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Peckle M, Pires MS, Dos Santos TM, Roier ECR, da Silva CB, Vilela JAR, Paulino PG, Santos HA, Massard CL. Molecular investigation of Babesia caballi in horses from the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Epidemiological aspects associated with the infection. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 30:100709. [PMID: 35431067 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The epidemiological aspects of Babesia caballi infection were evaluated in 516 horse samples from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The presence and infestation level of ticks on horses, breed conditions, and animal management were evaluated on each farm through an epidemiological questionnaire. The gene that codes for rhoptry-associated protein-1 (RAP-1) of B. caballi was amplified by nested PCR (nPCR). Among the horses sampled, 17.2% (n = 89/516) presented B. caballi DNA. The characterized samples showed 99-100% similarity with other isolates of B. caballi based on the RAP-1 gene, available in GenBank. In the final logistic regression model, the variables associated with B. caballi infection in horses were as follows: age below two years (OR = 3.33; IC = 1.7-6.5), farms located in low altitudes (OR = 3.52; IC = 1.7-7.3) and Dermacentor nitens infestation (OR = 1.91; IC = 1.1-3.4). Furthermore, a high level of D. nitens infestation in horses was also a factor associated with positivity for B. caballi (OR = 2.11; IC = 1.25-3.54). In summary, young horses bred in low altitude regions characterized with high temperatures, and infested by D. nitens, mainly with a higher level of infestation, are more likely to be infected by B. caballi. This epidemiological study provides statical evidence that the D. nitens tick play a role as the biological vector of B. caballi in the studied region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristela Peckle
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Marcus Sandes Pires
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Tiago Marques Dos Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Erica Cristina Rocha Roier
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Severino Sombra University, Av. Expedicionário Osvaldo de Almeida Ramos, 280 - Centro, Vassouras - RJ, 27700-000, Brazil
| | - Claudia Bezerra da Silva
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Joice Aparecida Resende Vilela
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Severino Sombra University, Av. Expedicionário Osvaldo de Almeida Ramos, 280 - Centro, Vassouras - RJ, 27700-000, Brazil; Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company (EMATER), Estrada RJ 99, Km 8, Itaguai, RJ 23855-120, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Gonzaga Paulino
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
| | - Huarrisson Azevedo Santos
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Luiz Massard
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), BR 465, Km 7, Seropedica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil
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Onyiche TE, Sivakumar T, Tuvshintulga B, Nugraha AB, Ahedor B, Mofokeng L, Luka J, Mohammed A, Mbaya AW, Biu AA, Yokoyama N, Thekisoe O. Serosurvey for equine piroplasms in horses and donkeys from North-Western Nigeria using IFAT and ELISA. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2021; 42:648-661. [PMID: 34097577 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2021.1935274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis is caused by apicomplexan parasites, namely, Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, which are transmitted to equids principally through ticks. To ascertain the exposure of equines to agents of equine piroplasms, we tested serum samples collected from horses (n = 272) and donkeys (n = 170) in North-Western Nigeria for the presence of antibodies against B. caballi and T. equi using IFAT and ELISA. The seroprevalence of T. equi in the horses determined using IFAT and ELISA was 48.89% and 45.96%, respectively, while for B. caballi, it was 6.3% and 0.4%, respectively. For T. equi, the seroprevalence based on IFAT and ELISA results in donkeys was 14.1% and 2.9%, respectively, while for B. caballi, the seroprevalence was 2.4% and 0.6%, respectively, for ELISA and IFAT. Mixed infection detected in the horses using IFAT and ELISA was 5.5% and 0.4%, respectively, while no mixed infection was observed in the donkeys. The seroprevalence of T. equi was significantly (P < .0001) higher than that of B. caballi in both horses and donkeys. Comparatively, the IFAT detected a greater number of piroplasm seropositive animals than ELISA, indicating a difference in their diagnostic accuracy. Findings from this study confirm the existence of equine piroplasms in both horses and donkeys in North-Western Nigeria and highlights the need for robust and effective control measures against the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- ThankGod E Onyiche
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.,Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa.,Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Bumduuren Tuvshintulga
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Arifin Budiman Nugraha
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Indonesia
| | - Believe Ahedor
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.,Department of Animal Experimentation, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lehlohonolo Mofokeng
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Joshua Luka
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Ali Mohammed
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Albert W Mbaya
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Abdullahi A Biu
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Oriel Thekisoe
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Olafson PU, Buckmeier BG, May MA, Thomas DB. Molecular screening for rickettsial bacteria and piroplasms in ixodid ticks surveyed from white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) and nilgai antelope ( Boselaphus tragocamelus) in southern Texas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 13:252-260. [PMID: 33294364 PMCID: PMC7691163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A survey of ixodid ticks parasitizing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) was completed during the 2018–2019 public hunt season on the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (Cameron County, Texas) and the East Foundation's El Sauz Ranch in nearby Willacy County (Texas). Anocenter nitens was the predominant tick species identified with 5% of these ticks collected from nilgai. All life stages were encountered in high numbers on white-tailed deer, indicating that deer may be a primary host in this region. Amblyomma maculatum and Amblyomma inornatum were identified from both hosts, while Ixodes scapularis was encountered only on white-tailed deer. This is the first published record of A. inornatum on nilgai. A subset of ticks was used in PCR assays to detect Rickettsia spp., family Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp., and Theileria-Babesia spp. Borrelia spp. were not detected in any of the ticks analyzed. Rickettsia parkeri was detected in three A. maculatum adult ticks from deer, Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont sequences were present in all I. scapularis ticks, and Rickettsia amblyommatis was detected in three A. inornatum adult ticks from deer. Sequence analysis of Anaplasmataceae-positive amplicons from A. nitens and A. maculatum had low percent identity to published Anaplasma spp. sequences, suggesting a unique Anaplasma sp. may be circulating in the population. Anaplasma platys was detected from A. nitens larvae and an Ehrlichia sp. Delta strain was present in A. maculatum, both of unknown pathogenicity towards deer. Theileria cervi was detected in all stages of A. nitens ticks, and positive ticks originated from 27 of 31 deer and a single nilgai sampled from throughout the survey site. The primary vector for T. cervi is absent from this region, suggesting T. cervi is possibly maintained by a different tick species. Anocenter nitens predominates on white-tailed deer and nilgai in southern Texas. Theileria cervi was detected in Anocenter nitens ticks from deer and a single nilgai. Three Theileria cervi genotypes were detected in this region of southern Texas. Unique Anaplasma sp. detected in A. nitens; low identity to known Anaplasma sp. Amblyomma inornatum ticks were identified on nilgai; a first record on this host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia U Olafson
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Beverly Greta Buckmeier
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Melinda A May
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | - Donald B Thomas
- USDA-ARS Cattle Fever Tick Research Laboratory, 22675 N. Moorefield Road, Moore Air Base, Edinburg, TX, 78541, USA
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Wang Y, Zhang LP, Li J, Li DD, Zhang Q, Li C. The First Report of Serological Detection of Babesia caballi by cELISA in a Horse During Serological Survey of Piroplasmosis in Imported Horses at Shanghai Port, China. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 92:103152. [PMID: 32797780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in horses imported into Shanghai port. Between 2018 and 2019, 344 horse sera samples were collected and tested for B. caballi and T. equi, using commercially available kits. Only one B. caballi seropositive sample was detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a B. caballi seropositive in imported horses at Shanghai port, which reflects the importance of monitoring piroplasmosis seroprevalence in imported horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Shanghai Customs, Shanghai, China.
