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Topic:Serology
Serology in horse research involves the study and analysis of blood serum to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens associated with infectious diseases and other health conditions. It is a diagnostic tool used to identify immune responses to pathogens, vaccination status, and exposure to specific diseases. Serological tests in equine research can include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), complement fixation tests, and virus neutralization tests. These tests help in understanding the epidemiology of diseases, monitoring herd health, and informing vaccination strategies. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, applications, and implications of serological testing in equine medicine.
Antibody kinetics against tetanus toxoid before and after primary vaccination of foals. Vaccination recommendations for foals against Clostridium tetani vary. Available studies assessing foal immune responses, maternal antibody interference, or individual variation often used small foal numbers. Objective: To quantify antibody responses after tetanus vaccination in foals and explore associations with passively transferred tetanus antibodies. Methods: Longitudinal cohort study. Methods: Sixty-two Warmblood foals from a single stud farm were followed from birth to 360 days of age. Foals received tetanus vaccinations at day 180 (d180) and d220 of life. Serum samples were collected...
Increasing Seroprevalence In Horses Evidences Widespread Circulation Of West Nile Virus In Albania. West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes West Nile disease, an emerging and re-emerging infection of major global importance. Horses are an important sentinel species for monitoring WNV circulation. Since viraemia in horses is brief and viral loads in the blood are low, serological assays are the primary tools used to monitor WNV exposure. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of WNV antibodies in horses in Albania. Between 2017 and 2020, 509 serum samples were collected from apparently healthy, unvaccinated horses across different regions of the coun...
Surveillance on African Horse Sickness Virus in China’s Southern Border Regions. African horse sickness (AHS) is a vector-borne and noncontagious disease caused by African horse sickness virus (AHSV) that poses a severe threat to the global equine industry. As a country historically free from AHS, China faces elevated risks due to recent outbreaks in Southeast Asia in 2020 and its ecological suitability of its border regions for AHSV vectors. Therefore, we conducted consecutive molecular and serological surveillance for AHSV in high-risk border regions from 2020 to 2024. A total of 3203 equine serum samples, 2909 whole-blood samples, and 1037 collections of blood-sucking...
A new single-antigen serological test accurately detects horses infected with Streptococcus equi subsp equi. To develop an accurate serological test for detecting horses infected with Streptococcus equi subsp equi (SEE). Unassigned: The study was designed as a prospective experiment. First, 89 proteins either expressed on the surface or secreted by SEE were cloned, expressed in a cell-free culture system, and printed onto a microarray. Microarrays were probed with serum from 30 horses with strangles, 30 horses with no history of infection or immunization against SEE, and 18 horses infected with Streptococcus equi subsp zooepidemicus (SEZ); serum samples were collected between 2020 and 2021 from Texas...
Tick-borne bacterial and protozoal pathogens in horses in Austria – A cross-sectional study on current and past infections and potential risk factors. Tick-borne bacterial and protozoal pathogens are a major threat to equine health worldwide. In Austria, studies on pathogens such as piroplasms, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia spp. in horses are scarce and do not cover the countrywide horse population. To address this, blood samples from horses without prior record of infection with tick-borne pathogens (n = 588) were tested for the presence of Theileria equi, Babesia caballi or A. phagocytophilum DNA by PCR and for specific antibodies against these pathogens and Borrelia burgdorferi with commercially available assays. While no DNA of ...
Seroprevalence, Risk Factors, and Environmental Correlates of Babesia caballi, Toxoplasma gondii, and Coxiella burnetii in Equids from Southwestern Greece. Equids, primarily horses, are mostly used for recreational purposes, although in some rural areas they also serve as working animals, maintaining close and frequent contact with humans. Their risk of exposure to vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens can be affected by host-related factors, management practices and environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for infections by , , , and sensu lato in equids from Southwestern Greece. A total of 159 equids were tested using commercial serological assays. Weighted prevalence estimates were...
Leptospira in Working Horses From Rural Ecuador: A Neglected Occupational Risk. Neglected tropical zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis continue to have a significant impact on animal and human health, especially in low-income countries due to limitations in surveillance and knowledge gaps to guide mitigation. In this context, equines have the potential to play an important role in the maintenance and transmission of spp. due to their susceptibility to a variety of serovars (often without signs of disease) and close contact with humans. To better understand the epidemiological role of horses, we evaluated exposure and identified circulating leptospires by collecting b...
