Serological, molecular and hematological diagnosis in horses with clinical suspicion of equine piroplasmosis: Pooling strengths.

This research article investigates the diagnosis practices for equine piroplasmosis (EP), a widespread tick-borne disease affecting horses. By comparing various diagnostic methods and examining their efficacy, the researchers offer insights into more effective and accurate diagnosis of EP.

Equine Piroplasmosis

• The article highlights equine piroplasmosis (EP), a disease found in horses that is caused by either Theileria equi or Babesia caballi, both of which are tick-borne protozoans.
• The disease presents with symptoms such as fever, pale mucosal membranes, jaundice, and has been linked to anemia and hyperbilirubinemia.
• EP has a significant economic impact on the equine industry, and is a particular problem in Spain, where it remains endemic.

Study Methodology

• The study involved 140 horses in Spain, all of which exhibited common symptoms of EP.
• The research methods included a microscopic examination of blood smears and a comparison of the results from competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA), real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and hematological and biochemical screenings.

Results and Findings

• In the studied cases, cELISA and PCR screenings indicated a 50.7% and 42.9% positivity for EP, respectively, while microscopic analysis only identified the disease in 9% of horses.
• The tests identified a higher number of B. caballi-positive horses via cELISA than PCR, and the agreement between these two testing methods was found to be higher for T. equi.
• An association was noticed between a high ELISA inhibition percentage and a positive PCR result for B. caballi.
• It was observed that horses infected with B. caballi presented more severe hemolytic anemia, while those with T. equi infection were associated with leukocytosis.
• While hematological and biochemical results could guide a vet toward diagnosis of T. equi or B. caballi, the findings suggest that PCR should be the preferred method for confirmation.

Impact and Future Work

• The study highlights the importance of accurate EP diagnosis, advocating for a combination of techniques for early and effective disease detection.
• Accurate diagnosis can aid in preventing the spread of the disease and in advising appropriate treatment plans, rather than treatment without concrete lab-based diagnoses.