Urban Horses As Environmental Bioindicators for Leishmaniasis.

This research article investigates the possibility of using horses as biological indicators for the disease Leishmaniasis, via the detection of DNA and antibodies present in horse serum. The study, conducted in a rural society in the north central region of Paraná, shows that the horses have been exposed to the disease-causing protozoans, suggesting they could serve as bioindicators of the disease’s presence in the environment.

Methods and Data Collection

• The study conducted an evaluation based on the physical examination of 112 healthy horses in a rural society in Paraná. The collected data was used to investigate the possibility of these animals as environmental bioindicators for Leishmaniasis.
• Researchers checked for the presence of DNA and anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in the serum of these horses. The serum was found to be an effective and minimally invasive source of material for this purpose.
• The antigens of Leishmania spp were used to perform the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This method was used to detect the reaction of the horse’s immune system to the protozoans causing Leishmaniasis.

Results and Interpretation

• DNA of Leishmania spp. was found in 67.34% of the tested samples and immune reaction to Leishmania spp was detected in 27.67% of the samples. This indicates a widespread exposure to the protozoan among the horse population in the studied region.
• The results demonstrate that the tested horses have previously been exposed to the protozoans that cause Leishmaniasis. Thus, these horses could serve as indicators of the presence of Leishmania spp in that environment.

Implications and Further Research

• Taking into account the importance of understanding Leishmaniasis, the lack of detailed information on the species causing it, and the high commercial and societal value of horses, the study calls for further rigorous investigation.
• Specifically, more studies are required to understand the epidemiological profile of horses in relation to the disease as well as the possibility of horses acting not only as hosts but also as potential reservoirs of the disease.
• The results of this study highlight the interconnection between human and livestock health and the environments they inhabit, reinforcing the need for multi-species and multi-disciplinary approaches in disease prevention and management.