Abstract
Abstract A total of 138 horse blood samples were collected from 2012 to 2013 for the subsequent separation of serum collection. For detection of anti-Leishmania spp. and anti-Trypanosoma spp. antibodies, indirect immunofluorescence reactions and immunoenzymatic assays were performed. Samples with titers ≥40 were considered positive in the indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT), and the cut off for the enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) was calculated with three standard deviations. When tested for Trypanosoma spp., 50.37% (68/135) of the samples were ELISA reagents, 18.84% (8/136) were positive for IFAT and 2.89% (4/138) for both tests. A significant statistical association was observed for the municipality (p = 0.013) and collection period (p = 0.042) in the ELISA. When tested for Leishmania spp., 25.4% (35/138) of the samples were ELISA reagents, 13.00% (18/138) were positive for the IFAT and 4.34% (6/138) were positive for two tests, there were no variables associated with seropositivity. A statistical association (p = 0.0034) was observed between the presence of anti-Trypanosoma spp. and anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies when the ELISA was used. The results suggest that this horse breed is in contact with leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis, which demonstrates the need for a more accurate investigation into the real role of horses in these diseases to assist in disease control measures.
Highlights
The results suggest that this horse breed is in contact with leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis, which demonstrates the need for a more accurate investigation into the real role of horses in these diseases to assist in disease control measures
Baixada Maranhense is located in the northern mesoregion of the state of Maranhão, which is characterized by vast low plains that flood in the rainy season and create huge lakes between January and July
The main species responsible for trypanosomiasis in horses are Trypanosoma equiperdum and T. evansi, which are endemic in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso due to the animal, climate and environmental conditions that favor the development of the vectors[2]
Summary
Baixada Maranhense is located in the northern mesoregion of the state of Maranhão, which is characterized by vast low plains that flood in the rainy season and create huge lakes between January and July. The role of horses as reservoirs has not been definitively confirmed[5]; studies have shown that Equidae can be infected by species of Leishmania and are preferred food sources for sandflies[6] They do not cause infection to the vector, which suggests that they are not important reservoirs in the transmission chain[7]
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