Association between cytological findings and bacterial isolates from tracheal wash samples in horses of different ages in Great Britain

Abstract

The study aims to identify a relationship between airway neutrophilia, neutrophil morphology and bacterial culture in different disease processes in horses in Great Britain by evaluating any association between cytological findings and bacterial isolates from tracheal washes of horses. Primary aims were to establish whether there was any association between bacterial growth (of the isolates of interest) and neutrophils (indicating respiratory inflammation). Secondary aims were to ascertain any association between active (healthy, non-degenerate neutrophils) and degenerate neutrophils in the presence of respiratory inflammation.