Understanding intestinal microbiota in equine grass sickness

Equine grass sickness is a disease of unknown cause that affects the nervous system causing dysfunction of the intestines. Although uncommon, the disease is frequently fatal. Because the cause is unknown, there is no known treatment for the condition. This case-control study used faecal and urine samples from affected and non-affected horses to characterise changes in gut microbial communities and in metabolic profiles associated with the condition. These changes provide opportunities for novel diagnostics and for insights into potential causal pathways of disease.

Funders