ARS | Publication request: The first large scale molecular study of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in horses

Submitted to: International Giardia and Cryptosporidium Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 15, 2009
Publication Date: October 14, 2009
Citation: Santin, M., Cortes Vecino, J.A., Fayer, R. The first large scale molecular study of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in horses. International Giardia and Cryptosporidium Conference. Abstract P17. Third International Giardia and Cryptosporidium Conference. Orvieto, Itally October 11-15, 2009

Technical Abstract: The prevalence of species and genotypes of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in horses is poorly known. The present study examined feces from 195 horses, 1 month to 17 years of age, in 4 locations in Colombia. Prevalence and age distribution of Giardia and Cryptosporidium were determined by PCR. All PCR positives were sequenced to determine the species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis. For G. duodenalis, 34 (17.4 percent) horses were found positive. The prevalence was higher (21.1 percent) in horses <1 year of age than in horses >1 yr of age (15.1 percent) and was higher in female horses (18.9 percent) than in male horses (15.1 percent). Molecular characterization identified G. duodenalis Assemblages A and B. For Cryptosporidium, 14 (7.2 percent) of the horses were positive. Prevalence was higher in horses <1 year of age (13.1 percent) than in horses >1 yr of age (2.5 percent) and was higher in male horses (11 percent) than in female horses (4.1 percent). Two horses were infected with C. parvum. Others were infected with a C. hominis-like genotype. These findings are the first to recognize the presence of a C. hominis–like genotype in horses and the first large scale study to identify G. duodenalis assemblage A and B in horses.