Seroprevalence rates of antibodies against Theileria equi in team roping horses from central-western region of Paraná.

The research article investigated the presence of Theileria equi, a disease causing parasite, in roping horses in the region of Paraná, Brazil. 61% of the horses were found to be carriers, suggesting that this disease could be impacting the performances of athletic horses.

Study Objective

The primary objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of a parasitic disease, caused by Theileria equi, in athletic horses in the central western region of Paraná state, Brazil. The researchers aimed to determine how widespread this infection could be as it potentially impacts the performance of horses in the region.

Methods

• The researchers used a sample of 400 roping horses from the district of Guarapuava for their study.
• The presence of antibodies against T. equi was determined in the horses by conducting a common laboratory test called the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• The ELISA test is used to measure the amount of specific antibodies in the blood which can show if a horse has previously been infected with the T. equi parasite.

Results

• The study found that 242 out of the 400 horses, or 61%, tested positive for IgG antibodies against T. equi, indicating a previous or current infection.
• The high prevalence of infection suggests equine piroplasmosis, a disease caused by T. equi, is widespread in this region.
• This finding supports the researchers’ assumption that this parasitic disease could be a contributing factor to the irregular performance of athlete horses in the region.
• No connection was found between the horses’ age or sex and the presence of T. equi antibodies (p>0.05).

Conclusion

• This serological survey is reportedly the first of its kind in Paraná, Brazil, providing new information on equine piroplasmosis prevalence in the area.
• The conclusions drawn highlight the potential impact of this widespread disease on the performance of athletic horses, an important factor for the local horse industry to consider.