| | | | - Jian Li
- Shanghai Customs, Shanghai, China
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Souza EARD, Araujo ADC, Pires LCSR, Freschi CR, Azevedo SS, Machado RZ, Horta MC. Serological detection and risk factors for equine piroplasmosis in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 28:685-691. [PMID: 31691736 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis, an economically important disease in horses, has so far not been reported in Pernambuco state, Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Babesia caballi and anti-Theileria equi antibodies based on the detection of these agents in equine blood and in ticks on horses in the municipality of Petrolina, Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were drawn from 393 horses and sera were examined by ELISA. The presence of tick infestations was evaluated, and 101 ticks were subjected to DNA amplification for the detection of Babesia spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No parasites were detected in the blood smears. Anti-B. caballi and anti-T. equi antibodies were found in 27.2% (107/393) and 34.8% (137/393) horses, respectively. Infestation by Dermacentor nitens was detected in 4.3% (17/393) of the horses. There was no DNA amplification of the agents in ticks. The risk factors for the presence of anti-T. equi antibodies (P < 0.05) were: purebred (P < 0.001), animals older than 156 months (P = 0.014), and the presence of ticks (P = 0.001). No risk factors for B. caballi were identified. This study confirmed the circulation of agents of equine piroplasmosis in the municipality of Petrolina, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carla Roberta Freschi
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Sergio Santos Azevedo
- Unidade Acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Maurício Claudio Horta
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco - UNIVASF, Petrolina, PE, Brasil
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Assessment of equine piroplasmids in the Nhecolândia sub-region of Brazilian Pantanal wetland using serological, parasitological, molecular, and hematological approaches. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:714-721. [PMID: 30876824 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Brazilian Pantanal is the world´s largest wetland ecosystem, where cattle's ranching is the most important economic activity. The objective of this study was to compile some epidemiological features on equine piroplasmids from the Nhecolândia sub-region of Pantanal wetland through the evaluation of the patterns of T. equi and B. caballi infections in different groups of horses; identification of the tick species that infest horses; and to study phylogenetic relationships among Theileria equi 18S rRNA gene sequences. During October 2015, blood and serum samples were collected from 170 horses in four different categories. Ticks, after identification, had their hemolymph and eggs examined for the presence of piroplasmid sporokinets. Also we searched parasites in the peripheral blood smears of the investigated horses. The number of red blood cells (RBCs) and the packed cell volume (PCV) were determined to test for anemia in the infected animals, and exposure to B. caballi and T. equi was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. "Catch all primers" based on 18S rRNA gene were used in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to detect equine piroplasmids, followed by three nested PCRs for the phylogenetic analysis. The serological results showed that 61.8% and 52.9% of the horses sampled were exposed to T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. Piroplasmid DNA was detected in 43.5% of the horses analyzed. Our sequencing revealed 98-100% identity with some sequences previously published in GenBank for T. equi, and microheterogeneity among others. We found that 51.2% of the animals sampled were infested with Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma sculptum, and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, singly or co-infested. Since positive and negative animals presented similar RBC and PCV values, and no sporokinets were found on blood smears, hemolymph and eggs of the ticks collected, we suggest that infected equines can act as asymptomatic carriers for piroplasmosis in the studied region. Our results together showed the enzootic characteristic of equine piroplasmids in Pantanal region highlighting the importance of using different methods for detection these parasites. Moreover, breeding mares and foals should be monitored since they displayed the greatest occurrences for molecular test (59.0% and 86.1% respectively) and tick infestations (87.2% and 63.9% respectively).
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Transplacental transmission of Theileria equi in mules: Should we worry? Vet Parasitol 2018; 264:39-41. [PMID: 30503089 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis, disease globally responsible for significant economic losses, is caused by the transmission of the hemoprotozoa Theileria equi and Babesia caballi by ticks. Transplacental transmission has been reported previously in horses, which is not the case for mules´ foals. The present study investigated, by Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR), the presence of both Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in newborn mules before the ingestion of colostrum. Blood samples of 18 mares and their respective mules´ foals were collected and analyzed by RT-PCR. Only one mare was positive for B. caballi. In contrast, 13 mares were positive for T. equi, with two foals (11.1%) positive for the same protozoon, both of affected mares. We may conclude that transplacental transmission of Theileria equi also occurs in mules which may be an important concern while breeding such animals.
