Clinical and epidemiological aspects of the infection by Babesia, Theileria and Trypanosoma species in horses from northeastern Colombia.

The research studied the effects and prevalence of piroplasmosis and trypanosomiasis, debilitating diseases affecting horses, in northeastern Colombia. The study revealed a significant infection rate, its impact on the clinical conditions of affected horses and the economic implications on the equine industry.

Research Methodology

• The study focused on the infection of Babesia, Theileria, and Trypanosoma species, which are largely responsible for piroplasmosis and trypanosomiasis in horses.
• 280 horses from the Arauca, Meta, and Santander departments in northeastern Colombia were analyzed for signs of infection with Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, Trypanosoma evansi, and Trypanosoma vivax.
• Further analysis included clinical, epidemiological, and entomological evaluations.

Results and Findings

• The molecular analysis found a 25.7% infection rate for T. equi and 3.9% for T. evansi. No positive tests were found for B. caballi and T. vivax.
• The prevalence of T. equi was consistent across all departments, whereas T. evansi was exclusively found in Santander.
• An entomological analysis of ticks collected from the horses found that 84.7% were Dermacentor nitens, 10.9% were Amblyomma cajennense (sensu lato) (s.l). and 4.4% were Rhipicephalus microplus.

Epidemiological and Clinical Implications

• Genetic analysis revealed that the T. equi present matched genotype C found in Brazil and Mexico.
• The study showed a significant link between tick infestation, inadequate vector control and the molecular infection of T. equi.
• Clinical implication of the infection included reduction in packed cell volume, red blood cells and mean corpuscular volume in infected animals.
• T. evansi infection was associated with unique epidemiological characteristics in the Santander department.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• The study found substantial infection rates by T. equi of genotype C which contributed to clinical conditions in horses.
• Increased focus on tick control and symptomatic treatment of animals are recommended to lower the infection rates and reduce the economic impact on the equine industry.