Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of Theileria equi in horses (Equus caballus) from a peri-urban area of Argentina.

The research investigates and confirms the presence of Theileria equi, a parasite causing equine piroplasmosis, in horses from Corrientes City, Argentina. From the study, 81% of the sampled horses tested positive for the parasite, with further phylogenetic analysis identifying one strain as genotype A T. equi.

Study Overview

• This research study aimed at investigating the presence of Theileria equi, a parasite causing equine piroplasmosis, in horses in Corrientes City, Argentina. The disease is endemic to the area.
• A sample size of 42 horses was used in the study. The researchers tested these horses for the presence of the disease and the specific parasite causing it.

Methodology

• The researchers collected blood samples from the 42 horses.
• These samples were tested for piroplasmid 18S rDNA. These are a group of DNA nucleotides found in the parasite that causes equine piroplasmosis.
• Further investigation involved identifying the specific parasite causing the disease. Here, they amplified the EMA-1 (merozoite antigen 1) gene of the species.

Results

• Of the 42 sampled horses, 34 blood samples, representing 81 percent, tested positive for the presence of piroplasmid 18S rDNA.
• All the samples that tested positive for piroplasmid 18S rDNA were further found to be infected by T. equi. The researchers made this conclusion by identifying the specific EMA-1 (merozoite antigen 1) gene of this species.
• Further phylogenetic analysis of the complete 18S rDNA sequence from one strain led to the identification of T. equi sensu stricto (genotype A).

Conclusion

• This study presents the first molecular detection and characterization of T. equi by the complete 18S rDNA sequence in Argentina.
• Based on the results, the researchers recommend further studies to investigate the distribution and heterogeneity of the presented genotypes of T. equi in Argentina. These investigations will be essential for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of equine piroplasmosis in the region.