StallSide Podcast

Understanding Uterine Biofilm with Dr Ryan Ferris

Episode Summary

Many breeders have dealt with mares that have had chronic uterine infections.  Researchers have found that this hard-to-treat condition may be due to biofilm production.  Biofilm is formed when bacteria work together to form a colony and begin secreting exopolysaccharides, creating a haven that can become antibacterial tolerant and avoid the host’s immune system. Dr. Ryan Ferris, one of the lead biofilm researchers, explains what biofilm is, its diagnosis, current treatments, and which mares are at greater risk.

Episode Notes

Title: Understanding Uterine Biofilm with Dr. Ryan Ferris
Description:  Many breeders have dealt with mares that have had chronic uterine infections.  Researchers have found that this hard-to-treat condition may be due to biofilm production.  Biofilm is formed when bacteria work together to form a colony and begin secreting exopolysaccharides, creating a haven that can become antibacterial tolerant and avoid the host’s immune system. Dr. Ryan Ferris, one of the lead biofilm researchers, explains what biofilm is, its diagnosis, current treatments, and which mares are at greater risk.