Risk factors and haemato-biochemical parameters associated with Theileria equi infection in equids in Central Italy

Abstract Background: Equine piroplasmosis is a tick-borne disease affecting equids caused by protozoa belonging to two genus named Theileria and Babesia, causing losses in the horse industry and constraint to the international movement. In endemic areas, clinical diagnosis is difficult because signs are not pathognomonic. Identifying the associated risks factors and the most suitable laboratory analyses are required to prevent the disease, confirm the diagnosis and assess therapy. Methods: A total of 438 horse and donkey samples were collected by practitioners during their clinical activities. The anamnestic information were collected by a standardized form. The samples were screened for piroplasmosis and other infectious diseases in differential diagnosis and haemato-biochemical parameters, and thus assigned to three groups: confirmed cases of T. equi, unconfirmed suspects and controls. Statistical analysis was performed to detect differences among groups regarding anamnestic data and haemato-biochemical parameters. Results: Among anamnestic variables, only age (> 6 years) increases the probability of infection compared to the controls, while ectoparasitic treatments seem to have a protective effect. A decrease in platelet count was the only haemato-biochemical parameter associated with T. equi infection. Conclusions: This study confirms the diagnosis of T. equi infection as an issue, for similarities regarding anamnesis and laboratory findings with other diseases. Moreover, it focuses the attention on prevention measures and good management practices that can reduce the spread of the disease, together with regular laboratory checks, useful to early detect the parasite and assess and monitor the therapy.