First serological evidence of circulation of equine rhinitis A virus and molecular detection of equine rhinitis B virus in horses in North Africa. Equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) and equine rhinitis B virus (ERBV) are major respiratory pathogens of horses with a global distribution. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time in Algeria, the seroprevalence of ERAV antibodies, and to investigate a wide range of equine viruses (EIV, EHV-1, EHV-4, ERAV and ERBV). A total of 298 serum samples were collected between May 2022 and October 2023, from 11 provinces. Serological analysis for the presence of ERAV was performed using the complement fixation test (CFT). Our results revealed that 16.8% (50/298) samples tested positive for ...
Prevalence and spatial distribution of Brucella spp. seropositive equids from the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Brucellosis is a chronic infectious disease in equids, characterized by suppurative lesions in joints and bursae, with potential impacts on animal performance and public health. Objective: To investigate the prevalence and spatial distribution of Brucella spp. seropositive equids in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Methods: A total of 3,858 serum samples from 3,230 horses, 602 mules, and 26 donkeys were analyzed using the Buffered Acidified Antigen Test (AAT) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT), following Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture guidelines. Samples were obtained from all municipaliti...
Epidemiological evidence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in horses at a global level (years 2015 to 2025): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease with clinical consequences and potential sequelae in horses. Objective: To estimate the pooled global seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in horses, detected with the Microscopic Agglutination Test, the frequency by serogroups and serovars, the geographical distribution of studies and the main reported clinical signs and organic manifestations through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted for cross-sectional epidemiologic studies published between 2015 and 2025. The risk of bias was determined...
Development of an indirect ELISA for the detection of venezuelan equine encephalitis virus specific antibodies in horses. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen to which equines are most susceptible mammals hosts with a high mortality rate raging from19 to 83%. The virus, transmitted between vertebrates and mosquitos, causes unpredictable sporadic epizootic outbreaks in equids and humans across Central and South America. Although VEEV is not currently circulating in Europe the combination of global change, increasing international trade and the presence of potentially competent vectors (mosquitoes of the genera Aedes and Culex), raises a non-negligible risk of its introduct...
West Nile Virus in Horses as a Sentinel Host in One Health Surveillance: Epidemiological Insights and Future Perspectives. West Nile virus (WNV) is a globally distributed mosquito-borne flavivirus with significant implications for both veterinary and public health. While horses are incidental dead-end hosts, their epidemiological role extends beyond clinical disease, as they can serve as effective sentinel hosts for detecting local viral circulation. Their frequent exposure to mosquito vectors, ability to mount measurable antibody responses, geographic stability, accessibility for monitoring, and the possibility of observation within managed owner-veterinarian systems make them particularly suitable for surveillan...
Cross-protective effect of a multicomponent fusion protein vaccine during a natural episode of Streptococcus zooepidemicus respiratory disease in ponies. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus is a highly diverse opportunistic pathogen of horses, associated with respiratory disease and endometritis. Objective: To characterise S. zooepidemicus isolates recovered from young ponies during a natural episode of respiratory disease, and to determine if vaccination with Strangvac®, a vaccine against Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, conferred cross-protection. Methods: Retrospective analysis of a double-blinded placebo-controlled study involving 32 ponies (16 vaccinates and 16 placebo controls) that experienced a natural episode of respiratory...
Herd-level occurrence and spread of Theileria equi and its associated ticks on an Austrian horse farm. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by the blood parasites Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi transmitted primarily by hard ticks (Ixodidae). The clinical courses of EP range from asymptomatic to severe, and chronic infections for several years support the transmission among hosts. Methods: Over a period of two years, blood and fecal samples were taken from horses (n = 18) on a single farm in eastern Austria, starting with the first confirmed case of T. equi infection. Hard ticks (n = 1525 of Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis ...
Seroprevalence of Orthoflaviviruses in horses in 3 different Algerian climatic zones between 2021 and 2023. Orthoflaviviruses are etiological agents of neurological diseases in equines. Horses are susceptible to equine Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Usutu virus (USUV), and West Nile virus (WNV), although mostly WNV has been associated with clinical disease. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of TBEV, USUV and WNV in 289 healthy horses from nine provinces of Algeria. This study was conducted between March 2021 and December 2023. Sera that tested positive, doubtful, or negative close to the doubtful threshold in the Orthoflavivirus-ELISA were further tested by the virus...
