Grimm MB, Cohen ND, Slovis NM, Mundy GD, Harrington JR, Libal MC, Takai S, Martens RJ. Evaluation of fecal samples from mares as a source of Rhodococcus equi for their foals by use of quantitative bacteriologic culture and colony immunoblot analyses.
Am J Vet Res 2007;
68:63-71. [PMID:
17199420 DOI:
10.2460/ajvr.68.1.63]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether mares are a clinically important source of Rhodococcus equi for their foals.
SAMPLE POPULATION
171 mares and 171 foals from a farm in Kentucky (evaluated during 2004 and 2005).
PROCEDURES
At 4 time points (2 before and 2 after parturition), the total concentration of R equi and concentration of virulent R equi were determined in fecal specimens from mares by use of quantitative bacteriologic culture and a colony immunoblot technique, respectively. These concentrations for mares of foals that developed R equi-associated pneumonia and for mares with unaffected foals were compared. Data for each year were analyzed separately.
RESULTS
R equi-associated pneumonia developed in 53 of 171 (31%) foals. Fecal shedding of virulent R equi was detected in at least 1 time point for every mare; bacteriologic culture results were positive for 62 of 171 (36%) mares at all time points. However, compared with dams of unaffected foals, fecal concentrations of total or virulent R equi in dams of foals with R equi-associated pneumonia were not significantly different.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Results indicate that dams of foals with R equi-associated pneumonia did not shed more R equi in feces than dams of unaffected foals; therefore, R equi infection in foals was not associated with comparatively greater fecal shedding by their dams. However, detection of virulent R equi in the feces of all mares during at least 1 time point suggests that mares can be an important source of R equi for the surrounding environment.
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