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Donald P Knowles - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Twenty Years of Equine Piroplasmosis Research: Global Distribution, Molecular Diagnosis, and Phylogeny.
Pathogens (Basel Switzerland), 2020Co-Authors: Sharon Tirosh-levy, Donald P Knowles, Yuval Gottlieb, Lindsay M. Fry, Amir SteinmanAbstract:Equine Piroplasmosis (EP), caused by the hemoparasites Theileria equi, Theileria haneyi, and Babesia caballi, is an important tick-borne disease of Equines that is prevalent in most parts of the world. Infection may affect animal welfare and has economic impacts related to limitations in horse transport between endemic and non-endemic regions, reduced performance of sport horses and treatment costs. Here, we analyzed the epidemiological, serological, and molecular diagnostic data published in the last 20 years, and all DNA sequences submitted to GenBank database, to describe the current global prevalence of these parasites. We demonstrate that EP is endemic in most parts of the world, and that it is spreading into more temperate climates. We emphasize the importance of using DNA sequencing and genotyping to monitor the spread of parasites, and point to the necessity of further studies to improve genotypic characterization of newly recognized parasite species and strains, and their linkage to virulence.
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Theileria equi isolates vary in susceptibility to imidocarb dipropionate but demonstrate uniform in vitro susceptibility to a bumped kinase inhibitor.
Parasites & Vectors, 2015Co-Authors: Siddra A Hines, Joshua D Ramsay, Lowell S Kappmeyer, Audrey Ot Lau, Kayode K Ojo, Wesley C Van Voorhis, Donald P Knowles, Robert H MealeyAbstract:Background The apicomplexan hemoparasite Theileria equi is a causative agent of Equine Piroplasmosis, eradicated from the United States in 1988. However, recent outbreaks have sparked renewed interest in treatment options for infected horses. Imidocarb dipropionate is the current drug of choice, however variation in clinical response to therapy has been observed.
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Review of Equine Piroplasmosis.
Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 2013Co-Authors: L.n. Wise, Lowell S Kappmeyer, Robert H Mealey, Donald P KnowlesAbstract:Equine Piroplasmosis is caused by one of 2 erythrocytic parasites Babesia caballi or Theileria equi. Although the genus of the latter remains controversial, the most recent designation, Theileria, is utilized in this review. Shared pathogenesis includes tick-borne transmission and erythrolysis leading to anemia as the primary clinical outcome. Although both parasites are able to persist indefinitely in their equid hosts, thus far, only B. caballi transmits across tick generations. Pathogenesis further diverges after transmission to equids in that B. caballi immediately infects erythrocytes, whereas T. equi infects peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The recent re-emergence of T. equi in the United States has increased awareness of these tick-borne pathogens, especially in terms of diagnosis and control. This review focuses in part on factors leading to the re-emergence of infection and disease of these globally important pathogens.
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differential expression of three members of the multidomain adhesion ccp family in babesia bigemina babesia bovis and theileria equi
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Reginaldo G Bastos, Donald P Knowles, Massaro W. Ueti, Carlos E Suarez, Jacob M Laughery, Wendell C JohnsonAbstract:Members of the CCp protein family have been previously described to be expressed on gametocytes of apicomplexan Plasmodium parasites. Knocking out Plasmodium CCp genes blocks the development of the parasite in the mosquito vector, making the CCp proteins potential targets for the development of a transmission-blocking vaccine. Apicomplexans Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina are the causative agents of bovine babesiosis, and apicomplexan Theileria equi causes Equine Piroplasmosis. Bovine babesiosis and Equine Piroplasmosis are the most economically important parasite diseases that affect worldwide cattle and Equine industries, respectively. The recent sequencing of the B. bovis and T. equi genomes has provided the opportunity to identify novel genes involved in parasite biology. Here we characterize three members of the CCp family, named CCp1, CCp2 and CCp3, in B. bigemina, B. bovis and T. equi. Using B. bigemina as an in vitro model, expression of all three CCp genes and proteins was demonstrated in temperature-induced sexual stages. Transcripts for all three CCp genes were found in vivo in blood stages of T. equi, and transcripts for CCp3 were detected in vivo in blood stages of B. bovis. However, no protein expression was detected in T. equi blood stages or B. bovis blood stages or B. bovis tick stages. Collectively, the data demonstrated a differential pattern of expression of three orthologous genes of the multidomain adhesion CCp family by B. bigemina, B. bovis and T. equi. The novel CCp members represent potential targets for innovative approaches to control bovine babesiosis and Equine Piroplasmosis.
