Evaluation of trace elements in equine piroplasmosis

Abstract

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, which causes a significant economic loss. The aim of this study was to determine the disease-related changes of serum trace elements that play an important role in the immune system. Our study was conducted on 20 horses with piroplasmosis and 20 healthy horses. It was performed to evaluate some of the serum trace element levels (chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), boron (B), and nickel (Ni)) in equine piroplasmosis. The elements were analyzed in serum using ICP-OES. Infected horses had significantly higher serum Mg and Mn levels. In conclusion, changes of serum trace elements in infected horses can provide valuable information about pathophysiological aspects and they are also good indicators for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment evaluation. Much more scientific research is required to evaluate the trace elements related to equine piroplasmosis.