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Parasitology research2024; 123(12); 416; doi: 10.1007/s00436-024-08419-3

Gasterophilus in horses from Romania: diversity, prevalence, seasonal dynamics, and distribution.

Abstract: This is the first study that targets the epidemiology of Gasterophilus spp. in slaughtered horses from Romania. Previously to our research, there were five recorded species: Gasterophilus haemorrhoidalis, Gasterophilus inermis, Gasterophilus intestinalis, Gasterophilus nasalis, and Gasterophilus pecorum with a dispersed distribution throughout the country, the data being recorded more than 73 years ago. The collection of Gasterophilus larvae was carried out from the digestive system (stomach, duodenum, and rectum) of horses in three abattoirs, monthly between January 2023 and December 2023. Following dissection, all larvae were stored in absolute ethanol until morphological and molecular identification. The larvae were counted and identified according to morphological keys. Overall, 394 horses were examined, of which 211 (53.6%) were infected with L2 or L3 of Gasterophilus spp. Only two species were found: G. intestinalis (prevalence 52.0%) and G. nasalis (14.0%). Coinfection with both species occurred in 49 horses (12.4%). In total, 9759 larvae were collected (7916 L3 and 1843 L2). Larvae were localized in the stomach (G. intestinalis) and duodenum (G. nasalis) of horses. There was a strong seasonal variation in the mean intensity and mean abundance for both G. intestinalis and G. nasalis larvae and also for coinfections (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between prevalence and mean intensity across gender, group age, or horse colour. Our findings show that Gasterophilus infection is widespread within Romania territory, being a possible cause of illness and welfare issues in horses.
© 2024. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2024-12-23 PubMed ID: 39710758PubMed Central: PMC11663820DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08419-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 presents a comprehensive study on the prevalence, species variety, and distribution of the horse parasite, Gasterophilus, in Romania. The study reveals that Gasterophilus infection is widespread throughout Romania and may be a cause of illness in horses.

Overview and Objectives

  • The study aimed to assess the prevalence and diversity of Gasterophilus spp., a type of horse parasite, in slaughtered horses in Romania.
  • The objective was to make advancements from the previous research done more than 70 years ago that had recorded only five species of the parasite.
  • The study also sought to understand the distribution patterns, seasonal dynamics, and possible effects of the parasitic infection on horses.

Methods

  • The researchers collected Gasterophilus larvae from the digestive system of horses in three different slaughterhouses for a period of one year.
  • The horses were examined monthly, and the larvae were then identified and counted according to their sub-species.
  • The parasites were examined morphologically, and their DNA was also analysed to correctly identify them.

Results

  • Out of 394 horses examined, 211 (53.6%) were infected with two stages of Gasterophilus larvae.
  • They found that the parasites belonged to only two species: G. intestinalis (with a prevalence rate of 52.0%) and G. nasalis (with a 14.0% prevalence rate).
  • There was also coinfection with both species in 49 horses (12.4%).
  • A total of 9759 larvae were collected which included both L2 and L3 stages
  • The G. intestinalis parasites were mainly located in the horses’ stomachs, while G. nasalis were in the duodenum.

Analysis

  • The study found evidence of strong seasonal variation in the abundance and intensity of both the G. intestinalis and G. nasalis infections.
  • However, there were no noticeable differences in parasite prevalence or intensity when comparing across variables such as gender, age group, or the horse’s colour.

Conclusion

  • The research suggests Gasterophilus infection is widespread in Romania, being a probable cause for illness and welfare issues in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Rabei ȘO, Cârstolovean AS, Culda CA, Mihalca AD. (2024). Gasterophilus in horses from Romania: diversity, prevalence, seasonal dynamics, and distribution. Parasitol Res, 123(12), 416. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-024-08419-3

Publication

Parasitology research
ISSN: 1432-1955
NlmUniqueID: 8703571
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 123
Issue: 12
Pages: 416
PII: 416

Researcher Affiliations

Rabei, Ș O
  • Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manaștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. stefan-ovidiu.rabei@usamvcluj.ro.
Cârstolovean, A S
  • Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manaștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Culda, C A
  • Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manaștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Mihalca, A D
  • Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manaștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. amihalca@usamvcluj.ro.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / parasitology
  • Romania / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Seasons
  • Prevalence
  • Male
  • Larva / classification
  • Female
  • Myiasis / veterinary
  • Myiasis / epidemiology
  • Myiasis / parasitology

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declarations. Ethics approval: No approval of research ethics committees was required to accomplish the goals of this study because experimental work was conducted with animals that were present from post-mortem examination in abattoirs. Consent of publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Rabei ȘO, Pivariu D, Cocian AI, Vaccaro D, Costache-Bobescu P, Mihalca AD. Seasonality, control, and risk factors for Gasterophilus intestinalis egg intensity in horses from Romania under field conditions. Parasitol Res 2025 Aug 6;124(8):87.
    doi: 10.1007/s00436-025-08540-xpubmed: 40767875google scholar: lookup
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