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Outbreak of Equine Piroplasmosis in Florida
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2012Co-Authors: Michael A. Short, Donald P Knowles, Carol K. Clark, John W. Harvey, Wenzlow, Ian K. Hawkins, David R. Allred, Joseph L. Corn, Juanita F. Grause, Steven G. HennagerAbstract:Case Description—A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was hospitalized in Ocala, Fla, because of lethargy, fever, anorexia, and swelling of distal aspects of the limbs. A tentative diagnosis of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) was made on the basis of examination of a blood smear. The case was reported to the Florida State Veterinarian, and infection with Babesia equi was confirmed. The subsequent investigation included quarantine and testing of potentially exposed horses for B equi and Babesia caballi infections, tick surveillance, and owner-agent interviews. Clinical Findings—210 horses on 25 premises were tested for infection with EP pathogens. Twenty B equi–infected horses on 7 premises were identified; no horses tested positive for B caballi. Seven horses, including the index case, had clinical findings consistent with EP. Dermacentor variabilis was considered the only potential tick vector for B equi collected, and all D variabilis specimens tested negative for Babesia organisms via PCR assay. Results of the epidemiological investigation suggested that B equi was spread by use of shared needles and possibly blood transfusions. All horses that tested positive were involved in nonsanctioned Quarter Horse racing, and management practices were thought to pose substantial risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Treatment and Outcome—Final outcome of B equi–infected horses was euthanasia, death from undetermined causes, or shipment to a US federal research facility. Clinical Relevance—This investigation highlights the importance of collaboration between private veterinary practitioners, state veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and regulatory officials in the recognition, containment, and eradication of foreign animal disease. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012;240:588–595)
Fatima Cruz-lopez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Sero-molecular survey and risk factors of Equine Piroplasmosis in horses in Spain.
Equine veterinary journal, 2020Co-Authors: Eliazar Camino, Pilar Pozo, Abel Dorrego, Aranzazu Buendia, Lucía De Juan, Lucas Domínguez, Fatima Cruz-lopezAbstract:BACKGROUND Theileria equi and Babesia caballi cause Equine Piroplasmosis (EP), one of the most important tick-borne diseases of horses due to its high negative impact to the Equine industry. Although infections with these parasites have been reported for decades in Spain, epidemiological studies have only been carried out in certain regions. OBJECTIVES To determine the (sero)prevalence of these parasites in asymptomatic horses nationwide in Spain and to identify potential individual and environmental factors associated with seropositivity to EP. STUDY DESIGN Sample size was calculated according to the horses registered in Spain in 2013 and by autonomous community using a random stratified sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data on factors associated with EP seropositivity. METHODS Serological (cELISA and complement fixation test) and molecular (real-time PCR) analyses were carried out in 740 horses. Risk factors were identified computing two independent logistic regression models with the collated data. RESULTS Antibodies against EP were detected in 42.9% (95% CI 39.4-46.5) of horses, whereas 30.3% (95% CI 27.0-33.6) were EP positive by PCR. A substantial strength of agreement (k = 0.721) was estimated between serological tests. Exposure to T. equi was significantly higher than to B. caballi and the highest (sero)prevalence was detected in the northern communities. Increasing horse age, presence of ticks and contact with cows were factors related to EP seropositivity in the horses, whereas tetanus vaccination and fairs attendance were associated with lower seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS Almost half of the horses residing in Spain had antibodies against EP or circulating parasitaemia. Appropriate prevention measures and implementation of a EP surveillance programme should be considered in order to reduce and control the infection.
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Importance of Equine Piroplasmosis antibody presence in Spanish horses prior to export.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Eliazar Camino, Pilar Pozo, Abel Dorrego, Kelly Alejandra Carvajal, Aranzazu Buendia, Sergio González, Lucía De Juan, Lucas Domínguez, Fatima Cruz-lopezAbstract:Abstract Serological analysis of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP), caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, is included in the export testing requirements for most of the countries worldwide, thus involving a high economic impact on Equine industry of EP-endemic countries, such as Spain. A total of 3368 serum samples from healthy horses collected prior to export between 2015 and 2018 in Spain were tested for antibodies against T. equi and B. caballi by using a competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The overall seroprevalence results in Spain revealed that almost a quarter of the horses analysed (24.1 %; 95% CI 22.6–25.5) could not be exported to countries free from EP. The implementation of prevention measures such as the use of acaricides and daily checks for ticks in horses, as well as regular serological screening of horses in Spain would aid to increase the number of horses exported to other countries.
