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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Sci / Molecular Investigations of Babesia caballi from Clinically ...
Veterinary sciences2024; 11(12); 600; doi: 10.3390/vetsci11120600

Molecular Investigations of Babesia caballi from Clinically Healthy Horses in Southwestern Romania.

Abstract: is a tick-borne hemoparasite that causes equine piroplasmosis. It has a significant economic impact, decreasing performance and affecting animal welfare. This study aimed to identify DNA in the blood of horses from households in the southwestern and western regions of Romania. We included 310 animals, from which blood was collected via EDTA. To test the samples for the parasite genome, we used real-time PCR and conventional PCR. The prevalence of was 5.81% (18/310) in apparently healthy horses, suggesting that this parasite is enzootic in the regions studied, although veterinarians did not indicate any symptoms resembling clinical babesiosis. In Romania, there are insufficient epidemiologic data on equine babesiosis, and the results of the present study suggest the need for further investigations into the dynamics of transmission and to identify potential prevention and control strategies.
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Publication Date: 2024-11-27 PubMed ID: 39728940PubMed Central: PMC11680348DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11120600Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This is a study about a parasite called Babesia caballi that affects horses and is common in southwestern and western Romania. By collecting blood samples from 310 horses and testing them for the parasite genome, researchers found a prevalence rate of 5.81%. This suggests the parasite is commonly found in these regions even if horses do not show any symptoms, indicating a possible need for improved prevention and control strategies.

Overview of Babesia Caballi

The study concerns Babesia caballi, a parasite transmitted by ticks that can cause an illness in horses known as equine piroplasmosis. This illness can have a significant economic impact by reducing horse performance and creating issues related to animal welfare.

Research Purpose and Methodology

The main purpose of the study was to identify the presence of Babesia caballi DNA in the blood of horses from southwestern and western Romania. The researchers included 310 horses in their study.

  • The blood was collected using a method called EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which allows the blood to be tested without clotting.
  • The collected blood samples were then tested for the presence of Babesia caballi parasite genome using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and conventional PCR procedures, which are widely-used methods for detecting genetic material.

Results of the Study

In the tested group of apparently healthy horses, the prevalence of Babesia caballi was found to be 5.81% (18 out of 310 horses). This suggests that the parasite is enzootic in the studied regions, meaning it is regularly found without any awareness of its presence due to the lack of obvious symptoms.

Implications of the Study

In Romania, there is currently insufficient epidemiological data concerning equine babesiosis. The results of this study suggest the importance of further investigations into understanding:

  • How the parasite is transmitted.
  • How potential prevention and control strategies can be identified and implemented.

These are essential for improving horses’ health and alleviate the economic impact in the regions studied.

Cite This Article

APA
(2024). Molecular Investigations of Babesia caballi from Clinically Healthy Horses in Southwestern Romania. Vet Sci, 11(12), 600. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11120600

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 12
PII: 600

Researcher Affiliations

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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