmatched control horses were obtained. Case horses often had underlying lower airway pathology and were significantly more likely to have Streptococcus zooepidemicus detected (OR: 12.4, 95% CI: 3.6-42.4). There was no evidence of a major role for viral respiratory pathogens. Risk factors included completion of strenuous work (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2-6.3), drinking from stagnant water sources (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.2) or being housed on a cobbled floor (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.8). There were increased odds of respiratory disease in young and old horses in this population. MAIN LIMITATIONS Samples for pathogen detection and cytology were only taken from the trachea. CONCLUSION S. zooepidemicus, a common commensal, may play a role in clinical respiratory disease in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Laing
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robert Christley
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Stringer
- Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA
| | - Tibebu Ashine
- SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad), Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
| | | | - Nigatu Aklilu
- SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad), Debre Zeit, Ethiopia
| | | | - Alan Radford
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gina Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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13
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Ivens PAS, Pirie S. Streptococcus equi subspecies equi diagnosis. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:15-17. [PMID: 32772398 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip A S Ivens
- Buckingham Equine Vets Ltd, Sparrow Lodge Farm, Wicken, Buckingham, UK
| | - Scott Pirie
- University of Edinburgh, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Easter Bush Campus, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian, UK
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SpeS: A Novel Superantigen and Its Potential as a Vaccine Adjuvant against Strangles. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124467. [PMID: 32586031 PMCID: PMC7352279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial superantigens (sAgs) are powerful activators of the immune response that trigger unspecific T cell responses accompanied by the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Streptococcus equi (S. equi) and Streptococcus zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) produce sAgs that play an important role in their ability to cause disease. Strangles, caused by S. equi, is one of the most common infectious diseases of horses worldwide. Here, we report the identification of a new sAg of S. zooepidemicus, SpeS, and show that mutation of the putative T cell receptor (TCR)-binding motif (YAY to IAY) abrogated TCR-binding, whilst maintaining interaction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. The fusion of SpeS and SpeSY39I to six S. equi surface proteins using two different peptide linkers was conducted to determine if MHC class II-binding properties were maintained. Proliferation assays, qPCR and flow cytometry analysis showed that SpeSY39I and its fusion proteins induced less mitogenic activity and interferon gamma expression when compared to SpeS, whilst retaining Antigen-Presenting Cell (APC)-binding properties. Our data suggest that SpeSY39I-surface protein fusions could be used to direct vaccine antigens towards antigen-presenting cells in vivo with the potential to enhance antigen presentation and improve immune responses.
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Robinson C, Waller AS, Frykberg L, Flock M, Zachrisson O, Guss B, Flock JI. Intramuscular vaccination with Strangvac is safe and induces protection against equine strangles caused by Streptococcus equi. Vaccine 2020; 38:4861-4868. [PMID: 32507408 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The equine disease strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi, remains a major cause of welfare and economic cost to the global horse industry. Here we report the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of a novel multi-component chimeric fusion protein vaccine, called Strangvac, when administered to ponies via the intramuscular route. Across the four studies, Strangvac was safe and induced robust antibody responses towards the vaccine components in blood serum and the nasopharynx, which were boosted by revaccination up to 12 months after a primary course of 2 vaccinations 4 weeks apart. The vaccine response did not cross-react with a commercial strangles iELISA, which identifies horses that have been exposed to S. equi, demonstrating that it was possible to differentiate infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). Following challenge with S. equi strain 4047 (Se4047), all 36 control ponies that had received an adjuvant-only placebo vaccine developed clinical signs of strangles. In contrast, intramuscular vaccination with Strangvac protected ponies significantly from challenge with Se4047 at two weeks (5 of 16 ponies protected (31%), P = 0.04) and two months (7 of 12 ponies protected (58%), P = 0.0046 (including pooled control data) after second vaccination. Optimal protection (15 of 16 ponies protected (94%), P < 0.0001) was observed following challenge at two weeks post-third vaccination. Our data demonstrate that Strangvac is safe, has DIVA capability and provides a rapid onset of protective immunity against strangles. We conclude that Strangvac is a valuable tool with which to protect horses from strangles, particularly during high-risk periods, whilst maintaining the mobility of horse populations as required by the global equine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Robinson
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew S Waller
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Frykberg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7036, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Margareta Flock
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cellbiology, Karolinska Institutet, P.O. Box 280, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Bengt Guss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7036, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan-Ingmar Flock
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cellbiology, Karolinska Institutet, P.O. Box 280, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Intervacc AB, P.O. Box 112, SE-129 22 Hӓgersten, Sweden.