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Braga MDSCDO, Costa FN, Gomes DRM, Xavier DR, André MR, Gonçalves LR, Freschi CR, Machado RZ. Genetic diversity of piroplasmids species in equids from island of São Luís, northeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2017; 26:331-339. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Equine piroplasmosisis, a tick-borne disease caused by the intra-erythrocytic protozoans Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, has economic importance due to the international trade and the increased movement of horses all over the world. The goal of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of phylogenetic diversity of T. equi and B. caballi genotypes among infected equids from São Luís Island, state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. Between December of 2011 and June of 2012, EDTA-blood and serum samples were collected from 139 equids (90 donkeys, 39 horses and 10 mules). From 139 serum samples submitted to ELISA assay, IgG antibodies to T. equi and B. caballi were detected in 19.4% (27/139) and 25.2% (35/139), respectively. Among sampled animals, 21.6% (30/139) and 55.4% (77/139) were positive for cPCR assays for T. equi and B. caballi, based on ema-1 and rap-1 genes, respectively. Overall, the T. equi sequences (n=7) submitted to Maximum Likelihood analysis (based on a 18S rRNA fragment of 1700 bp after alignment) grouped into three main groups, which were subdivided in eight clusters. The present work showed that different genotypes of T. equi and B. caballi circulate among equids in Brazil.
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Ferreira EP, Vidotto O, Almeida JC, Ribeiro LPS, Borges MV, Pequeno WHC, Stipp DT, de Oliveira CJB, Biondo AW, Vieira TSWJ, Vieira RFC. Serological and molecular detection of Theileria equi in sport horses of northeastern Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 47:72-6. [PMID: 27477509 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Theileriosis is a worldwide protozoal tick-borne disease caused by Theileria equi, which may produce a variety of clinical signs and turn infected horses into lifetime carriers. This study has aimed to perform a serological and molecular detection of T. equi and associated factors in sports horses from six areas of northeastern Brazil. In overall, 59.6% horses were positive by indirect immunofluorescence assay and 50.4% by polymerase chain reaction. No significant association was found when presence of ticks, age, gender, anemia or total plasma proteins was analyzed with seropositivity and molecular techniques. Although a significant association of infection was found in two cities. Thus, local risk factors other than presence of ticks, horse age, gender, anemia and total plasmatic proteins may dictate prevalence of T. equi infection in sports horses, even in highly endemic areas with no control of infection prior to horse competitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edlainne P Ferreira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, PB, 58397-000, Brazil
| | - Odilon Vidotto
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, 86051-990, Brazil
| | - Jonatas C Almeida
- Laboratory of Infectious-Contagious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil
| | - Luana P S Ribeiro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, PB, 58397-000, Brazil
| | - Marcos V Borges
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, PB, 58397-000, Brazil
| | - Walter H C Pequeno
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, PB, 58397-000, Brazil
| | - Danilo T Stipp
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, PB, 58397-000, Brazil
| | - Celso J B de Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, PB, 58397-000, Brazil
| | - Alexander W Biondo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Thállitha S W J Vieira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil
| | - Rafael F C Vieira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, 80035-050, Brazil.
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Prochno HC, Scorsin LM, De Melo FR, Baldani CD, Falbo MK, de Aquino LCT, Lemos KR. Seroprevalence rates of antibodies against Theileria equi in team roping horses from central-western region of Paraná. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 23:85-9. [PMID: 24728366 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612014012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Theileria equi in horses from central western region of Paraná state, Brazil. The presence of antibodies IgG against T. equi was determined in serum samples obtained from 400 team roping horses of the district of Guarapuava by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed that 242 (61%) animals were positive which demonstrates that equine piroplasmosis is widespread and therefore it might be a contributing factor for the irregular performance among athletes horses in the region studied. No association regarding age and sex were observed (p>0.05). To our knowledge, this is the first report describing a serological survey on equine piroplasmosis in the state of Paraná, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Carolina Prochno
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná ? UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brasil
| | - Lucas Milléo Scorsin
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná ? UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brasil
| | - Fatiane Rodrigues De Melo
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná ? UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brasil
| | - Cristiane Divan Baldani
- Instituto de Veterinária ? DMCV, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro ?UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Margarete Kimie Falbo
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná ? UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Karen Regina Lemos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste do Paraná ? UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brasil
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Oduori DO, Onyango SC, Kimari JN, MacLeod ET. A field survey for the seroprevalence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in donkeys from Nuu Division, Kenya. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:683-8. [PMID: 26072000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis is one of the most significant tick-borne disease of equids. The prevalence of this disease in donkeys of semi-arid Kenya remains largely unexplored. The primary objective of this study was to demonstrate the extent to which donkeys in Nuu division, Kenya have been exposed to the haemoprotozoans Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis. The study also assessed the effect of age and sex on seroprevalence. A stratified sampling approach was used and three hundred and fourteen donkeys were sampled across nine sub-locations in Nuu division, Mwingi district. Serodiagnosis was via competitive inhibition enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (cELISA). The seroprevalence of T. equi was 81.2% (95% CI: 76.4-85.4). There was no significant difference in sub-location seropositivity, gender seropositivity or age related seropositivity. Antibodies against B. caballi were not detected (95% CI: 0-1.2). Findings from this study suggest that T. equi infection is endemic in Nuu division, Mwingi where it exists in a state of endemic stability. Existence of the infection should be communicated to animal health practitioners and donkey owning communities in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Oduori
- The Donkey Sanctuary Kenya, P.O. Box 24203-00502, Nairobi, Kenya; The University of Edinburgh, Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | - Ewan T MacLeod
