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Topic:Parasites
Parasites are organisms that live on or within a host, deriving nutrients at the host's expense. In horses, parasitic infections can affect various systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and respiratory system. Common equine parasites include strongyles, ascarids, tapeworms, and bots. These parasites can lead to a range of health issues, from mild discomfort to severe disease, depending on the type and burden of the infestation. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the biology, life cycle, and impact of parasites on equine health, as well as strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of parasitic infections in horses.
The global prevalence of Giardia infection in horses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Giardia duodenalis as a common zoonotic parasite is a public health problem infecting humans and a wide range of animals, including horses. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the global pooled prevalence of Giardia infection in horses. Literature searches were conducted using databases including Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science and ProQuest to December 2023. A random-effect model was performed to calculate the pooled prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) according to the degree of heterogeneity in the included studies. Of 2661 ar...
Occurrence of Leishmania infantum in Horses from Brazilian Amazon. Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonosis distributed throughout Brazil and caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum. The disease manifests in its visceral form, with dogs being the primary reservoir. Manaus is the largest city in the Brazilian Amazon region, and despite its significance, there are only documented cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of Leishmania infantum in horses in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. A total of 178 horses from 16 different properties within the city were sampled, and the specific molecular diagnosis was based...
The Industrial Residue of Andiroba (Carapa sp.): A Promising Source of Natural Acaricides Against Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae). (tropical horse tick) is a tick species commonly found parasitizing horses and other equids in the Amazon region, causing economic losses. Currently, tick control is based on chemical acaricides, usually in a power formulation for topical use. However, its indiscriminate use results in the emergence of resistant tick lineages. Several plant compounds have been tested for their acaricide activity. In the Amazon, several plants are used for oil extraction, resulting in the production of solid residue (waste) that may contain chemical molecules with biological activities. Thus, we aimed to test ...
Could Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) Help Control Gastrointestinal Parasites in Horses? Exploring new natural-origin antiparasitic alternatives is essential in addressing the resistance issues that have emerged due to the widespread use of chemical or synthetic antiparasitic compounds. This area remains relatively underexplored despite the increasing recognition of plants like (mesquite) for their antiparasitic properties and nutritional value as a high-protein animal feed. This review aims to investigate the antiparasitic potential of against gastrointestinal parasites in horses. The review incorporates sources from 2005 to 2024. It was found that various phytochemical compoun...
Comparative Efficacy of Topical Pyrethroids and Benzoyl Peroxide for Treating Chorioptic Mange in Spanish-Breton Horses. Chorioptic mange is a challenging condition to treat due to the superficial locations of the nonhematophagous mite Chorioptes bovis, and while topical acaricides are recommended, the clinical feature relapses are frequent. In a double-blinded clinical trial, three randomized groups of Spanish-Breton horses (n = 32) naturally infected with C. bovis on their legs were evaluated over a period of 70 days. All treatments were applied once every 14 days for three treatments. Before treatment and on Day (D)10, D25, D37, D56, and D70, each leg per animal was scored according to equine pastern derm...
Prevalence and molecular epidemiology of the novel equine parasite Theileria haneyi in China. Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by Theileria equi (T. equi) and Babesia caballi (B. caballi), is a tick-borne disease with significant economic impacts on the equine industry. Theileria haneyi (T. haneyi), a newly identified pathogen of EP, is globally distributed but has not been reported in China, where its epidemiological patterns remain undefined. Objective: To develop diagnostic techniques for T. haneyi and to assess its prevalence and risk factors in China. Methods: Assay development and cross sectional survey. Methods: A nested PCR (nPCR) nucleic acid diagnostic technique targeting th...
Microscopic examination of haemoparasites and the first molecular detection of Theileria equi in horses in Myanmar. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of blood parasites in horses and identify risk factors and molecular detection of piroplasm species (Theileria equi and Babesia caballi) of horses in Myanmar. Blood samples (n = 302) were collected from five regions of Myanmar. Blood smears were screened for presence of piroplasms. Samples positive for piroplasms were subjected to molecular identification using primers specific to the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) of piroplasms. The overall prevalence of blood parasites (piroplasms, Trypanosoma spp., and microfilaria of Setaria equina) w...
