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Equine Piroplasmosis in Asymptomatic Horses of Western Iran: Comparison of Microscopic Examination and Multiplex PCR.
- Source :
-
Acta parasitologica [Acta Parasitol] 2024 Mar; Vol. 69 (1), pp. 813-818. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Feb 29. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Purpose: Piroplasmosis is responsible for anemia, fever, loss of physical activity and even death in equines. In epidemiological studies, accurate diagnostic tests are essential for detecting asymptomatic carriers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection in asymptomatic horses from Lorestan province, western Iran by developing a multiplex PCR.<br />Methods and Results: Blood samples were examined by microscopy and multiplex PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. Out of the total of 165 horses, 19 (11.51%) and 31 (18.78%) cases were positive for piroplasms by microscopy and PCR, respectively. The detection rates of both genera were significantly higher in multiplex PCR compared to microscopy (p < 0.0001). Compared with multiplex PCR, the sensitivities of microscopy for the detection of Babesia were only 28.5%. The prevalence of T. equi infection was significantly higher in summer (p = 0.035). The prevalence of B. caballi was significantly higher in males (p = 0.038).<br />Conclusion: Findings indicate that the multiplex PCR described here is a sensitive technique for the detection of piroplasm DNA in carriers. Furthermore, asymptomatic carriers must be considered as an important source of infection for equids living in this region.<br /> (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Horses
Iran epidemiology
Male
Female
Prevalence
DNA, Protozoan genetics
Theileriasis epidemiology
Theileriasis diagnosis
Theileriasis parasitology
Sensitivity and Specificity
Horse Diseases parasitology
Horse Diseases diagnosis
Horse Diseases epidemiology
Babesiosis epidemiology
Babesiosis diagnosis
Babesiosis parasitology
Babesia genetics
Babesia isolation & purification
Babesia classification
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction methods
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction veterinary
Theileria genetics
Theileria isolation & purification
Theileria classification
Microscopy methods
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1896-1851
- Volume :
- 69
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Acta parasitologica
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38424400
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-024-00804-3