- The University of Edinburgh, Division of Infection and Pathway Medicine, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis is a disease of Equidae, including horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras, caused by either of two protozoan parasites, Theileria equi or Babesia caballi. These parasites are biologically transmitted between hosts via tick vectors, and although they have inherent differences they are categorized together because they cause similar pathology and have similar morphologies, life cycles, and vector relationships. To complete their life cycle, these parasites must undergo a complex series of developmental events, including sexual-stage development in their tick vectors. Consequently, ticks are the definitive hosts as well as vectors for these parasites, and the vector relationship is restricted to a few competent tick species. Because the vector relationship is critical to the epidemiology of these parasites, we highlight current knowledge of the vector ecology of these tick-borne equine pathogens, emphasizing tick transmissibility and potential control strategies to prevent their spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen A Scoles
- Animal Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Pullman, Washington 99164; ,
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Guidi E, Pradier S, Lebert I, Leblond A. Piroplasmosis in an endemic area: analysis of the risk factors and their implications in the control of Theileriosis and Babesiosis in horses. Parasitol Res 2014; 114:71-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4161-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Hussain MH, Saqib M, Raza F, Muhammad G, Asi MN, Mansoor MK, Saleem M, Jabbar A. Seroprevalence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in five draught equine populated metropolises of Punjab, Pakistan. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:248-56. [PMID: 24582524 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2013] [Revised: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) caused by intraerythrocytic parasites (Theileria equi and Babesia caballi) is an emerging equine disease of world-wide distribution. In Pakistan, the prevalence and incidence of EP are unknown. In order to obtain the first insights into the prevalence of the disease, a total of 430 equids, including 33 mules, 65 horses and 332 donkeys, aging from ≤ 5 to ≥ 10 years of either sex, from five metropolises of Punjab, Pakistan, were serologically tested for the presence of antibodies directed against B. caballi and T. equi, using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Out of 430 equid serum samples tested, 226 (52.6%, 95% CI 47.7-57.4) were found cELISA positive for EP (T. equi and/or B. caballi infections). The overall seroprevalence of EP was 41.2% (95% CI 36.5-46.0) for T. equi and 21.6% (95% CI 17.8-25.8) for B. caballi. A small proportion of equids (10.2%, 95% CI 7.5-13.5) was seropositive for both T. equi and B. caballi. Seroprevalence of T. equi was significantly higher (P<0.01) in equines from the metropolis of Lahore (66.7%, 95% CI 54.3-77.6) and in horses (56.9%, 95% CI 44.0-69.2). Multivariable logistic regression model analysis indicated that factors associated with prevalence of EP were being an equine species kept in metropolis Lahore (OR=4.24, 95% CI 2.28-7.90), horse (OR=2.82, 95% CI 1.53-5.20) and male equids (OR=1.81, 95% CI 1.15-2.86).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Saqib
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Fahad Raza
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Muhammad
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Asi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Abdul Jabbar
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
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Scoles GA, Ueti MW. Amblyomma cajennense is an intrastadial biological vector of Theileria equi. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:306. [PMID: 24499587 PMCID: PMC4028807 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The apicomplexan hemoprotozoan parasite Theileria equi is one of the etiologic agents causing equine piroplasmosis, a disease of equines that is endemic throughout large parts of the world. Before 2009 the United States had been considered to be free of this parasite. Occasional cases had occurred but there was no evidence for endemic vector-borne transmission in the U.S. until a 2009 outbreak in Texas in which Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma cajennense were implicated as vectors. Although D. variabilis has previously been shown to be a competent laboratory vector, studies suggested A. cajennense was not a competent transstadial vector, even though the presence of this tick species on horses in South American is epidemiologicaly correlated with higher a prevalence of infection. In this study we tested the transstadial and intrastadial vector competence of D. variabilis and A. cajennense for T. equi. Methods A tick passaged T. equi strain from the Texas outbreak and ticks colonized from engorged females collected off horses on the outbreak ranch in Texas were used for these studies. Nymph or adult ticks were fed on infected horses and transmission fed on naïve horses. Infections were tracked with PCR and serology, dissected tick tissues were tested with PCR. Results A. cajennense transmitted T. equi intrastadially when adult ticks acquired infection by feeding on an infected horse, and transmitted to a naïve host on subsequent reattachment and feeding. D. variabilis failed to transmit in the same experiment. Transstadial transmission was not successful for either tick species. PCR on DNA isolated from eggs of females that had fed on an infected horse suggests that there is no transovarial passage of this parasite by either tick species. Conclusion This work confirms that ticks from the Texas population of A. cajennense are competent intrastadial vectors of T. equi. We propose that the most likely natural mode of transmission for this parasite/vector combination in the Texas outbreak would have been biological transmission resulting from adult male ticks moving between infected and uninfected horses. The intrastadial mode of transmission should be considered as one equally possible scenario whenever implicating vectors of T. equi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen A Scoles
- USDA, ARS, Animal Disease Research Unit, 3003 ADBF, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
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Peckle M, Pires MS, Dos Santos TM, Roier ECR, da Silva CB, Vilela JAR, Santos HA, Massard CL. Molecular epidemiology of Theileria equi in horses and their association with possible tick vectors in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2017-25. [PMID: 23474658 PMCID: PMC3625414 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3360-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to detect Theileria equi (Laveran 1901) DNA in horses and ticks using real-time PCR and to list the factors associated with infection in animals located in the Seropedica and Petropolis municipalities of the state of Rio de Janeiro. We tested blood samples from 314 horses and samples from 300 ticks, including 191 Amblyomma cajennense, 104 Dermacentor nitens, and 5 Ixodida larvae. Factors inherent to the horse, the ownership, and animal management were obtained from an epidemiological questionnaire and were evaluated in association with the presence of T. equi DNA in the animals. Among the horses in the study, 81 % (n = 253/314) presented T. equi DNA, and the animals of the Seropedica municipality had the highest infection frequency (91 %, n = 128/141, p < 0.001). The factors that had significantly different infection frequencies by chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.2) were included in a logistic regression model using the R programming package. Work and walking activity (odds ratio [OR] = 5.7, CI = 2.3-14.4), reproductive activity (OR = 3.8, CI = 1.3-11.5), and tick infestation (OR = 2.6, CI = 1.1-6.2) were factors that favored the presence of T. equi DNA in the animals (p < 0.05). Among the tick samples, A. cajennense and D. nitens were the identified species. The presence of T. equi DNA was observed in 9.9 % (n = 19/191) of the A. cajennense samples and 3.8 % (n = 4/104) of the D. nitens samples. A multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of A. cajennense on the animals (OR = 4.1, CI = 1.8-9.1) was associated with the presence of T. equi DNA in the horses. In the studied municipalities, activities related to work, walking, and reproduction and the presence of ticks on the horses, particularly an intense infestation of A. cajennense, are factors that lead to infection with T. equi in the horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristela Peckle
