Boosting the Immune System in Foals to Help Fight Infections

Rhodococcus equi pneumonia is the most common and severe form of pneumonia in foals younger than 6 months of age. To date, no safe and readily available vaccine is available in the United States to protect foals from this infection. Researchers will explore the ability of two agents to stimulate the immune system of newborn foals and provide protection against R. equi infection. They will analyze how each treatment affects the immune system cells found in airways, which serve as a first line of defense against foreign invaders. Identifying new methods to improve neonatal immunity will reduce foals' susceptibility to infections and may also improve their response to vaccination.