1
|
Mendoza FJ, Pérez-Écija A, Kappmeyer LS, Suarez CE, Bastos RG. New insights in the diagnosis and treatment of equine piroplasmosis: pitfalls, idiosyncrasies, and myths. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1459989. [PMID: 39205808 PMCID: PMC11349644 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1459989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a global tick-borne disease of equids caused by the intraerythrocytic apicomplexan parasites Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, and the more recently discovered Theileria haneyi. These parasites can be transmitted by several tick species, including Dermacentor, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus, but iatrogenic and vertical transmission are also common. Clinical signs of EP include poor performance, fever, icterus, abortions, among others, and peracute or acute forms of infection are associated with high mortality in non-endemic areas. EP is a reportable disease and represents an important barrier for the international trade of horses and other equids, causing disruption of international equine sports. Tick control measures, serological and molecular diagnostic methods, and parasiticidal drugs are currently used against EP, while vaccines remain unavailable. Since most acaricides used in equids are non-environmentally friendly and linked to drug resistances, this is considered as an unsustainable approach. Imidocarb dipropionate (ID) and buparvaquone (BPQ) are currently the main drugs used to control the disease. However, while ID has several side and toxic effects and recurrent failures of treatment have been reported, BPQ is less effective in the clearance of T. equi infection and not available in some countries. Thus, novel alternative and effective therapeutics are needed. While current trade regulations require testing equids for EP before exportation, the lack of standardized PCR tests and limitations of the currently recommended serological assays entail a risk of inaccurate diagnosis. Hereby, we propose a combination of standardized PCR-based techniques and improved serological tests to diminish the risks of exporting EP-infected animals making equid international trade safer. In addition, this review discusses, based on scientific evidence, several idiosyncrasies, pitfalls and myths associated with EP, and identifies weaknesses of current methods of control and gaps of research, as initial steps toward developing novel strategies leading to control this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Mendoza
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Alejandro Pérez-Écija
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Lowell S. Kappmeyer
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Reginaldo G. Bastos
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Pullman, WA, United States
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang B, Zhang N, Gao C, Liu M, Jie R, Lu M, Ma Y, Meng F, Huang J, Wang X, Li K. Investigation of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. in ticks from Western China and identification of a novel genotype of Babesia caballi. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:302. [PMID: 38978113 PMCID: PMC11229187 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04171-z] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. are tick-borne protozoan parasites with veterinary importance. In China, epidemiological and genetic investigations on many Babesia and Theileria species were still absent in many areas and many tick species. From Aug 2021 to May 2023, 645 ticks were collected from the body surface of domestic animals (camels, goats, sheep, and cattle) using tweezers in seven counties in three provinces including Xinjiang (Qitai, Mulei, Hutubi, and Shihezi counties), Chongqing (Youyang and Yunyang counties), and Qinghai (Huangzhong county). Three tick species were morphologically and molecularly identified (334 Hyalomma asiaticum from Xinjiang, 245 Rhipicephalus microplus from Chongqing, and 66 Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis from Qinghai). A total of three Babesia species and two Theileria species were detected targeting the 18S gene. The COI and cytb sequences were also recovered from Babesia strains for further identification. In R. microplus from Chongqing, Babesia bigemina, the agent of bovine babesiosis, was detected. Notably, in H. asiaticum ticks from Xinjiang, a putative novel genotype of Babesia caballi was identified (0.90%, 3/334), whose COI and cytb genes have as low as 85.82% and 90.64-90.91% nucleotide identities to currently available sequences. It is noteworthy whether the sequence differences of its cytb contribute to the drug resistance of this variant due to the involvement of cytb in the drug resistance of Babesia. In addition, Theileria orientalis and Theileria annulata were detected in R. microplus from Chongqing (12.20%, 31/245) and H. asiaticum from Xinjiang (1.50%, 5/334), respectively. These results suggest that these protozoan parasites may be circulating in domestic animals in these areas. The pathogenicity of the novel genotype of B. caballi also warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City, 830011, China
| | - Niuniu Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City, 830011, China
| | - Chunyan Gao
- Yanjing Medical College, Capital Medical University, Shunyi District, Beijing City, 101300, China
| | - Mengyun Liu
- Xinjiang 474 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group CO. LTD, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi City, 830011, China
| | - Runda Jie
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City, 830011, China
| | - Miao Lu
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yanran Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City, 830011, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City, 830011, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi City, 830011, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Xinjiang 474 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group CO. LTD, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi City, 830011, China.