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Serological, molecular and hematological diagnosis in horses with clinical suspicion of Equine Piroplasmosis: Pooling strengths.
Veterinary parasitology, 2019Co-Authors: Eliazar Camino, Abel Dorrego, Kelly Alejandra Carvajal, Lucía De Juan, Lucas Domínguez, Aranzazu Buendia-andres, Fatima Cruz-lopezAbstract:Abstract Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne protozoan disease caused by Theileria equi and/or Babesia caballi. Clinical signs (fever, pale mucosal membranes, jaundice), anemia and hyperbilirubinemia have been associated with the disease. EP is widespread, has a significant economic impact on the Equine industry and remains endemic in Spain. This study was carried out with samples belonging to 140 horses residing in Spain and showing common clinical signs of EP. A blood smear microscopic examination and a comparison between the different results obtained by competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA), real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and hematological and biochemical (direct and total bilirubin) screening were conducted. EP positivity rates by cELISA and PCR were 50.7% and 42.9%, respectively, whereas only 9% of the horses were positive in the microscopic analysis. A significantly higher number of B. caballi-positive horses were detected by cELISA than PCR, and Kappa value was higher for T. equi (k = 0.575) than for B. caballi (k = 0.401). For the first time, an association between a high ELISA inhibition percentage (IP) and a positive PCR result for B. caballi was determined. Although most authors have described T. equi as more pathogenic than B. caballi, we found that horses parasitized by B. caballi showed a more severe hemolytic anemia, whereas T. equi infections were mostly associated with leukocytosis. The hemogram and clinical chemistry could guide the veterinary surgeon towards the diagnosis of T. equi or B. caballi since horses showed a significant leukocytosis or anemia and hyperbilirubinemia, respectively; however PCR would be the test of choice in order to confirm the diagnosis. Information about the importance of a correct diagnosis of EP using a combination of techniques is essential in order to allow the early detection of cases and prevent the spread of the disease, as well as to avoid the common practice of treating horses without a laboratory diagnosis.
Eliazar Camino - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Sero-molecular survey and risk factors of Equine Piroplasmosis in horses in Spain.
Equine veterinary journal, 2020Co-Authors: Eliazar Camino, Pilar Pozo, Abel Dorrego, Aranzazu Buendia, Lucía De Juan, Lucas Domínguez, Fatima Cruz-lopezAbstract:BACKGROUND Theileria equi and Babesia caballi cause Equine Piroplasmosis (EP), one of the most important tick-borne diseases of horses due to its high negative impact to the Equine industry. Although infections with these parasites have been reported for decades in Spain, epidemiological studies have only been carried out in certain regions. OBJECTIVES To determine the (sero)prevalence of these parasites in asymptomatic horses nationwide in Spain and to identify potential individual and environmental factors associated with seropositivity to EP. STUDY DESIGN Sample size was calculated according to the horses registered in Spain in 2013 and by autonomous community using a random stratified sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data on factors associated with EP seropositivity. METHODS Serological (cELISA and complement fixation test) and molecular (real-time PCR) analyses were carried out in 740 horses. Risk factors were identified computing two independent logistic regression models with the collated data. RESULTS Antibodies against EP were detected in 42.9% (95% CI 39.4-46.5) of horses, whereas 30.3% (95% CI 27.0-33.6) were EP positive by PCR. A substantial strength of agreement (k = 0.721) was estimated between serological tests. Exposure to T. equi was significantly higher than to B. caballi and the highest (sero)prevalence was detected in the northern communities. Increasing horse age, presence of ticks and contact with cows were factors related to EP seropositivity in the horses, whereas tetanus vaccination and fairs attendance were associated with lower seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS Almost half of the horses residing in Spain had antibodies against EP or circulating parasitaemia. Appropriate prevention measures and implementation of a EP surveillance programme should be considered in order to reduce and control the infection.