An epizootic of equine viral arteritis at a Thoroughbred racetrack in Illinois: 223 cases. An epizootic of equine viral arteritis (EVA) occurred over an 8-wk period in the summer of 1993 at a midwestern Thoroughbred (TB) racetrack that ceased operations in 2021. Based on clinical signs, viral isolation, and serology, 223 horses (213 TBs, 10 lead ponies) were affected. Consistent clinical signs included fever (38.3-40.6°C; 101-105°F), depression, inappetence, and diffuse urticaria, including distal limb and preputial edema. Equine arteritis virus (EAV) was cultured from buffy coat samples from 24 of 28 acutely ill horses. Seventeen of 18 convalescent horses and 1 of 92 non-affected...
Exposure in Horses to Human Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever Agent Borrelia persica, Israel, 2025. Human tick-borne relapsing fever caused by Borrelia persica is common in western Asia. A survey of 301 horses in Israel revealed 9.96% seropositivity toward B. persica antigens; 1 horse (0.33%) was also PCR positive for B. persica DNA. Phylogenetic analysis supported a transmission cycle involving ticks, humans, and horses.
Molecular detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in mares with reproductive disorders enrolled in embryo transfer programs. Equine genital leptospirosis (EGL) is associated with reproductive disorders in mares. However, its occurrence in embryo transfer (ET) programs remains poorly characterized. Objective: Given the scarcity of data on the circulation of Leptospira spp. in mares enrolled in ET programs, this study aimed to investigate the serological and molecular occurrence of Leptospira spp. in mares with a history of reproductive disorders from 13 stud farms dedicated to embryo transfer in Brazil. Methods: Serum and endometrial cytobrush samples (ECS) were collected from 70 unvaccinated mares. Serological analy...
Evaluation of synthetic peptides derived from glycoproteins gp45 and gp90 as candidates for the immunodiagnosis of equine infectious anemia. The international scientific community continues to promote the development of diagnostic techniques with improved performance and novel capture antigens. On this basis, two synthetic peptides derived from gp45 and gp90 were evaluated to identify the best candidate for the indirect immunodetection of infection. In both assays, 68 serum samples from naturally infected horses in Granma Province (59 seropositive and 9 seronegative), previously classified using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test, were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of each candidate peptide was assessed by calculating ...
In vitro cultivation of Trypanosoma equiperdum: Comparison of in vitro and in vivo antigens for an ethical and sustainable serological diagnosis of Dourine. The protozoan Trypanosoma equiperdum is the causative agent of Dourine, a contagious sexually transmitted disease of equines that can manifest itself in chronic or acute form. Dourine has serious veterinary and economic implications, as there are no vaccines available for prevention and the management of the disease requires the culling of infected animals, together with rigorous sanitary control measures. This study compares the traditional production of T. equiperdum antigen grown in vivo, with an in vitro cultivation methodology developed to eliminate the use of animals. The in vitro and in...
Molecular and serological survey on Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infecting Arabian horses in the northern provinces of Syria. Equine babesiosis is one of the prevalent diseases in horses worldwide, but its presence in Syria generally and in the northern region specifically is not known. In Syria, the civil war has severely disrupted veterinary services, hence disease control measures, creating a fertile ground for the spread of tick-borne diseases. Unassigned: This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive molecular and serological survey of and . in Arabian horses from the northern provinces of Syria, regions heavily impacted by the war. Unassigned: A total of 110 Arabian horses, aged between 2 and 10 years, were inc...
Equine sentinels and one health: a comprehensive serological survey of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in southeastern and Central Europe. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the widespread tick-borne viral disease affecting humans with endemic circulation across Africa, Asia, Eastern and Southern Europe. Climate change, global travel, and animal trade have accelerated the expansion of spp., the primary tick vectors of CCHF, into previously non-endemic areas, including the Czech Republic. To assess the current distribution of CCHF in equids across Southeastern and Central Europe, we screened serum samples from horses and donkeys from Bulgaria ( = 579), Romania ( = 1,534), and the Czech Republic ( = 576) by the ...
