Equine cestodosis: a sero-epidemiological study of anoplocephala perfoliata infection in Ethiopia

Getachew, A.M., Innocent, G., Proudman, C.J., Trawford, A., Feseha, G., Reid, S.J.W., Faith, B. and Love, S. (2012) Equine cestodosis: a sero-epidemiological study of anoplocephala perfoliata infection in Ethiopia. Veterinary Research Communications, 36(2), pp. 93-98. (doi: 10.1007/s11259-012-9516-z)

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Abstract

A 12/13 kDa antigen, tapeworm ELISA test, developed for use in horses, was used to detect parasite-specific serum antibody, IgG(T), in the serum of donkeys. In a pilot study the 12/13 kDa antigen was tested and proved to detect the antibody, IgG(T), in donkey sera. Blood samples from 797 donkeys, naturally exposed to cestode infection, from four geographical localities were collected and sera were prepared and analysed. There was substantial serological evidence that donkeys were potentially infected with A. perfoliata. A range of ELISA OD values were obtained from the serological assay. Over 26% and 7.5% of the donkeys were moderately and highly infected, respectively, showing at least a 34% sero-prevalence. The rest, 66.1%, were either with low infection intensity or negative for A. perfoliata infection. The risk of infections, both in sero-prevalence and intensity, as determined by ELISA optical density (OD), were highest in the highland areas of Ethiopia where pastures are low-lying and wet, and permanent pasture management is regularly practised. Sex, age and body condition of the donkeys had no significant effect either on prevalence of the infection or on the serum antibody level. These results indicate a risk of intestinal disorders, particularly, colic, associated with A. perfoliata infection in donkeys.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Innocent, Dr Giles and Love, Professor Sandy and Reid, Professor Stuart
Authors: Getachew, A.M., Innocent, G., Proudman, C.J., Trawford, A., Feseha, G., Reid, S.J.W., Faith, B., and Love, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Veterinary Research Communications
ISSN:0165-7380
ISSN (Online):1573-7446

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