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Importance of Equine Piroplasmosis antibody presence in Spanish horses prior to export.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Eliazar Camino, Pilar Pozo, Abel Dorrego, Kelly Alejandra Carvajal, Aranzazu Buendia, Sergio González, Lucía De Juan, Lucas Domínguez, Fatima Cruz-lopezAbstract:Abstract Serological analysis of Equine Piroplasmosis (EP), caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, is included in the export testing requirements for most of the countries worldwide, thus involving a high economic impact on Equine industry of EP-endemic countries, such as Spain. A total of 3368 serum samples from healthy horses collected prior to export between 2015 and 2018 in Spain were tested for antibodies against T. equi and B. caballi by using a competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The overall seroprevalence results in Spain revealed that almost a quarter of the horses analysed (24.1 %; 95% CI 22.6–25.5) could not be exported to countries free from EP. The implementation of prevention measures such as the use of acaricides and daily checks for ticks in horses, as well as regular serological screening of horses in Spain would aid to increase the number of horses exported to other countries.
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Serological, molecular and hematological diagnosis in horses with clinical suspicion of Equine Piroplasmosis: Pooling strengths.
Veterinary parasitology, 2019Co-Authors: Eliazar Camino, Abel Dorrego, Kelly Alejandra Carvajal, Lucía De Juan, Lucas Domínguez, Aranzazu Buendia-andres, Fatima Cruz-lopezAbstract:Abstract Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne protozoan disease caused by Theileria equi and/or Babesia caballi. Clinical signs (fever, pale mucosal membranes, jaundice), anemia and hyperbilirubinemia have been associated with the disease. EP is widespread, has a significant economic impact on the Equine industry and remains endemic in Spain. This study was carried out with samples belonging to 140 horses residing in Spain and showing common clinical signs of EP. A blood smear microscopic examination and a comparison between the different results obtained by competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (cELISA), real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and hematological and biochemical (direct and total bilirubin) screening were conducted. EP positivity rates by cELISA and PCR were 50.7% and 42.9%, respectively, whereas only 9% of the horses were positive in the microscopic analysis. A significantly higher number of B. caballi-positive horses were detected by cELISA than PCR, and Kappa value was higher for T. equi (k = 0.575) than for B. caballi (k = 0.401). For the first time, an association between a high ELISA inhibition percentage (IP) and a positive PCR result for B. caballi was determined. Although most authors have described T. equi as more pathogenic than B. caballi, we found that horses parasitized by B. caballi showed a more severe hemolytic anemia, whereas T. equi infections were mostly associated with leukocytosis. The hemogram and clinical chemistry could guide the veterinary surgeon towards the diagnosis of T. equi or B. caballi since horses showed a significant leukocytosis or anemia and hyperbilirubinemia, respectively; however PCR would be the test of choice in order to confirm the diagnosis. Information about the importance of a correct diagnosis of EP using a combination of techniques is essential in order to allow the early detection of cases and prevent the spread of the disease, as well as to avoid the common practice of treating horses without a laboratory diagnosis.
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epidemiological situation of the exposure to agents causing Equine Piroplasmosis in spanish purebred horses in spain seroprevalence and associated risk factors
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 2018Co-Authors: Eliazar Camino, Kelly Alejandra Carvajal, Lucía De Juan, Lucas Domínguez, Maria Luisa De La Cruz, Paloma Fores, Fatima CruzlopezAbstract:Abstract Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, which causes severe economic losses to the Equine industry, represented by the Spanish Purebred (SP) horse in Spain. The seroprevalence of EP is known in certain regions of Spain, but till date, there are no data in SP horses. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of EP in the SP breeding horse population in central Spain and to evaluate risk factors associated with the occurrence of the infection. A total of 536 horse serum samples were tested for antibodies against T. equi and B. caballi by competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data on possible risk factors were examined using two logistic regression models with and without a random effect at the stud farm level. The true seroprevalence results were 21.8% for T. equi and 4.7% for B. caballi. Increasing horse age and increasing numbers of breeding stallions on the stud farm were identified as factors associated with EP seropositivity. The implementation of vaccination programs in the horses and disinfection measures in the premises were associated with a lower T. equi and B. caballi seroprevalence, respectively. A moderate exposure to EP was found in SP horses in central Spain. Further investigations are necessary to ensure appropriate preventive measures for stud farms and to facilitate the development of an EP surveillance program in the SP breeding horse population.