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Durham AE, Kemp-Symonds J. Failure of serological testing for antigens A and C of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi to identify guttural pouch carriers. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:38-43. [PMID: 32374892 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serology is commonly used as a means of identifying horses that might be chronic and silent carriers of S. equi but its sensitivity is rarely examined. OBJECTIVES The study was designed to investigate the sensitivity of serological testing for antibodies against S. equi antigens A and C to detect guttural pouch carriers of S. equi. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective clinical study. METHODS As part of routine surveillance and quarantine procedures horses arriving at a welfare charity quarantine unit were subject to both microbiological sampling of guttural pouches and also serological testing for antibodies directed at S. equi antigens A and C. Laboratory results and endoscopic findings were examined to determine associations between serological results and guttural pouch carriage of S. equi. RESULTS Of 287 included horses, 9 (3.1%) were found to be guttural pouch carriers. There was no significant association between serological status and guttural pouch carriage of S. equi Only one of the nine carriers (11%) was seropositive using a cut-off of OD ≥ 0.5, and only three of nine (33%) using a cut-off of OD ≥ 0.3. MAIN LIMITATIONS Horses examined in this study were new arrivals at a welfare centre rather than from a general, well-managed, equid population. As a retrospective clinical study, the laboratory test results could not be repeated for further confirmation. CONCLUSIONS Caution is advised when relying on seronegativity to antigens A and C in order to discount the possibility of chronic carriage of S. equi in guttural pouches.
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El-Hage CM, Bannai H, Wiethoelter AK, Firestone SM, Heislers CM, Allen JL, Waller AS, Gilkerson JR. Serological responses of Australian horses using a commercial duplex indirect ELISA following vaccination against strangles. Aust Vet J 2019; 97:220-224. [PMID: 31236928 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the nature of serological responses in Australian horses using a commercial duplex indirect ELISA (iELISA) following vaccination against strangles. DESIGN A group (n = 19) of client-owned horses from five properties were recruited to receive a primary course of a Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (S. equi) extract vaccine. Serological responses were determined by duplex iELISA incorporating S. equi-specific fragments of two cell wall proteins, SEQ2190 and SeM (antigens (Ag) A and C, respectively). METHODS The horses were administered a primary strangles vaccination course. Blood was collected immediately prior to each of the three vaccinations at 2-week intervals and additionally at 28 and 56 days following the 3rd vaccination (V3). RESULTS Significant increases in mean antibody levels of horses following vaccination were limited only to AgC, which was significantly increased at T2/V3, 14 days following V2 (ratio of geometric means = 3.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6, 8.4; P = 0.003). There was no increase in mean antibody to Ag A (ratio of geometric means = 1.4; 95% CI: 0.6, 3.2; P = 0.39). Four horses (22%) exceeded the test cut-off for AgC following vaccination. CONCLUSION Vaccination of Australian horses is unlikely to interfere greatly with detection of strangles using the duplex iELISA. No responses would be anticipated to AgA following vaccination with Equivac© S/Equivac© 2in1 and only a minority are likely to respond to AgC. We conclude that the results of this study validate the usefulness of the duplex iELISA to assist control measures for strangles outbreaks in Australian horse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M El-Hage
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - H Bannai
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association Tochigi, Japan
| | - A K Wiethoelter
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - S M Firestone
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - C M Heislers
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - J L Allen
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - A S Waller
- Animal Health Trust, Kennett, Newmarket, UK
| | - J R Gilkerson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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Pringle J, Storm E, Waller A, Riihimäki M. Influence of penicillin treatment of horses with strangles on seropositivity to Streptococcus equi ssp. equi-specific antibodies. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 34:294-299. [PMID: 31769122 PMCID: PMC6979097 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15668] [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: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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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Affiliation(s)
- John Pringle
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Storm
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Miia Riihimäki
