1
|
Helbig H, Berghaus LJ, Venner M, Berghaus R, Hart KA. Circulating concentrations of vitamins C, D and E vary with age but not with pneumonia status in foals during the first 5 months of life. Equine Vet J 2025. [PMID: 39888035 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14480] [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: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2025] [Indexed: 02/01/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate vitamin availability is vital for cellular and immune function and for normal growth. Available data on age-related changes in serum concentrations of vitamins in foals are limited. In addition, associations between circulating vitamin concentrations and the development of bronchopneumonia in foals are not described. OBJECTIVES (1) To quantify circulating concentrations of vitamins C, D and E from birth to weaning in foals; (2) to determine associations between vitamin concentrations and the development of bronchopneumonia during this period. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Blood samples were serially collected from 100 initially healthy Warmblood foals from birth to 5 months of age. Health status was evaluated weekly, and the development of subclinical and clinical bronchopneumonia was recorded. After weaning, foals were allocated to healthy, subclinical and clinical pneumonia groups, and samples from 15 foals/group were randomly selected for vitamin C, D and E quantification via ELISA and HPLC. Data were analysed with linear mixed models (p < 0.05). RESULTS Circulating concentrations of vitamins C, D and E did not differ between healthy foals and foals with subclinical or clinical pneumonia. Foal age significantly impacted vitamin concentrations (p < 0.001) in a vitamin-specific manner. Vitamins C and E concentrations increased during the first week of life and then decreased until weaning. Vitamin C concentrations were higher at pneumonia diagnosis in foals with pneumonia diagnosed at or before 8 weeks of age than in healthy foals. Vitamin D concentrations were lowest on Day 7 and then increased steadily until weaning. MAIN LIMITATIONS A small number of foals was included, and results may be specific to this study population due to environmental and farm management factors. CONCLUSIONS Circulating concentrations of vitamins C, D and E vary with age in foals, but do not appear to be related to the development of bronchopneumonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Helbig
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Londa J Berghaus
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Roy Berghaus
- Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Kelsey A Hart
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Havemeyer Workshop on Rhodococcus equi Scientific Advisory Committee. Science-in-brief: The 6th Havemeyer Workshop on Rhodococcus equi-A decade-long journey in advancing research into a major equine pathogen (2012-2023). Equine Vet J 2024; 56:838-841. [PMID: 39113177 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024]
|
3
|
Kabir A, Lamichhane B, Habib T, Adams A, El-Sheikh Ali H, Slovis NM, Troedsson MHT, Helmy YA. Antimicrobial Resistance in Equines: A Growing Threat to Horse Health and Beyond-A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:713. [PMID: 39200013 PMCID: PMC11350719 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13080713] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The equine industry holds substantial economic importance not only in the USA but worldwide. The occurrence of various infectious bacterial diseases in horses can lead to severe health issues, economic losses, and restrictions on horse movement and trade. Effective management and control of these diseases are therefore crucial for the growth and sustainability of the equine industry. While antibiotics constitute the primary treatment strategy for any bacterial infections in horses, developing resistance to clinically important antibiotics poses significant challenges to equine health and welfare. The adverse effects of antimicrobial overuse and the escalating threat of resistance underscore the critical importance of antimicrobial stewardship within the equine industry. There is limited information on the epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections in horses. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the history and types of antimicrobials used in horses and provide recommendations for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections in horses. This review also highlights the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in horses, emphasizing the public health significance and transmission dynamics between horses and other animals within a One Health framework. By fostering responsible practices and innovative control measures, we can better help the equine industry combat the pressing threat of AMR and thus safeguard equine as well as public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajran Kabir
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (A.K.)
| | - Bibek Lamichhane
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (A.K.)
| | - Tasmia Habib
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (A.K.)
| | - Alexis Adams
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (A.K.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA
| | - Hossam El-Sheikh Ali
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (A.K.)
| | - Nathan M. Slovis
- McGee Medical Center, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, 4250 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511, USA;
| | - Mats H. T. Troedsson
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (A.K.)
