Development of a alternative protocol for the treatment of equine cutaneous habronemosis

• Grant number: 24/17274-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Pathology
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio
• Grantee: Pietra de Melo Moreau Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/10604-0 - Development of ceramics scaffolds for application in tissue engineering, AP.TEM

Abstract

Cutaneous Habronemiasis is a dermatological condition caused by the larvae of gastric parasites of the genus Habronema, transmitted by contaminated flies. It affects horses of all age groups, causing granulomatous wounds that are difficult to heal. It is a disease of great economic interest and there is no specific treatment, with healing ointments and bandages commonly used on the limbs, which is unfeasible for infections in other areas of the skin and mucous membranes. This project aims to investigate an innovative and alternative therapy using an emulsion of herbal medicines based on barbatim and copaiba, known for their antimicrobial and healing properties. This emulsion will be applied topically in the early stages of the disease in order to control the infection and promote healing of the skin lesions. In addition, a bioprinted dressing will be developed using bacterial cellulose and silver nanoparticles in order to provide an ideal healing environment after hypergranulation. Bacterial cellulose is biocompatible and allows for the controlled release of silver nanoparticles, known for their effective antimicrobial properties against pathogens associated with habronemiasis. The study will include six-month in vivo trials and statistical analysis to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy, healing capacity and time, and safety of the proposed treatment, with the aim of reducing the duration of treatment and improving the appearance of healing. It is hoped that this project will not only optimize the current management of equine cutaneous habronemiasis, but will also contribute to the development of more innovative therapies in veterinary medicine, promoting the well-being and health of horses.