Seroprevalence of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in Croatia – Short communication.

This research article investigates the prevalence and geographic distribution of the bacterial strain Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, responsible for the disease strangles, in horses in Croatia. The study finds the bacteria to be widely spread across the country, with larger horse populations showing higher rates of disease.

Subject and Purpose of the Study

• The researchers aimed to explore the prevalence and geographic spread of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in horses in Croatia.
• This subspecies causes strangles, a respiratory disease in horses, which was regularly noticed in some parts of Croatia, but specific data was lacking.
• The goal was to shed light on the prevalence, the different clinical manifestations, and the distribution pattern of this disease across the country.

Methodology

• The study involved 291 horses, sourced from eight counties where most of Croatia’s horses are found.
• An indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA) was used to detect the presence of antibodies against two proteins (SEQ_2190 and SeM) associated with S. equi.
• This method allowed the researchers to identify horses that had been exposed to the bacteria, even if they showed no symptoms.

Findings

• The study found a 16.5% overall seroprevalence rate, but the rate varied from county to county, ranging between 7.1 and 29.6%.
• This means that antibodies against S. equi were found in approximately one-sixth of the horses tested, suggesting exposure to the bacteria.
• Interestingly, a correlation was found between the size of the horse population in a county and the rate of seropositivity. Counties with larger horse populations exhibited higher prevalence rates.

Implications and Future Research

• The study provides evidence that the S. equi infection is widespread in Croatia.
• As a clear correlation between population size and infection rate was found, the study implies that measures to control and prevent the spread in crowded horse communities may be essential.
• Given the findings, further investigations into the various clinical manifestations, circulating strains, and other specific disease characteristics in the country are recommended.
• Furthermore, increasing the awareness of the disease among horse owners is likely needed to ensure proper care, prevention, and early treatment, if necessary.