Author/Authors :
AFRIDI, Muhammad Jamal Khan Faculty of Veterinary Sciences - University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan , MIAN, Abdul Hafeez Dept. of Parasitology - University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan , SAQIB, Muhammad Faculty of Veterinary Sciences - University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan , ABBAS, Ghazanfar Faculty of Veterinary Sciences - University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan , ALI, Javid Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences - University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan , MANSOOR, Muhammad Khalid Animal Health Research Center - Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Muscat, Oman , SIAL, Awais ur Rahman Dept. of Clinical Studies - PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan , RASHEED, Imaad Faculty of Veterinary Sciences - University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan , HUSSAIN, Muhammad Hammad Faculty of Veterinary Sciences - University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Abstract :
Background: Theileria equi is a tick borne protozoan parasite which causes piroplasmosis
among equines worldwide. The present study was aimed to determine seroprevalence
of T. equi in donkeys, horses, and mules from two equine populated districts
(Peshawar and Charsadda) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan.
Methods: A total of 393 equine (195 horses, 194 donkeys and 4 mules) serum samples
were collected from five and four randomly selected localities in Charsadda (n =
193) and Peshawar (n = 200), respectively. The presence of antibodies to T. equi was
determined using a commercially available competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay.
Results: An overall seroprevalence of 38.2% (n=150) was observed among all the tested
animals suggesting a higher seropositivity among equids belonging to Charsada
(50.3%) as compared to Peshawar (27.5%). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed
that being a donkey (OR 2.94), having tick infestation (OR 4.32), history
of voiding red (i.e., blood containing) urine (OR 3.97) and anemia (OR 2.1) were
the factors significantly associated with the seroprevalence of T. equi. For animals
with higher anti-T. equi antibody titers, a strong association of seroprevalence for T.
equi was recorded with species, age, sex, tick infestation, anemia and history of hematuria.
Conclusion: The present study indicates a high level of exposure of working equids
to T. equi in KPK region, Pakistan. Future studies should focus on tick vector identification
and other factors responsible for spread of the disease.
Keywords :
Seroprevalence , Piroplasmosis , Theileria equi , Donkey , Horse , cELISA , Pakistan