- Animal Parasitology Department, Veterinary Institute, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR 465, Km 7, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
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Dos Santos TM, Roier ECR, Santos HA, Pires MS, Vilela JAR, Moraes LMDB, Almeida FQD, Baldani CD, Machado RZ, Massard CL. Factors associated to Theileria equi in equids of two microregions from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 20:235-41. [PMID: 21961755 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612011000300011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Serum samples from 714 equids of Itaguaí and Serrana microregions, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (titer 1:80) for Theileria equi. The prevalence in the microregions and factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated and the prevalence ratio (PR) calculated. The overall prevalence of T. equi infection was 81.09% (n = 579), with higher prevalence (p < 0.05) in the Itaguaí (85.43%) when compared to Serrana microregion (76.92%). The geographic area, altitude, farming condition and area of origin of equids were associated (p < 0.05) with seropositivity for T. equi. Equids reared in the Itaguaí microregion (PR = 1.11, p = 0.003) and at altitudes below 500 m (PR = 1.10; p = 0,014) were more likely to be seropositive for T. equi. Furthermore, when equids were born in the farm (PR = 1.10, p = 0.008) and reared with poor farming conditions (PR = 1.13, p = 0.018) they were more likely to be exposed to T. equi. The main ticks found on equids were Amblyomma cajennense and Dermacentor (Anocentor) nitens. The microregions studied are endemic areas for equine theileriosis and there exists enzootic stability for T. equi. Only factors related to the collection area of serum samples influenced the seropositivity of equids for T. equi in that region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Marques Dos Santos
- Curso de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias,Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro--UFRRJ, BR 465, Km 7, Antiga Estrada Rio-São Paulo, CEP 23890-000, Seropédica--RJ, Brazil.
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Machado RZ, Toledo CZP, Teixeira MCA, André MR, Freschi CR, Sampaio PH. Molecular and serological detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2011; 186:461-5. [PMID: 22186194 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.11.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Piroplasmosis in donkeys has been recognized as a serious problem of major economic importance, since the affected animals manifest loss of appetite and decreased working capacity. The present work is aimed at detecting infection or exposure of donkeys in São Paulo, Brazil to Theileria (T.) equi and Babesia (B.) caballi using molecular and serological approaches. EDTA-blood and serum samples were collected from 88 donkeys (Equus asinus). From 88 sampled donkeys, 65 (73.86%; 95% confidence interval, PI=63.41, 82.65) and 82 (93.2%; 95% confidence interval, PI=85.75, 97.46) animals showed IgG antibodies to T. equi (by ELISA) and B. caballi (by IFAT), respectively. Twenty-eight (31.81%; 95% confidence interval, PI=22.3, 42.61) and 18 (20.45%; 95% confidence interval, PI=12.6, 30.39) donkeys were positive to T. equi and B. caballi nested PCR assays, respectively. The results indicated that T. equi and B. caballi are prevalent among donkeys in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Z Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias - Unesp Jaboticabal, Brazil.
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Baldani CD, Nakaghi ACH, Machado RZ. Occurrence of Theileria equi in horses raised in the Jaboticabal microregion, São Paulo State, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 19:228-32. [PMID: 21184699 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612010000400007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 08/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Blood and serum samples from 170 horses raised in the Jaboticabal microregion, São Paulo State, Brazil, were collected and tested by microscopic examination of blood smears, indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) for Theileria equi infections. The association among the test results was verified by the McNemar test. During the examination of thin blood smears, parasites were detected in six (3.52%) horses. Anti-T. equi antibodies were detected in 100% sera samples, with titers ranging between 1:80 and 1:5120. The nPCR based on the T. equi merozoite antigen gene (EMA-1) allowed the visualization of species-specific amplified product in 108 (63.53%) horses. All six samples judged positive microscopically were also positive for nPCR. Statistical analysis indicated general disagreement (p < 0.0001) between IFAT and nPCR; IFAT and blood smear; and nPCR and blood smear on the detection of parasite carriers. The results of the present study indicate that T. equi is widely spread among horses in the Jaboticabal microregion, Northeast region of São Paulo State, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Divan Baldani
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Rod. Br 465 Km 47, Seropédica-RJ, Brazil.
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Ribeiro MF, da Silveira JA, Bastos CV. Failure of the Amblyomma cajennense nymph to become infected by Theileria equi after feeding on acute or chronically infected horses. Exp Parasitol 2011; 128:324-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Mujica FF, Perrone T, Forlano M, Coronado A, Meléndez RD, Barrios N, Alvarez R, Granda F. Serological prevalence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in horses of Lara State, Venezuela. Vet Parasitol 2011; 178:180-3. [PMID: 21273001 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Revised: 11/26/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the occurrence of equine piroplasmosis (EP) in horses of Lara State, Venezuela, and to correlate it with the factors host's sex and age in order to know the epidemiology of this disease at the Venezuelan Centroccidental Region. Antibody levels to Babesia caballi and Theileria equi were assessed in 360 equine serum samples, collected from 9 municipalities of Lara State, using an ELISA technique with recombinant antigens and monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Antibodies to B. caballi were found in 254 horses (70.6%), whereas 181 animals (50.3%) were detected as seropositives to T. equi. In addition, 128 samples (35.56%) were seropositives to both hemoparasites. There were no significant differences between the seropositivity to B. caballi and T. equi with the factors sex and age of the horses. These results show that Lara State is an enzootic area for equine piroplasmosis, and are a contribution to a partial knowledge of the dynamic of this disease in Venezuela.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin F Mujica
- Unidad de Investigación en Parasitología Veterinaria, Decanato de Ciencias Veterinarias (DCV), Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado (UCLA), Barquisimeto, Estado Lara, Venezuela.