Chihiro Sugimoto - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Current status of Equine Piroplasmosis in the Sudan
Infection genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Bashir Salim, Mohammed A Bakheit, Joseph Kamau, Chihiro SugimotoAbstract:This is a cross-sectional molecular epidemiological study on Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) affecting horses and donkeys in the Sudan. The study evaluated 499 samples from geographically distinct regions in eastern, central and western parts of the country. PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene of both Thelieria equi and Babesia caballi was carried out. Horses from all sampled areas were found positive to T. equi DNA but no B. caballi was detected. Absence of B. caballi infection was confirmed by another PCR targeting the B. caballi 48-kDa merozoite antigen. The overall prevalence was found to be 35.95%. The highest prevalence was detected in Showak 13 (81.3%) and the lowest was in Shearia locality in South Darfur 1 (5.6%). In another experiment, capillary electrophoresis was used to detect and differentiate between T. equi and B. caballi using one set of primers designed to amplify the 18S rRNA gene in a single PCR. Capillary electrophoresis method was found to be powerful in detecting mixed infections in artificially mixed controls samples. The data obtained in this study would contribute to the development of a national control strategy of EP in the Sudan.
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nucleotide sequence heterogeneity in the small subunit ribosomal rna gene within theileria equi from horses in sudan
Parasitology Research, 2010Co-Authors: Mohammed A Bakheit, Bashir Salim, Joseph Kamau, Ichiro Nakamura, Chihiro SugimotoAbstract:This is a molecular epidemiological investigation on Theileria equi, a causative agent of Equine Piroplasmosis. Blood samples were collected from 127 horses from different geographical locations in Sudan. The small subunit of rRNA gene (18S; ~1,600 bp) was amplified from 20 positive field samples and subsequently subjected to direct sequencing and analysis to reveal possible strain differences and the presence of a novel species or genotypes. Sequences were compared with published sequences mainly from South African and Spanish isolates. Eleven distinct T. equi sequences within 18S rRNA gene were identified to have occurred, and three genotypes were lying within the three previously identified groups. Alignments demonstrated extensive sequence variation in the hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene and many SNPs within the Sudanese T. equi isolates.
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Short communication Development of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for diagnosis of Equine Piroplasmosis
2007Co-Authors: Andy Alhassan, Noboru Inoue, Chihiro Sugimoto, Naoaki Yokoyama, Makhosazana Y. Motloang, Peter A. Mbati, Yoshinari Katayama, Toru Anzai, Ikuo IgarashiAbstract:Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel nucleic acid method whereby DNA is amplified with high specificity, efficiency, and rapidity under isothermal conditions using a set of four specifically designed primers and a DNA polymerase with strand displacement activity. In this study, we used LAMP primer sets designed from EMA-1 and Bc 48 genes for detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infections, respectively. These primer sets specifically amplified DNA of the respective parasites. Both primer sets amplified T. equi and B. caballi up to 10 6 dilution of 10-fold serially diluted samples. Furthermore, DNA extracted from blood collected from a horse experimentally infected with T. equi was amplified by a T. equi LAMP primer set from days 2 to 35 post-infection, demonstrating the high sensitivity of these primers. Of 55 samples collected from China, 81.8% and 56.3% were positively detected by LAMP for T. equi and B. caballi infections, respectively. In contrast, 91.8% and 45.9% of the 37 samples collected from South Africa were LAMP positive for T. equi and B. caballi, respectively. These results suggest that LAMP could be a potential diagnostic tool for epidemiological studies of Equine Piroplasmosis. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Development of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for diagnosis of Equine Piroplasmosis.
Veterinary parasitology, 2006Co-Authors: Andy Alhassan, Noboru Inoue, Naoaki Yokoyama, Oriel M. M. Thekisoe, Makhosazana Y. Motloang, Peter A. Mbati, Hong Yin, Yoshinari Katayama, Toru Anzai, Chihiro SugimotoAbstract:Abstract Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel nucleic acid method whereby DNA is amplified with high specificity, efficiency, and rapidity under isothermal conditions using a set of four specifically designed primers and a DNA polymerase with strand displacement activity. In this study, we used LAMP primer sets designed from EMA-1 and Bc 48 genes for detection of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infections, respectively. These primer sets specifically amplified DNA of the respective parasites. Both primer sets amplified T. equi and B. caballi up to 10 −6 dilution of 10-fold serially diluted samples. Furthermore, DNA extracted from blood collected from a horse experimentally infected with T. equi was amplified by a T. equi LAMP primer set from days 2 to 35 post-infection, demonstrating the high sensitivity of these primers. Of 55 samples collected from China, 81.8% and 56.3% were positively detected by LAMP for T. equi and B. caballi infections, respectively. In contrast, 91.8% and 45.9% of the 37 samples collected from South Africa were LAMP positive for T. equi and B. caballi , respectively. These results suggest that LAMP could be a potential diagnostic tool for epidemiological studies of Equine Piroplasmosis.
