Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Development of an in vitro model system for studying the interaction of Equus caballus IgE with its high-affinity receptor FcεRI
Published on: November 1, 2014
Pathological and Immunohistochemical Analyses of Naturally Occurring Equine Glanders Using an Anti-BpaB Antibody
Ochbayar Erdemsurakh1,2, Baatarjargal Purevdorj3, Khurtsbaatar Ochirbat4
1Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 89290Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
Abstract:
Glanders is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia mallei. In this study, we investigated the histopathology and immunohistochemical localization of B. mallei in natural cases of equine glanders. Four horses showing clinical signs of nasal discharge and multiple cutaneous nodules or papulae in the hindlimbs and abdomen were reported in Mongolia. They tested positive for B. mallei infection on complement fixation, Rose Bengal agglutination, and mallein tests. Gross and histological lesions observed in these cases were similar to those previously reported in equine glanders. Immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody to B. mallei BpaB showed localization of the bacterial antigen in the cytoplasm of neutrophils, macrophages, epithelioid cells, and multinucleated giant cells in the pyogranulomas and abscesses in target organs. Some alveolar type II cells and bronchiolar epithelial cells also contained the antigen. These results suggest that the anti-BpaB antibody is useful for identifying B. mallei-infected cell types in naturally infected horses.
Insights
Glanders, a disease caused by Burkholderia mallei, was studied in four Mongolian horses. Immunohistochemistry identified B. mallei antigens within immune cells and respiratory tissues, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Microbiology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Glanders is a contagious zoonotic disease caused by Burkholderia mallei.
- Equine glanders presents with diverse clinical signs, including nasal discharge and skin lesions.
- Accurate diagnosis and understanding pathogen localization are crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histopathology of natural equine glanders cases.
- To determine the immunohistochemical localization of Burkholderia mallei in affected tissues.
- To evaluate the utility of an anti-BpaB monoclonal antibody for diagnosing equine glanders.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of tissues from naturally infected horses.
- Immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody against B. mallei BpaB antigen.
- Clinical and serological diagnostic tests (complement fixation, Rose Bengal agglutination, mallein test).
Main Results:
- Clinical and gross lesions were consistent with previously reported equine glanders.
- Histopathology revealed pyogranulomas and abscesses in target organs.
- Immunohistochemistry localized B. mallei antigen within neutrophils, macrophages, epithelioid cells, giant cells, type II pneumocytes, and bronchiolar epithelium.
Conclusions:
- The anti-BpaB antibody effectively identifies B. mallei-infected cell types in naturally infected horses.
- Immunohistochemistry provides valuable insights into the cellular tropism of B. mallei.
- This approach aids in the pathological diagnosis of equine glanders.
