Molecular detection of Theileria cervi in equids from México.

The research illustrates the first known case of Theileria cervi, a parasite, in horses and donkeys from three municipalities in Veracruz, Mexico. The study’s findings could have significant implications for the understanding, distribution, and control of the disease in domestic animals.

Introduction and Objective

• This research focuses on equine piroplasmosis, a parasitic illness in horses. The disease is caused by protozoa from the Babesia and Theileria genera, which live within red blood cells.
• The disease is spread primarily through tick bites from specific tick genera, including Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus.
• Recently, there has been an increase in the identification of new Theileria species and genotypes. The situation is further complicated by the presence of mixed Theileria infections in both mammals and tick vectors.
• These infections are particularly prevalent in regions where wildlife, livestock, and tick vectors share habitats.
• The primary objective of the study was to document the occurrence of Theileria cervi in a non-typical host – equids (horses and donkeys).

Methods

• The researchers collected samples from 88 horses and 10 donkeys in three municipalities in Veracruz, Mexico.
• They used molecular techniques to identify the Babesia and Theileria parasites by amplifying segments of the 18S-rDNA and hsp70 genes.

Results

• The phylogenetic reconstruction grouped the obtained sequences into a monophyletic cluster alongside sequences of T. cervi, indicating the presence of this parasite in the sampled equids.
• This marks the first documented evidence of the occurrence of T. cervi in equids.

Implications and Further Studies

• This discovery is significant from an epidemiological point of view, as it implies a possible increase in the spread and occurrence of T. cervi in equids.
• More research is required to ascertain the distribution and pathogenicity of this species for domestic animals, such as horses and donkeys.
• The findings also highlight the need for developing effective control strategies for this parasitic infection.