What is the “train track” in the retained equine testis? A 3-year-old Quarter horse stallion with unilateral left cryptorchidism was referred for the absence of the left testis in the scrotal bursa and an enlarged right testis. The ultrasonographic examination revealed the presence of the left testis at the abdominal level. Two small hyperechogenic lines were observed running parallel and resembling a cylindrical cavitary foreign body, within a non-homogeneous area with blurred margins. The testis was removed by laparoscopy and macroscopically, the testis's cut section revealed the presence of two live adult nematodes emerging from 2 mm blood-filled...
A profiling of faecal parasites in horses in Mauritius and resistance to Fenbendazole at one horse-riding stable. Mauritius hosts a population of approximately 900 equids, but no investigations have delved into issues such as the prevalence of equine helminths, anthelmintic usage, and resistance emergence. This study aimed to devise a qualitative and quantitative profile of common helminthic intestinal parasites in equines at eight out of twenty-eight stables (272 horses, 29 % of local population) and to determine whether helminthic intestinal parasites in equines at one stable have developed resistance to Fenbendazole by quantitatively assessing pre-treatment faecal egg counts, post-treatment faecal egg...
Study of Trichinella spp. Seroprevalence in Horse Population of West Azerbaijan, Northwestern Iran. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of in horses in West Azerbaijan Province, Iran a region known for its wildlife interactions. Unassigned: The study was conducted in March 2016 across four cities in West Azerbaijan: Urmia, Chaldoran, Sardasht, and Khoy, Iran. A total of 184 equines, ranging from three to over ten years of age, were randomly sampled. Blood samples were collected and were analyzed using the ID Screen® Indirect Multi-species ELISA to detect antibodies. Unassigned: Of the 184 serum samples, 4 (4.3%) from northern counties and 2 (2.2%) from southern counties tested positi...
Ivermectin performance against equine strongylids: Efficacy, egg reappearance periods, and fecal egg counting method comparison. Equine strongylids are ubiquitous and can cause severe health issues. Anthelmintic resistance is widely common in cyathostomin parasites, and recent studies have documented increasing incidence of resistance to the macrocyclic lactone drug class. Several European countries have implemented prescription-only restrictions of anthelmintic usage by law to reduce anthelmintic treatment intensity and decrease the selection pressure for drug resistance. However, long term outcomes of this approach have not been thoroughly evaluated. The aim was to determine ivermectin efficacy in strongylids by means...
Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks are unable to transstadially transmit Theileria haneyi to horses. The recent discovery of , a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes mild clinical signs of equine piroplasmosis, has added complexity to the diagnosis of this reportable disease, which is prevalent among equids globally. Knowledge gaps regarding competent tick vectors that can transmit and the recent outbreak of in the US has prompted us to conduct this study. Our objective was to investigate whether can transstadially transmit to horses. Unassigned: larvae (0.5 g) and nymphs ( = 500) were fed on a splenectomized -infected horse for parasite acquisition. During the tick feeding period, ...
Comparison of prevalence and strongyle egg counts per gram of feces in horses at pasture and in stables following ivermectin/praziquantel treatment. Equine strongyle infections are prevalent among grazing horses worldwide, yet research on anthelmintic efficacy and parasite management strategies in South Korea remains limited. This study investigated the infection dynamics and parasite burden in horses managed under different systems (pasture vs. stable) over a one-year period in Jeju, South Korea, assessing the impact of management practices on parasite burden and the effectiveness of current deworming regimens. Thirty-two horses were administered ivermectin/praziquantel in June 2022 and assigned to either pasture (n = 16) or stable (n...
Prevalence rates of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in the horse population of northern Spain: a serological and molecular study. Equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, is of significant concern due to its impact on the international horse trade. According to standards established by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), horses imported from EP-endemic regions must have a certificate confirming negative serological and molecular test results. In EP-free countries, only seronegative horses are allowed to enter. This entails economic losses for endemic regions such as Spain. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of B. caballi and T. equi in horses from no...
Equine tapeworm infections in Italy: A nationwide coprological survey. Grazing horses are exposed to various intestinal helminths, with tapeworms being of major concern due to their potential pathogenicity. Few regional data are available in Italy on tapeworm infections in horses; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Anoplocephala spp. eggs over a nine-year period (2014-2023) in 12,056 faecal samples from horses living in all 18 continental Italian regions. Coprological examinations were performed using the Proudman and Edwards (1992) method using Sheather's sugar solution as the floatation medium. An overall prevalence of 3.7 % ...