D. G. M. Sutton - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Equine Piroplasmosis status in the uk an assessment of laboratory diagnostic submissions and techniques
Veterinary Record, 2019Co-Authors: Robert M. Coultous, Paul Phipps, Charlie Dalley, Jane Lewis, Toniann Hammond, Brian Shiels, William Weir, D. G. M. SuttonAbstract:Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) has historically been of minor concern to UK Equine practitioners, primarily due to a lack of competent tick vectors. However, increased detection of EP tick vector species in the UK has been reported recently. EP screening is not currently required for Equine importation, and when combined with recent relaxations in movement regulations, there is an increased risk regarding disease incursion and establishment into the UK. This study evaluated the prevalence of EP by both serology and PCR among 1242 UK Equine samples submitted for EP screening between February and December 2016 to the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Animal Health Trust. Where information was available, 81.5 per cent of submissions were for the purpose of UK export testing, and less than 0.1 per cent for UK importation. Serological prevalence of EP was 8.0 per cent, and parasite DNA was found in 0.8 per cent of samples. A subsequent analysis of PCR sensitivity in archived clinical samples indicated that the proportion of PCR-positive animals is likely to be considerably higher. The authors conclude that the current threat imposed by UK carrier horses is not adequately monitored and further measures are required to improve national biosecurity and prevent endemic disease.
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Equine Piroplasmosis study
The Veterinary record, 2017Co-Authors: Robert M. Coultous, Willie Weir, D. G. M. SuttonAbstract:WE write to raise further awareness among the profession regarding Equine Piroplasmosis, which is common in most regions of the world, and currently endemic in many parts of Europe. Clinical signs of this tickborne protozoal infection may include pyrexia, anaemia, dehydration and lethargy in acute cases, with milder signs of malaise and reduced performance in the chronic condition. …
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Equine Piroplasmosis treatment protocols specific effect on orocaecal transit time as measured by the lactose 13c ureide breath test
Equine Veterinary Journal, 2012Co-Authors: Janina Kutscha, T. Preston, D. G. M. Sutton, Alan John GuthrieAbstract:Summary Reasons for performing study Imidocarb dipropionate is the drug of choice for Equine Piroplasmosis but its administration causes severe colic and diarrhoea. An imidocarb protocol that reduces these effects is needed. Objectives 1) Quantification of the effects of imidocarb dipropionate on Equine orocaecal transit time (OCTT), with and without atropine or glycopyrrolate premedication and 2) investigation of an improved pretreatment regimen for imidocarb administration. Hypothesis Treatment with imidocarb dipropionate will result in colic and reduced OCTT as demonstrated by the lactose 13C-ureide breath test which will be ameliorated by premedication with either atropine or glycopyrrolate. Methods The effects of 3 drug therapies on OCTT were compared in 6 healthy horses in a randomised double-blind study vs. a saline control: 1) imidocarb dipropionate 2.4 mg/kg bwt administered intramuscularly (i.m.) with saline administered intravenously (i.v.; imidocarb/saline); 2) imidocarb dipropionate 2.4 mg/kg bwt administered i.m. with atropine 0.035 mg/kg bwt administered i.v. (imidocarb/atropine) and 3) imidocarb dipropionate 2.4 mg/kg bwt administered i.m. with glycopyrrolate 0.0025 mg/kg bwt administered i.v. (imidocarb/glycopyrrolate). The lactose 13C-ureide breath test was used to measure OCTT in each case and significance of treatment effect determined by a linear model analysis of variance. Results Imidocarb/atropine treatment caused an increase in OCTT (P<0.05) whereas imidocarb/saline produced a nonsignificant decrease in OCTT. Imidocarb/saline caused colic and diarrhoea in 4 of 6 horses, which were not seen in any of the horses treated with imidocarb/atropine or imidocarb/glycopyrrolate or administered the saline control. Intestinal borborygmi were increased in imidocarb/saline and decreased in imidocarb/atropine treated horses, respectively. Conclusions Imidocarb/saline treatment induced colic signs and a potential reduction in OCTT while imidocarb/atropine treatment increased OCTT significantly when compared with imidocarb/saline. Both atropine and glycopyrrolate premedication ameliorated the clinical gastrointestinal effects of imidocarb but atropine produced significant inhibition of gastric and/or small intestinal motility not detected with glycopyrrolate. Premedication with glycopyrrolate is recommended when using imidocarb for treatment of Equine Piroplasmosis.