Evaluating a Novel Non-antibiotic Product to Control Infections

Overuse of antibiotics is a major problem in veterinary medicine contributing to development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. This makes treatment of infections in horses challenging and expensive. Under laboratory conditions, researchers will study if equine platelet lysate, a natural blood-derived product, can offer a safe and effective alternative antimicrobial method to reduce severity of infections and limit the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The team developed a method to convert the lysate into a gel-like substance that they hope can offer precise delivery and retention within the target treatment area. Findings will help inform future clinical trials on the feasibility of using platelet lysate to control infections in horses.