Exploring the Use of Helminthophagous Fungi in the Control of Helminthoses in Horses: A Review. Equine farming faces growing challenges with helminthoses, aggravated by the indiscriminate use of anthelmintics without technical criteria. This practice favors resistance to these drugs, generates residues in animal products, compromises food safety and human health, and, when excreted in large quantities, negatively impacts environmental health by affecting invertebrates and fecal microorganisms. This highlights the importance of the One Health approach. A promising alternative is biological control with nematophagous or helminthophagous fungi such as , , , , and . Due to their different m...
Risk factors for tick infestation and equine Piroplasmosis infection among draught horses in France. Equine piroplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasites Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, is endemic in Europe's Mediterranean basin, creating significant health and economic challenges for the equine sector. With no available vaccine, an eco-epidemiological approach is essential in order to identify and implement effective preventive measures. With this aim in view, we identified risk factors associated with B. caballi and T. equi infections and tick infestation for draught horses in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, known for its high piroplasmosis seroprevalence. During the spri...
Multifaceted analysis of equine cystic echinococcosis: genotyping, immunopathology, and screening of repurposed drugs against E. equinus protoscolices. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected zoonotic disease that causes significant economic losses in livestock and poses health risks to humans, necessitating improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study investigates CE in donkeys using a multifaceted approach that includes molecular identification, gene expression analysis, serum biochemical profiling, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination, and in vitro drug efficacy evaluation. Molecular analysis of hydatid cyst protoscolices (HC-PSCs) from infected donkey livers and lungs revealed a high similarity to Echinoco...
Investigation of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in free-ranged livestock on the southeastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China. Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are zoonotic pathogens with global distribution, infecting humans and various livestock. For yaks, Tibetan sheep and horses, the traditional grazing models still hold a main position. After these animals become infected, it not only hinders the development of animal husbandry but also increases the risk of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi transmission between livestock and herdsmen. Methods: In the present study, a total of 750 fecal samples were collected from yaks, Tibetan sheep and horses in Shiqu County, Sichuan Province, from July to Au...
Investigation of the Blood Microbiome in Horses With Fever of Unknown Origin. Fever of unknown origin (FUO) without a respiratory component is a frequent clinical presentation in horses. Multiple pathogens, both tick-borne and enteric, can be involved as etiologic agents. An additional potential mechanism is intestinal barrier dysfunction. This case-control study aimed to detect and associate microbial taxa in blood with disease state. Areas known for a high prevalence of tick-borne diseases in humans were chosen to survey horses with FUO, which was defined as fever of 101.5°F or higher with no signs of respiratory illness or other recognisable diseases. Blood samples ...
First Molecular Characterization of Theileria equi from Northeastern Algeria. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease that affects equids and is caused by the parasites Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi and Babesia caballi. This disease leads to significant economic losses for the global equine industry. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Piroplasmida infections in equines from El Tarf, located in northeastern Algeria, and investigate the phylogenetic diversity within isolates obtained from infected equines in this study and between those from previous studies. Methods: A total of 120 blood samples were collected from equines in three municip...
High prevalence of Chorioptes bovis: an important factor in chronic progressive lymphedema in Belgian draft horses. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of chorioptic mange affecting the distal legs of horses in Belgium, focusing on the association between mange and chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL) in Belgian draft horses. Clinical examinations and skin scrapings were performed on the distal legs of 156 Belgian draft horses and 142 Belgian warmblood horses. In the Belgian draft horse breed, 144 (92.31%) horses were infested with Chorioptes bovis mites, and 126 (80.77%) displayed clinical signs of CPL. CPL prevalence in draft horses aged < 1 year was 17.86%, while mites...
Meta-analysis and systematic review of the prevalence and risk factors of animal fascioliasis in Eastern and Southern Africa between 2000 and 2023. Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease of public health and economic importance. It is caused by trematodes species Fasciola hepatica, and Fasciola gigantica. The parasites infest the liver particularly the bile ducts, and cause harm to the host. The economic loss to both dairy and meat industry is attributed to emaciation, reduction in milk production, death, infertility, and losses to liver condemnation. However, fascioliasis remains poorly studied and limited data is available to guide appropriate interventions especially in low- and middle-income countries. This paper aimed to review the preva...
