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Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the detection of equine antibodies specific to a recombinant Fasciola hepatica surface antigen in an endemic area

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Abstract

The utility of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine the sensitization against the trematode Fasciola hepatica in horses from an endemic area (NW Spain) was assessed. Blood samples were collected from 536 horses and tested against a 2.9-kDa recombinant surface protein (FhrAPS) to estimate the presence of IgG antibodies. Data were analysed regarding several intrinsic (age, gender and breed) and extrinsic factors (aptitude and housing). The farm size (number of horses/farm) was also considered. Sixty percent (95% CI 56, 64) of the horses were positive to the FhrAPS-ELISA, with a significantly higher seroprevalence in the mares (67%). Foals reached the lowest percentage of sensitization against the trematode (12%), and a significant positive correlation between the seroprevalence of fasciolosis and the age of the horses was established. When considering all the factors together, the seroprevalence of fasciolosis was initially classified into two groups (nodes) regarding the age of the horses. The node composed of the horses older than 1 year was then divided into two other clusters according to their gender. The mares were finally classified and grouped into two nodes regarding their breed. We concluded that the FhrAPS-ELISA is very useful for the demonstration of specific equine IgG antibodies against F. hepatica. An elevated risk of exposition to this trematode in horses maintained in endemic areas was proven. The possible role of horses as reservoirs for F. hepatica infections is discussed.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported in part by the Projects XUGA PGIDT06RAG26102PR and 07MDS021261PR (Xunta de Galicia, Spain), and complies with the current laws for Animal Health Research in Spain. Dr. Arias has received a fellowship from the “Ángeles Alvariño” Research Program (XUGA, Spain). We are in debt to Mrs. B. Valcárcel for preparing and editing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Equine Diseases Study Group (Epidemiology, Parasitology and Zoonoses), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002, Lugo, Spain

    María Sol Arias, Pablo Piñeiro, Iván Francisco, Cristiana Filipa Cazapal-Monteiro, José Luis Suárez, