Resumen

PORTZ, CRISTIANA; ALMEIDA, F. Q.; MASSARD, CARLOS L  y  BOTTEON, PAULO de F. L.. EVALUATION OF VITAMIN E AS IMMUNOMODULATION AND INTRAUTERINE INFECTION OF Theileria equi in FOALS. Parasitol. latinoam. [online]. 2007, vol.62, n.1-2, pp. 16-22. ISSN 0717-7712.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-77122007000100003.

Twelve pregnant mares of Mangalarga Marchador and Bretdo Postier breeds were distributed in three groups where the first one was the control and the others were destined to the challenge. Four Mangalarga Marchador and four Bretdo Postier mares were supplemented with 80mg vitamin E/ lOOKg body weight/day during thirty days until parturation. Total colostrum protein was analysed using Micro-Kjeldahl method and immunoglbulin G was estimated through protein concentration. Serum samples were analysed for specific immunoglobulin G to Theileria equi using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (ELISA). Parturation were assisted and blood smears were done from twelve foals, before suckling. Supplementation with 80 mg vitamin E/lOOKg body weight /day wasn't sufficient to stimulate IgG synthesis in pregnant mares. Six blood smears from Mangalarga Marchador foals were positive to Theileria equi suggesting intrauterine infeccious. These foals developed assimptomatic babesiosis without any clinical sings because the presence of passive antibodies

Palabras clave : vitamin E; equines; babesiosis; imunomodulation; Theileria equi.