Rapid Detection of Equine Piroplasms Using Multiplex PCR and First Genetic Characterization of Theileria haneyi in Egypt

Abstract

Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is an infectious disease caused by the hemoprotozoan parasites Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and the recently identified species T. haneyi. Hereby, we used a multiplex PCR (mPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi and B. caballi for the simultaneous detection of EP in Egyptian equids and examined the presence of T. haneyi infections in Egypt. Blood samples from 155 equids (79 horses and 76 donkeys) collected from different governorates of Egypt were examined by mPCR and PCR targeting T. hayeni. The mPCR method revealed a prevalence of T. equi of 20.3% in horses and of 13.1% in donkeys and a prevalence of B. caballi of 1.2% in horses. B. caballi was not detected in donkeys in the current study. The mPCR method also detected coinfections with both species (2.5% and 1.3% in horses and donkeys, respectively). Additionally, we report the presence of T. haneyi in Egypt for the first time in 53.1% of the horse and 38.1% of the donkey tested samples. Coinfection with T. haneyi and T. equi was found in 13.5% of the samples, while infection with the three EP species was found in 1.9% of the samples.

Development of Nested PCR and Duplex Real-Time Fluorescence Quantitative PCR Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi

“…Biomolecular detection methods have developed rapidly in recent years. Particularly, owing to its high sensitivity and specificity, PCR technology has been established as the best method for detecting and differentiate EP ( 15 , 26 , 31 ). Previous studies have shown that nPCR is more sensitive and specific than traditional PCR in detecting EP ( 9 , 16 , 19 ).…”

Identifying 3rd larval stages of common strongylid and non-strongylid nematodes (class: Nematoda) infecting Egyptian equines based on morphometric analysis

“…Regardless of the fact that these equines play significant role in sustaining the daily lives of people by providing support in industries such as agriculture, construction, tourism, and public transportation. However, the health and welfare of domesticated equines is frequently overlooked [ 1 ].…”

Seroprevalence of Anti-Theileria equi Antibodies in Horses from Three Geographically Distinct Areas of Romania

“…Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne protozoal disease of horses, donkeys, zebras, and mules caused by the haemoprotozoan parasites Theileria equi, Babesia caballi [1], and T. haneyi (newly identified species) [2,3]. The disease affects red blood cells [1][2][3], and in the literature, it has been referred to as equine malaria, biliary equine fever, and tick-borne fever and has affected all species of Equidae [4].…”

“…Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne protozoal disease of horses, donkeys, zebras, and mules caused by the haemoprotozoan parasites Theileria equi, Babesia caballi [1], and T. haneyi (newly identified species) [2,3]. The disease affects red blood cells [1][2][3], and in the literature, it has been referred to as equine malaria, biliary equine fever, and tick-borne fever and has affected all species of Equidae [4]. It has endemic characteristics in most parts of the world, with significant clinical and economic consequences due to the necessary treatment, the decreased output of animals, and the negative impact on international trade [5,6].…”

“…Are protozoan parasites, mainly transmitted by ticks. There are around 30 species of Ixodidae identified as potential vectors [3,7,8].…”