Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in apparently healthy horses in eastern of Spain.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses and represents a significant health risk for humans, especially for immunodeficient patients. The main transmission route is by oral uptake of oocysts and consumption of undercooked meat of infected animals. Different species have been evaluated as possible reservoirs of the parasite, but few studies have been carried out to examine the role of horses in transmission of the disease. Given the proximity of these animals to humans and the widespread consumption of their meat in many countries, including the Mediterranean basin, it is important to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in this species. In this study, blood samples from 105 horses were collected and the presence of T. gondii was evaluated by serological and molecular methods. Antibodies against T. gondii of 12 horses (11.43%) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas 29 horses (27.62%) showed positive for PCR. Seroprevalence was related to use of the animals, being higher in horses used for dressage than in others. Purebreds had higher seroprevalence than crossbred animals. No differences between breed, sex or age were found. The results of this study confirm the presence of T. gondii infection in horses, highlighting the need to analyse the meat of this species before human consumption and to control of this infection in horses, as they could be an important reservoir of this zoonotic parasite.

Adaptive and innate immune response of Leishmania infantum infection in Cirneco dell'Etna dog breed.

Leishmania spp. are an intracellular protozoa present in many countries around the world. In Europe, both the parasite and the disease it causes, leishmaniasis, are endemic in the Mediterranean basin. Clinical signs and severity of disease are highly variable depending on the host in both humans and dogs, traditionally considered the main reservoir of the parasite. The reason for these differences is not known, but it has been speculated that some hosts present immune response, related to activation of Th1 and Th17, capable of controlling the spread of the parasite, and that these immune responses are related to the genetic background of the host. The Ibizan hound, an autochthonous canine breed of the Mediterranean basin, has been postulated as a breed resistant to infection, but other canine breeds evolutionarily close to it and native to this region have not been studied. One of them is the Cirneco dell'Etna, native to the island of Sicily in southern Italy. In this study, the immune response against L. infantum infection in this canine breed was analysed. The results showed that infected dogs of this breed present high levels of several cytokines related to Th1 and Th17 immune response, and significant correlation between serum levels of cytokines related to disease resistance. Further studies are necessary in this canine breed to determine the mechanisms of immune response and genetic background related to L. infantum infection control.

Prevalence and factors associated with Leishmania spp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections in apparently healthy horses in Eastern Spain.

Leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis are two of the most common parasitic zoonoses. Leishmaniasis is endemic to 98 countries around the world, whereas toxoplasmosis is widely distributed throughout the world, causing significant health expenditure. Horses can play a relevant role in the transmission of the disease, being a silent reservoir, as clinical signs are not common. Serum samples from 166 horses living in eastern Spain (Mediterranean basin) were analysed to determine the presence of antibodies against Leishmania spp. and T. gondii by ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay.) The risk factors evaluated were the geographical area and the relative humidity and average temperature, and epidemiological factors such as sex, reproductive status, age, breed, morphotype, living with other domestic animals, use and access to the outdoors. Seroprevalence of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii infection was found 28.92%, and 16.27% respectively, whereas co-infection of the two parasites was found only in two males. Leishmania seroprevalence was high in castrated males and several mesodolichomorphic equine breeds used for teaching, as well as in outdoor animals. The most elevated seroprevalence was found in winter with higher levels of rainfall, whereas high seroprevalence of T. gondii was found in crossbreeding animals and those used for breeding. High seroprevalence of Leishmania spp. and T. gondii was found in horses of the Mediterranean basin. These data suggest that horses can act as a silent reservoir and that this species has high potential for transmission to humans, outdoor animals and in geographical areas with high average rainfall.

Prevalence and Factors Related to Leishmania infantum Infection in Healthy Horses (Equus caballus) from Eastern Spain.

Leishmaniosis is a zoonosis caused by Leishmania spp., an intracellular protozoan parasite. This parasite is transmitted by sandflies, and the disease is endemic in the Mediterranean basin. In recent years, the number of species which could be a reservoir of the parasite is increased. One of the most relevant species is the horse, due to their contact with humans and ability to control the disease, thus being a possible silent reservoir. In this study, we have analyzed the prevalence and factors related to L. infantum infection in healthy horses in the Mediterranean region. Epidemiological data and serum samples were obtained from 167 apparently healthy horses, and the presence of L. infantum was evaluated via the ELISA method and real-time PCR. The results show 27.5% of prevalence and that the main factors related to infection are equine breed, morphotype, outdoor living, use, and season. In conclusion, the prevalence of L. infantum infection in apparently healthy horses from eastern Spain (Mediterranean basin) is elevated. To control this zoonosis, it would be advisable to carry out more studies on this and other species that could be silent reservoirs of the parasite, as well as carry out measures such as the use of repellents on a regular basis.