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Kouam MK, Kantzoura V, Gajadhar AA, Theis JH, Papadopoulos E, Theodoropoulos G. Seroprevalence of equine piroplasms and host-related factors associated with infection in Greece. Vet Parasitol 2010; 169:273-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Evaluation of the efficacy of strains of Steinernema carpocapsae Santa Rosa and ALL (Steinernematidae: Rhabditida) to control engorged female Anocentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasitol Res 2009; 104:1203-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1313-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Accepted: 12/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Fernandes EKK, Bittencourt VREP. Entomopathogenic fungi against South American tick species. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2008; 46:71-93. [PMID: 18563593 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-008-9161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2007] [Accepted: 05/20/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are parasites of serious concern for humans, domesticated animals and wild animals. Despite scientific advances, in South America the principal control method for ticks is the use of chemical acaricides. Indiscriminate use of these products causes environmental pollution, food contamination and development of tick resistance to acaricides. In vitro studies and field trials have demonstrated that pathogenic fungal isolates not only cause mortality of many tick species, but also reduce subsequent generations due to effects on their reproductive efficacy. Accordingly, this review presents results of several studies which were conducted in South America. Furthermore, it outlines current information on fungal pathogens of ticks and discusses the need to develop and implement effective strategies for use of entomopathogenic fungi to control ticks in the near future.
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Heim A, Passos LMF, Ribeiro MFB, Costa-Júnior LM, Bastos CV, Cabral DD, Hirzmann J, Pfister K. Detection and molecular characterization of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi isolates from endemic areas of Brazil. Parasitol Res 2007; 102:63-8. [PMID: 17828553 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0726-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 08/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Blood samples were collected from 487 adult horses, including 83 pregnant mares, at a slaughterhouse located in Araguari, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. For each blood sample, the packed cell volume (PCV) was determined, and Giemsa-stained smears were microscopically examined for the presence of hemoparasites. The plasma was examined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test for detection of antibodies against Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. In addition, DNA was extracted and analyzed by a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), specific for B. caballi and T. equi. Products of PCR were sequenced and compared with each other and with known sequences. The serological results showed a total prevalence of 91.0% for T. equi and 83.0% for B. caballi, while by PCR, prevalences of 59.7% for T. equi and 12.5% for B. caballi were observed. However, no correlations were seen between positivity (neither by serology nor by PCR) and PCV values. As expected, the microscopic examination of blood smears showed low sensitivity in detecting the infections when compared to the PCR. Only 35 out of 570 blood smears were positive, with parasitemias below 0.1%. No congenital transmission was detectable. As far as sequencing is concerned, no differences were seen among the isolates of each species nor among them and known sequences available. These results confirm, by molecular methods, the high prevalence rates of T. equi and B. caballi infections in carrier horses in Brazil. However, no diversity was observed among the isolates within the studied regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Heim
- Institute for Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Leopoldstr. 5, 80802, Munich, Germany
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Ogunremi O, Halbert G, Mainar-Jaime R, Benjamin J, Pfister K, Lopez-Rebollar L, Georgiadis MP. Accuracy of an indirect fluorescent-antibody test and of a complement-fixation test for the diagnosis of Babesia caballi in field samples from horses. Prev Vet Med 2007; 83:41-51. [PMID: 17707933 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2007.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2006] [Revised: 06/02/2007] [Accepted: 06/09/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the indirect fluorescent-antibody (IFA) test and complement-fixation (CF) test for diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis in the absence of a gold standard. Using Evan's blue, we estimated the specificity of the IFA test on a parasite-free, field horse population to be 98% (95% confidence interval=97, 99). We observed an excellent test agreement (kappa=0.83) between two collaborating laboratories when the IFA test was performed on identical samples from an endemic area. Using Bayesian analysis with informative prior probability distributions, we estimated the sensitivity of the IFA test to be 92% (95% probability interval, PI=81, 98), and specificity to be 95% (95% PI=88, 99). The CF test sensitivity and specificity estimates were 28% (95% PI=15, 47) and 99% (95% PI=96, 100), respectively. We found the IFA to be superior to the CF test, and the inclusion of Evan's blue in test protocol improved the performance of the IFA test. We conclude that the IFA test for Babesia caballi is a sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oladele Ogunremi
- Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Saskatoon Laboratory, 116 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Canada, S7N 2R3.
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Asgarali Z, Coombs DK, Mohammed F, Campbell MD, Caesar E. A serological study of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in Thoroughbreds in Trinidad. Vet Parasitol 2007; 144:167-71. [PMID: 17118557 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2006] [Revised: 08/18/2006] [Accepted: 09/11/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Ninety-three (93) horses were investigated for serum antibodies to Theileria equi (T. equi) and Babesia caballi (B. caballi) using the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Seventy-seven (82.8%) horses were seropositive; 31 (33.3%) were positive to T. equi compared to 64 (68.8%) to B. caballi while 18 (19.4%) horses were seropositive to both parasites. No significant differences in antibody frequencies among females and males for either T. equi or B. caballi were noted. Differences in seropositivity to B. caballi among age groups were not significant. Antibodies to T. equi were more frequent than to B.caballi in the age group 5 years and over than in the 1-2 and 2-4 years age groups (p<0.05). Unlike T. equi antibodies, B. caballi antibodies in horses in the county of Caroni were significantly less frequent when compared to other counties (p<0.05). Of 18 (19.4%) clinically ill horses, seven (42.9%) had clinicopathological evidence of anemia. Only one-third (6 of 18) horses were positive for the parasite on Wright-Giemsa stained blood smears and anemia was present in only 2. We report here that B. caballi and not T. equi may be the more common agent of piroplasmosis in Trinidad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinora Asgarali
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Trinidad, West Indies.