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Laing G, Christley R, Stringer A, Aklilu N, Ashine T, Newton R, Radford A, Pinchbeck G. Respiratory disease and sero-epidemiology of respiratory pathogens in the working horses of Ethiopia. Equine Vet J 2018; 50:793-799. [PMID: 29574904 PMCID: PMC6175379 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogens are frequently implicated in equine respiratory disease. In Ethiopia, respiratory disease is a frequent cause for presentation at veterinary clinics and a priority concern for users of working horses. However, there is little existing literature on possible aetiologies. OBJECTIVES Determine prevalence of respiratory signs and exposure to major respiratory pathogens through a serological survey. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS Systematically selected horses from 19 sites in central Ethiopia were examined clinically and sampled once (August-December 2013). A face-to-face interview collected data on horses' management and history. Serological testing targeted equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesviruses-1 (EHV-1) and -4 (EHV-4), equine rhinitis viruses A (ERAV) and B (ERBV), equine arteritis virus (EAV) and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). RESULTS Owners reported a recent history of coughing in 38% of horses and nasal discharge in 7%. No animals were observed coughing during examination but 6% had a nasal discharge. Antibodies towards S. equi, were most prevalent (8%, 33/350). Antibodies to EAV were confirmed in one animal (0.3%). Low antibody titres to EHV-1/4 and ERA/BV suggested prior exposure but antibodies to EIV were not detected. Multivariable, multilevel logistic regression analysis for risk factors associated with S. equi serostatus showed higher odds of seropositivity in younger animals and those working less frequently. MAIN LIMITATIONS A single serological sample cannot describe dynamic changes in antibodies. Sampling horses at the place of work may result in healthy-worker bias. CONCLUSIONS S. equi may be endemic in this population and contributing, in part, to the occurrence of respiratory disease. Low prevalence of antibodies to viruses, with the exception of EIV, indicates these pathogens are present, but unlikely a predominant cause of respiratory signs and noninfectious causes of disease should also be investigated. Working horses in this region would be vulnerable to incursion of equine influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Laing
- Institute of Infection and Global HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - R. Christley
- Institute of Infection and Global HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - A. Stringer
- Institute of Infection and Global HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - N. Aklilu
- SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)Debre ZeitEthiopia
| | - T. Ashine
- SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad)Debre ZeitEthiopia
| | - R. Newton
- Animal Health TrustNewmarketSuffolkUK
| | - A. Radford
- Institute of Infection and Global HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - G. Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection and Global HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
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20
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Whitlock FM, Newton JR, Waller AS. Metastatic abscessation and other potential complications following strangles. EQUINE VET EDUC 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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21
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Tscheschlok L, Venner M, Steward K, Böse R, Riihimäki M, Pringle J. Decreased Clinical Severity of Strangles in Weanlings Associated with Restricted Seroconversion to Optimized Streptococcus equi ssp equi Assays. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:459-464. [PMID: 29377359 PMCID: PMC5787152 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Streptococcus equi ssp. equi causes characteristic clinical signs that are most severe in young horses, including fever, purulent nasal discharge, and lymph node abscessation in the head region. Hypothesis/Objectives Clinical, serologic, and microbiologic factors related to unexpectedly mild disease severity in a natural outbreak of strangles in immunologically naïve weanlings were investigated. Animals One‐hundred and twelve warmblood weanlings. Methods Prospective longitudinal observational study of a natural outbreak of strangles. The entire cohort was examined at the peak of the outbreak by deep nasal swabs for culture and quantitative PCR (qPCR) for the presence of S. equi and clinically and serologically in a sequential manner by an optimized ELISA from the index case throughout the outbreak until resolution. Descriptive statistics were calculated and comparisons made using a nondirectional Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Results Outbreak morbidity was 53%, with 9 of 14 horses culture positive and 26 of 53 horses qPCR positive for S. equi lacking clinical signs characteristic of strangles. By resolution, 91 of 112 had seroconverted to Antigen A by ELISA but seroconversion to antigen C (part of the SeM protein) was minimal. Sequencing of the isolates detected no alterations in the SeM protein, but identified a 61 bp deletion in the gene SEQ_0402. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Absence of clinical signs alone in naïve horses may be an insufficient criterion to release horses from strangles quarantine measures. Restricted seroconversion to antigen C may have been associated with decreased clinical severity. The role of a minor gene deletion in SEQ_0402 in the virulence of S. equi warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Venner
