Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the detection of equine antibodies specific to a recombinant Fasciola hepatica surface antigen in an endemic area.
- Journal:
- Parasitology research
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Arias, María Sol et al.
- Affiliation:
- Animal Pathology Department · Spain
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Researchers in northwest Spain studied blood samples from 536 horses to see if they had antibodies against a parasite called Fasciola hepatica, which can cause liver problems. They found that about 60% of the horses tested positive for these antibodies, with a higher rate in female horses (mares) at 67%. Younger horses, especially foals, had much lower rates of sensitization at only 12%. The study also showed that older horses were more likely to have been exposed to this parasite. Overall, the test used was effective in detecting these antibodies, indicating that horses in this area are at a higher risk of being exposed to this parasite.
Abstract
The utility of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine the sensitization against the trematode Fasciola hepatica in horses from an endemic area (NW Spain) was assessed. Blood samples were collected from 536 horses and tested against a 2.9-kDa recombinant surface protein (FhrAPS) to estimate the presence of IgG antibodies. Data were analysed regarding several intrinsic (age, gender and breed) and extrinsic factors (aptitude and housing). The farm size (number of horses/farm) was also considered. Sixty percent (95% CI 56, 64) of the horses were positive to the FhrAPS-ELISA, with a significantly higher seroprevalence in the mares (67%). Foals reached the lowest percentage of sensitization against the trematode (12%), and a significant positive correlation between the seroprevalence of fasciolosis and the age of the horses was established. When considering all the factors together, the seroprevalence of fasciolosis was initially classified into two groups (nodes) regarding the age of the horses. The node composed of the horses older than 1 year was then divided into two other clusters according to their gender. The mares were finally classified and grouped into two nodes regarding their breed. We concluded that the FhrAPS-ELISA is very useful for the demonstration of specific equine IgG antibodies against F. hepatica. An elevated risk of exposition to this trematode in horses maintained in endemic areas was proven. The possible role of horses as reservoirs for F. hepatica infections is discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21847600/