‘First record of Hsiungia pekingensis (Nematoda: Strongylidae) in North America: Morphological and molecular identification of a rare equine strongyle. Equids are infected by a diversity of gastrointestinal nematode parasites, including 64 species of equine strongyle nematodes from19 genera. Despite numerous surveys of horse strongyles worldwide, certain geographic regions and rare species remain understudied. In 1964, a new species of equine strongyle, Cylicocyclus pekingensis, was described from a donkey in China. Subsequently, this species was recorded in horses from Kazakhstan and reclassified as Hsiungia pekingensis (K'ung and Yang, 1964), the only species in this genus. Since then, H. pekingensis has not been reported elsewhere, with li...
Ethnoveterinary practices for treating parasitic diseases in domestic animals among Kyrgyz farmers. While modern veterinary medicine offers effective treatments, traditional ethnoveterinary practices persist among many farming communities, reflecting centuries-old knowledge and cultural beliefs. This study aimed to document ethnoveterinary remedies and their methods of preparation and application, for treating various parasitic diseases in domestic animals used by Kyrgyz farmers. Data on plant, animal and mineral-based remedies, as well as chemicals used for these purposes, were collected through interviews with 173 dialogue partners (DPs). A total of 3403 use reports (URs) were recorded, in...
The dynamics of gastrointestinal nematodes present in co-grazed host species kept in a Scottish zoological collection. Grazing animal species kept in zoological collections can be at risk of significant gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections. Little work has been undertaken to understand GIN species dynamics within co-grazed hosts. This study aimed to describe the species diversity of GINs found in faeces of grazing animals in a Scottish zoological collection. Methods: At a single time-point, freshly voided faecal samples were collected randomly from horses, sheep, goats, alpacas and deer. Faecal worm egg counts (FWECs) were conducted using a saturated saline centrifugal flotation cuvette technique. The ne...
Comparative phylogenetic and sequence identity analysis of internal transcribed spacer 2 and cytochrome C oxidase subunit I as DNA barcode markers for the most common equine Strongylidae species. Morphologically, 64 strongylid species have been described in equines. Co-infections are common, with up to 29 species reported in a single horse. Morphological identification of these species is time consuming and requires expert knowledge due to their similar appearance. Therefore, non-invasive identification methods are needed. DNA barcoding offers a rapid and reliable tool for species identification and the discovery of cryptic species for these most common parasitic nematodes of equines. In total, 269 COI and 312 ITS-2 sequences from 27 equine Strongylidae species, including sequences fro...
Molecular Diagnosis and Identification of Equine Piroplasms: Challenges and Insights from a Study in Northern Italy. Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by and species. Despite its presence in Europe, no laboratory testing is required for animal movement, even though some countries remain free of this disease. Differentiating between species and genotypes is crucial to determine the most effective treatment, as dosage, active compounds, and duration vary. However, diagnosis is often challenging due to genetic variability and the limited sensitivity of molecular methods. The aims of this study were to compare the performances of different molecular diagnostic tests to identify the most effec...
Gastric equine myiasis: prevalence, pathogenesis, molecular and serological implications. This study aimed to collect data on the most common parasites of the family equidae which is spp. During this study we focused on the prevalence rate in the world; the distribution of the six known species: life cycle and the pathogenesis of the larvae inside the hosts were investigated around the world. Molecular as well as serological diagnoses were analyzed. Possible treatment strategies which were fully studied; are also, included. () and larvae are the main present larvae in equine; other species, such as , , and may be present. Although the female flies' egg-laying behavior can annoy...
Theileria cervi in Amblyomma neumanni (Acari: Ixodida, Ixodidae) collected on horses from North-western Argentina. ticks collected on horses from the North-West of Argentina were analyzed for the presence of the Piroplasm agents and . A total of 97 adult ticks from four different provinces (Jujuy, Santiago del Estero, Salta, Tucumán) were included in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated, and conventional PCR assays were applied for the detection of the 18S rDNA gene of and species. One sample corresponding to a male of collected in Tapia, Tucumán Province, resulted positive. Phylogenetic analyses carried out with the obtained 18S rDNA partial gene sequences resulted in the identification of . Althou...