- Equine Veterinary Clinic, Destedt, Germany
| | - K Steward
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, UK
| | - R Böse
- Labor Dr. Böse GmbH, Harsum, Germany
| | - M Riihimäki
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Pringle
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Boyle AG, Timoney JF, Newton JR, Hines MT, Waller AS, Buchanan BR. Streptococcus equi Infections in Horses: Guidelines for Treatment, Control, and Prevention of Strangles-Revised Consensus Statement. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:633-647. [PMID: 29424487 PMCID: PMC5867011 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This consensus statement update reflects our current published knowledge and opinion about clinical signs, pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment, complications, and control of strangles. This updated statement emphasizes varying presentations in the context of existing underlying immunity and carrier states of strangles in the transmission of disease. The statement redefines the “gold standard” for detection of possible infection and reviews the new technologies available in polymerase chain reaction diagnosis and serology and their use in outbreak control and prevention. We reiterate the importance of judicious use of antibiotics in horses with strangles. This updated consensus statement reviews current vaccine technology and the importance of linking vaccination with currently advocated disease control and prevention programs to facilitate the eradication of endemic infections while safely maintaining herd immunity. Differentiation between immune responses to primary and repeated exposure of subclinically infected animals and responses induced by vaccination is also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Boyle
- University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA
| | - J F Timoney
- University of Kentucky, Gluck Research Center, Lexington, KY
| | | | - M T Hines
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
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Genomic Dissection of an Icelandic Epidemic of Respiratory Disease in Horses and Associated Zoonotic Cases. mBio 2017; 8:mBio.00826-17. [PMID: 28765219 PMCID: PMC5539424 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00826-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Iceland is free of the major infectious diseases of horses. However, in 2010 an epidemic of respiratory disease of unknown cause spread through the country’s native horse population of 77,000. Microbiological investigations ruled out known viral agents but identified the opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) in diseased animals. We sequenced the genomes of 257 isolates of S. zooepidemicus to differentiate epidemic from endemic strains. We found that although multiple endemic clones of S. zooepidemicus were present, one particular clone, sequence type 209 (ST209), was likely to have been responsible for the epidemic. Concurrent with the epidemic, ST209 was also recovered from a human case of septicemia, highlighting the pathogenic potential of this strain. Epidemiological investigation revealed that the incursion of this strain into one training yard during February 2010 provided a nidus for the infection of multiple horses that then transmitted the strain to farms throughout Iceland. This study represents the first time that whole-genome sequencing has been used to investigate an epidemic on a national scale to identify the likely causative agent and the link to an associated zoonotic infection. Our data highlight the importance of national biosecurity to protect vulnerable populations of animals and also demonstrate the potential impact of S. zooepidemicus transmission to other animals, including humans. An epidemic of respiratory disease affected almost the entire native Icelandic horse population of 77,000 animals in 2010, resulting in a self-imposed ban on the export of horses and significant economic costs to associated industries. Although the speed of transmission suggested that a viral pathogen was responsible, only the presence of the opportunistic pathogen Streptococcus zooepidemicus was consistent with the observed clinical signs. We applied genomic sequencing to differentiate epidemic from endemic strains and to shed light on the rapid transmission of the epidemic strain throughout Iceland. We further highlight the ability of epidemic and endemic strains of S. zooepidemicus to infect other animals, including humans. This study represents the first time that whole-genome sequencing has been used to elucidate an outbreak on a national scale and identify the likely causative agent.
