Molecular detection of Babesia equi in infected and carrier horses by polymerase chain reaction.

The research focuses on a detection of a parasite Babesia equi in infected and carrier horses. The method used includes a broad range of techniques with special attention given to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Research Objective and Process

• The goal of the research was to test the effectiveness of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in identifying carriers of equine babesiasis, also known as Babesia equi, in both symptomatic and asymptomatic horses.
• Twenty-three blood samples were taken for this study. Five were from infected horses that exhibited symptoms, and eighteen were from horses that carried the disease but did not show evident symptoms. The latter are usually referred to as ‘carrier’ horses.
• All samples were analyzed using three different methods: microscopic examination, an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFA), and PCR.

Results and Findings

• Microscopic examination was able to detect carrier animals in 38.8% of the tested samples. IFA found 50% positive results, while PCR was able to ward in 78% of the cases.
• Two synthetic oligonucleotide primers, which are essentially short strands of DNA that help to initiate the DNA replication process during PCR, were used in this study. These were based on the B. equi merozoite antigen gene.
• The PCR component of the research involved the amplification of an 819 base pair DNA fragment from this gene. This specific part of the gene is essential for the replication of B. equi.

Conclusion

• The findings of this study highlight the efficacy of PCR as a consistent detection method for B. equi in chronic carrier horses, even if the levels of parasites are low.
• The researchers concluded that PCR is a useful tool for routine detection, in particular for carrier horses, to prevent the spread.