First Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analyses of Zoonotic Giardia intestinalis in Horses in Turkey.

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Giardia intestinalis in Turkish Horses Molecular screening of 150 clinically healthy horses in Central Anatolia identified *Giardia intestinalis* in 16.6% of faecal samples using nested PCR targeting the β-giardin gene—the first documented detection of this parasite in Turkish equine populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all positive isolates belonged to assemblage A, the zoonotic form capable of infecting humans, highlighting horses as potential reservoirs for cross-species transmission. Beyond the epidemiological significance of establishing baseline prevalence data in a previously unstudied population, these findings carry direct implications for equine practitioners and those with occupational exposure to infected horses, particularly given the parasite's resistance to standard disinfection protocols and ability to persist in contaminated environments. Although asymptomatic shedding was documented in this cohort, the prevalence warrants investigation into whether giardiosis manifests clinically in other Turkish populations or under different management conditions. Farriers, veterinarians, and yard staff should consider enhanced biosecurity measures and personal hygiene protocols when handling horses in endemic regions, whilst the broader zoonotic risk assessment requires coordinated epidemiological studies across geographical regions and host populations.

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Key Findings

• •16.6% (25/150) of naturally infected horses in Turkey tested positive for G. intestinalis by nested PCR of β-giardin gene
• •All detected G. intestinalis sequences belonged to assemblage A, which is classified as zoonotic
• •This is the first molecular detection and report of G. intestinalis in horses in Turkey

Conditions Studied

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