A molecular and haematological study of Theileria equi in Balkan donkeys.

This research investigates a disease known as Equine piroplasmosis in Balkan donkeys, focusing on the prevalence of two specific microorganisms and how they might affect the blood characteristics. The study found that Theileria equi was present in half of the test subjects and related to several altered blood parameters, which could affect the donkeys’ productivity.

The Study and Its Methodology

• The study was conducted on 70 healthy Balkan donkeys in Serbia, exploring the presence of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infections, two parasites that can cause Equine piroplasmosis.
• The main diagnostic tool used was a technique called multiplex PCR. This is a type of Polymerase Chain Reaction, a method that allows scientists to amplify (or make many copies of) specific DNA fragments, making them easier to detect.

Findings of the Study

• Out of the 70 donkeys, 50% were found to be infected with Theileria equi. However, no instances of Babesia caballi were detected in any of the samples.
• Donkeys with Theileria equi infections showcased several haematological changes. These included a decrease in red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit (a measure of the ratio of the volume of red cells to the total volume of blood) and platelet count. Meanwhile, they had an increased white blood cell count, mean corpuscular haematoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration.

Implications of the Study

• The alterations in haematological parameters observed with Theileria equi infection could negatively impact the working ability and productivity of infected donkeys.
• Given the significant prevalence of Theileria equi and the potential economic impact due to loss in productivity, the study underscores the need for more molecular research and long-term tracking of Equine piroplasmosis in Serbia and across Europe.