Prevalence of Theileria Equi and Babesia Caballi and Associated Hemato-Biochemical Changes in Racing Horses in Erbil Province, Iraq.
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Theileria equi (T. equi) and Babesia caballi (B. caballi) in racing horses in Erbil Province, Iraq, and to assess the associated hemato-biochemical changes in infected animals. Methods: A total of 196 horses, including 155 clinically healthy and 41 clinically suspected infected animals, were examined using Giemsa-stained blood films and PCR to determine the prevalence rates. Additionally, the hemato-biochemical parameters of infected horses were compared to a non-infected control group (n = 10). Results: The prevalence of T. equi and B. caballi was determined using two diagnostic methods. Giemsa-stained blood smear analysis revealed prevalence rates of 15.8% (31/196) for T. equi and 5.1% (10/196) for B. caballi. In comparison, conventional PCR targeting the 18 S rRNA gene detected higher prevalence rates of 22.44% (44/196) for T. equi and 8.2% (16/196) for B. caballi. The prevalence of T. equi was significantly higher than that of B. caballi (P < 0.001). Infected horses exhibited significant hematological alterations, including microcytic anemia, with notable reductions in RBCs, Hb, and PCV, along with increased WBCs, lymphocytes and basophils compared to the healthy control group. Biochemical analysis revealed significant increases in AST, ALT, ALP, and total serum bilirubin, and decreases in total serum protein, albumin, calcium, and glucose in infected horses. Conclusions: These findings highlight the urgent need for heightened awareness, effective diagnostic methods, and targeted treatment strategies to combat equine piroplasmosis among racing horses in Erbil Province, Iraq.
© 2025. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Publication Date: 2025-01-24 PubMed ID: 39853481PubMed Central: 6572709DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00987-9Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research is about studying the prevalence of diseases caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi parasites in racing horses in Erbil Province, Iraq, and their impact on the horses’ blood and biochemical characteristics.
Study Overview
- The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of two parasites – Theileria equi and Babesia caballi – in racing horses within the Erbil Province of Iraq. These parasites are known to cause equine piroplasmosis, a serious disease that affects horses’ health and performance.
- Additionally, the study aimed to observe any associated changes in the blood and biochemical parameters of the infected horses.
- A total of 196 horses were involved in the study, including 155 that appeared clinically healthy and 41 that showed symptoms of potential infection. The method of testing involved Giemsa-stained blood films and PCR testing to detect the presence of the parasites.
Results
- Prevalence rates of the parasites were determined using two different diagnostic methods. When using Giemsa-stained blood smear analysis, the prevalence of Theileria equi was found to be 15.8%, while Babesia caballi was found in 5.1% of horses.
- On the other hand, the more accurate PCR method detected these parasites at higher rates – Theileria equi at 22.44% and Babesia caballi at 8.2%. It was noted that the prevalence of Theileria equi was significantly higher than that of Babesia caballi.
- The study noted significant changes in the hematological parameters of the affected horses. The horses suffered from microcytic anemia, which is characterized by a reduction in red blood cells, lower levels of hemoglobin, and a decrease in packed cell volume. Moreover, the infected horses displayed significantly increased white blood cells, lymphocytes, and basophils when compared to healthy control horses.
- From a biochemical perspective, indicators like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total serum bilirubin were significantly higher in infected horses. Simultaneously, infected horses demonstrated lower levels of total serum protein, albumin, calcium, and glucose.
Conclusions and Implications
- The observation of these significant hemato-biochemical changes and the high prevalence of equine piroplasmosis inform the need for heightened awareness and control strategies in the Erbil Province, Iraq, where the study was conducted.
- The finding suggests the necessity for more effective diagnostic methods, like the PCR technique, which showed a higher rate of detection than traditional Giemsa-stained blood films. Furthermore, improved treatment strategies could be designed by considering these clinical alterations found in infected animals.
- Ultimately, racing horses’ health can be better preserved, ensuring their wellbeing and performance is not compromised by these parasites.
Cite This Article
APA
Aziz KJ, Barwary LTOA, Issa NA, Abdulwahid MJ.
(2025).
Prevalence of Theileria Equi and Babesia Caballi and Associated Hemato-Biochemical Changes in Racing Horses in Erbil Province, Iraq.
Acta Parasitol, 70(1), 38.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-024-00987-9 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. khalid.aziz1@su.edu.krd.
- Pathology and Microbiology Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
- Surgery and Internal Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Theileria / genetics
- Theileria / isolation & purification
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Theileriasis / epidemiology
- Theileriasis / parasitology
- Iraq / epidemiology
- Babesiosis / epidemiology
- Babesiosis / parasitology
- Babesiosis / blood
- Babesia / genetics
- Prevalence
- Male
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Female
- RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / genetics
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declarations. Ethical Approval: The study received approval from the Ethical Committee of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Duhok, Iraq, under Permit number: CVM2023/0104UoD. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
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