| | - Kun Li
- National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changping Liuzi 5, Beijing, 102206, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barradas PF, Marques J, Tavares C, Brito NV, Mesquita JR. Detection of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus bursa ticks collected from the autochthonous Garrano breed of horses in Portugal. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 51:101033. [PMID: 38772649 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101033] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The Garrano is a semi-feral horse breed native to several mountains in the northern Iberian Peninsula. Despite being endangered, this unique breed of pony has managed to survive in the wild and continues to be selectively bred, highlighting their remarkable resilience and adaptability to harsh environments. Wildlife plays a critical role in the survival of tick vectors in their natural habitats and the transfer of tick-borne pathogens, as they can serve as reservoir hosts for many agents and amplifiers for these vectors. The semi-feral lifestyle of the Garrano horses makes them particularly vulnerable to exposure to numerous tick species throughout the year. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, and spotted fever rickettsiae in the Garrano horse ticks to obtain a knowledge of circulating agents in this host population. The collected ticks (n = 455) were identified as Rhipicephalus bursa. DNA specimens were organized in pools of 5 ticks, for molecular screening. Pools PCR results confirmed the presence of Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae (n = 12 for the ompB gene, n = 11 for the ompA gene and n = 6 for the gltA gene), Babesia bigemina (n = 1), Babesia caballi (n = 3), Theileria equi (n = 15) and Theileria haneyi (n = 1).These results confirm the circulation of an emerging rickettsial spotted fever group member, Candidatus R. barbariae, in R. bursa ticks. Our findings demonstrated that Candidatus R. barbariae co-circulates with B. bigemina and T. equi, which are vectored by R. bursa. We are reporting for the first time, the detection of T. haneyi among R. bursa ticks feeding in the Garrano horses in Portugal. Surveillance studies for tick-borne infections are essential to provide information that can facilitate the implementation of preventive and control strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia F Barradas
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal.
| | - João Marques
- Nanta Portugal, 2615-180 Alverca do Ribatejo, Portugal
| | - Catarina Tavares
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vieira Brito
- 1H -TOXRUN - One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), Porto, Portugal; ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Raza A, Ijaz M, Mehmood K, Ahmed A, Javed MU, Anwaar F, Rasheed H, Ghumman NZ. THEILERIA EQUI INFECTION IN WORKING HORSES OF PAKISTAN: EPIDEMIOLOGY, MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION, AND HEMATOBIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS. J Parasitol 2024; 110:79-89. [PMID: 38421025 DOI: 10.1645/23-58] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Theileria equi is 1 of the emerging and prevailing tick-borne hemoprotozoans adversely affecting the equids worldwide, including Pakistan. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence and molecular characterization of T. equi in working horses (n = 194), the comparative efficacy of different diagnostic tests, associated risk factors, and hematobiochemical analysis. The blood samples of horses were subjected to microscopic examination, cELISA, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the results revealed a prevalence of 9.79, 21.13, and 13.40%, respectively, for T. equi in working horses. The comparison of microscopy and cELISA results with PCR showed that cELISA had higher sensitivity (84.62%), but lower specificity (88.69%) and accuracy (88.14%) in comparison to microscopy (57.69, 97.62, and 92.27%). Molecular characterization of T. equi by phylogenetic analysis revealed a 61% resemblance of study isolates with each other OL662926, OL662925, and 82% similarity with isolate OL662924 while also showing homology with T. equi isolates of South Africa, South Korea, India, Pakistan, and Brazil. The risk factor analysis revealed a significant association (P < 0.05) of tick control status, previous tick history, tick infestation, house hygiene, deworming/vaccination, and the presence of other livestock species with T. equi infection in horses. The hematobiochemical profile revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBCs), platelet (PLT), phosphorus, and an increase in lymphocytes, granulocytes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine in T. equi-infected horses. The current study is the first comprehensive report for comparative evaluation of microscopy, cELISA, and PCR, assessment of epidemiological risk factors as well as hematobiochemical variations due to T. equi infection in Pakistan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Raza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan 54000
