In vitro cultivation of Babesia equi: detection of carrier animals and isolation of parasites.

The research paper discusses an in vitro study to identify carrier animals of the Babesia equi parasite, which causes equine piroplasmosis in horses. Using this technique, they were also effective in isolating the parasites in the blood samples collected.

About the Research

• The research focuses on the in vitro testing of samples of horse blood to detect and isolate Babesia equi, the parasite causing equine piroplasmosis (a disease that affects the red blood cells in horses).
• 75 samples of horse blood were studied using in vitro culture technique. The research team sought to confirm which samples were microscopically positive for B. equi at the time of culture initiation for the first group of 15 samples.
• In vitro cultivation was used as it provides a controlled environment for studying the behavior of the parasite in the blood samples.

Findings of the Study

• Even though Giemsa-stained thin blood smears showed no visible parasites for 60 out of the 75 samples, the culturing process revealed the presence of B. equi in more than half of the unstained samples (36 samples).
• Among the noteworthy observations was the high sensitivity of the in vitro culture method. This sensitivity extends to the extent that 2.5 microliters of packed erythrocytes, a fraction of the volume ordinarily used, still managed to yield positive results after cultivation.
• The researchers even initiated cultures from vacuum tubes containing EDTA as anticoagulant with blood samples stored at 8 degrees C for up to 120 hours. The results were highly promising, affirming the sensitivity of this method.

Significance of the Findings

• The research shows that the in vitro culture method is sensitive and effective in detecting B. equi carrier horses.
• This method can be used not only to detect carrier horses but also to assess the effects of chemotherapeutic interventions.
• Moreover, it is useful in isolating field strains of B. equi from the carrier horses for further study and understanding of B. equi characteristics.