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Tropical animal health and production2005; 37(4); 293-302; doi: 10.1007/s11250-005-5691-z

Theileria (Babesia) equi and Babesia caballi infections in horses in Galicia, Spain.

Abstract: The control of equine piroplasmosis is becoming increasingly important to maintain the international market open to the horse industry. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the occurrence of equine piroplasmosis (Theileria equi and Babesia caballi) in Galicia, north-west Spain, and to compare haematological and serum biochemistry parameters between non-parasitaemic horses and horses parasitaemic with T. equi and B. caballi. Sixty serum samples (control group) were taken from healthy horses pastured on two farms, and examined for evidence of equine T. equi and B. caballi infection by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of the 60 samples, 24 (40%) and 17 (28.3%) samples were positive for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. Twelve (20%) samples were positive for both parasites. Haematology and serum biochemistry were compared between controls and a series of 36 horses clinically affected by T. equi (25) or B. caballi (11). Compared with the healthy group, there was a 43% and 37% decrease in the haematocrit for T. equi and B. caballi infection, respectively. Parasitaemic horses presented an intense anaemia and serum biochemistry signs of liver damage. The anaemia was more severe in T. equi-infected than in B. caballi-infected horses. Our results suggest that equine piroplasmosis is widespread in the region and is a cause for concern.
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Publication Date: 2005-06-07 PubMed ID: 15934637DOI: 10.1007/s11250-005-5691-zGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research explored equine piroplasmosis (infections caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi) in Galicia, Spain, investigating its effects on blood and serum biochemistry parameters in horses. The findings suggest that these parasitic infections are commonplace in the area, causing significant health issues including anemia and liver damage.

Study Purpose and Methodology

  • The primary objective of the study was to uncover the occurrence of two types of equine piroplasmosis and their impact on horses found in Galicia, north-west Spain. These are diseases caused by parasitic protozoa, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi.
  • By contrasting the blood and serum biochemistry parameters between uninfected (non-parasitemic) horses and those infected with T. equi and B. caballi, the researchers were able to understand the profound health effects of these infections on the horse population in the region.
  • 60 serum samples taken from healthy horses pastured on two farms were put to an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The goal was to detect any signs of infection by T. equi and B. caballi.

Key Findings

  • From the 60 samples that were collected, 24 (or 40%) tested positive for T. equi, and 17 (or 28.3%) tested positive for B. caballi. Additionally, 12 (or 20%) samples tested positive for both parasites.
  • The researchers found that the haematocrit decreased by 43% for horses with T. equi infection and 37% for horses with B. caballi infection, compared to the control group of healthy horses.
  • Horses with these parasitic infections presented intense anaemia. Besides, liver damage was indicated by abnormal serum biochemistry.
  • The effects of anaemia were found to be more extreme in horses infected with T. equi than those infected with B. caballi.

Conclusion

  • Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that equine piroplasmosis is a prevalent issue in the Galicia region.
  • Given the severity of the health implications which include significant anemia and liver damage, this poses a considerable concern for the horse industry in this locality and potentially internationally.

Cite This Article

APA
Camacho AT, Guitian FJ, Pallas E, Gestal JJ, Olmeda AS, Habela MA, Telford SR, Spielman A. (2005). Theileria (Babesia) equi and Babesia caballi infections in horses in Galicia, Spain. Trop Anim Health Prod, 37(4), 293-302. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-005-5691-z

Publication

Tropical animal health and production
ISSN: 0049-4747
NlmUniqueID: 1277355
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 37
Issue: 4
Pages: 293-302

Researcher Affiliations

Camacho, A T
  • Laboratorio Lema & Bandín, C / Lepanto 5, bajo, 36201 Vigo, Spain. atcamacho@teleline.es
Guitian, F J
    Pallas, E
      Gestal, J J
        Olmeda, A S
          Habela, M A
            Telford, S R
              Spielman, A

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Babesia
                • Babesiosis / blood
                • Babesiosis / epidemiology
                • Babesiosis / veterinary
                • Blood Chemical Analysis / veterinary
                • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / veterinary
                • Hematologic Tests / veterinary
                • Horse Diseases / blood
                • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
                • Horse Diseases / parasitology
                • Horses
                • Prevalence
                • Spain / epidemiology

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