Risk factor analysis associated with Theileria equi infected equines in semi-arid and sub-humid ecological enzootic zones of India.
- Journal Article
Summary
The research article investigates the prevalence and risk factors associated with equine piroplasmosis caused by Theileria equi in different Indian states and their implications on equine health.
Objective of Study
The aim of the study was to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of the prevalence of Theileria equi, an agent causing equine piroplasmosis, particularly in the endemic regions of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. Furthermore, the research focused on detailing the risk factors associated with T. equi infection.
Sampling and Detection Method
- Serum samples from a total of 1021 equines, including 792 horses, 168 donkeys and 61 mules, were collected for the study.
- The presence of T. equi specific antibodies was detected using Indirect ELISA based on equine merozoite antigen-2 (EMA-2).
Findings of the Study
- The highest prevalence rate of T. equi was found in Rajasthan (71.40%), followed by Haryana (60.39%) and Gujarat (48.92%). The overall prevalence rate across these regions was 64.44%.
- Upon breaking down by species, T. equi was found in 66.29% horses, 51.19% donkeys, and 91.80% mules.
- Statistical analysis revealed a meaningful association between age, species, and gender with regards to T. equi infection.
- Animals in the 0-1 year age group were found to have a high T. equi positivity rate of 60%, indicating that they become infected at a young age and remain infected for life.
Risk Analysis
- A significant correlation was observed between the species of the animal and the prevalence rate of T. equi infection.
- Risk factor analysis placed mules at a higher risk of infection compared to horses and donkeys, with an Odd’s ratio of 5.696, within a 95% confidence interval of 2.25-14.38.
Conclusion of the Study
The researchers concluded that there is a high risk of endemic T. equi infection in the semi-arid and sub-humid ecological zones of India. The study further asserts that the risk of contracting the disease is dependent on the species, with mules having a higher risk compared to horses and donkeys. The study’s findings underscore the need for appropriate control measures and awareness to prevent T. equi infection from spreading in these regions.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125 001, Haryana, India; Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, 125 055, Haryana, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, 125 055, Haryana, India.
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125 001, Haryana, India; Division of Medicine, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243 122, Uttra Pradesh, India.
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125 001, Haryana, India.
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125 001, Haryana, India.
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125 001, Haryana, India.
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125 001, Haryana, India. Electronic address: sanjay.nrce@gmail.com.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
- Climate
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Equidae / parasitology
- Factor Analysis, Statistical
- Female
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / immunology
- Horse Diseases / parasitology
- Horses / parasitology
- India / epidemiology
- Male
- Prevalence
- Risk Factors
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Theileria / immunology
- Theileria / isolation & purification
- Theileriasis / epidemiology
- Theileriasis / immunology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Zhao S, Wang H, Zhang S, Xie S, Li H, Zhang X, Jia L. First report of genetic diversity and risk factor analysis of equine piroplasm infection in equids in Jilin, China.. Parasit Vectors 2020 Sep 9;13(1):459.
- Onyiche TE, Taioe MO, Ogo NI, Sivakumar T, Biu AA, Mbaya AW, Xuan X, Yokoyama N, Thekisoe O. Molecular evidence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in equines and ticks in Nigeria: prevalence and risk factors analysis.. Parasitology 2020 Sep;147(11):1238-1248.