The first serological evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses in Slovakia.

This research study discusses the first evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a bacterial disease, in horses in Slovakia found through specific antibody testing. Although the disease was detected in a significant percentage of horses, there was no confirmation through PCR testing.

Objective and Methodology of Research

• The primary goal of the study was to conduct an initial investigation into the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, a re-emerging pathogen, in horses in Slovakia. This disease is known to infect humans and several species of wild and domesticated mammals.
• The researchers tested blood samples from 200 horses of varying ages and genders for A. phagocytophilum antibodies using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. This is a test that uses antibodies modified with a fluorescent dye to identify and measure the presence of the disease in a sample.
• Further analysis involved attempting to detect a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of A. phagocytophilum using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This is a highly specific and sensitive method that amplifies the DNA to allow for detection of the disease.

Results of the Study

• The test results showed a significant prevalence of A. phagocytophilum antibodies in the tested horses, with 85 out of 200 horses (42.5%) tested positive for these specific antibodies.
• No significant difference was observed among horses of different ages and genders, indicating that A. phagocytophilum can infect all horses regardless of their age or sex.
• However, the PCR analysis did not detect the presence of the A. phagocytophilum in any of the tested samples suggesting either low level of infection or limitation of the detection method.

Significance of the Study

• The high prevalence of A. phagocytophilum detected in this study indicates a high level of exposure among horses in Slovakia, one of the highest in Central Europe.
• This data gives an insight into the circulation of the disease in this region.
• The findings provide an indication of the potential risk of A. phagocytophilum transmission to other susceptible species in the region, aiding in future prevention strategies.