| | - Muhammad Ijaz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan 54000
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- Department of Theriogenology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan 54000
| | - Arslan Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan 54000
| | - Muhammad Umar Javed
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan 54000
| | - Farwa Anwaar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan 54000
| | - Hamza Rasheed
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan 54000
| | - Nauman Zaheer Ghumman
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Outfall Road, Lahore, Pakistan 54000
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dorrego A, Camino E, Gago P, Buendia-Andres A, Acurio K, Gonzalez S, de Juan L, Cruz-Lopez F. Haemato-biochemical characterization of equine piroplasmosis asymptomatic carriers and seropositive, real-time PCR negative horses. Vet Parasitol 2023; 323:110046. [PMID: 37826971 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110046] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, transmitted by tick vectors. Horses can suffer an acute, subacute, and chronic forms of the disease, with clinical signs such as poor performance, fever, pale mucosal membranes, and jaundice. The diagnosis of EP subclinical cases is complex due to the sensitivity of real-time PCR and the limited parasite load in some carriers, making it challenging to differentiate them from seropositive, PCR negative (S+PCR-) individuals. This study aimed to describe haematological and biochemical changes in asymptomatic EP carriers, EP S+PCR- horses and control horses (EP seronegative and PCR negative). It also investigated potential haemato-biochemical markers to aid in distinguishing true EP carriers alongside molecular and serological tests. A comprehensive haematology and biochemistry profile was conducted on 410 sera and EDTA blood samples, comprising 130 EP positives by real-time PCR and competitive ELISA (cELISA) (carriers), 130 EP negatives by real-time PCR but positive to cELISA (S+PCR-) and 150 EP negative horses to real-time PCR and c-ELISA (controls). Our study confirmed that a haematological and biochemistry profile could help to differentiate between EP carriers/S+PCR- from healthy horses. Carriers and S+PCR- horses showed significant increases in the white blood cell count (WBC), high total proteins (TP) and total globulins (GLOB) concentration, and liver function markers compared to controls. Additionally, the evaluation of uric acid (UA) suggested oxidative stress in carrier horses. However, no useful haemato-biochemical diagnostic markers were identified to aid the challenging differentiation of EP carriers and S+PCR- horses, highlighting the need for improvement in molecular/serological diagnosis for these horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abel Dorrego
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Paloma Gago
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Kiara Acurio
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Gonzalez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia de Juan
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Animal Health Department, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fatima Cruz-Lopez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou B, Yang G, Hu Z, Chen K, Guo W, Wang X, Du C. Development of a Real-Time Quantitative PCR Based on a TaqMan-MGB Probe for the Rapid Detection of Theileria haneyi. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2633. [PMID: 38004645 PMCID: PMC10673206 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a parasitic disease caused by Theileria equi (T. equi), Babesia caballi (B. caballi) and Theileria haneyi (T. haneyi). This disease is considered to be reportable by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is regarded as a straightforward, rapid and sensitive diagnostic method to detect pathogens. However, qPCR has not been employed in the various epidemiological investigations of T. haneyi. In this study, we developed a new qPCR method to detect T. haneyi based on the chr1sco (chromosome 1 single-copy open reading frame (ORF)) gene, which has no detectable orthologs in T. equi or B. caballi. A TaqMan MGB probe was used in the development of the qPCR assay. A plasmid containing the chr1sco gene was constructed and used to establish the standard curves. The novel qPCR technique demonstrated great specificity for detecting additional frequent equine infectious pathogens and sensitivity for detecting diluted standard plasmids. This qPCR was further validated by comparison with an optimized nested PCR (nPCR) assay in the analysis of 96 clinical samples. The agreement between the nPCR assay and the established qPCR assay was 85.42%. The newly established method could contribute to the accurate diagnosis of T. haneyi infections in horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiaojun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China; (B.Z.); (G.Y.); (Z.H.); (K.C.); (W.G.)
| | - Cheng Du
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China; (B.Z.); (G.Y.); (Z.H.); (K.C.); (W.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Diarra AZ, Kelly P, Davoust B, Parola P. Tick-Borne Diseases of Humans and Animals in West Africa. Pathogens 2023; 12:1276. [PMID: 38003741 PMCID: PMC10675719 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are a significant group of arthropod vectors that transmit a large variety of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases worldwide. Ticks are the second biggest transmitters of vector-borne diseases, behind mosquitoes. However, in West Africa, there is often only limited knowledge of tick-borne diseases. With the scarcity of appropriate diagnostic services, the prevalence of tick-borne diseases is generally underestimated in humans. In this review, we provide an update on tick-borne pathogens reported in people, animals and ticks in West Africa by microscopic, immunological and molecular methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar. The selection criteria included all studies conducted in West Africa reporting the presence of Rickettsia, Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, Coxiella burnetii, Theileria, Babesia, Hepatozoon and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever viruses in humans, animals or ticks. Our intention is to raise awareness of tick-borne diseases amongst human and animal health workers in West Africa, and also physicians working with tourists who have travelled to the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adama Zan Diarra
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (A.Z.D.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Kelly
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis;
| | - Bernard Davoust
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (A.Z.D.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Parola
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France; (A.Z.D.); (B.D.)
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, 13005 Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
AKINNIYI OO, SACKEY AKB, OCHUBE GE, MSHELIA PW, MUSA FA, ELIJAH MO, JOLAYEMI KO. Occurrence of equine metabolic syndrome, clinical manifestations, and associated risk factors in Nigeria. J Equine Sci 2023; 34:29-35. [PMID: 37405068 PMCID: PMC10315637 DOI: 10.1294/jes.34.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin dysregulation (ID) is central to the pathophysiology of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), putting the horse at risk of laminitis. There is a paucity of information on the status of EMS in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of EMS, clinical manifestations, and associated risk factors in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out. Selected horses underwent an insulin 2-step response test to ascertain insulin dysregulation; a physical examination was carried out to diagnose laminitis and obesity. Risk factors were assessed using a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of EMS was 43.10%. Breed and sex were significantly associated with EMS, but age was not. Horses diagnosed with laminitis showed two signs of laminitis, namely, divergent hoof rings and widened white lines. Risk factors significantly associated with the prevalence of EMS were as follows: being a West African Barb horse (60.00%), being a stallion (67.86%), being a leisure horse (67.86%), only walking horses during exercise (68.00%), exercising horses once every 5 months (82.76%), tethering horses to a stake in the ground (67.86%), obesity (92.86%), and abnormal neck crest (83.33%). The risk of ID remains higher in obese horses. However, some of the horses with ID were not obese, indicating that there are other possible underlying causes of EMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriel Enenche OCHUBE
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology,
Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna State, PO Box 720, Nigeria
| | - Philip Wayuta MSHELIA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello
University, Kaduna State, PO Box 720, Nigeria
| | - Francis Alkali MUSA
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello
University, Kaduna State, PO Box 720, Nigeria
| | | | - Kelvin Olutimilehin JOLAYEMI
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna State, PO Box 540,
Nigeria
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kalantari M, Sharifiyazdi H, Ghaemi M, Ghane M, Nazifi S. Theileria equi in the horses of Iran: Molecular detection, genetic diversity, and hematological findings. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100792. [PMID: 36436901 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In all equids worldwide, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi are believed to be two important erythrocytic protozoa that cause equine piroplasmosis. In addition, it was recently discovered that Theileria haneyi is another potential equine piroplasmosis (EP) agent. Ixodid ticks are the major vectors of these parasites. Equine piroplasmosis is of international importance and affects enormously the equine industry. In this study, for the first time, molecular prevalence and genetic diversity of piroplasma parasites (T. equi and B. caballi) in horses from Fars province (south of Iran) were determined. Also, hematological alterations of naturally infected horses were analyzed. PCR positive horses showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis with a left shift of neutrophilia, and monocytosis. PCR results revealed that, from 133 blood samples of horses, 40 samples were positive (30.07%). The occurrence of T. equi in this area (30.07%) was more than the national average prevalence of T. equi (24.11%), but B. caballi prevalence in study area (0%) was less than the average of previous studies in Iran (5.47%). Our findings revealed that the T. equi was widespread in Fars province of Iran. PCR products of 18S rDNA and EMA-1 genes of T. equi strains were sequenced successfully. All 18S rDNA sequences collected in this experiment revealed 100% similarity together. According to the phylogenetic tree constructed using the 18S rDNA gene, Iranian T. equi is clustered with strains from Cuba (KY111762, KY111761) and USA (CP001669, JX177672). So, this could be concluded that T. equi studied in this research, and those strains are initiated from a common T. equi ancestor at an unknown time ago. Also, the phylogenetic tree based on EMA-1 gene demonstrated a genetically diverse population of Iranian T. equi strains (10 different genotypes). As EMA-1 is one of the most immunogenic antigens in this parasite, such variability could be a concern about the efficacy of T. equi vaccines. Finally, more studies on equine piroplasmosis in the provinces of the southern region of Iran are recommended to create a better vision of disease in this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Kalantari
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Sharifiyazdi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mehran Ghaemi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ghane
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Nazifi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ahedor B, Kothalawala H, Kanagaratnam R, Vimalakumar SC, Otgonsuren D, Tuvshintulga B, Batmagnai E, Silva SSP, Sivakumar T, Yokoyama N. First detection of Theileria equi in free-roaming donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) in Sri Lanka. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 99:105244. [PMID: 35149223 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in equids, including horses, donkeys, zebras, and mules. It is globally endemic with significant economic impact on the equine industry. Infected animals may serve as carriers, and they may be a source of infection for ticks, thereby posing a great challenge for disease management. Sri Lanka is a tropical country, where infections by various tick-borne parasites are common among livestock animals. However, infections by T. equi and B. caballi remain unstudied in Sri Lanka. Therefore, in the present study, we conducted an epidemiological survey to investigate the presence of T. equi and B. caballi in apparently healthy free-roaming donkeys. Blood samples were randomly taken from 111 donkeys in Mannar (n = 100) and Kilinochchi (n = 11) districts in Sri Lanka. Thin blood smears were prepared from the blood samples and subjected to microscopic examination. Additionally, blood DNA samples were prepared and screened for T. equi and B. caballi infections using species-specific PCR assays. Our results showed that 64 (57.7%) and 95 (85.6%) of the donkeys were positive for T. equi by microscopy and PCR, respectively. However, all samples were negative for B. caballi. Phylogenetic analysis of the T. equi 18S rRNA sequences detected two distinct genotypes, namely C and D. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. equi in Sri Lanka and of genotype C in donkeys. The present study highlights the importance of monitoring the shrinking donkey population in Sri Lanka owing to EP caused by T. equi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Davaajav Otgonsuren
- 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
| | - Enkhbaatar Batmagnai
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan; OIE Reference Laboratory for Equine Piroplasmosis, National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sears KP, Knowles DP, Fry LM. Clinical Progression of Theileria haneyi in Splenectomized Horses Reveals Decreased Virulence Compared to Theileria equi. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020254. [PMID: 35215197 PMCID: PMC8879895 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The global importance of the hemoparasite Theileria haneyi to equine health was recently shown by its resistance to imidocarb dipropionate (ID) and its interference with T. equi clearance by ID in some co-infected horses. Genetic characterization of T. haneyi revealed marked genomic reduction compared to T. equi, and initial experiments demonstrated reduced clinical severity in spleen-intact horses. Furthermore, in early experiments, splenectomized horses survived T. haneyi infection and progressed to an asymptomatic carrier state, in stark contrast to the high fatality rate of T. equi in splenectomized horses. Thus, we hypothesized that T. haneyi is less virulent than T. equi. To objectively assess virulence, clinical data from nine splenectomized, T. haneyi-infected horses were evaluated and compared to published data on T. equi-infected, splenectomized horses. Seven of eight splenectomized, T. haneyi-infected horses survived. Further, in six horses co-infected with T. equi and T. haneyi, only horses cleared of T. equi by ID survived splenectomy and became asymptomatic carriers. The reduced virulence of T. haneyi in splenectomized horses instructs why T. haneyi was, until recently, undetected. This naturally occurring comparative reduction in virulence in a natural host provides a foundation for defining virulence mechanisms of theileriosis and Apicomplexa in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly P. Sears
- Department of Clinical Science, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-4801, USA;
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA;
| | - Donald P. Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA;
| | - Lindsay M. Fry
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA;
- USDA—ARS, Animal Disease Research Unit, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-509-595-1822
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Onyiche TE, Igwenagu E, Malgwi SA, Omeh IJ, Biu AA, Thekisoe O. Hematology and biochemical values in equines naturally infected with Theileria equi in Nigeria. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:103. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03095-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
14
|
The Piroplasmida Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Theileria in farm and companion animals: species compilation, molecular phylogeny, and evolutionary insights. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1207-1245. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
15
|
Elsawy BSM, Nassar AM, Alzan HF, Bhoora RV, Ozubek S, Mahmoud MS, Kandil OM, Mahdy OA. Rapid Detection of Equine Piroplasms Using Multiplex PCR and First Genetic Characterization of Theileria haneyi in Egypt. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111414. [PMID: 34832570 PMCID: PMC8620363 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is an infectious disease caused by the hemoprotozoan parasites Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and the recently identified species T. haneyi. Hereby, we used a multiplex PCR (mPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi and B. caballi for the simultaneous detection of EP in Egyptian equids and examined the presence of T. haneyi infections in Egypt. Blood samples from 155 equids (79 horses and 76 donkeys) collected from different governorates of Egypt were examined by mPCR and PCR targeting T. hayeni. The mPCR method revealed a prevalence of T. equi of 20.3% in horses and of 13.1% in donkeys and a prevalence of B. caballi of 1.2% in horses. B. caballi was not detected in donkeys in the current study. The mPCR method also detected coinfections with both species (2.5% and 1.3% in horses and donkeys, respectively). Additionally, we report the presence of T. haneyi in Egypt for the first time in 53.1% of the horse and 38.1% of the donkey tested samples. Coinfection with T. haneyi and T. equi was found in 13.5% of the samples, while infection with the three EP species was found in 1.9% of the samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bassma S. M. Elsawy
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (B.S.M.E.); (M.S.M.); (O.M.K.)
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Nassar
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12622, Egypt;
| | - Heba F. Alzan
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (B.S.M.E.); (M.S.M.); (O.M.K.)
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
- Correspondence: (H.F.A.); (O.A.M.); Tel.: +20-100-241-0507(O.A.M.)
| | - Raksha V. Bhoora
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa;
| | - Sezayi Ozubek
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Firat, Elazig 23119, Turkey
| | - Mona S. Mahmoud
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (B.S.M.E.); (M.S.M.); (O.M.K.)
