Monitoring the positive conversion of anti-erythrocyte antibodies in blood transfusion donor horses

To confirm the positive conversion of antibodies against erythrocyte antigens in horses, possible blood transfusion donor horses selected from draft horse populations were periodically monitored with an indirect antiglobulin (Coombs) test for approximately 3 years. In this study, 19 horses (16 females and 3 males) were investigated, and five mares showed alloantibodies during the monitoring period. Four mares were typically pregnant when positive conversion was detected, whereas no particular cause of conversion could be observed for one mare based on its clinical records. In the analyzed horses, most positive conversions were possibly due to pregnancy, as conversion occurred more often during this period than after parturition. Pregnancy is considered a key event for positive conversion. Additionally, in cases in which unknown causative sensitization is confirmed, continuous monitoring with a test to detect antibodies should be performed, even if the possible donor is selected and maintained.