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Parasitology research2023; 122(8); 1873-1881; doi: 10.1007/s00436-023-07888-2

Morphological, serological, molecular detection, and phylogenetic analysis of Trypanosoma evansi in horses of different regions in Iran.

Abstract: Trypanosoma evansi, the causative agent of "surra" is enzootic in Iran. The current study aimed to detect T. evansi in horses from different regions of Iran using morphological, serological, and molecular methods. In 2021, 400 blood samples were collected from horses in eight regions. Eighty horses showed clinical signs such as cachexia (n = 64), fever (n = 36), foot edema (n = 40), and abdominal edema (n = 32), and 320 horses appeared healthy. All samples from the studied regions were evaluated for the presence of trypanosomes using direct analysis of blood smears, mercuric chloride, and PCR-based tests. In total, 12% (95% CI: ± 3.1%), 21% (95% CI: ± 3.9%), and 21% (84) of animals were positive for Trypanosoma in microscopic, serologic, and molecular analyses, respectively. All animals positive for SSU rDNA PCR were from Qom, Semnan, and Golestan regions. Further molecular analyses on 84 PCR-positive horses revealed that 29 horses scored positive in PCR using primers of trypanozoon species and 5 scored positive in PCR using primers of Trypanosoma evansi type A. All samples (n = 5) were from Qom region. The 205-bp fragments of T. evansi RoTat 1.2VSG (accession numbers: ON017789-93) analyzed and compared to other isolates sequence from GenBank BLAST search. It has close similarities with isolates from Pakistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Kenya, and India. Data herein demonstrated that horses from Iran were at high risk of T. evansi infection. Comprehensive control programs, such as those based on the application of repellants and traps, and also, compliance with quarantine standards are recommended for minimizing the risk of the infection.
Publication Date: 2023-06-05 PubMed ID: 37272975PubMed Central: 8858479DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07888-2Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The study focuses on the detection and analysis of the parasite ‘Trypanosoma evansi,’ the cause of a disease called ‘surra,’ among horses in Iran. It uses multiple detection tools, such as morphology, serology, and molecular methods, and also performs a phylogenetic analysis for further understanding.

Study Scope and Methods

  • This research was conducted in 2021, targeting multiple regions in Iran. The focus was on Trypanosoma evansi, a pathogen responsible for deadly equine disease known as “surra.”
  • The researchers collected a total of 400 blood samples from horses across eight different Iranian regions. Some of these horses showed signs of being infected with ‘surra’, such as weight loss, fever, and different forms of edema.
  • Three main types of tests were employed to detect the presence of the Trypanosoma parasites: direct analysis of blood smears, a mercuric chloride test, and PCR-based tests (molecular analysis).

Results of the Study

  • The study revealed the presence of Trypanosoma in varying percentages of tested horses, 12% in microscopic analysis, and 21% in both serologic and molecular analyses. The results suggest a substantial presence of the parasite among the horse population in the surveyed regions.
  • All identified positive cases of Trypanosoma in the molecular (PCR-based) analysis were from three regions: Qom, Semnan, and Golestan.
  • Further in-depth molecular study on the PCR-positive cases determined that several horses showed specific evidence of the presence of Trypanosoma evansi. All samples which exhibited this were from the Qom region.

Phylogenetic Analysis and Recommendations

  • The researchers also performed a phylogenetic analysis using specific fragments of T. evansi, showing similarities with isolates from Pakistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Kenya, and India. This reveals that the detected strains in Iran have a close genetic relationship with strains from other countries.
  • Given the findings of a high risk of infection among the horse population in Iran, the researchers advise comprehensive control programs, including the use of repellants, traps, and strict adherence to quarantine standards to minimize the spread of the disease caused by T. evansi.

Cite This Article

APA
Javanshir A, Tavassoli M, Esmaeilnejad B. (2023). Morphological, serological, molecular detection, and phylogenetic analysis of Trypanosoma evansi in horses of different regions in Iran. Parasitol Res, 122(8), 1873-1881. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-023-07888-2

Publication

ISSN: 1432-1955
NlmUniqueID: 8703571
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 122
Issue: 8
Pages: 1873-1881

Researcher Affiliations

Javanshir, Ali
  • Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
Tavassoli, Mousa
  • Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. mtavassoli2000@yahoo.com.
Esmaeilnejad, Bijan
  • Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Phylogeny
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Trypanosoma / genetics
  • Trypanosomiasis / diagnosis
  • Trypanosomiasis / epidemiology
  • Trypanosomiasis / veterinary
  • Camelus

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