Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in apparently healthy horses in eastern of Spain.

The research article dwells on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among horses in eastern Spain. It highlights the potential role of horses as carriers of this parasitic infection which has significant health implications for humans, particularly immunodeficient ones.

Background and Aim

• The study focuses on Toxoplasmosis, a common parasitic disease that poses a substantial health risk to humans, especially those with weaker immune systems due to disease or age. The primary transmitting route is through consumption of undercooked meat of infected animals.
• The research has a special emphasis on horses, as current data on their role as potential carriers remain insufficient despite their closeness to humans and widespread consumption of horse meat in many countries.
• The researchers aimed to determine the prevalence of the T. gondii infection among horses, with blood samples collected from 105 horses.

Methodology and Findings

• The infection was examined through serological and molecular methods. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect antibodies against T. gondii, whilst a Polymerase Chain Reaction test (PCR) was employed to identify the parasite’s genetic material.
• Findings showed that 12 horses (11.43%) had antibodies detected by ELISA, and 29 horses (27.62%) tested positive for PCR.
• The prevalence of infection was found to be related to how horses are used. Those involved in dressage exhibited higher infection rates. Furthermore, infection rates were more prominent in purebred horses compared to crossbreeds. No conspicuous differences in rates of infection based on breed, sex or age were observed.

Implications

• This study suggests that horses can be considered as a significant reservoir of the T. gondii infection.
• These findings underscore the importance of thorough meat inspection before consumption and appropriate disease control in horses, to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission.
• It pushes for further research on the subject, specifically on how infection rates fluctuate based on factors such as breed or occupational use.