Intestinal ciliates (Alveolata, Ciliophora) in Brazilian domestic horses (Equus caballus L.) and a review on the ciliate communities associated with horses around the world.

The research paper documents the study conducted to identify and quantify gastrointestinal ciliates in Brazilian domestic horses, comparing these findings with previous related studies and reviewing data on ciliate communities associated with horses worldwide.

Objective and Methodology of Study

• The aims of this study were to identify and quantify the internal ciliates from Brazilian domestic horses, compare these findings to past studies, and review ciliate communities associated with horses across the globe.
• The researchers conducted their study using eight domestic horses kept under extensive management.
• Fecal samples were collected immediately after the horses defecated and were then fixed in 18.5% formaldehyde for further analysis.

Findings from the Study

• Through their research, the scientists managed to identify 24 species of endosymbiotic ciliates. These were categorized into two subclasses, two orders, five families, and 13 genera.
• The ciliate composition was found to be similar among the all animals studied.
• Among the identified families, Blepharocorythidae showed the highest prevalence, whereas the family Buetschliidae exhibited greater abundance and density.
• Species Bundelia elongata, B. inflata, B. piriformis, B. vorax, and Cycloposthium psicauda were observed for the first time in the American continent including Central and South America.
• Meanwhile, the species Buissonella tapiri, which was previously only found in the fecal matter of the American tapir in Brazil, was also found to be associated with Equus caballus for the first time.

Global Review on Ciliate Communities

• A review on ciliate communities worldwide, associated with horses, showed that equine ciliates are a highly diversified group.
• These ciliates are grouped into two subclasses, Suctoria and Trichostomatia, with a total of 78 species divided into three orders and six families.
• These ciliates have been recorded in a variety of equine hosts like Equus asinus, Equus caballus, and Equus quagga, and in multiple global locations such as USA, China, Russia, Taiwan, Mexico, Cyprus, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Brazil.