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Transboundary and emerging diseases2021; 69(5); 2474-2498; doi: 10.1111/tbed.14261

Eco-epidemiology of equine piroplasmosis and its associated tick vectors in Europe: A systematic literature review and a meta-analysis of prevalence.

Abstract: When studying a vector-borne disease, an eco-epidemiological approach is vital for a comprehensive understanding of how the pathogen circulates amongst populations. Equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoans Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, is endemic in the Mediterranean basin of Europe and causes both animal health and economic issues for the equine sector. With no vaccine available, defining the episystem of the disease can help to identify which components of the host-pathogen-vector-environment system to target to improve preventive measures. In this systematic literature review, we collected relevant data on the eco-epidemiology of EP in Europe. The 62 studies remaining after the selection procedure explored potential vectors, indicators of parasite circulation and putative risk factors of EP. Eight hard tick species were identified as potential vectors of one or both piroplasm species. Meta-analyses were then conducted on prevalence and seroprevalence data in equids in European countries, demonstrating an estimated seroprevalence of 30% and 8% and prevalence of 25% and 2% for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. Finally, herd management practices and environmental risk factors analysed in studies showed no real consensus between studies, but revealed a general trend highlighting age and exposure to ticks as risk factors, and vaccination as a protective factor. Through this study, we point out that only a few studies have focused on disease management practices and even fewer have studied the effect of environmental parameters on equid infections. Further investigation in these areas is required to better characterize the eco-epidemiology of EP and risk factors associated with this disease.
Publication Date: 2021-08-17 PubMed ID: 34333863DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14261Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

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 article focuses on understanding the eco-epidemiology of the tick-borne disease equine piroplasmosis, which is endemic to Europe, and its associated tick vectors. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of the disease’s prevalence through a systematic literature review of 62 studies and identified eight hard tick species as potential vectors.

Background of the Study

  • The study investigated equine piroplasmosis (EP), a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoans Babesia caballi and Theileria equi.
  • EP not only affects the health of animals but also creates economic issues in the equine industry. It is especially prevalent in the Mediterranean basin of Europe.
  • There is currently no vaccine available for EP, which means understanding its episystem—an amalgamation of the host, pathogen, vector, and environment—helps in targeting components for preventive measures.

Methodology Applied

  • Researchers collated essential data through a systematic review of relevant literature on the eco-epidemiology of EP in Europe.
  • The selection procedure yielded 62 studies for exploration of potential vectors, parasite circulation indicators, and putative risk factors of EP.
  • Eight hard tick species were identified as potential vectors for one or both of the piroplasm species.

Findings

  • Data from the various studies were analysed to estimate the prevalence and seroprevalence (presence of antibodies against a particular virus in the blood) of EP in equids in Europe.
  • The meta-analysis indicated a seroprevalence estimate of 30% for T. equi and 8% for B. caballi. The disease prevalence for T. equi was approximately 25%, and for B. caballi, it was about 2%.
  • Factors like herd management practices and environmental risk did not draw a consensus among studies but showed a general trend of age and exposure to ticks as risk factors, and vaccination as a protective factor.

Conclusion and Recommendations

  • The study highlighted the need for additional research on disease management practices and the effect of environmental parameters on equid infections.
  • A significant gap was identified in the understanding of the environmental effect on EP and the management best practices to control the disease.
  • Filling these gaps can help better characterize the eco-epidemiology of EP and the associated risk factors.

Cite This Article

APA
Nadal C, Bonnet SI, Marsot M. (2021). Eco-epidemiology of equine piroplasmosis and its associated tick vectors in Europe: A systematic literature review and a meta-analysis of prevalence. Transbound Emerg Dis, 69(5), 2474-2498. https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.14261

Publication

ISSN: 1865-1682
NlmUniqueID: 101319538
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 69
Issue: 5
Pages: 2474-2498

Researcher Affiliations

Nadal, Clémence
  • Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, ANSES, University Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France.
  • ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.
Bonnet, Sarah I
  • ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.
Marsot, Maud
  • Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory for Animal Health, ANSES, University Paris Est, Maisons-Alfort, France.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Babesiosis / epidemiology
  • Babesiosis / parasitology
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horses
  • Prevalence
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Theileria
  • Theileriasis / epidemiology
  • Theileriasis / parasitology
  • Ticks / parasitology

Grant Funding

  • Institut Franu00e7ais du Cheval et de l'Equitation (IFCE)
  • Fonds Eperon

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