Immunity in equine cyathostome infections

Abstract

Defining the characteristics of immunity and immune responses to equine cyathostome infections is clearly important to advancing our understanding of the development of these nematodes within the host, the clinical conditions attributed to them, and in developing more rational and novel strategies for their control. Nonetheless, little is currently known on this topic. Current data based on field observations, worm burdens and fecal egg counts suggest that horses acquire a resistance to cyathostome infection with age. This response is slow to develop and incomplete in that most horses regardless of age harbor significant populations of these nematodes. More convincing evidence has been obtained from experimental infections which indicate that mature horses previously exposed to infection are resistant to re-infection and this resistance is directed at all stages of the parasite life cycle. Further, some immunity against the developing stages within the mucosa appears to require less exposure and occurs in younger animals. Some non-specific events which induce expulsion of all species of lumenal dwelling nematodes also appear to take place post-infection with L3. Antibodies have been detected in limited studies against somatic extracts of adult worms. Not surprisingly, titers of these antibodies do not correlate resistance to re-infection. Serendipitous observations have, however, associated a greater expression of the gene for IL-4 with the spontaneous expulsion of lumenal parasites. The development of a usable model is required to further advance our knowledge in this area.