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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)2026; 15(3); 303; doi: 10.3390/pathogens15030303

Nationwide Serological Survey of Equine Trypanosomosis in Kazakhstan.

Abstract: Equine trypanosomosis remains an important veterinary concern in regions where horses play a significant economic and cultural role. In Kazakhstan, comprehensive nationwide data on the seroepidemiological status of equine trypanosomes are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the serological distribution of equine trypanosomosis across all administrative regions of Kazakhstan using complement fixation testing (CFT). A total of 6065 equine serum samples were collected from seventeen regions between 2023 and 2025. Antibodies against members of the subgenus were detected using a WOAH-recommended CFT protocol. Overall seropositivity was 4.73%, with substantial regional variation ranging from 0% to 16.52%. Statistically significant differences in seroprevalence were observed between regions ( < 0.001), and mixed-effects modelling indicated considerable regional clustering. PCR testing of seropositive samples did not confirm the presence of , while one sample tested positive for . These findings suggest that CFT seropositivity reflects exposure to equine trypanosomes rather than confirmed dourine infection. Given the inability of CFT to reliably distinguish between and , species-level attribution remains uncertain. This study provides the first nationwide overview of serological reactivity to equine trypanosomes in Kazakhstan. The results highlight regional heterogeneity in antibody detection and underscore the need for expanded molecular surveillance and improved species-specific diagnostic tools to clarify the epidemiological status of equine trypanosomosis in the country.
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Publication Date: 2026-03-11 PubMed ID: 41901756PubMed Central: PMC13029147DOI: 10.3390/pathogens15030303Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Overview

  • This study conducted a nationwide survey in Kazakhstan to assess the prevalence of antibodies against equine trypanosomes, parasites that can cause disease in horses, using serological testing methods.
  • The research revealed variable regional exposure to these parasites but could not definitively identify the specific species responsible, emphasizing the need for better diagnostic techniques and further molecular studies.

Background and Importance

  • Equine trypanosomosis is a parasitic disease affecting horses and is a significant veterinary problem, especially in regions where horses contribute to the economy and culture.
  • Kazakhstan, with its large horse population, lacked comprehensive data on the prevalence of equine trypanosome infections across its administrative regions before this study.
  • Understanding the distribution of the disease is important for effective control and prevention strategies.

Objectives

  • To measure the seroprevalence—that is, the presence of antibodies indicating exposure—to equine trypanosomes throughout Kazakhstan.
  • To examine regional differences in infection rates using a standardized complement fixation test (CFT) recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
  • To use molecular methods (PCR) to confirm the presence of specific trypanosome species in seropositive animals.

Methodology

  • Sample Collection: Serum samples were collected from a total of 6,065 horses sampled across 17 administrative regions over two years (2023-2025).
  • Serological Testing: The complement fixation test (CFT) was used to detect antibodies against members of the Trypanozoon subgenus, which includes species causing dourine and other equine trypanosomoses.
  • Molecular Testing: PCR was conducted on samples that were seropositive to confirm infection by specific trypanosome species, particularly Trypanosoma equiperdum (causative agent of dourine) and related species.

Key Findings

  • Overall Seroprevalence: Approximately 4.73% of horses tested showed antibodies against equine trypanosomes.
  • Regional Variation: The prevalence varied widely by region, ranging from 0% to as high as 16.52%. This indicates substantial geographic heterogeneity in exposure or infection risk.
  • Statistical Analysis: Significant differences in prevalence rates were noted between regions (p < 0.001), and mixed-effects modeling suggested clustering of seropositive cases within particular regions, highlighting localized hotspots.
  • PCR Results: Despite the serological evidence of exposure, PCR did not confirm the presence of Trypanosoma equiperdum in any seropositive samples, except one that tested positive for a related species.
  • Diagnostic Limitation: The complement fixation test cannot reliably differentiate between Trypanozoon species (e.g., T. equiperdum vs. related parasites), so seropositivity might reflect exposure to multiple species rather than confirmed dourine infection.

Implications and Conclusions

  • This study provides the first comprehensive national seroepidemiological data on equine trypanosomosis in Kazakhstan.
  • The presence of antibodies indicates that horses across various regions have been exposed to trypanosomes, but the exact species causing these infections remain unclear due to diagnostic limitations.
  • Regional heterogeneity in seropositivity signals the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts in higher prevalence areas.
  • Results highlight the necessity for improved, species-specific diagnostic tools capable of distinguishing between closely related trypanosome species in horses.
  • Expanded molecular surveillance is recommended to clarify the true epidemiological status and assist in the development of better preventive measures.

Cite This Article

APA
(2026). Nationwide Serological Survey of Equine Trypanosomosis in Kazakhstan. Pathogens, 15(3), 303. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens15030303

Publication

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2076-0817
NlmUniqueID: 101596317
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 3
PII: 303

Researcher Affiliations

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Kazakhstan / epidemiology
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Trypanosoma / immunology
  • Trypanosoma / classification
  • Trypanosoma / isolation & purification
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / parasitology
  • Horse Diseases / immunology
  • Horse Diseases / blood
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Trypanosomiasis / veterinary
  • Trypanosomiasis / epidemiology
  • Trypanosomiasis / immunology
  • Trypanosomiasis / parasitology
  • Complement Fixation Tests

Grant Funding

  • BR218004/0223 / Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakh-stan

Conflict of Interest Statement

Nurkuisa Rametov is employed by Tecton Analytics LLP (Astana, Kazakhstan). Nurlan Akhmetsadykov is employed by Scientific and Production Enterprise “Antigen” LLP (Almaty Region, Kazakhstan). Kunsulu Zakarya is employed by National Holding “Qazbiopharm” JSC (Astana, Kazakhstan). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

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