This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Molecular Detection and Prevalence of Equine Piroplasmosis and Other Blood Parasites in Equids of Western Aegean Türkiye
by
, , and
Selin Hacilarlioglu
1
,
Huseyin Bilgin Bilgic
1,
Tulin Karagenc
1,
Heycan Berk Aydin
1,
Hasan Toker
1,
Hakan Kanlioglu
2,
Metin Pekagirbas
1 and
Serkan Bakirci
1,* 1
Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, 09017 Aydın, Türkiye
2
Medical Laboratory Techniques Program, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Aydın Vocational School of Health Services, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, 09010 Aydın, Türkiye
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(9), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12090826 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 17 July 2025
/
Revised: 19 August 2025
/
Accepted: 23 August 2025
/
Published: 27 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Detection of Parasitic Diseases in Livestock)
Simple Summary
In this study, blood samples from 388 equines in Western Aegean Türkiye were analyzed for the presence of Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Trypanosoma spp., and Leishmania spp. using molecular methods. T. equi was detected in 24.74% (96/388) of the samples, and B. caballi in 12.89% (50/388). Infections with T. equi and B. caballi were detected across all four provinces—Aydın, İzmir, Denizli, and Muğla—with the exception of B. caballi, which was not detected in any of the samples from Muğla. None of the other blood parasites investigated were detected in any of the samples. These results indicate that T. equi is widely distributed in the region and that carrier animals may play an important role in the transmission and spread of this disease.
Abstract
Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, is a tick-borne disease posing significant threats to equine health and the horse industry worldwide. Other vector-borne blood parasites, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Trypanosoma spp., and Leishmania spp., can also infect horses; however, their prevalence remains poorly characterized in Türkiye. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of T. equi, B. caballi, A. phagocytophilum, Trypanosoma spp., and Leishmania spp. in equids from the Western Aegean Region of Türkiye. Blood samples were collected from 388 clinically healthy equines across İzmir, Aydın, Denizli, and Muğla provinces. Species-specific PCR assays were performed, and T. equi and B. caballi were detected in 24.74% (96/388) and 12.89% (50/388) of samples, respectively, with co-infections in 3.09%. T. equi and B. caballi infections were detected in horses from all four sampled provinces—Aydın, İzmir, Denizli, and Muğla—except for B. caballi, which was not found in any samples from Muğla. No samples tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, Trypanosoma spp., or Leishmania spp. Prevalence significantly varied by province, breed, age, and sex (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates the considerable prevalence of T. equi and B. caballi in Western Türkiye, underlining the need for routine screening and vector control programs. The absence of other parasites suggests limited circulation; however, continued surveillance remains crucial to safeguard equine health and prevent disease spread.
