2015 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In conclusion, an immune-mediated basis for equine IMM is supported by MHC I and II expression on myocytes. Myocytes expressing MHC class I and II will present processed self-and non-self antigenic peptides to CD8+ and CD4+ T-lymphocytes, respectively, activating an immune response within skeletal muscle. This study describes and compares for the first time the bacterial compositions of different locations in the equine respiratory tract using high throughput sequencing. Samples were collected from 8 healthy adult horses immediately after euthanasia. The upper respiratory tract was sampled by nasal swab, nasopharyngeal swab and guttural pouch lavage. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchial protected brush sampling was then performed through surgically prepared tracheostomy. High throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene PCR products (V4 region) was performed. Sequences were classified into operational taxonomic units (OTUs).