Serological status of mares in parturition and the levels of antibodies (IgG) against protozoan family Sarcocystidae from their pre colostral foals.

The research article examines the correlation between the levels of antibodies in mares and seropositivity in pre-colostral foals concerning protozoa from the Sarcocystidae family, which are drivers of reproductive and neurological disorders in horses.

Research Objectives and Methodology

• The primary aim of the research was to ascertain the relationship between the level of antibodies in mares and the proportion of seropositive pre-colostral foals. The study also sought to evaluate the level and distribution of antibodies against Neospora spp., Sarcocystis neurona, and Toxoplasma gondii in mares and pre-colostral foals during parturition.
• To achieve these goals, the researchers collected blood samples from the mares immediately after parturition and from the newborn foals before they had ingested any colostrum. The serum was analyzed using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to detect the presence of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. This test was performed to determine if the mares and foals were seropositive for the three parasites being investigated.

Research Findings and Conclusions

• In the study, it was found that 21.5% of mares were seropositive for Neospora spp., 33.7% for S. neurona, and 27.6% for T. gondii. The rate of foals having antibodies was lower; 8.3% for Neospora spp., 6.6% for S. neurona, and 6.6% for T. gondii.
• The study revealed a negative correlation between serum reactivity against the three parasites in mares and pre-colostral foals. This means mares with low to intermediate antibody levels, or those that were seronegative, were found to have a higher risk of giving birth to seropositive foals.
• The findings of this study are essential in understanding the correlation of antibodies in mares and seropositivity in foals regarding protozoa from the Sarcocystidae family and the risk for reproductive and neurological disorders in horses. Further, they provide crucial insights into how the transmission of these diseases from mother to offspring may occur.