Blastogenic response of lymphocytes from foals infected with Rhodococcus equi

The blastogenic response of lymphocytes from 16 newborn foals naturally infected with Rhodococcus equi was investigated, in order to evaluate the relationship between R. equi infection and depressed host response. Naturally infected foals showed evidence of R. equi infection at 5-6 weeks of age, as determined by clinical, haematological, bacteriological and serological methods. The blastogenic response of lymphocytes against phytohaemagglutinin was significantly depressed (stimulation index < 1.80; P < 0.01, P < 0.05) in R. equi-infected foals at 5-6 weeks of age compared with those of control foals. Serum IgG concentration decreased rapidly after foals reached 1 week of age, and minimum levels of IgG were observed at 5-7 weeks of age in R. equi-infected foals. This study suggests that the onset of R. equi infection may be associated with the depressed immune function of naturally infected foals during the first 5-6 weeks after birth.