| | - Yosra A. Helmy
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (A.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rakowska A, Czopowicz M, Bereznowski A, Witkowski L. Investigation of the relationship between pulmonary lesions based on lung ultrasound and respiratory clinical signs in foals with suspected pulmonary rhodococcosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19401. [PMID: 37938262 PMCID: PMC10632467 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46833-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a widely recognized bacterium responsible for pneumonia in preweaned foals. On endemic farms, foals with a subclinical course of the disease usually outnumber those presenting clinical signs. The disease is typically chronic and mainly manifests as fever and dyspnoea. Currently, field diagnosis is often based on lung ultrasound (LUS); however, both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches vary among practitioners and considerably change over time. This longitudinal, prospective study was designed to describe the appearance and progression of rhodococcal pulmonary lesions during the first months of life based on LUS and to evaluate the relationship between the presence and severity of rhodococcal pulmonary lesions and the occurrence of respiratory clinical signs in foals from farms with endemic R. equi infections. Nearly 26% of foals demonstrated respiratory signs highly suggestive of pulmonary rhodococcosis, and approximately 70% of the foals had abnormalities detected on LUS without concurrent clinical signs. The appearance and development of LUS abnormalities were age-related. An abscess diameter exceeding 15 mm in LUS and other pleural lesions were significantly linked with the occurrence of clinical signs suggestive of pulmonary rhodococcosis (P < 0.001) and may be considered predictive factors of rhodococcal pneumonia in foals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Rakowska
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Bereznowski
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lucjan Witkowski
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159C, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Higgins C, Huber L. Rhodococcus equi: challenges to treat infections and to mitigate antimicrobial resistance. J Equine Vet Sci 2023:104845. [PMID: 37295760 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104845] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi, a gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen and a soil saprophyte, is one of the most common causes of pneumonia in young foals. It poses a threat to the economy in endemic horse-breeding farms and to animal welfare annually. Many farms use thoracic ultrasonographic screening and antimicrobial treatment of subclinically affected foals as a preventive measure against severe R. equi infections. The wide use antimicrobials to treat subclinically affected foals has contributed to the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR)-R. equi in both clinical isolates from sick foals and in the environment of horse-breeding farms. Alternatives to treat foals infected with MDR-R. equi are scarce and the impact of the emergence of MDR-R. equi in the environment of farms is still unknown. The aim of this review is to discuss the emergence of MDR-R. equi in the United States and the challenges faced to guide antimicrobial use practices. Reduction of antimicrobial use at horse-breeding farms is essential for the preservation of antimicrobial efficacy and, ultimately, human, animal, and environmental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Higgins
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 1130 Wire Road, Auburn, Alabama, USA 36832.
| | - Laura Huber
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 1130 Wire Road, Auburn, Alabama, USA 36832.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sanz MG. Rhodococcus equi-What is New This Decade? Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2023; 39:1-14. [PMID: 36898784 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Foals become infected shortly after birth; most develop subclinical pneumonia and 20% to 30% develop clinical pneumonia that requires treatment. It is now well established that the combination of screening programs based on thoracic ultrasonography and treatment of subclinical foals with antimicrobials has led to the development of resistant Rhodococcus equi strains. Thus, targeted treatment programs are needed. Administration of R equi-specific hyperimmune plasma shortly after birth is beneficial as foals develop less severe pneumonia but does not seem to prevent infection. This article provides a summary of clinically relevant research published during this past decade.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rakowska A, Marciniak-Karcz A, Bereznowski A, Cywińska A, Żychska M, Witkowski L. Less Typical Courses of Rhodococcus equi Infections in Foals. Vet Sci 2022; 9:605. [PMID: 36356082 PMCID: PMC9698102 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This article aims to present several interesting and less typical courses of Rhodococcus equi infections in foals, collected during the 2019-2021 foaling seasons in some Polish studs. The study was conducted by the Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, and concentrated on ultrasonographic contribution to diagnostics and treatment of the disease. Among many standard cases of rhodococcal pneumonia, some rare ones occurred. The aforementioned issues include the potential contribution of rhodococcal infection to a grave outcome in a prematurely born filly, lost as a yearling, so-called "extrapulmonary disorders" (EPD), a hypothesis of inherited immunodeficiency with grave outcome in a breeding dam line from one stud, and macrolide-induced anhidrosis. The main benefit of this report would be to supplement the general picture of clinical rhodococcosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Rakowska
