Occurrence of Thelazia lacrymalis (Nematoda, Spirurida, Thelaziidae) in native horses in Abruzzo region (central eastern Italy).

This study investigates the prevalence of a parasite, Thelazia lacrymalis, in native horses in the Abruzzo region of Italy. It was found that nearly 40% of the horses surveyed were infected with this parasite, which mainly resides in the horses’ tear ducts and can cause conjunctivitis.

Research Methodology

• The study was conducted over a period of one year, from August 29, 1997 to August 28, 1998.
• The researchers studied 128 native horses of varying ages – from eight months to 11 years old.
• Both eyes of each horse were examined in the survey.

Results and Findings

• 39.06% (or 50 horses) were infected by the parasite Thelazia lacrymalis.
• A total of 502 specimens (371 females, 88 males and 43 larvae) of T. lacrymalis were collected from these infected horses.
• The number of T. lacrymalis in each infected horse ranged from 1 to 48, with an average rate of 3.92 per horse.
• The parasites were most commonly found in the Harderian gland’s excretory ducts, the ducts of the lacrimal glands, within the conjunctiva, as well as behind the nictitancte.

Associated Health Conditions

• Conjunctivitis, particularly follicular conjunctivitis, was found in 58% of the infected horses. This was identified during a gross examination of the horse’s eyes.
• This indicates that the presence of T. lacrymalis can cause eye ailments in horses.

Implications

• This study highlights the prevalence of T. lacrymalis in native horses in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
• It pinpoints the need for increased vigilance and possible treatment initiatives to curb the widespread infection.
• The strong link between T. lacrymalis infection and conjunctivitis also indicates the need to address eye health in horses and suggests the possibility of eye-related health issues being an indicator of T. lacrymalis infection.