Annals of parasitology2021; 67(4); 619-626; doi: 10.17420/ap6704.378

Molecular identification of tapeworms from Konik Polski horses from Biebrza National Park.

Bartosik, J
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Łojek, J
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Długosz, E
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Górski, P
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Zygner, W

Abstract: Tapeworm infections in Konik Polski horses from Biebrza National Park were investigated in this study. Faecal samples were collected 10 times: in 2012 - 1 time, in 2013 - 4 times, in 2014 - 4 times and in 2015 - 1 time. In total, 162 faecal samples were collected and tested. Faecal egg counts (FECs) method was used in the study. Positive samples with cestode eggs were noted only twice - in October 2012 and December 2013 in two adult mares (9 and 11 years old). The determined prevalence was surprisingly low comparing to other studies, 4.3% in October 2013 and 28.5% in December 2013. Parasite genomic DNA was isolated from posterior proglottids of tapeworms found in horse faeces after deworming, PCR technique was applied in order to determine the species of these tapeworms. No specific products were obtained using primers specific to rDNA sequence, whereas, a 620 bp fragment encoding mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was amplified and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a 100% homology to a corresponding fragment form Anoplocephala perfoliata tapeworm originating from a horse from the Czech Republic. To our knowledge this is the first report applying molecular techniques to tapeworm identification in Konik Polski horses.

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Publication Date: 2021-01-01 PubMed ID: 35247302DOI: 10.17420/ap6704.378Google Scholar: Lookup

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The research study was focused on detecting and identifying tapeworm infections in Konik Polski horses from Biebrza National Park, using a series of fecal samples collected over four years. Through molecular techniques, they identified the tapeworm species as Anoplocephala perfoliata.

Period of Study and Sample Collection

The study took place over a span of four years, from 2012 to 2015. Throughout this period, fecal samples were collected ten times.
The samples were selectively collected once in 2012, four times in 2013, four times in 2014, and once again in 2015.
In total, 162 fecal samples were examined for the presence of tapeworms.

Methodology and Testing

The research team employed the Faecal Egg Counts (FECs) method to determine the presence of tapeworms in the samples.
Positive samples indicating the presence of cestode eggs were found twice, specifically in October 2012 and December 2013. Both instances occurred in adult mares aged 9 and 11 years old respectively.
The detected prevalence rates for the tapeworm infection were found to be lower than that reported in other similar research studies. Prevalence stood at 4.3% in October 2013 and 28.5% in December 2013.