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Bereznowski
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Cywińska
- Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Monika Żychska
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lucjan Witkowski
- Division of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rivera-Velez A, Huber L, Sinha S, Cohen ND. Fitness cost conferred by the novel erm(51) and rpoB mutation on environmental multidrug resistant-Rhodococcus equi. Vet Microbiol 2022; 273:109531. [PMID: 35944389 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109531] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi is a common cause of severe pneumonia in foals. Emergence of macrolide-resistant R. equi isolated from foals and their environment has been reported in the United States. A novel erm(51) gene was recently identified in R. equi in soil from horse farms in Kentucky. Our objective was to determine the effect of the erm(51) gene and associated rpoB mutation on the fitness of multidrug resistant-R. equi (MDR-R. equierm(51)+, rpoB+) under different nutrient conditions. Bacterial growth curves were generated for 3 MDR-R. equierm(51)+, rpoB+ isolates and 3 wild-type (WTN) R. equi isolates recovered from environmental samples of farms in central Kentucky. Growth was measured over 30.5 h in brain-heart infusion broth (BHI), minimal medium (MM), and minimal medium without iron (MM-I). All isolates had significantly (P < 0.05) higher growth in BHI compared to either MM or MM-I. MDR-R. equierm(51)+, rpoB+ exhibited significantly lower growth compared to WTN isolates in BHI (nutrient-rich condition), but not in either MM or MM-I (nutrient-restricted conditions). This study indicates that under nutrient-rich conditions fitness of MDR-R. equierm(51)+, rpoB+ is reduced relative to susceptible isolates; however, under nutrient-restricted conditions MDR-R. equierm(51)+, rpoB+ isolates grow similarly to susceptible isolates. These findings indicate that MDR-R. equierm(51)+, rpoB+ might be outcompeted by susceptible isolates in nature when practices to reduce antimicrobial pressure, such as reducing antimicrobial use in foals, are implemented. But it also raises the concern that these resistant genotypes might persist in the environment of horse-breeding farms in the face of selective pressures such as antimicrobials or nutrient restriction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andres Rivera-Velez
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Laura Huber
- Pathobiology Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 1130 wire Rd, Auburn, AL 36832, USA.
| | - Samiran Sinha
- Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Noah D Cohen
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Prediction of Bronchopneumonia Inpatients' Total Hospitalization Expenses Based on BP Neural Network and Support Vector Machine Models. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:9275801. [PMID: 35633928 PMCID: PMC9132643 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9275801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective BP neural network (BPNN) model and support vector machine (SVM) model were used to predict the total hospitalization expenses of patients with bronchopneumonia. Methods A total of 355 patients with bronchopneumonia from January 2018 to December 2020 were collected and sorted out. The data set was randomly divided into a training set (n = 249) and a test set (n = 106) according to 7 : 3. The BPNN model and SVM model were constructed to analyze the predictors of total hospitalization expenses. The effectiveness was compared between these two prediction models. Results The top three influencing factors and their importance for predicting total hospitalization cost by the BPNN model were hospitalization days (0.477), age (0.154), and discharge department (0.083). The top 3 factors predicted by the SVM model were hospitalization days (0.215), age (0.196), and marital status (0.172). The area under the curve of these two models is 0.838 (95% CI: 0.755~0.921) and 0.889 (95% CI: 0.819~0.959), respectively. Conclusion Both the BPNN model and SVM model can predict the total hospitalization expenses of patients with bronchopneumonia, but the prediction effect of the SVM model is better than the BPNN model.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ang L, Vinderola G, Endo A, Kantanen J, Jingfeng C, Binetti A, Burns P, Qingmiao S, Suying D, Zujiang Y, Rios-Covian D, Mantziari A, Beasley S, Gomez-Gallego C, Gueimonde M, Salminen S. Gut Microbiome Characteristics in feral and domesticated horses from different geographic locations. Commun Biol 2022; 5:172. [PMID: 35217713 PMCID: PMC8881449 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03116-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Domesticated horses live under different conditions compared with their extinct wild ancestors. While housed, medicated and kept on a restricted source of feed, the microbiota of domesticated horses is hypothesized to be altered. We assessed the fecal microbiome of 57 domestic and feral horses from different locations on three