Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora spp. in horses, donkeys, and mules from Colombia.

The research focuses on examining the prevalence of Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora spp., two related protozoa causing equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, in horses, donkeys, and mules from certain parts of Colombia. It suggests that equids in these regions are exposed to S. neurona, but antibodies to Neospora spp. are less common.

Research Methodology

• The study used an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to detect antibodies against S. neurona and Neospora spp. in 649 equids (351 horses, 267 donkeys, and 31 mules) from six departments in the North and Northwest of Colombia.
• The researchers implemented a binomial logistic regression model to determine the variables associated with exposure.

Findings and Results

• The frequency of anti-S. neurona antibodies was found to be 14.24% in horses, 2.99% in donkeys, and 16.13% in mules.
• Córdoba and Antioquia departments showed the highest seropositivity to S. neurona with 13.01 and 8.3%, respectively.
• The frequency of anti-Neospora spp. antibodies was much lower – 1.42% for horses, 1.12% for donkeys, and 0% for mules.
• Atlántico was the state with the highest seropositivity to Neospora spp. (10%).
• No risks associated with Neospora spp. infection were found in the study.

Risk Factors for S. neurona

• The risk for S. neurona infection was found to be notably lower in donkeys than in horses and mules.
• The risk was higher in animals with a poor body condition.
• Older animals (over 12 years) demonstrated a higher risk of seropositivity.
• Animals living in climates associated with tropical very dry forest showed an increased risk.

Conclusion and Future Research

• The researchers concluded that equids from these regions of Colombia are exposed to S. neurona, but antibodies to Neospora spp. are rather rare.
• The study calls for more extensive research to explore the presence of these two agents in other areas of the country.
• The research also implies the need to investigate the impact of the identified risk factors on the susceptibility of horses to these protozoal agents and the epidemiological effect of these underdiagnosed coccidia.