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Steward KF, Robinson C, Maskell DJ, Nenci C, Waller AS. Investigation of the Fim1 putative pilus locus of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2017; 163:1217-1228. [PMID: 28749324 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) is the causative agent of strangles, among the most frequently diagnosed infectious diseases of horses worldwide. Genome analysis of S. equi strain 4047 (Se4047) identified a putative operon, Fim1, with similarity to the pilus loci of other Gram-positive bacteria. The Fim1 locus was present in all strains of S. equi and its close relative S. equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zooepidemicus) that have been studied to date. In this study we provide evidence that the putative structural pilus proteins, SEQ_0936 and CNE, are produced on the cell surface during in vitro growth and in vivo infection. Although the proteins encoded within the Fim1 locus are not essential for attachment or biofilm formation, over-transcription of SEQ_0936 and CNE enhanced attachment to equine tissue in vitro. Our data suggest that whilst the Fim1 locus does not produce a polymerized pilus structure, the products of the Fim1 locus may fulfil an adhesive function. The putative pilus-associated regulator, tetR, which contains a nonsense mutation in S. equi, was able to regulate transcription of the Fim1 locus following repair and over-transcription, confirming its predicted role in the operon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Frances Steward
- Centre of Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
| | - Carl Robinson
- Centre of Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
| | - Duncan J Maskell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chiara Nenci
- Elanco Animal Health, c/o Novartis Animal Health, Inc., Schwarzwaldallee 215, 4058 Basel, Swizerland
| | - Andrew Stephen Waller
- Centre of Preventative Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
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Paillot R, Lopez-Alvarez MR, Newton JR, Waller AS. Strangles: A modern clinical view from the 17th century. Equine Vet J 2017; 49:141-145. [PMID: 28177153 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Paillot
- Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
| | | | - J R Newton
- Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
| | - A S Waller
- Animal Health Trust, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK
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26
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López-Álvarez MR, Salze M, Cenier A, Robinson C, Paillot R, Waller AS. Immunogenicity of phospholipase A 2 toxins and their role in Streptococcus equi pathogenicity. Vet Microbiol 2017; 204:15-19. [PMID: 28532794 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (S. equi) is the causative agent of strangles, one of the most frequently diagnosed infectious diseases of horses worldwide. Phospholipase A2 toxins (PLA2) cleave phospholipid molecules at position sn-2 contributing to the production of leukotrienes that are important inflammatory mediators. Two homologous phospholipases, SlaA and SlaB are encoded by the S. equi genome suggesting that PLA2 toxins may contribute to its pathogenicity. Here we report the immunogenicity and role of PLA2 toxins during natural and experimental infection of horses with S. equi. The levels of anti-PLA2 specific antibodies in serum from horses naturally exposed to S. equi or without exposure were measured by indirect ELISA. Furthermore, the importance of PLA2 was determined during experimental infection of Welsh Mountain ponies with a mutant strain of S. equi lacking slaA and slaB. Our results show that PLA2 toxins are immunogenic, which supports their production during natural S. equi infection, but that these toxins are not essential for the development of strangles in a susceptible natural host.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R López-Álvarez
- Animal Health Trust, Centre of Preventative Medicine, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
| | - M Salze
- Animal Health Trust, Centre of Preventative Medicine, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK; University of Caen Basse-Normandie, IBFA (Institut de Biologie Fondamentale et Appliquée) and Chair of Excellence «Equine Immunology», 14032 Caen, France
| | - A Cenier
- Animal Health Trust, Centre of Preventative Medicine, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK; University of Caen Basse-Normandie, IBFA (Institut de Biologie Fondamentale et Appliquée) and Chair of Excellence «Equine Immunology», 14032 Caen, France
| | - C Robinson
- Animal Health Trust, Centre of Preventative Medicine, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
| | - R Paillot
- Animal Health Trust, Centre of Preventative Medicine, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK; University of Caen Basse-Normandie, IBFA (Institut de Biologie Fondamentale et Appliquée) and Chair of Excellence «Equine Immunology», 14032 Caen, France; Hippolia Foundation, La Maison du Cheval, 6 Avenue du Maréchal Montgomery, 14000 Caen, France
| | - A S Waller