continents, observing geographical differences. A higher abundance of eukaryota (p < 0.05) and viruses (p < 0.05) and lower of archaea (p < 0.05) were found in feral animals when compared with domestic ones. The abundance of genes coding for microbe-produced enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in feral animals regardless of the geographic origin. Differences in the fecal resistomes between both groups of animals were also noted. The domestic/captive horse microbiomes were enriched in genes conferring resistance to tetracycline, likely reflecting the use of this antibiotic in the management of these animals. Our data showed an impoverishment of the fecal microbiome in domestic horses with diet, antibiotic exposure and hygiene being likely drivers. The results offer a view of the intestinal microbiome of horses and the impact of domestication or captivity, which may uncover novel targets for modulating the microbiome of horses to enhance animal health and well-being. Li Ang et al. present an investigation of feral and domesticated horse gut microbiomes across three continents. Their results provide new insight into how changes in horse lifestyle are reflected in the resident gut microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Ang
- Health Management Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Henan Gene Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Infection Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gabriel Vinderola
- Instituto de Lactología Industrial (INLAIN, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Akihito Endo
- Department of Food, Aroma and Cosmetic Chemistry, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Juha Kantanen
- Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Chen Jingfeng
- Health Management Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ana Binetti
- Instituto de Lactología Industrial (INLAIN, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patricia Burns
- Instituto de Lactología Industrial (INLAIN, UNL-CONICET), Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Shi Qingmiao
- Department of Henan Gene Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Infection Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ding Suying
- Health Management Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Zujiang
- Department of Henan Gene Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Infection Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - David Rios-Covian
- Department and Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Asturias, Spain
| | - Anastasia Mantziari
- Functional Foods Forum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Shea Beasley
- Functional Foods Forum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Carlos Gomez-Gallego
- Functional Foods Forum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Public Health and Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Miguel Gueimonde
- Department and Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Asturias, Spain.
| | - Seppo Salminen
- Functional Foods Forum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bordin AI, Huber L, Sanz M, Cohen N. Rhodococcus equi Foal Pneumonia: Update on Epidemiology, Immunity, Treatment, and Prevention. Equine Vet J 2022; 54:481-494. [PMID: 35188690 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pneumonia in foals caused by the bacterium Rhodococcus equi has a worldwide distribution and is a common cause of disease and death for foals. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarise recent developments pertaining to the epidemiology, immune responses, treatment, and prevention of rhodococcal pneumonia of foals. Screening tests have been used to implement earlier detection and treatment of foals with presumed subclinical R. equi pneumonia to reduce mortality and severity of disease. Unfortunately, this practice has been linked to the emergence of antimicrobial resistant R. equi in North America. Correlates of protective immunity for R. equi infections of foals remain elusive, but recent evidence indicates that innate immune responses are important both for mediating killing and orchestrating adaptive immune responses. A macrolide antimicrobial in combination with rifampin remains the recommended treatment for foals with R. equi pneumonia. Great need exists to identify which antimicrobial combination is most effective for treating foals with R. equi pneumonia and to limit emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains. In the absence of an effective vaccine against R. equi, passive immunisation remains the only commercially-available method for effectively reducing the incidence of R. equi pneumonia. Because passive immunisation is expensive, labour-intensive, and carries risks for foals, great need exists to develop alternative approaches for passive and active immunisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela I Bordin
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Laura Huber
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, 36849, USA
| | - Macarena Sanz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164-6610, USA
| | - Noah Cohen
