Strongylus vulgaris: Infection rate and molecular characterization from naturally infected donkeys at Sadat City, Egypt.

The study investigates the infection rate and genetic characterization of the highly pathogenic horse parasite, Strongylus vulgaris, in donkeys from Sadat City, Egypt.

Study Aim and Methodology

• The objective of this research was to microscopically diagnose natural infection of donkeys with Strongylus vulgaris in Sadat City, Egypt. This horse parasite is known to cause serious illness in equines including aneurysms and artery thrombosis which can be fatal.
• Fecal egg culture was employed following the diagnosis of strongyle eggs to determine the species of the parasite. Hematological and biochemical parameters were also evaluated.
• The researchers used post-mortem examination to collect adult worms from the infected animals. This was followed by a sequence analysis of ITS-2, a region of the parasite’s DNA, to further confirm the species.

Findings of the Study

• The microscopic examination revealed an infection rate of 15.85%. The larval culture confirmed strongyle eggs as Strongylus vulgaris larvae.
• The ITS-2 DNA sequence was found to be approximately 95% similar to sequences from Germany, China, and Turkey. It also fell within the same genetic group as the sequence from Germany.
• This indicates that the Strongylus vulgaris found in the donkeys of Sadat City, Egypt is genetically similar to those found in these other countries.

Significance of the Research

• This study provides the first diagnosis, assessment of changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in infected animals, and genetic characterization of Strongylus vulgaris in Sadat City, Egypt.
• The findings could serve to further our understanding of the geographic distribution and genetic variations of this dangerous parasite. This in turn could lead to more targeted and effective treatment and prevention strategies for Strongylus vulgaris infection.