- Animal Health Trust, Centre of Preventative Medicine, Lanwades Park, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK
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Tirosh-Levy S, Blum SE, Steward KF, Waller AS, Steinman A. Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in horses in Israel: seroprevalence and strain types. Vet Rec Open 2016; 3:e000187. [PMID: 27651915 PMCID: PMC5013422 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2016-000187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the seroprevalence of Streptococcus equi in Israel, to monitor seropositive horses over time and to identify archived strains that were recovered from Israeli horses. A serological survey of 200 healthy horses on 20 farms throughout Israel was performed to detect recent exposure to S equi antigens A and C via indirect ELISA. Seroprevalence was 9.5 per cent (19/200) and positive horses were found in 30 per cent (6/20) of the farms. Sixteen horses that returned a positive serology result were retested three and six months later. Most (12/16) positive horses remained positive, which suggests the presence of animals with persistent infection. Molecular characterisation of S equi strains by sequencing of the SeM gene of 16 archived isolates of S equi that were recovered from clinical cases of strangles between 2008 and 2012 identified two strains: SeM-2 and SeM-28.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot , Israel
| | - S E Blum
- Department of Bacteriology , Kimron Veterinary Institute , Bet Dagan , Israel
| | - K F Steward
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust , Newmarket, Suffolk , UK
| | - A S Waller
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust , Newmarket, Suffolk , UK
| | - A Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem , Rehovot , Israel
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Gustafsson K, Jahns H, Lee A, Duggan VE. Multicentric lymphoma in a pony presented as a case of metastatic strangles. VETERINARY RECORD CASE REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/vetreccr-2016-000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kajsa Gustafsson
- UCD Veterinary HospitalSchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity College DublinDublin 4Ireland
| | - Hanne Jahns
- Department of Veterinary PathobiologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity College DublinDublin 4Ireland
| | - Alison Lee
- Department of Veterinary PathobiologySchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity College DublinDublin 4Ireland
| | - Vivienne E Duggan
- UCD Veterinary HospitalSchool of Veterinary MedicineUniversity College DublinDublin 4Ireland
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Pringle J, Tscheschlok L, Riihimäki M, Steward K, Venner M. Reduced clinical severity of strangles in weanlings associated with restricted seroconversion to optimized S equi assays. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.02.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- A. G. Boyle
- Department of Clinical Studies; University of Pennsylvania; New Bolton Center USA
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Tonpitak W, Sornklien C, Wutthiwithayaphong S. Characterization of a Streptococcus equi ssp. equi Isolate From a Strangles Outbreak in Thailand. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Steward KF, Robinson C, Waller AS. Transcriptional changes are involved in phenotype switching in Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016; 12:1194-200. [PMID: 26854112 DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00780a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity within a population of bacteria, through genetic or transcriptional variation, enables survival and persistence in challenging and changing environments. We report here that a recent clinical isolate of S. equi, strain 1691 (Se1691), yielded a mixture of reduced capsule and mucoid colonies on primary isolation when grown on colistin-oxolinic acid blood agar (COBA) streptococcal selective plates. Passaging colonies of Se1691, with a reduced capsule phenotype maintained this mixed phenotype. In contrast, passaging mucoid colonies fixed the mucoid phenotype, suggesting adaptive genetic or transcriptional changes in response to growth on artificial media. However, despite obvious phenotypic and transcriptional differences, there were no apparent differences in the genome sequences of Se1691 recovered from colonies with a mucoid or reduced capsule phenotype. We identified 105 differentially transcribed genes in the transcriptomes of reduced capsule and mucoid colonies. The reduced capsule phenotype was associated with a significant reduction in transcription of the has locus (SEQ_0269 Q = 0.0015, SEQ_0270 Q = 0.0015, SEQ_0271 Q = 0.0285) and the amount of hyaluronic acid on the surface of S. equi recovered from non-mucoid colonies (P = 0.017). Significant differences in the transcription of 21 surface and secreted proteins were also observed. Our data show that changes in the bacterial transcriptome are linked to the mixed colony phenotype of Se1691.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen F Steward
- Animal Health Trust, Kentford, NewmarketSuffolk, CB8 7UU, UK.
