Evaluation of cytokines and sialic acids contents in horses naturally infected with Theileria equi.

This research investigates the impact of Theileria equi infection on the serum concentrations of certain cytokines and sialic acids in horses, as well as the potential relationship between the parasitemia, cytokines and sialic acids.

Objective of the Research

• The primary goal of the study was to determine the effect of T. equi infection on the serum concentrations of a range of important cytokines including interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and various interleukins such as IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12α, IL-12β, IL-18.
• The study also aimed to assess the content of total, protein and lipid binding sialic acids (TSA, PBSA and LBSA) in the serum.
• The researchers were particularly interested to explore any potential relationship between the parasitemia, cytokines and sialic acids using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression.

Methodology

• The study involved the examination of around 300 draft horses (Kurdish-breed) aged between 3-4 years old from the north-west of Iran.
• A group of 28 mares naturally infected with T. equi were identified and divided into 3 subgroups based on their parasitemia rates (low <1 %, moderate 1-3 % and high 3-5 %).
• Twenty healthy horses served as the control group.
• Piroplasmosis (caused by T. equi) characterization and differentiation were performed using routine hematological procedures and specific PCR assay.

Research Findings

• The research concluded that T. equi infection leads to a significant increase in cytokine and sialic acid concentrations. This increase was found to correlate with the parasitic burden, suggesting these markers could potentially be used as a measure of disease severity.
• A strong and positive relationship was detected between the parasitemia, cytokines and sialic acids.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that T. equi infection triggers severe inflammatory processes in horses, with sialic acid playing a crucial role in the pathophysiology of the disease due to its tight correlation with the parasitemia rate.
• This research extends our understanding of the immune response to T. equi infection and potentially broadens the scope for developing new therapeutics and preventive strategies.