Serological and Molecular Estimation of Theileria equi Infections in Horses of Baghdad, Al-Qadisiyah, and Wasit Provinces / Iraq

Abstract

This study carried out to estimate prevalence of equine theileriosis (ET) caused by Thieleria equi in horses from different region of three Iraqi provinces (Baghdad, Al-Qadisiyah, and Wasit) using two diagnostic methods, competitive-ELISA (c-ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Therefore, a total of 130 horses of different sexes, ages and activities were selected randomly for collection of jugular blood samples during ten months (March to December/2018). Overall results were revealed on 36.92% and 5.38% positive horses with ET by c-ELISA and PCR, respectively. comparison of infection rates between the diagnostic methods were showed that 4.62% positives by both assays, 0.77% positive by PCR only, 32.31% positives by c-ELISA only, and 62.31% were negatives by both assays. An association of ET infection rates to epidemiological risk factors (age, gender, activity, location, month of season) was evaluated in the present study. Among seropositive horses, significant increases (P<0.05) in c-ELISA results were reported in groups of ≥11 years (66.67 %); females (32.14%); non-race horses (40.57%); Al-Qadisiyah (37.84%) and Wasit (37.70%) provinces; and August (61.54%), respectively. Concerning to PCR results, significant elevations were appeared in groups of 1-3 years (11.76%); females (7.14%); non-race horses (6.60%); Al-Qadisiyah (8.11%) province; and June (23.08%), respectively.