Effects of age and R848 stimulation on expression of Toll-like receptor 8 mRNA by foal neutrophils.

The innate immune system plays a critical role in protecting neonates against infections early in life and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key components of innate immune recognition of pathogens. This study examined the effects of age and stimulation with a TLR 7/8 agonist (R848) on TLR8 mRNA expression by foal neutrophils during the first month of life. We also examined the effects of R848 stimulation on mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 at 1 and 14 days of life.

Pharmacokinetics of gallium maltolate after intragastric administration in neonatal foals.

Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetics of gallium maltolate (GaM) after intragastric administration in healthy foals.

Animals: 6 healthy neonatal foals.

Procedures: Each foal received GaM (20 mg/kg) by intragastric administration.

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.

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.

Evaluation of a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for detection and quantitation of virulent Rhodococcus equi.

Objective: To evaluate a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) assay in the detection and quantitation of virulent Rhodococcus equi.

Sample Population: 1 virulent, 2 intermediately virulent, and 2 avirulent strains of R. equi and 16 isolates of bacteria genetically related to R.

Effects of iron modulation on growth and viability of Rhodococcus equi and expression of virulence-associated protein A.

Objective: To determine the importance of iron for in vitro growth of Rhodococcus equi, define potential iron sources in the environment and mechanisms by which R equi may obtain iron from the environment, and assess expression and immunogenicity of iron-regulated proteins.

Sample Population: 10 virulent and 11 avirulent strains of R equi.

Procedure: In vitro growth rates and protein patterns of R equi propagated in media with normal, excess, or limited amounts of available iron were compared.