- Tick and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Unit, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Omnia M. Kandil
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt; (B.S.M.E.); (M.S.M.); (O.M.K.)
| | - Olfat A. Mahdy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12622, Egypt;
- Correspondence: (H.F.A.); (O.A.M.); Tel.: +20-100-241-0507(O.A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Joshua K, Eva B, Nikola K, Samaila MJ, Marie B, Kamil S. Seroprevalence of Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and Trichinella spp. infections in horses and donkeys from Nigeria, West Africa. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:338. [PMID: 34031761 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02737-9] [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: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasites Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, transmitted by ticks, cause equine piroplasmosis, the most prevalent tick-borne disease in equids. Trichinellosis is a worldwide food-borne zoonosis caused by helminth Trichinella spp. that can lead to serious disease in humans, with fatal outcome. Although the infection is rare in horses, it deserves attention due to the increasing use of horse meat as a source of protein for humans. Horse trichinellosis is caused by several Trichinella species, most commonly by T. spiralis. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to T. equi, B. caballi and Trichinella spp. in equids from three states of Northern Nigeria. Serum samples were collected from 139 clinically healthy animals, comprising 115 horses and 24 donkeys. Antibodies to T. equi and B. caballi were detected in serum by competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and antibodies to Trichinella spp. by ELISA. Antibodies to T. equi were detected in 34% of equids (41% horses and 0% donkeys), antibodies to B. caballi in 9% of equids (8% horses and 13% donkeys), and antibodies to Trichinella spp. in 4% of equids (4% horses and 0% donkeys). There was co-infection of T. equi and B. caballi in 1% of horses and co-infection of T. equi and Trichinella spp. in 2.6% of horses. This is the first report on seroprevalence of Trichinella spp. in equids from Northern Nigeria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamani Joshua
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Bártová Eva
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Kašpárková Nikola
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammed J Samaila
- Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, P.M.B 01, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Budíková Marie
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 267/2, 61137, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sedlák Kamil
- State Veterinary Institute Prague, Sídlištní 136/24, 165 03, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Idoko IS, Edeh RE, Adamu AM, Machunga-Mambula S, Okubanjo OO, Balogun EO, Adamu S, Johnson W, Kappmeyer L, Mousel M, Ueti MW. Molecular and Serological Detection of Piroplasms in Horses from Nigeria. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050508. [PMID: 33922468 PMCID: PMC8146079 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis, an economically important disease of equids caused by the hemoprotozoan parasites Theileria equi, T. haneyi, and Babesia caballi, has a worldwide distribution. These parasites are transmitted by ixodid ticks. To improve the detection of horses in Nigeria exposed to piroplasm parasites, 72 horses with variable clinical signs of piroplasmosis were sampled from Northwest and Northcentral Nigeria and tested by nPCR and cELISA. Blood and serum samples were collected from each horse via jugular venesection. Individually, nPCR or cELISA failed to identify all horses exposed to piroplasms. A combination of species-specific nPCR and the OIE-approved T. equi and B. caballi cELISAs enhanced the detection of horses exposed to parasites. The results also demonstrated horses showing abnormal hematology were positive for only T. equi, except for one sample that was coinfected with T. equi and T. haneyi. We also identified ticks collected from some of the horses, with Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi being the most prevalent. This study shows that a larger proportion of horses in the sample set were exposed to T. equi than B. caballi or T. haneyi. Additionally, ticks that have been previously reported as potential vectors for these parasites were found to have infested sampled horses. Further studies are needed to investigate which tick species are competent vectors for Theileria spp. and Babesia caballi in Nigeria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Idoko S. Idoko
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada 902101, Nigeria;
| | - Richard E. Edeh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos 930222, Nigeria;
| | - Andrew M. Adamu
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Gwagwalada 902101, Nigeria;
| | | | - Oluyinka O. Okubanjo
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810107, Nigeria;
| | - Emmanuel O. Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810107, Nigeria;
| | - Sani Adamu
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 810107, Nigeria;
| | - Wendell Johnson
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA; (W.J.); (L.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Lowell Kappmeyer
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA; (W.J.); (L.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Michelle Mousel
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA; (W.J.); (L.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Massaro W. Ueti
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99164-6630, USA; (W.J.); (L.K.); (M.M.)