- Equine Infectious Disease Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843-4475, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW), Nielsen SS, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar C, Herskin M, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Ståhl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Baldinelli F, Broglia A, Kohnle L, Alvarez J. Assessment of listing and categorisation of animal diseases within the framework of the Animal Health Law (Regulation (EU) No 2016/429): antimicrobial-resistant Rhodococcus equi in horses. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07081. [PMID: 35136423 PMCID: PMC8808660 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) was identified among the most relevant antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in the EU for horses in a previous scientific opinion. Thus, it has been assessed according to the criteria of the Animal Health Law (AHL), in particular criteria of Article 7 on disease profile and impacts, Article 5 on its eligibility to be listed, Annex IV for its categorisation according to disease prevention and control rules as in Article 9 and Article 8 for listing animal species related to the bacterium. The assessment has been performed following a methodology previously published. The outcome is the median of the probability ranges provided by the experts, which indicates whether each criterion is fulfilled (lower bound ≥ 66%) or not (upper bound ≤ 33%), or whether there is uncertainty about fulfilment. Reasoning points are reported for criteria with uncertain outcome. According to the assessment here performed, it is uncertain whether AMR R. equi can be considered eligible to be listed for Union intervention according to Article 5 of the AHL (10-66% probability). According to the criteria in Annex IV, for the purpose of categorisation related to the level of prevention and control as in Article 9 of the AHL, the AHAW Panel concluded that the bacterium does not meet the criteria in Sections 1 and 2 (Categories A and B; 5-10% and 10-33% probability of meeting the criteria, respectively), and the AHAW Panel is uncertain whether it meets the criteria in Sections 3, 4 and 5 (Categories C, D and E; 10-66% probability of meeting the criteria in all three categories). The animal species to be listed for AMR R. equi according to Article 8 criteria are mainly horses and other species belonging to the Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla orders.
Collapse
|
13
|
Goebel B, Freise F, Venner M. Comparison of the efficacy of rifampin/azithromycin and rifampin/tulathromycin for the treatment of foals affected with pneumonia. EQUINE VET EDUC 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Goebel
- Clinic for Horses University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover Hanover Germany
| | - F. Freise
- Institute for Biometry Epidemiology and Information Processing University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Erol E, Shaffer CL, Lubbers BV. Synergistic combinations of clarithromycin with doxycycline or minocycline reduce the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Rhodococcus equi. Equine Vet J 2021; 54:799-806. [PMID: 34480367 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The alarming increase in rifampin and macrolide resistance among Rhodococcus equi isolates highlights the need to identify alternative therapeutic options that can effectively control rhodococcosis in foals while limiting the further development of drug resistance. OBJECTIVES To evaluate bacterial killing, antibiotic synergism and mutant prevention concentrations (MPCs) of clarithromycin alone and in combination with doxycycline, minocycline or rifampin against clinical isolates of R equi. STUDY DESIGN In vitro experiments. METHODS Bacterial time-kill, fractional inhibitory concentration (checkerboard) and mutant prevention concentration assays were evaluated in four clarithromycin- and rifampin-susceptible (ClaS /RifS ) and two clarithromycin- and rifampin-resistant (ClaR /RifR ) R equi clinical strains. RESULTS In this study evaluating a limited number of isolates, combinations of clarithromycin with doxycycline or minocycline, but not with rifampin, were generally synergistic in both ClaS /RifS and ClaR /RifR strains as determined by checkerboard testing. In time-kill assays, all antibiotics, both alone and in combination, reduced viable ClaS /RifS R equi by more than 3 log10 at 24 hours compared with control cultures without antibiotics. Combinations of clarithromycin with doxycycline, minocycline or rifampin induced significantly lower MPC values compared with the individual antimicrobials alone for all ClaS /RifS R equi strains, resulting in a narrower mutant selection window (MSW). However, clarithromycin/rifampin combination did not markedly decrease MPCs of the individual antimicrobials in ClaR /RifR R equi isolates, and the observed decrease in MPCs for doxycycline or minocycline did not generally differ when combined with clarithromycin. MAIN LIMITATIONS The number of analysed R equi isolates was limited. In vitro outcomes require clinical confirmation. CONCLUSIONS Dual therapy combinations consisting of clarithromycin with doxycycline or minocycline merit consideration as a treatment protocol against R equi in foals due to in vitro synergy. These combination therapies may also minimise the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in cases of rhodococcosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erdal Erol
- Department of Veterinary Science and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Carrie L Shaffer
