Medycyna Wet. 66 (8), 521-524, 2010
| Kita J., Witkowski L., Pławińska-Czarnak J. |
| Lawsonia intracellularis infections in horses |
| Equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) is an emerging enteric disease of foals caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. The disease has been reported worldwide. Affected foals display lethargy, weight loss, peripheral edema, diarrhea and colic. An antemortem diagnosis of EPE is based on clinical signs, the presence of hypoproteinemia, abdominal ultrasonography, positive serology and molecular detection of L. intracellularis in feces. The transmission of L. intracellularis, as well as immunological and epidemiological aspects of the disease within a herd have remained poorly investigated. The results of the latest investigations demonstrate that a primary role in immunity is played by IgA mucous antibodies and cell immunity. To attain a full knowledge of these defense mechanisms further research is necessary. The disease is considered a zoonosis. |
| Key words: Lawsonia intracellularis, horses, foals |