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus Exposure in Horses and Donkeys in Border Livestock Markets of Nigeria. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen of major public health importance in Africa. Although CCHFV exposure has been reported in several livestock species in Nigeria, data on equids remain limited despite their extensive involvement in livestock movement and trade. This study assessed CCHFV seroprevalence in horses and donkeys in major international livestock markets in northern Nigeria and examined factors associated with exposure. Methods: From June 2023 to July 2024, a longitudinal sero-surveillance study was conducted in three high-volume livestock...
Seroprevalence of Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi in healthy horses from the province of Alberta, Canada. Literature on the seroprevalence of antibodies to the causative agents of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in Canada is limited. Objective: To determine the prevalence of serum antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi in apparently healthy horses without signs of neurologic disease which have always resided in Alberta, Canada, using commercially available immunodiagnostic tests. Methods: Samples from 116 healthy horses were obtained from a biobank containing horse serum collected across Alberta in 2021 and 2022. Samples were selected based on owner survey responses, ...
Development and evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for measuring antibodies against VP8∗ receptor binding domain of equine rotavirus A. Equine rotavirus A (ERVA) poses a significant threat to foal health, necessitating reliable serological tools for assessing protective immune responses. This study focused on the development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the measurement of antibodies against the VP8∗ receptor binding core domain of ERVA. Following the expression and purification of VP8∗ receptor binding domain from the bacterial expression system, the ELISA for detecting anti-ERVA VP8∗ antibodies with VP8∗ as a coating antigen was developed and its performance was validated by the comparative anal...
Survey occurrence of serum antibodies against Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma cruzi, agents with zoonotic potential, in horses from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. In this research, a seroepidemiological survey was conducted on 202 horses located on 21 properties in the northwestern region of the state of São Paulo (Brazil) to estimate exposure to Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Trypanosoma cruzi. Antibodies against Leishmania, T. gondii and T. cruzi, were detected in 48 (23.76%), 29 (14.36%) and 2 (0.99%) of the 202 horses, respectively. We found a significantly higher occurrence of antibodies against Leishmania compared to those against the other protozoa (Chi-Square = 46.7, 2 d.f., P < 0.001). Seropositivity for the aforementioned prot...
Diagnosis and Surveillance of West Nile Virus Infection in Horses: Current Methods, Challenges, and Future Directions. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus of growing importance for both human and equine health in Europe. Horses are highly susceptible to neurological disease and, because they share ecological exposure with humans, they represent valuable sentinels for detecting local viral circulation within a One Health framework. However, diagnosis of WNV infection in equines is complicated by the short and low-level viraemia, which limits the sensitivity of molecular assays, and by serological cross-reactivity with related flaviviruses and the confounding effects of vaccination. In this narr...
Evidence That GYPA (Glycophorin A) Encodes the K Blood Group System in Horses. Although serological and genetic studies of equine blood group systems have been conducted for many years, the molecular basis of erythrocyte antigens' variability has remained largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the genetic basis of serological variation within equine blood group K. Using mRNA extracted from peripheral blood samples (n = 100) collected from horses with known serological blood types (Ka or K-), we performed a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS), which revealed a significantly associated region on equine chromosome 2 (ECA2). A detailed analysis ...
Rift Valley Fever Virus Exposure in Camels and Horses Across Northern Nigeria Livestock Markets. Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a neglected vector-borne zoonotic disease of significant veterinary and public health concern in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the seroprevalence of Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) exposure and associated risk factors among camels and horses marketed in northern Nigeria. A total of 1117 animals were sampled, comprising camels (812) and horses (305), across three major livestock markets (Maigatari, Maiduguri, and Illela). The overall seroprevalence was 18.8% (95% CI: 16.6-21.2%), with a striking six-fold disparity: camels showed a prevalence of 24.4% (95%...
“Synthetic gp90 peptide ELISA for equine infectious anemia virus: Improved sensitivity and risk factor insights”. Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is a globally significant equine pathogen, and its control relies on effective serological surveillance. The agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test, the WOAH-prescribed method, has limitations in sensitivity. This study developed and validated an indirect ELISA using a synthetic peptide derived from a conserved region of the EIAV gp90 surface glycoprotein. The assay was evaluated using 773 horse sera from the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico and compared to the AGID test. The gp90-EIAV ELISA demonstrated a sensitivity of 85.3 % and a specificity o...
