Molecular detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in the bone marrow of asymptomatic horses.

This research paper is about the detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, the parasites responsible for tick-borne equine piroplasmosis, in the bone marrow of horses that show no symptoms of the disease. The findings may hold significance for controlling the spread of these diseases.

Introduction

• Theileria equi and Babesia caballi are parasites that cause piroplasmosis, a tick-borne disease that affects horses.
• While the disease often presents in acute or sub-acute forms, horses that have clinically recovered may remain infected for years without showing any symptoms.
• These asymptomatic horses act as hosts for ticks to spread the disease further.
• The challenge lies in detecting these seemingly healthy carriers, as it is crucial for controlling the spread of piroplasmosis.

Objective of the Study

• The study intends to detect the presence of T. equi and B. caballi in the bone marrow of asymptomatic horses using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
• This could help in identifying the reservoir of the disease and potentially establishing a therapeutic target for the treatment of these infections in the future.

Findings

• Out of 35 bone marrow samples that were evaluated for a separate orthopaedic clinical research purpose, three samples from clinically healthy horses tested positive for T. equi.
• One out of these three was also found to be positive for B. caballi.

Significance and Suggestions

• The exact location of these parasites and the mechanisms of their persistence in the hosts are still not known.
• However, based on these findings, the researchers suggest that the bone marrow should not be ruled out as a potential reservoir site for these parasites in asymptomatic, infected horses.
• Therefore, bone marrow could be considered as a therapeutic target in the treatment of such parasitic infections in healthy horses.