An epidemiological survey of Theileria equi parasite in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Egypt.

This research study involves an epidemiological survey of a parasite known as Theileria equi in donkeys in Egypt, with the aim to understand infection rates and the genetic relationship of the parasite with those found in other countries.

Details of Research: Overview

• The research focuses on an examination of Theileria equi, a protozoan parasite that is responsible for equine piroplasmosis, a disease affecting donkeys and other equine species. The study’s aim was to identify the presence and prevalence of T. equi in donkeys spanning different Egyptian provinces.

Research Methodology

• Blood-DNA samples were collected from 149 donkeys in various provinces in Lower and Middle Egypt, including Menoufia, Mersa Matruh, and Giza.
• The researchers used a species-specific PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) assay, which targeted the Equi merozoite antigen-1 (EMA-1) to test for the presence of the T. equi parasite.

Research Findings

• The PCR assay test revealed that approximately 6.04% of the samples were positive for T. equi, indicating the presence of the parasite in these animals.
• The highest infection rate was identified in the Giza zoological garden, where it was 10.16%.
• The gene sequences of EMA-1 in the Egyptian T. equi samples showed a high degree of identity with gene sequences from other countries such as Italy, Japan, South Africa, India, and Israel.

Conclusion and Implications

• The study concluded that Theileria equi is present in donkeys in Egypt, both as acute infections and carriers.
• The findings are of economic significance, suggesting that the disease could potentially impact the health and productivity of the donkeys, which could have a ripple effect on the communities that depend on these animals.
• It underlines the need for effective prevention and control strategies throughout Egypt in order to minimize the prevalence of equine piroplasmosis caused by T. equi.