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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Parasitol Res / Intrinsic Factors Influencing the Infection by Helminth Para...
Journal of parasitology research2009; 2009; 616173; doi: 10.1155/2009/616173

Intrinsic Factors Influencing the Infection by Helminth Parasites in Horses under an Oceanic Climate Area (NW Spain).

Abstract: A coprological survey to determine the influence of some intrinsic factors (breed, age, and sex) on the infection by helminth parasites in equine livestock (n = 418) under an oceanic climate area (NW Spain) was conducted. Faecal samples were individually collected and analyzed by the coprological techniques. The main strongylid genera identified were Trichonema and Cyalocephalus spp (small strongyles) and Strongylus and Triodontophorus (large strongyles). The prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode was 89% (95% CI 86, 92) and 1% cestoda (0, 2). The percentage of horses with strongyloid parasites was 89% (86, 92), 11% (8, 14) for Parascaris, and 3% (1, 5) for Oxyuris. The highest prevalence for ascariosis was observed in the youngest horses (10 years animals, and for strongylosis in the 3-10 years ones. Females were significantly more parasitized than males. A negative correlation between the age and the egg-excretion of ascarids and strongyles was recorded. The autochthonous and the English Pure Blood horses were the most parasitized. We concluded that the infections by helminths, especially the strongyloids, are significantly common in the region, so that greater importance should be given to this situation.
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Publication Date: 2009-04-08 PubMed ID: 20721327PubMed Central: PMC2915776DOI: 10.1155/2009/616173Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research studies the impact of certain inherent factors like breed, age, and sex on the infection of horses by helminth parasites in a geographical region known for its oceanic climate, North-West Spain. It concludes that helminth infections, particularly those caused by small and large strongyles, are common in this region and advocates for more attention to be devoted to this problem.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers embarked on a comprehensive survey (coprological) of equine livestock consisting of 418 horses.
  • The examination was focused on understanding the impact of inherent factors such as breed, age, and sex on the susceptibility of horses to helminth infections.
  • Faecal samples were collected individually from each horse and analyzed using coprological techniques.

Key Findings

  • The primary strongylid genera identified were Trichonema, Cyalocephalus (small strongyles), Strongylus, and Triodontophorus (large strongyles).
  • The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes was found to be 89% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) between 86 and 92, and 1% for cestoda with a CI of 0-2.
  • The prevalence of strongyloid parasites was found to be 89%, 11% for Parascaris, and 3% for Oxyuris.
  • The researchers found that ascariosis was more prevalent among the youngest horses (under 3 years), whereas oxyurosis was common among the older horses (above 10 years), and strongylosis was observed in horses aged between 3-10 years.
  • Female horses were found to be significantly more parasitized than male horses.
  • The study also revealed a negative correlation between the age of the horses and egg-excretion of ascarids and strongyles.
  • The most parasitized horses were found to be the autochthonous (native) and English Pure Blood breeds.

Conclusion

  • The research concluded that helminth infections, particularly strongyloids, are rampant in the horse population of this oceanic climate region (NW Spain).
  • The study advocates for greater attention to be given to this problem, especially considering its implications on horse health and welfare.

Cite This Article

APA
Francisco I, Arias M, Cortiñas FJ, Francisco R, Mochales E, Dacal V, Suárez JL, Uriarte J, Morrondo P, Sánchez-Andrade R, Díez-Baños P, Paz-Silva A. (2009). Intrinsic Factors Influencing the Infection by Helminth Parasites in Horses under an Oceanic Climate Area (NW Spain). J Parasitol Res, 2009, 616173. https://doi.org/10.1155/2009/616173

Publication

Journal of parasitology research
ISSN: 2090-0031
NlmUniqueID: 101526294
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 2009
PII: 616173

Researcher Affiliations

Francisco, I
  • Animal Pathology Department, Epidemiology, Zoonoses and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002-Lugo, Spain.
Arias, M
    Cortiñas, F J
      Francisco, R
        Mochales, E
          Dacal, V
            Suárez, J L
              Uriarte, J
                Morrondo, P
                  Sánchez-Andrade, R
                    Díez-Baños, P
                      Paz-Silva, A

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                        Citations

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