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Home / Equine Research Bank / Br Vet J / Equine piroplasmosis an update on diagnosis, treatment and p...
The British veterinary journal1996; 152(2); 139-151; doi: 10.1016/s0007-1935(96)80070-4

Equine piroplasmosis an update on diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Abstract: Two haemoprotozoan parasites, Babesia caballi and Babesia equi, can cause equine piroplasmosis. Due to the presence of potential tick vectors in areas so far unaffected by equine babesias, import and export regulations often require the serum testing of animals for evidence of infection. Although the complement fixation test (CFT) has been recommended for detecting the presence of antibodies to Babesia spp., it has been demonstrated to have several disadvantages, including false-positive results and low sensitivity for detecting latent infections. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) may be an alternative for increased and sensitive detection of acute and latent babesial infections, but its development to date has been hindered by a limited antigen supply and poor specificity. In vitro cultivation of both parasite species and the identification of parasite proteins for diagnostic use has facilitated the development of a highly sensitive and specific ELISA. For the direct detection of the parasites, DNA probes are now available. Several drugs are available for the treatment of equine piroplasmosis. For instance, diminazene diaceturate is effective in the chemosterilization of B. caballi and in the elimination of clinical signs in B. equi infections. Antitheilericidal drugs such as buparvaquone have been demonstrated to be effective in combatting disease due to B. equi and may--in combination with imidocarb--also eliminate the parasite. The control of equine piroplasmosis must include effective tick control, seromonitoring of animals and the application of chemotherapy.
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Publication Date: 1996-03-01 PubMed ID: 8680838DOI: 10.1016/s0007-1935(96)80070-4Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The research article details the latest updates regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Equine Piroplasmosis, a disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites, Babesia caballi and Babesia equi. Its diagnosis has evolved over time, with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) offering increased sensitivity over traditional complement fixation test (CFT). Treatment options such as the use of diminazene diaceturate and buparvaquone with imidocarb have been discussed, along with preventive measures, such as effective tick control and seromonitoring.

Equine Piroplasmosis and its causes

  • Equine piroplasmosis is caused by two types of hemoprotozoan parasites- Babesia caballi and Babesia equi. The presence of tick vectors in areas unaffected by equine babesias often calls for serum testing of animals.

Diagnosis of Equine Piroplasmosis

  • The complement fixation test (CFT), although recommended for the detection of these parasites, is often flagged for producing false-positive results and displaying low sensitivity in identifying latent infections.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) could be the alternative for a more sensitive detection of acute and latent babesial infections. However, its development has been limited due to poor specificity and a limited antigen supply.
  • Advancements in in vitro cultivation of these parasites and identifying proteins for diagnostic use have led to the creation of a more sensitive and specific ELISA.
  • For direct detection, DNA probes are now available which provide more accurate identification of the parasites.

Treatment of Equine Piroplasmosis

  • Several drugs are now available for the treatment of equine piroplasmosis. One such drug, diminazene diaceturate, is effective in chemosterilizing B. caballi and in cancelling out the clinical signs of B. equi infections.
  • Antitheilericidal drugs such as buparvaquone have proven to be effective against disease due to B. equi. When combined with imidocarb, these drugs may also completely eradicate the parasite.

Prevention of Equine Piroplasmosis

  • The article emphasizes the control of equine piroplasmosis, which includes efficient tick control strategies, seromonitoring of animals, and the application of chemotherapy.

Cite This Article

APA
Brüning A. (1996). Equine piroplasmosis an update on diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Br Vet J, 152(2), 139-151. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0007-1935(96)80070-4

Publication

The British veterinary journal
ISSN: 0007-1935
NlmUniqueID: 0372554
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 152
Issue: 2
Pages: 139-151

Researcher Affiliations

Brüning, A
  • Imperial College of Science Medicine and Technology, Department of Biology, London, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Babesiosis / diagnosis
  • Babesiosis / parasitology
  • Babesiosis / therapy
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Horses

Citations

This article has been cited 34 times.
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