- Department of Veterinary Science and the Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Brian V Lubbers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Antimicrobial resistance spectrum conferred by pRErm46 of emerging macrolide (multidrug)-resistant Rhodococcus equi. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0114921. [PMID: 34319806 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01149-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clonal multidrug resistance recently emerged in Rhodococcus equi, complicating the therapeutic management of this difficult-to-treat animal and human pathogenic actinomycete. The currently spreading multidrug-resistant (MDR) "2287" clone arose in equine farms upon acquisition, and co-selection by mass macrolide-rifampin therapy, of the pRErm46 plasmid carrying the erm(46) macrolides-lincosamides-streptogramins resistance determinant, and an rpoBS531F mutation. Here, we screened a collection of susceptible and macrolide-rifampin-resistant R. equi from equine clinical cases using a panel of 15 antimicrobials against rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), nocardiae and other aerobic actinomycetes (NAA). R. equi -including MDR isolates- was generally susceptible to linezolid, minocycline, tigecycline, amikacin and tobramycin according to Staphylococcus aureus interpretive criteria, plus imipenem, cefoxitin and ceftriaxone based on Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines for RGM/NAA. Ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin were in the borderline category according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) criteria. Molecular analyses linked pRErm46 to significantly increased MICs for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and doxycycline in addition to clarithromycin within the RGM/NAA panel, and to streptomycin, spectinomycin and tetracycline resistance. pRErm46 variants with spontaneous deletions in the class 1 integron (C1I) region, observed in ≈30% of erm(46)-positive isolates, indicated that the newly identified resistances were attributable to C1I's sulfonamide (sul1) and aminoglycoside (aaA9) resistance cassettes and adjacent tetRA(33) determinant. Most MDR isolates carried the rpoBS531F mutation of the 2287 clone, while different rpoB mutations (S531L, S531Y) detected in two cases suggest the emergence of novel MDR R. equi strains.
Collapse
|
16
|
Epidemiology and Molecular Basis of Multidrug Resistance in Rhodococcus equi. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2021; 85:85/2/e00011-21. [PMID: 33853933 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00011-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The development and spread of antimicrobial resistance are major concerns for human and animal health. The effects of the overuse of antimicrobials in domestic animals on the dissemination of resistant microbes to humans and the environment are of concern worldwide. Rhodococcus equi is an ideal model to illustrate the spread of antimicrobial resistance at the animal-human-environment interface because it is a natural soil saprophyte that is an intracellular zoonotic pathogen that produces severe bronchopneumonia in many animal species and humans. Globally, R. equi is most often recognized as causing severe pneumonia in foals that results in animal suffering and increased production costs for the many horse-breeding farms where the disease occurs. Because highly effective preventive measures for R. equi are lacking, thoracic ultrasonographic screening and antimicrobial chemotherapy of subclinically affected foals have been used for controlling this disease during the last 20 years. The resultant increase in antimicrobial use attributable to this "screen-and-treat" approach at farms where the disease is endemic has likely driven the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) R. equi in foals and their environment. This review summarizes the factors that contributed to the development and spread of MDR R. equi, the molecular epidemiology of the emergence of MDR R. equi, the repercussions of MDR R. equi for veterinary and human medicine, and measures that might mitigate antimicrobial resistance at horse-breeding farms, such as alternative treatments to traditional antibiotics. Knowledge of the emergence and spread of MDR R. equi is of broad importance for understanding how antimicrobial use in domestic animals can impact the health of animals, their environment, and human beings.
Collapse
|
17
|
Rakowska A, Cywinska A, Witkowski L. Current Trends in Understanding and Managing Equine Rhodococcosis. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1910. [PMID: 33081047 PMCID: PMC7603097 DOI: 10.3390/ani10101910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to summarize studies on equine rhodococcosis over the last decade. For many years Rhodococcus equi has remained one of the major health challenges in the equine breeding industry worldwide. Recently, many novel approaches and ideas have been described and some of them were initially implemented into the clinical practice. This study reviews a variety of new information about neonatal susceptibility, clinical appearance, considered and applied diagnostic procedures and treatment alternatives, factors limiting accurate prognosis, ideas regarding environmental management and prophylaxis considerations. Although multiple research were conducted, the main problems such as high morbidity and mortality, a lack of reliable prevention strategies and treatment limitations are still unresolved and require further scientific effort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Rakowska
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Anna Cywinska
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 1, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Lucjan Witkowski
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159c, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|