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7040, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Development of an Indirect ELISA to Detect Equine Antibodies to Theileria haneyi. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030270. [PMID: 33673478 PMCID: PMC7997436 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Theileria haneyi is one of two known causative agents of equine theileriosis. It causes milder clinical disease than its more virulent counterpart, Theileria equi, in experimentally infected horses, and can superinfect T. equi-positive horses. The current equi merozoite antigen 1 (EMA1)-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)used in the U.S. to detect equine theileriosis detects T. equi but not T. haneyi, and the complexity of molecular assays precludes widespread use for epidemiologic studies. In order to facilitate urgently needed studies on the prevalence of T. haneyi, the goal of this study was to develop a sensitive and specific serologic assay for the diagnosis of T. haneyi based on the equi merozoite antigen 11 (ThEMA11). To achieve this objective, ThEMA11 was recombinantly expressed in eukaryotic cells and its antigenicity assessed using sera from T. haneyi-experimentally infected horses. Confirmation of sera reactivity enabled design and optimization of an indirect ELISA. Specificity of the ELISA for T. haneyi was assessed using a cohort of sera from horses experimentally infected and confirmed PCR-positive for either T. equi or T. haneyi. Data from field samples further demonstrate that the ThEMA11 ELISA is capable of identifying T. haneyi antibodies in horses from multiple continents around the world.
Collapse
|
19
|
Imidocarb Dipropionate Lacks Efficacy against Theileria haneyi and Fails to Consistently Clear Theileria equi in Horses Co-Infected with T. haneyi. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121035. [PMID: 33321715 PMCID: PMC7764667 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of Theileria equi, the primary cause of equine theileriosis, is largely reliant on acaracide use and chemosterilization with imidocarb dipropionate (ID). However, it is currently unknown if ID is effective against Theileria haneyi, the recently identified second causative agent of equine theileriosis, or if the drug maintains effectiveness against T. equi in the presence of T. haneyi co-infection. The purpose of this study was to address these questions using ID treatment of the following three groups of horses: (1) five T. haneyi infected horses; (2) three T. haneyi-T. equi infected horses; and (3) three T. equi-T. haneyi infected horses. Clearance was first evaluated using nPCR for each Theileria sp. on peripheral blood samples. ID failed to clear T. haneyi in all three groups of horses, and failed to clear T. equi in two of three horses in group two. For definitive confirmation of infection status, horses in groups two and three underwent splenectomy post-treatment. The T. equi-nPCR-positive horses in group two developed severe clinical signs and were euthanized. Remaining horses exhibited moderate signs consistent with T. haneyi. Our results demonstrate that ID therapy lacks efficacy against T. haneyi, and T. haneyi-T. equi co-infection may interfere with ID clearance of T. equi.
Collapse
|
20
|
Tirosh-Levy S, Gottlieb Y, Fry LM, Knowles DP, Steinman A. Twenty Years of Equine Piroplasmosis Research: Global Distribution, Molecular Diagnosis, and Phylogeny. Pathogens 2020; 9:E926. [PMID: 33171698 PMCID: PMC7695325 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by the hemoparasites Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi, is an important tick-borne disease of equines that is prevalent in most parts of the world. Infection may affect animal welfare and has economic impacts related to limitations in horse transport between endemic and non-endemic regions, reduced performance of sport horses and treatment costs. Here, we analyzed the epidemiological, serological, and molecular diagnostic data published in the last 20 years, and all DNA sequences submitted to GenBank database, to describe the current global prevalence of these parasites. We demonstrate that EP is endemic in most parts of the world, and that it is spreading into more temperate climates. We emphasize the importance of using DNA sequencing and genotyping to monitor the spread of parasites, and point to the necessity of further studies to improve genotypic characterization of newly recognized parasite species and strains, and their linkage to virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Yuval Gottlieb
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Lindsay M. Fry
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
- Animal Disease Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Donald P. Knowles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (L.M.F.); (D.P.K.)
| | - Amir Steinman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (Y.G.); (A.S.)
| |
Collapse
|