Equine piroplasmosis
New article published in VISAVET Outreach Journal
April 3rd, 2017
Camino E. and Cruz F..
Babesia caballi (B. caballi) and Theileria equi (T.equi) are obligate intraerythrocytic protozoan parasites that cause equine piroplamosis. Previously, T. equi was known as Babesia equi. These parasites are transmitted by ticks of the genera Dermacentor, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. Ticks become infected by ingesting these protozoan which are in the blood of infected horses. Horses that survive can become inapparent carriers for a long time and they are a source of infection for the ticks which will parasite more horses. Besides, mainly in the case of T. equi, placental transmission is possible. Foals can be born with severe anaemia and icterus and die a few days after their birth or they can be born as carriers without clinical signs. Equine piroplasmosis is important since it is the main restriction on the export of horses to other countries.
The clinical signs of equine piroplasmosis are variable and non-specific. In general, the infection with T. equi results in more severe clinical disease than the infection with B. caballi. Signs of acute infection can vary from fever, anorexia and labour breathing to anaemia, thrombocytopenia, icterus and petechiae in the conjunctiva. Chronic infection may result in weight loss, lethargy and partial anorexia, and the spleen might be enlarged on rectal palpation.
 | Servicio de Vigilancia Sanitaria Equina (SEVISEQ). Centro de Vigilancia Sanitaria Veterinaria (VISAVET). Universidad Complutense (UCM). 111 |
