Molecular Detection and Prevalence of Equine Piroplasmosis and Other Blood Parasites in Equids of Western Aegean Türkiye
2025
Selin Hacilarlioglu | Huseyin Bilgin Bilgic | Tulin Karagenc | Heycan Berk Aydin | Hasan Toker | Hakan Kanlioglu | Metin Pekagirbas | Serkan Bakirci
Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, is a tick-borne disease posing significant threats to equine health and the horse industry worldwide. Other vector-borne blood parasites, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Trypanosoma spp., and Leishmania spp., can also infect horses: however, their prevalence remains poorly characterized in Tü:rkiye. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of T. equi, B. caballi, A. phagocytophilum, Trypanosoma spp., and Leishmania spp. in equids from the Western Aegean Region of Tü:rkiye. Blood samples were collected from 388 clinically healthy equines across İ:zmir, Aydı:n, Denizli, and Muğ:la provinces. Species-specific PCR assays were performed, and T. equi and B. caballi were detected in 24.74% (96/388) and 12.89% (50/388) of samples, respectively, with co-infections in 3.09%. T. equi and B. caballi infections were detected in horses from all four sampled provinces&mdash:Aydı:n, İ:zmir, Denizli, and Muğ:la&mdash:except for B. caballi, which was not found in any samples from Muğ:la. No samples tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, Trypanosoma spp., or Leishmania spp. Prevalence significantly varied by province, breed, age, and sex (p <: 0.05). This study demonstrates the considerable prevalence of T. equi and B. caballi in Western Tü:rkiye, underlining the need for routine screening and vector control programs. The absence of other parasites suggests limited circulation: however, continued surveillance remains crucial to safeguard equine health and prevent disease spread.
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