Strangles Vaccine
Monday, November 21, 2005
The Home of Rest for Horses funds vital "Strangles" research
A fully effective vaccine for the serious and distressing disease Strangles could be on the horizon, following investment in research of more than £600,000 in the past five years by The Home of Rest for Horses.
Research funded by The Home has already determined the genome sequence (the entire genetic "blueprint"), of this highly contagious disease. This data has enabled researchers to apply sophisticated computer programs to identify the genes that could code the proteins located on the surface of Strep.equi (Strangle) cells or released by surrounding host tissue. These proteins would be those most likely to induce the best protective immune responses.
Only six such proteins had previously been identified, but this project has discovered more than 200 different genes. This vastly expands the repertoire of potential vaccine candidates for more detailed studies and preliminary vaccination studies are now taking place.
A simple test is also being devised to distinguish between apparently "healthy" animals that have recovered from recent S. Equi infection and those previously unexposed. Such a test could help identify potential "carriers" before introducing a new animal into a herd or stables.
Professor Mike Kehoe, a leading investigator involved in this research at The University of Newcastle, said: "Further work is required before a product will be available commercially but this project funded by the Home of Rest for Horses has made an important contribution towards developing safer, more effective vaccines and diagnostic tests to control one of the most distressing and serious equine infectious diseases."
