Bacteria or Virus - Take Your Choice.

In this article we look at the differences between these two types of infection. From talking to a few people it seems that there is a bit of confusion about the difference between viruses and bacteria.

The main difference is that bacteria can live and multiply outside the body whereas viruses have to take over a cell in a host to reproduce.

Bacteria.

Bacteria are responsible for probably more good than harm. Without them we would have no cheese, or yogurt, clover would be unable to fix nitrogen from the air, and ruminants would be unable to digest grass.

Unfortunately the bad ones do cause serious problems and so we are more aware of them. Bacteria are around us all the time and only occasionally get out of hand. This can happen when we meet a new bacteria that our immune system can not recognise or if the immune system is compromised for some other reason.

Bacteria cause a wide range of problems including clostridial diseases such as tetanus, bacterial scours in foals, mastitis in mares and mudfever. The traditional veterinary approach is to use antibiotics. They are powerful drugs and have an important place in medicine. However they act in such a powerful way that they tend to destroy all the bacteria in the body-good and bad.

The herbal approach is a little different. There are a few herbs that have demonstrated anti bacterial action. Thyme, Barberry and Garlic fall into this category. Mostly, however the herbal approach is to assist the horse to get over the infection itself by boosting the immune system. The classic for this is Echinacea.

In some cases the problem caused by a bacterial infection is not so much the presence of the bacteria itself but the build up of toxins produced by the bacteria. Therefore when we treat a bacterial infection it is also useful to include some herbs to help the body rid itself of these toxins. The most readily available is Cleavers. During the spring and early summer Cleavers (also known as Clivers, Goosegrass or Sticky Willie) is rampant in gardens and hedges. It can be used fresh or carefully dried and kept for later use.

Viruses

Viruses are extremely small. Most can not survive in an active form outside a host; that’s generally you or your horse, although there are viruses that attack bacteria. Because they are so dependant on a host they have developed some pretty good ways at passing from one individual to another. Often this is via fluid droplets in exhaled breath or a sneeze or cough, but some pass in body fluids.

As outlined above viruses have to enter a host cell in order to reproduce. It may be because they are so small but for whatever reason viruses are lacking many of the organelles that larger cells need to function properly. They are effectively little packets of RNA or DNA that target particular cell sites, roaming around looking for a cell to invade. Any particular species of virus will only have the ability to enter the appropriate cell. So an Equine Rhino virus Type 1 will only be active in the respiratory area and will not cause problems in say muscle tissue.

Once a virus finds an appropriate cell and is able to enter it via a receptor site it will take over the cell’s reproductive structure. This is the DNA and protein synthesis part of the cell. The virus manipulates the cell and alters its DNA or RNA so that the cell now replicates the genetic material of the attacking virus rather than its own. The cell now fills with viruses and then ruptures releasing a new wave of viruses to continue the process.

Herbal medicine has a good range of anti viral plants including Hypericum, Thuja, Olive and Garlic. Some we know, work by preventing the viruses from entering the cells. Others work in ways that we do not yet understand.

Defence.

The body, be it human or horse, is continually subjected to attack from viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. Most do not get past the outer defences;, the skin and mucus membranes, but a few enter the tissues and are dealt with by the more active parts of the immune system. Without an effective immune system we would very quickly succumb to infection so it is important for the maintenance of good health that this system is in tip top order. Like some other things in life the more practice it gets the better it works. To keep the immune system fit it needs to be exposed to pathogens that make it work. Modern life tends to suppress the immune system through exposure to chemicals and there is a tenancy for it to “switch off”.

Good wholesome food and a minimum of chemicals will help but every now and then it pays to give the immune system a wake up. Echinacea has a well deserved reputation as a gentle immune stimulant.. Given for a week or so during season changes or when other horses around you are sick will give some mild stimulation. If you notice that your horse is off colour much larger doses are appropriate and should be given as soon as possible.

Once you start treating with specific herbs or mixtures it is important to know whether you are dealing with a bacterial or viral infection because the approach is quite different. If you have any doubt about a treatment protocol consult a herbalist.

The herbal preparations we use to treat bacterial or viral infections are safe, they do not show a positive test and we have not seen any adverse effects. Do remember though that severe infections of any type can be serious and cause other problems.

If you have any concerns for your horse’s welfare ask the advice of your vet.