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Battsetseg B, Lucero S, Xuan X, Claveria FG, Inoue N, Alhassan A, Kanno T, Igarashi I, Nagasawa H, Mikami T, Fujisaki K. Detection of natural infection of Boophilus microplus with Babesia equi and Babesia caballi in Brazilian horses using nested polymerase chain reaction. Vet Parasitol 2002; 107:351-7. [PMID: 12163246 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00131-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The potential role of Boophilus microplus as a natural tick vector of Babesia equi and Babesia caballi in Brazilian horses was assessed using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based marker assay. B. equi merozoite-specific 218bp gene fragment was detected in almost 96% of horse blood samples, and 45.3-62.5% of females, eggs, larvae, and nymphs of B. microplus collected from 47 horses at Campo Grande in the State of Matto Grosso, Brazil. Except for the partially-fed female ticks, the B. caballi-specific 430bp gene fragment was amplified from horse blood samples, and all developmental stages. Parasite DNA from both species was detected in horse blood samples and B. microplus, with the preponderance of B. equi DNA. No DNA samples were positive solely for B. caballi parasite. Only 32% of the Giemsa-stained thin blood smears were positive for Babesia parasites, as against detection of B. equi parasite DNA in 95.7% of the blood samples by nested PCR. We have obtained molecular evidence that strengthens earlier experimental and ultrastructural studies in Brazil incriminating B. microplus as a natural vector of B. equi, and possibly of B. caballi. The detection of B. equi and B. caballi DNA in eggs and larvae of B. microplus is likewise suggestive of the possibility of both transovarial and transstadial parasite transmission in this tick vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badgar Battsetseg
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagito, Japan
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Battsetseg B, Lucero S, Xuan X, Claveria F, Byambaa B, Battur B, Boldbaatar D, Batsukh Z, Khaliunaa T, Battsetseg G, Igarashi I, Nagasawa H, Fujisaki K. Detection of equine Babesia spp. gene fragments in Dermacentor nuttalli Olenev 1929 infesting mongolian horses, and their amplification in egg and larval progenies. J Vet Med Sci 2002; 64:727-30. [PMID: 12237521 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.64.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia equi (EMA-1) and Babesia caballi (BC48) gene fragments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in blood samples, and partially fed-females and egg and larval progenies of Dermacentor nuttalli, collected from horses in Altanbulag, Tuv Province, Mongolia. While Babesia parasite DNA was detected in some horse blood samples during the first PCR, all positive cases in partially fed-female ticks, eggs and larvae were confirmed by nested PCR. Present study reinforces earlier similar findings in unfed D. nuttalli ticks collected from an open space vegetation in Bayanonjuul, Tuv Province in Central Mongolia, pointing to the most likely important role of D. nuttalli in the transmission of equine babesiosis in Mongolia. The detection of parasite DNA in eggs and larval progenies is likewise suggestive of transovarial parasite transmission in this tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badgar Battsetseg
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, the United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagito, Japan
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Xuan X, Nagai A, Battsetseg B, Fukumoto S, Makala LH, Inoue N, Igarashi I, Mikami T, Fujisaki K. Diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis in Brazil by serodiagnostic methods with recombinant antigens. J Vet Med Sci 2001; 63:1159-60. [PMID: 11714038 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.63.1159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum samples from horses in the States of Sao Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil were examined for diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis by both the latex agglutination test (LAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with recombinant antigens. Of the 47 samples analyzed, 38 (81%) and 42 (90%) samples were positive for B. equi infection and B. caballi infection, respectively. In addition, 35 (75%) samples were positive for both B. equi and B. caballi infections. These results indicate that equine piroplasmosis is widespread and therefore a cause for serious concern in the States of Sao Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido, Japan
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Abstract
Anocentor nitens is a widespread ectoparasite of horses in Brazil. A study of the seasonal dynamics of the parasitic phase of this tick was made by regular census of engorging females (>/=4mm) on free-ranging horses, fortnightly from July 1995 to July 1997, at Pedro Leopoldo, Minas Gerais. Twenty horses were divided into four groups of five animals per group, each having a similar mix of resistant and less resistant animals, based on initial infestation. Every 2 weeks, one of the groups, in sequence, was treated with an acaricide to prevent excessive infestations, and female ticks were censused 38 days later. The acaricide dips did not interfere with the seasonal dynamics of the tick population, which produced three major peaks of activity over a 12-month period. The first two peaks were in the hot, wet season and the third in the cold dry season. Tick numbers were similar for the two 12-month periods, decreasing from the spring and summer to the autumn and winter. Infestation rates were not equal among different horses. Twenty percent of the horses were responsible for 48% of the total parasite load, while 30% accounted for only 2.5% of the total parasite load. Principal predilection sites were; the ear (61%), mane (21%), and muzzle and face (6%). Measures for the strategic control of A. nitens ticks are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Borges
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, R. Delenda Rezende de Melo s/n, Setor Universitário, 74605 050, Goiânia, Brazil.