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Comparison of specificities of serum antibody responses of horses to clinical infections caused by Streptococcus equi or zooepidemicus. Vet Microbiol 2015; 180:253-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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35
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Christmann U, Pink C. Lessons learned from a strangles outbreak on a large Standardbred farm. EQUINE VET EDUC 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- U. Christmann
- Department of Population Health Sciences; Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Virginia Tech and University of Maryland; Blacksburg USA
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Gröndahl G, Båverud V, Ljung H, Melys V, Aspán A, Riihimäki M. Longitudinal Observations of Silent Carriers ofStreptococcus Equiin A Swedish Yard. Equine Vet J 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12486_50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Gröndahl
- National Veterinary Institute; SE-750 07 Uppsala Sweden
| | - V. Båverud
- National Veterinary Institute; SE-750 07 Uppsala Sweden
| | - H. Ljung
- National Veterinary Institute; SE-750 07 Uppsala Sweden
| | - V. Melys
- National Veterinary Institute; SE-750 07 Uppsala Sweden
| | - A. Aspán
- National Veterinary Institute; SE-750 07 Uppsala Sweden
| | - M. Riihimäki
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Uppsala Sweden
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Robinson C, Heather Z, Slater J, Potts N, Steward KF, Maskell DJ, Fontaine MC, Lee JJ, Smith K, Waller AS. Vaccination with a live multi-gene deletion strain protects horses against virulent challenge with Streptococcus equi. Vaccine 2015; 33:1160-7. [PMID: 25597942 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) is one of the most frequently diagnosed infectious diseases of horses and there remains a significant need to develop new preventative vaccines. We generated a live vaccine strain of S. equi containing deletions in six genes: sagA, hasA, aroB, pyrC, seM and recA, which was administered to nine Welsh mountain ponies via the intramuscular route. Four vaccinated ponies developed adverse reactions following the first vaccination from which the live vaccine strain was isolated. Two of these ponies were withdrawn from the study and seven ponies received a second vaccination, one of which then developed an adverse reaction. Nine control ponies injected with culture media alone developed no adverse reactions. Following challenge with a virulent strain of S. equi, none of the seven vaccinated ponies had developed clinical signs of strangles eleven days post-challenge, compared to six of nine control ponies over the same period (P=0.0114). A lymph node abscess was identified in one of the seven vaccinated ponies at post-mortem examination, whilst all nine control ponies had at least one lymph node abscess (P=0.0009). Three of the six vaccinated ponies that were protected from strangles had not developed an adverse reaction following vaccination, suggesting that a better understanding of the pro-inflammatory responses to S. equi could lead to the development of a live attenuated vaccine against strangles that is safe for administration via intramuscular injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Robinson
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Heather
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - Josh Slater
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Potts
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - Karen F Steward
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket CB8 7UU, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan J Maskell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OES, United Kingdom
| | - Michael C Fontaine
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Jeong-Jin Lee
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, The Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Ken Smith
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew S Waller
- Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket CB8 7UU, United Kingdom.
