Authors: Altay Kursat, Erol Ufuk, Sahin Omer Faruk, Ulucesme Mehmet Can, Aytmirzakizi Ayperi, Aktas Munir
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Tick-borne pathogens in Kyrgyz horses Equine piroplasmosis remains a significant constraint on international horse movement and trade, with two causative agents—*Theileria equi* and *Babesia caballi*—exhibiting considerable genetic diversity that may influence clinical presentation and immune responses. Researchers in Kyrgyzstan screened 311 blood samples from six regions using PCR and DNA sequencing to determine the prevalence and molecular characterisation of tick-borne pathogens in grazing horses, including piroplasms, *Anaplasma* species, and hemotropic mycoplasmas. *Theileria equi* was detected in 23 animals (7.4%), with genotypes A and E identified through phylogenetic analysis; notably, *Babesia caballi*, hemotropic mycoplasmas, and *Anaplasma phagocytophilum* were absent from the surveyed population, though *Anaplasma capra* detection in horses represents a first for the country. The modest sex and age differences observed—slightly higher infection rates in males and horses over five years—were not statistically significant, suggesting broadly equivalent exposure across the grazing population. Understanding the specific genotypes circulating in Central Asian horse populations is crucial for developing region-appropriate control strategies and informing import/export health protocols, particularly as genetic variation may affect vaccine efficacy and diagnostic sensitivity in surveillance programmes.
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Practical Takeaways
- •T. equi is present in Kyrgyzstan grazing populations at ~7% prevalence; practitioners should consider serological/molecular screening protocols for horses in endemic regions, particularly older males
- •Knowledge of specific T. equi genotypes (A and E) circulating locally may inform vaccine selection and control strategies as they become available
- •Absence of B. caballi and Anaplasma species in this survey does not rule out transmission risk; continued surveillance and tick control remain important
Key Findings
- •T. equi detected in 7.4% (23/311) of grazing horses in Kyrgyzstan; B. caballi, hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Anaplasma species not detected
- •T. equi infection rate higher in males (8.11%) versus females (6.35%) and in horses >5 years (9.02%) versus 1-4 years (6.35%), though differences not statistically significant
- •Phylogenetic analysis identified A and E genotypes of T. equi circulating in Kyrgyzstan horse populations
- •First molecular investigation of A. capra in horses in Kyrgyzstan; pathogen not detected despite wide host spectrum in region