2020-07-09 07:49:00
The nomination by the OIE strengthens the international and reference activities of the PhEED unit. The Normandy site is already a national and European reference laboratory for several equine diseases, including dourine. The latter is caused by a parasite, Trypanosoma equiperdum, which is transmitted sexually. The first signs of the disease include edema, particularly genital edema, severe anemia, as well as significant weight loss. The parasite can subsequently pass into the nervous system, notably causing progressive muscular paralysis. These symptoms cause the death of the equine in half of cases. There is currently no effective treatment for the disease. The solution used to prevent its spread is therefore the slaughter of infected horses. Thanks to this protocol, no cases of dourine have been reported in France since the 1950s. However, cases occurred in Italy in 2011, highlighting the need to continue monitoring the spread of the parasite.
Global expertise
The activities of the PhEED unit on dourine are already recognized internationally: it provides antigens and control serums necessary for the diagnosis of the disease. As a reference laboratory, the team may be required to analyze samples sent by other countries, to confirm or not suspicions of dourine. The unit also has a training role in diagnostic methods and monitoring the performance of laboratories responsible for detecting dourine. Finally, its expertise can be requested on any subject related to the disease, particularly in the event of an epidemic. These missions are already carried out by the unit at national and European level, and will therefore now be carried out at global level.
Research to understand the parasite that could benefit human health
Alongside these expert activities, the PhEED unit carries out research to better understand the parasites causing dourine and other related diseases. This is particularly the case for surra and nagana, two diseases which affect animals and are caused by parasites of the Trypanosoma genus, such as dourine. The pathogen responsible for sleeping sickness in humans is another representative of this genus. A collaboration is underway with the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland, to pool knowledge on these animal and human diseases.
1730897356
#ANSES #unit #designated #international #reference #laboratory #equine #parasitic #disease #Handles
**Interview with Dr. Isabelle Hébert, Lead Researcher, PhEED Unit**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hébert. Your recent study, “European Inter-Laboratory Proficiency Test for Dourine,” highlights the critical role inter-laboratory tests play in managing equine health. Can you explain why these proficiency tests are so vital?
**Dr. Hébert:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Inter-laboratory proficiency tests are essential for ensuring that laboratories maintain high standards in diagnosing equine diseases like dourine. By participating in these tests, laboratories can benchmark their performance against others, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately enhance diagnostic accuracy. This is crucial for the health safety of equids, particularly with diseases that can have severe outcomes.
**Editor:** You mentioned dourine, a condition caused by the parasite *Trypanosoma equiperdum*. Could you elaborate on its impact on equine health?
**Dr. Hébert:** Dourine is a particularly insidious disease. It’s sexually transmitted and can lead to serious symptoms, including genital edema, severe anemia, and significant weight loss. Unfortunately, it can progress to affect the nervous system, leading to neurological issues like muscular paralysis. Tragically, the mortality rate is about 50% in infected horses, and there is currently no effective treatment available.
**Editor:** That sounds quite alarming. How does the OIE’s nomination of your unit as a reference laboratory help in the fight against dourine?
**Dr. Hébert:** The nomination strengthens our capabilities and enhances our role in international and European efforts to combat equine diseases. As a reference laboratory, we can provide expertise, develop guidelines, and facilitate standardization of diagnostic methods across Europe. This helps ensure that cases of dourine are accurately identified and managed quickly, reducing the risk of further outbreaks.
**Editor:** What do you see as the next steps in combating diseases like dourine?
**Dr. Hébert:** Increasing awareness among equestrian communities is crucial. We also need to invest in research for effective treatments and vaccines. Continued collaboration between laboratories will help us improve diagnostics, and that plays a fundamental role in controlling and potentially eradicating such diseases.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Hébert. It’s essential work that you’re doing, and we look forward to seeing advancements in equine health management.
**Dr. Hébert:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this important topic!
