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Transboundary and emerging diseases2011; 59(1); 72-78; doi: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01244.x

Equine babesiosis: seroprevalence, risk factors and comparison of different diagnostic methods in Jordan.

Abstract: The purposes of this study were to estimate the seroprevalence and distribution of horse piroplasmosis, to evaluate risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease and to compare the different diagnostic methods used for this disease. A total of 253 clinically normal horses were sampled, and a collection form was completed for each horse from five of six different climatic zones of Jordan. The sixth zone was not sampled because it did not include horse population. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) revealed 37 horses (14.6%) positive for Theileria equi, and none of the horses was positive for Babesia caballi. Microscopic examination of thin blood smears and PCR test revealed no positive results for either parasite. Grazing was the only risk factor that was associated with being seropositive to the disease; horses that graze are 11.5 more likely to be seropositive (P<0.05, OR=11.5, CI: 3.292, 39.962). This is the first study to estimate the prevalence of horse babesiosis using serological test and to identify risk factors associated with the disease in Jordan. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) test appears to be more reliable than microscopic examination and PCR in estimating the seroprevalence of the disease as well as identifying carrier horses to babesiosis.
© 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2011-07-19 PubMed ID: 21771287DOI: 10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01244.xGoogle 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.

The research is on equine babesiosis, a parasitic disease in horses, in Jordan. The study aimed to determine its prevalence, associated risk factors, and efficacy of different diagnostic techniques. Grazing was identified as a significant risk factor, and cELISA test appeared more reliable in identifying carrier horses than other diagnostic methods.

Study Objectives and Methodology

  • The researchers aimed to estimate the prevalence (seroprevalence) and distribution of horse piroplasmosis, a disease also known as equine babesiosis, which is caused by parasitic protozoa — specifically Theileria equi and Babesia caballi.
  • They also intended to evaluate the risk factors connected with the occurrence of the disease and to compare the effectiveness of different diagnostic methods used for this disease.
  • A total of 253 clinically normal horses were sampled from five of the six different climate zones in Jordan. The horses in the sixth zone weren’t included as there was no horse population present.

Main Findings

  • The testing method used — a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) — revealed that Theileria equi was present in 14.6% (37) of the sampled horses, though none was found positive for Babesia caballi.
  • Other diagnostic methods used, including the microscopic examination of thin blood smears and the PCR test, didn’t yield positive results for either parasite, making cELISA seem like a more reliable diagnostic method for these parasites in particular.
  • It was found that the practice of grazing was the only risk factor associated with the disease, as horses that graze were found to be 11.5 times more likely to carry the disease. This statistical significance was confirmed by a P-value < 0.05 with confidence intervals ranging from 3.292 to 39.962.

Significance of the Study

  • This was the first study to estimate the prevalence of horse babesiosis in Jordan using serological tests (blood tests used to detect the presence of an antibody for a specific antigen or the presence of a specific antigen) and to identify risk factors associated with the disease in the country.
  • The study revealed that cELISA testing is more efficient than microscopy and PCR testing in approximating the prevalence of the disease and in identifying carrier horses of babesiosis. This finding could influence the future management and control of the disease.

Cite This Article

APA
Abutarbush SM, Alqawasmeh DM, Mukbel RM, Al-Majali AM. (2011). Equine babesiosis: seroprevalence, risk factors and comparison of different diagnostic methods in Jordan. Transbound Emerg Dis, 59(1), 72-78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1865-1682.2011.01244.x

Publication

Transboundary and emerging diseases
ISSN: 1865-1682
NlmUniqueID: 101319538
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 59
Issue: 1
Pages: 72-78

Researcher Affiliations

Abutarbush, S M
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. sameeh75@hotmail.com
Alqawasmeh, D M
    Mukbel, R M
      Al-Majali, A M

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Babesia / isolation & purification
        • Babesiosis / blood
        • Babesiosis / diagnosis
        • Babesiosis / epidemiology
        • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / veterinary
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / blood
        • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
        • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
        • Horses
        • Jordan / epidemiology
        • Logistic Models
        • Male
        • Risk Factors
        • Theileria / isolation & purification
        • Theileriasis / blood
        • Theileriasis / diagnosis
        • Theileriasis / epidemiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 18 times.
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