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Parasites & vectors2024; 17(1); 160; doi: 10.1186/s13071-024-06253-1

Diagnostic performance of a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses and donkeys.

Abstract: Equine piroplasmosis is caused by two tick-borne protozoan parasites, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi,, which are clinically relevant in susceptible horses, donkeys, and mules. Moreover, equine piroplasmosis significantly constrains international trading and equestrian events. Rapidly diagnosing both parasites in carrier animals is essential for implementing effective control measures. Here, a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to T. equi and B. caballi was evaluated using samples from horses and donkeys collected in Greece, Israel, and Italy. The results were compared with an improved competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for detecting antibodies to both parasites using the same panel of samples. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 255 horses and donkeys. The panel consisted of 129 horses sampled at four locations in northern Greece, 105 donkeys sampled at four locations in Sicily, and 21 horses sampled at two locations in Israel. The rapid test and the cELISA were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the results were subjected to a statistical analysis to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both tests and their association. Results: The immunochromatographic test provided a result within 15 min and can be performed in the field, detecting both pathogens simultaneously. The overall coincidence rate between the rapid test and the cELISA for detecting antibodies against T. equi was 93% and 92.9% for B. caballi. The rapid test's sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for T. equi were above 91.5%. Sixteen samples were positive for both parasites in the rapid test and eight in the cELISA. Either test had no significant association between T. equi and B. caballi detection. The detection rates of both parasites were significantly higher in Italy than in Greece or Israel and in donkeys than in horses. The agreement for T. equi between the results of both tests was high in Greece (93.8%) and Italy (95.2%) and moderate in Israel (76.2%). For B. caballi, the specificity and NPV of the rapid test were high (94.2% and 98.3%, respectively), although the sensitivity and PPV were moderate (69.2% and 39.1%, respectively) due to the small sample size. However, for B. caballi, the sensitivity was higher with the rapid test. Conclusions: The rapid test detected T. equi and B. caballi simultaneously in the field, potentially replacing laborious cELISA testing and is recommended for import/export purposes. The test can also be helpful for the differential diagnosis of clinical cases, since seropositivity may rule out equine piroplasmosis since it does not indicate current or active infection.
© 2024. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2024-03-28 PubMed ID: 38549117PubMed Central: 10534063DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06253-1Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

This research was about assessing a rapid immunochromatographic test’s effectiveness for detecting antibodies to Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, two protozoan parasites causing equine piroplasmosis in horses and donkeys. The study found the test to be efficient and useful for field use to control these infections, particularly for trading and equestrian activities where rapid diagnoses are crucial.

Research Methodology

  • A sample size of 255 horses and donkeys from Greece, Israel, and Italy was used for the study.
  • The collected blood samples were subjected to two tests: the rapid immunochromatographic test and an improved competitive enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (cELISA).
  • The sensitivity and specificity of both tests were then analyzed and compared.

Research Findings

  • The rapid test provided results within 15 minutes and detected both pathogens simultaneously.
  • The overall agreement rate between the rapid test and cELISA for detecting antibodies against T. equi was 93% and 92.9% for B. caballi, indicating substantial similarity in their diagnostic performance.
  • The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values (both positive and negative) for T. equi were above 91.5% in the rapid test. However, for B. caballi, the sensitivity was moderate due to the smaller sample size.
  • No significant correlation was found between T. equi and B. caballi detection in either test.
  • The detection rates were significantly higher in Italy than Greece or Israel and were more prevalent in donkeys than horses.

Conclusions

  • The rapid test has the potential to replace the cELISA test due to its efficiency and suitability for field use, especially for import/export examinations.
  • The rapid test can also assist in differentiating other clinical cases, as seropositivity may rule out equine piroplasmosis, indicating no active infection.

Cite This Article

APA
(2024). Diagnostic performance of a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses and donkeys. Parasit Vectors, 17(1), 160. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-024-06253-1

Publication

Parasites & vectors
ISSN: 1756-3305
NlmUniqueID: 101462774
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Pages: 160

Researcher Affiliations

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
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