The first serological evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in horses in Slovakia

Abstract

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the causative agent of granulocytic anaplasmosis. It affects humans and several wild and domesticated mammals, including horses. The aim of our study was a preliminary survey of the occurrence of these re-emerging pathogens in horses in Slovakia. The sera from 200 animals of different ages and both sexes were tested for the presence of A. phagocytophilum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Subsequently, detection of the 16S rRNA gene fragment of A. phagocytophilum was attempted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in each blood sample. Our results confirmed the presence of specific antibodies in 85 out of 200 individuals (42.5%), but no significant changes were found between the animals of different ages and sexes. However, the PCR analysis did not detect any positive animals. Our data represent one of the highest values of seropositivity to A. phagocytophilum in horses in Central Europe. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the circulation of A. phagocytophilum in this region, thus indicating a potential risk to other susceptible species.

Zoonotic ecotype-I of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in sympatric wildcat, pine marten and red squirrel – Short communication

“…It develops in neutrophils, thus causing a disease known as granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, dogs, cats, horses and tick-borne fever in ruminants (Stuen et al, 2013a). Based on serological and molecular evidence from countries in the geographical region of Hungary (Central and Southeastern Europe), co-infections of horses and dogs with other tick-borne pathogens and A. phagocytophilum might enhance the pathogenic effect of the latter (Mircean et al, 2012;Krämer et al, 2014;Huber et al, 2017;Kova cevi c Filipovi c et al, 2018;Tsachev et al, 2019;Drá zovská et al, 2021).…”