My research interests are currently focused on equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). We were one of the first labs to demonstrate that leptospiral infection was primarily responsible for this chronic, debilitating disease. We successfully cultured leptospires from the aqueous and/or vitreous humor of affected horses. Two of six isolates were unique serovars. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identified the presence of leptospiral DNA in other affected horses. Future research will entail trying to determine the route of infection (direct inoculation into the eye or systemic). We are also investigating if this is truly a recurrent inflammatory response from an initial infection that transits in and out of latency, or external re-exposure to the pathogen precipitating each event.
A successful 2008 STAR applicant will work closely with VMTH ophthalmologists in ERU cases admitted to the hospital. They will also be engaged in the molecular characterization of current and new ERU leptospiral isolates. They will also characterize antigenic profiles of our two unique isolates with a view toward naming two new serovars. Serum collected from ERU horses will be assayed for antibodies to leptospiral serovars as a step in determining if a systemic infection precedes infection of the equine eye.
Please contact Dr. LeFebvre at rblefebvre@ucdavis.edu for further information.