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Tropical animal health and production2010; 42(8); 1655-1661; doi: 10.1007/s11250-010-9617-z

Coprological prevalence and intensity of helminth infection in working horses in Lesotho.

Abstract: This study aimed to (1) estimate infection prevalence of strongyle, Oxyuris equi and Parascaris equorum species and the intensity of infection with strongyles in working horses in lowland Lesotho and (2) investigate associations between infection and horse age, sex and owner-reported use of anthelmintics. In a cross-sectional survey, fresh faecal samples were obtained from 305 randomly selected horses and worm egg counts performed using a validated field laboratory kit. Details of anthelmintic use were collected using a standardised face-to-face owner questionnaire. Infection prevalence estimates for each species were calculated, as were infection intensity estimates for strongyle species. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations between exposure variables and infection status/intensity. Prevalence of strongyle infection was 88.2%; 11.8% of horses were not infected and infection intensity was low (1-500 eggs per gram (epg)) in 19.7%, medium (501-1,000 epg) in 19.7%) and high (>1,001 epg) in 48.8%. Decreasing strongyle infection intensity was associated with the use of proprietary equine anthelmintic products (OR 0.18, 95%CI 0.11-0.30, p<0.0001). Prevalence of O. equi infection was 6.2%; the odds of infection with this parasite decreased with increasing horse age (OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.72-0.97, p = 0.02). P. equorum infection prevalence was 21.6%; no statistically significant associations with the investigated exposure variables were found. In conclusion, strongyle infection is endemic in working horses in lowland Lesotho, but proprietary equine anthelmintics assist in managing infection. The apparent lack of age-acquired immunity to P. equorum infection may deserve further investigation. Although O. equi infection is less widespread, measures to protect younger animals may be appropriate.
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Publication Date: 2010-06-24 PubMed ID: 20574819DOI: 10.1007/s11250-010-9617-zGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The given research article investigates the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections, specifically strongyle, Oxyuris equi and Parascaris equorum species, in working horses in lowland Lesotho, relative to horse’s age, sex and the usage of anthelmintics.

Research methodology

In the study, the researchers undertook several specific steps:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted by collecting fresh faecal samples from 305 randomly selected horses.
  • Worm egg counts were performed using a validated field laboratory kit, which enabled the researchers to determine the level of helminth infection in the horses.
  • A standardised face-to-face owner questionnaire was used to gather information about the use of anthelmintics, which are drugs that expel parasitic worms from the body by stunning or killing them.
  • The prevalence estimates for each species of the helminth infection were calculated, as were infection intensity estimates for the strongyle species.
  • Logistic regression was used to identify relationships between the exposure variables (age, sex, and anthelmintics use) and infection status/intensity.

Findings

The study revealed several key findings:

  • The strongyle infection was prevalent in 88.2% of the horses, with an infection rate varying from low to high – 1-500 eggs per gram (epg) in 19.7%, 501-1,000 epg in 19.7% and >1,001 epg in 48.8% of the infected horses.
  • The use of proprietary equine anthelmintic products was significantly associated with decreasing strongyle infection intensity (OR 0.18, 95%CI 0.11-0.30, p<0.0001).
  • The Oxyuris equi infection was less common, found in only 6.2% of the horses, and its risk decreased with increasing horse age (OR 0.84, 95%CI 0.72-0.97, p = 0.02).
  • The Parascaris equorum infection was seen in 21.6% of the horses, with no significant associations with the investigated exposure variables observed.

Conclusion

Based on these results, the study concluded that strongyle infection is endemic in working horses in lowland Lesotho, but can be managed effectively through the use of proprietary equine anthelmintics. The lack of age-acquired immunity to Parascaris equorum infection raises questions that may deserve further investigation. Additionally, while Oxyuris equi infection is not as widespread as the other two, implementing measures to protect younger animals from this parasite may be beneficial.

Cite This Article

APA
Upjohn MM, Shipton K, Lerotholi T, Attwood G, Verheyen KL. (2010). Coprological prevalence and intensity of helminth infection in working horses in Lesotho. Trop Anim Health Prod, 42(8), 1655-1661. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-010-9617-z

Publication

Tropical animal health and production
ISSN: 1573-7438
NlmUniqueID: 1277355
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 42
Issue: 8
Pages: 1655-1661

Researcher Affiliations

Upjohn, Melissa M
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK. mupjohn@rvc.ac.uk
Shipton, Kate
    Lerotholi, Thabo
      Attwood, Gillian
        Verheyen, Kristien L P

          MeSH Terms

          • Age Factors
          • Animals
          • Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
          • Cross-Sectional Studies
          • Endemic Diseases / veterinary
          • Feces / parasitology
          • Female
          • Horses
          • Lesotho / epidemiology
          • Likelihood Functions
          • Logistic Models
          • Male
          • Prevalence
          • Sex Factors
          • Strongyle Infections, Equine / drug therapy
          • Strongyle Infections, Equine / epidemiology
          • Surveys and Questionnaires

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          Citations

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          5. Živković S, Pavlović I, Mijatović B, Trailović I, Trailović D. Prevalence, Intensity and Risks Involved in Helminth Infections in Domestic Mountain Pony and Balkan Donkey in Nature Park Stara Planina, Serbia. Iran J Parasitol 2021 Apr-Jun;16(2):318-326.
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