Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
2
Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
3
Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
4
Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by Babesia caballi (B. caballi) and Theileria equi (T. equi), is a tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease that is prevalent worldwide. In Iran, the disease is endemic and often manifests in subclinical form. To control the disease by detecting carrier horses, real-time PCR has emerged as a suitable method.
Objectives: This study aimed to detect B. caballi and T. equi in horses in Ardabil province, Iran, using SYBR Green I real-time PCR.
Methods: This study was conducted from April to August 2015 in five cities (Ardabil, Nir, Namin, Sareyn, and Meshginshahr) in Ardabil province. Blood samples were collected randomly from 92 healthy horses, noting their age, gender, and sampling location. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and assessed, followed by SYBR Green I real-time PCR. Data analysis was conducted using Rotor-Gene Q series software, calculating target DNA concentration based on each unknown sample's cycle threshold (Ct) value. Positive values were defined as exceeding 1 ng/reaction. The relationship between horse infection rate and different age groups (1-5, 6-10, and >10 years), gender, and sampling locations was investigated using a chi-square test through SPSS statistical software. The values of P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: In this study, the frequency of B. caballi-infected horses was 9 (9.8%), and T. equi-infected horses were 4 (4.4%). A significant relationship was observed between the B. caballi infection and the age group of 5-10 years. However, there was no significant relationship among the B. caballi infection and gender and sampling locations. Furthermore, no significant relationship was observed among the T. equi infection and the age groups, gender and sampling locations of the horses.
Conclusion: The infection found in apparently healthy horses suggests endemic equine piroplasmosis in this region. Therefore, greater focus is needed on controlling and treating carrier horses.
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