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Waller AS. New perspectives for the diagnosis, control, treatment, and prevention of strangles in horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2014; 30:591-607. [PMID: 25300634 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Strangles, characterized by abscessation of the lymph nodes of the head and neck, is the most frequently diagnosed infectious disease of horses worldwide. The persistence of the causative agent, Streptococcus equi, in a proportion of convalescent horses plays a critical role in the recurrence and spread of disease. Recent research has led to the development of effective diagnostic tests that assist the eradication of S equi from local horse populations. This article describes how these advances have been made and provides advice to assist the resolution and prevention of outbreaks. New perspectives on preventative vaccines and therapeutic interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Waller
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, UK.
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Efficacy of a Parapoxvirus ovis-based immunomodulator against equine herpesvirus type 1 and Streptococcus equi equi infections in horses. Vet Microbiol 2014; 173:232-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Moraes C, Conceição F, Rocha A, Santos Júnior A, Ribas L, Vargas A, Nogueira C, Gil-Turnes C, Leite F. Cloning, expression and characterization of SeM protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and evaluation of its use as antigen in an indirect ELISA. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-6034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Strangles is an economically important horse disease caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. equi. The diagnosis can be confirmed either directly by bacterial isolation and PCR or by ELISA, which is an indirect method based on the detection of serum antibodies. The aim of this study was to clone, express and characterize the SeM protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, evaluate its use as antigen in indirect ELISA and determine its performance to distinguish sera of negative, vaccinated and positive animals. This was initially performed by cloning the gene encoding the SeM protein and its expression in Escherichia coli. Subsequently, the protein produced was characterized and used as antigen in ELISA. Serum samples for evaluation were taken from 40 negative foals, 46 horses vaccinated with a commercial vaccine against strangles and 46 horses diagnosed with the disease. The test showed high specificity and sensitivity, allowing discrimination between negative and positive, positive and vaccinated animals, and vaccinated animals and negative sera. Thus, it was concluded that the protein produced rSeM, which can be used as antigen for disease diagnosis, and the described ELISA might be helpful to evaluate the immune status of the herd.
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Lindahl SB, Aspán A, Båverud V, Paillot R, Pringle J, Rash NL, Söderlund R, Waller AS. Outbreak of upper respiratory disease in horses caused by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus ST-24. Vet Microbiol 2013; 166:281-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Scott Pirie R. One is good … two are better: breaking the 'stranglehold' of asymptomatic carriers on Streptococcus equi dissemination? Vet J 2013; 197:527-8. [PMID: 23769455 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Scott Pirie
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies/Roslin Institute, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Easter Bush, Roslin Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
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Waller AS. Strangles: taking steps towards eradication. Vet Microbiol 2013; 167:50-60. [PMID: 23642414 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Strangles, caused by the host adapted Lancefield group C bacterium Streptococcus equi sub-species equi (S. equi), is one of the oldest recognised infectious diseases of horses and continues to cause significant welfare and economic cost throughout the world. The ability of S. equi to establish sub-clinical persistent infections primarily in the guttural pouches of convalescent horses has been instrumental to its success. However, the implementation of simple control measures that permit the identification and treatment of persistently infected carriers can prevent further outbreaks of disease at a local level. This review summarises some of the molecular mechanisms exploited by S. equi to cause disease. New qPCR and iELISA diagnostic tests replace culture methodologies as the gold standard for the detection of infected animals. A strategy to maximise the effective application of these tests to direct management methods for the eradication of S. equi infection is presented and the role of preventative vaccines is discussed. In contrast to current understanding, emerging data illustrates the dynamism of the global S. equi population and potential consequences for the effectiveness of currently available vaccines. The ability to use modern vaccines alongside conventional biosecurity and screening procedures will be critical to the large-scale prevention and even eradication of strangles, providing an opportunity to finally break the stranglehold that this disease has on the world's equine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Waller
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU, United Kingdom.
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