Low prevalence of infection by Sarcocystis neurona in horses from the State of Alagoas, Brazil.

This research aimed to study the prevalence of Sarcocystis neurona infection in horses in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, as well as identify potential risk factors. Results indicated a low exposure of horses to this parasite.

Objective of the Study

• The study’s primary goal was to find out how common Sarcocystis neurona infection is in horses in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, and to detect any possible risk factors that contribute to the disease. The study also aimed to deepen the understanding of horse’s exposure to the S. neurona parasite.

Methodology of the Research

• The researchers assessed 427 samples from 36 different farms in 21 municipalities in the Alagoas State. These samples were analyzed to detect the presence of anti-S. neurona antibodies.
• The diagnosis of the presence of these antibodies was done by using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), and this diagnosis was confirmed by an immunoblot test.
• The potential risk factors that could cause this infection were assessed through investigative questionnaires which explored how animals were managed on these farms.

Outcome of the Study

• The study found that the prevalence of anti-S. neurona antibodies was 2.8% according to the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and 1.6% according to the immunoblot test. This suggests a fairly low percentage of horses had been exposed to the parasite.
• However, the research found that there were positive horses on 16.6% of the studied farms, indicating that while individual prevalence was low, the disease could still be found widely spread across different farms.
• Interestingly, none of the variables studied appeared to have associations with the horses serological status for S. neurona. This could suggest that at this time it’s uncertain what factors might increase the risk of horses contracting S. neurona.

Significance of the Research

• This research represents the first time such a study has been conducted on horses reared in Alagoas.
• Even though the exposure to S. neurona was low in this region, the presence of significant number of foci presents a cause for concern and warrants future studies to ensure the disease is properly managed.