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Passos L, Ribeiro M, Anderegg P, Böse R. Serological diagnosis of Babesia equi and B. caballi in pregnant mares. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 1999. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09351999000600003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - R. Böse
- Labor Dr. Böse Hanover Gmbh, Germany
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Heuchert CM, de Giulli V, de Athaide DF, Böse R, Friedhoff KT. Seroepidemiologic studies on Babesia equi and Babesia caballi infections in Brazil. Vet Parasitol 1999; 85:1-11. [PMID: 10447188 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00108-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Horses from six stud farms representing the most frequent types of horse breeding in Brazil were tested for Babesia antibodies by the IFA test. The farms are located at the tropic of Capricorn at an altitude of 472-715 m where temperatures below 0 degrees C may occur. Horses of conventional stud farms were infested with Dermacentor nitens, Amblyomma cajennense, and Boophilus microplus. Infestation with Bo. microplus was associated with direct or indirect contact of horses with cattle, and was not detected at professional stud farms. At one large professional stud farm, only D. nitens was observed. Prevalence of Babesia equi correlated positively (p<0.001) with contact of pastured horses to cattle (67.1% versus 17.5%). The IFA test was validated using sera from 92 non-infected horses and from 18 ponies infected experimentally with the USDA strains of B. equi or B. caballi or with the Brazilian isolates from the study area. Differences in test results obtained using antigens from USDA strains or Brazilian isolates were not significant. The specificity was 100% except for the IFA test using Brazilian antigen of B. caballi (98%). The sensitivity was 100% except for the IFA test using the USDA antigen of B. caballi. Accuracy of the tests ranged from 98 to 100%, and predictive values from 99 to 100%. Only 59% (132/224) of sera, positive by the IFA test for B. equi, tested positive by CF test, and 45% (232/515) of sera, positive by the IFA test for B. caballi, also tested positive by CF test. In all, 740 field sera from 140 horses, including 63 mares and their foals, were tested. Prevalence and incidences of B. caballi infections were significantly higher than those of B. equi infections: 49.2% (31/63) of the mares were infected with B. equi, but 79.4% (50/63) with B. caballi; 36% (18/50) of the foals became infected with B. equi within 12 months, but 100% (50/50) with B. caballi within 10 months. Maternal antibodies against B. equi and B. caballi in foals were 44 (22/50) and 68% (34/50), respectively. Titers persisted for 1-5 months for B. equi and 1-4 months for B. caballi.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Heuchert
- Institute of Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
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Bashiruddin JB, Cammà C, Rebêlo E. Molecular detection of Babesia equi and Babesia caballi in horse blood by PCR amplification of part of the 16S rRNA gene. Vet Parasitol 1999; 84:75-83. [PMID: 10435792 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00049-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Babesia equi and Babesia caballi are tick-borne haemoparasites that may cause babesiosis of Equidae. In southern Europe B. equi is enzootic and infections may occur asymptomatically and more frequently than those due to B. caballi. Complement fixation test (CFT) is the official serological test for the diagnosis of equine babesiosis, but it has low sensitivity during early and latent stages of the disease. With the aim of developing more sensitive and rapid direct diagnostic alternatives, PCR systems that amplified DNA targets of 664 or 659 bp regions of the 16S rRNA genes were designed and demonstrated to specifically detect the genomes of B. equi and B. caballi, respectively. An approximated parasitaemia of 0.000083% was detected by the PCR system for B. equi compared with reported limits of 0.001% for microscopic examination of stained blood smears, and up to 0.00025% for DNA probes. Although the sensitivity of the PCR system for B. caballi could not be estimated, samples with microscopically undetectable parasitaemia as well as those with 0.017% parasitised red blood cells were detected. DNA extracts of blood collected with EDTA as an anticoagulant from 23 horses from Portugal were tested with both PCR systems. Of these samples, 22 were positive for B. equi and 8 were positive for B. caballi with PCR tests and intraerythrocytic parasites were seen in all samples. Antibodies against both parasites were not detected by CFT in several cases, but in these cases the presence of either or both parasites was apparent by PCR tests. The PCR systems may be useful in the diagnosis of equine babesiosis covering a wider range of clinical disease, as useful adjuncts to serological, microscopic, and cultural methods, especially for the import and export testing of horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Bashiruddin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise, Teramo, Italy
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Hailat NQ, Lafi SQ, al-Darraji AM, al-Ani FK. Equine babesiosis associated with strenuous exercise: clinical and pathological studies in Jordan. Vet Parasitol 1997; 69:1-8. [PMID: 9187024 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(96)01100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Clinical, haematological and pathological studies were undertaken in Jordan in a stud of 103 racing horses clinically suffering from babesiosis and apparently healthy animals. Out of 47 horses which participated in strenuous exercise, three mares showed sudden onset of immobility and reluctance to move and two mares died. Clinical examination revealed that these five horses (group 1) had fever, anorexia, weakness and severe icterus and, in two mares, haemoglobinuria. Haematological examination revealed that all five horses were heavily parasitized with Babesia equi. This was also found in four horses (group 2) with no evidence of clinical babesiosis. In group 3 (94 horses), neither clinical signs nor B. equi were observed in the blood. The horses in group 1 and 2 recovered after treatment with imidocarb. When the mean values of white blood cell count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume in group 1 were compared with those for groups 2 and 3, a significant difference was found (P < 0.05). A significant difference was also found when the mean values were compared before and after treatment. Examination of serum total protein, bilirubin and serum enzymes revealed a significant decrease in the mean value of total serum protein (P < 0.05), and a significant increase in the mean values of bilirubin (P < 0.05) in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3. A significant elevation in the mean value of aspartate aminotransaminase, gamma-glutamyltransferase and creatine phosphokinase and a substantial elevation in the mean value of alkaline phosphatase was also observed in group 1 compared to groups 2 and 3. Postmortem examination of the dead horses showed that the animals had icterus, hepatomegaly and full urinary bladder with deep-red urine. Histopathological examination of the liver showed massive centrilobular degeneration and necrosis. The bile canaliculi and bile ducts were prominent and plugged with dark-brown to canary-coloured bile pigments. The lungs had congestion, oedema, and thrombosis of pulmonary veins. Our results suggest that the horses suffered from B. equal with clinical manifestation following exercise. The clinical, haematological and pathological findings indicate that the animals suffered from haemolytic anaemia which responded to imidocarb therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Q Hailat
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuja ALI
- Present address: Animal Science Institute, National Agricultural Research Center, P.O. NARC, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan
| | - Chihiro SUGIMOTO
- Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060, Japan
| | - Misao ONUMA
- Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060, Japan
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