Background: Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by
Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, is a prevalent tick-borne hemoprotozoan disease worldwide. In Iran, the disease is endemic and often manifests in subclinical form. To control the disease by detecting carrier horses, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a suitable method.Objectives: We aimed to detect B. caballi and T. equi in horses in Ardabil Province, Iran, using
SYBR Green I real-time PCR. Methods: This study was conducted from April to August ۲۰۱۵ in ۵ cities (Ardabil, Nir, Namin, Sareyn, and Meshginshahr) in Ardabil Province, Iran. Blood samples were randomly collected from ۹۲ healthy horses, noting their age, gender, and sampling location. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and assessed, followed by SYBR green I real-time PCR. Data analysis was conducted using Rotor-Gene Q Series software to calculate the target DNA concentration based on the unknown sample’s cycle threshold (Ct) value. Positive values were defined as exceeding ۱ ng/reaction. The relationship between horse infection rate and different age groups (۱-۵, ۶-۱۰, and >۱۰ years), gender, and sampling locations was investigated using a chi-square test through SPSS statistical software. P<۰.۰۵ were considered significant.Results: In this study, the frequency of B. caballi-infected horses was ۹(۹.۸%), and that of T. equi-infected horses was ۴(۴.۴%). A significant relationship was observed between the B. caballi infection and the age group of ۵-۱۰ years. However, there was no significant relationship between the B. caballi infection and gender or sampling locations. Furthermore, no significant relationship was observed between the T. equi infection and the age groups, gender, and sampling locations of the horses.Conclusion: The infection found in apparently healthy horses suggests endemic EP in this region. Therefore, greater focus is needed on controlling and treating carrier horses.
