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KMID : 0893420140150020249
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Journal of Veterinary Science
2014 Volume.15 No. 2 p.249 ~ p.258
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Equine hyperimmune serum protects mice against Clostridium difficile spore challenge
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Yan Weiwei
Shin Kang-Soon
Wang Shih Jon
Xiang Hua
Divers Thomas
McDonough Sean
Bowman James
Rowlands Anne
Akey Bruce
Mohamed Hussni
Chang Yung Fu
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Abstract
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Clostridium (C.) difficile is a common cause of nosocomial diarrhea in horses. Vancomycin and metronidazole have been used as standard treatments but are only moderately effective, which highlights the need for a novel alternative therapy. In the current study, we prepared antiserum of equine origin against both C. difficile toxins A and B as well as whole-cell bacteria. The toxin-neutralizing activities of the antibodies were evaluated in vitro and the prophylactic effects of in vivo passive immunotherapy were demonstrated using a conventional mouse model. The data demonstrated that immunized horses generated antibodies against both toxins A and B that possessed toxin-neutralizing activity. Additionally, mice treated with the antiserum lost less weight without any sign of illness and regained weight back to a normal range more rapidly compared to the control group when challenged orally with 107 C. difficile spores 1 day after serum injection. These results indicate that intravenous delivery of hyperimmune serum can protect animals from C. difficile challenge in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, immunotherapy may be a promising prophylactic strategy for preventing C. difficile infection in horses.
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KEYWORD
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Clostridium difficile, colitis, equine, immunotherapy
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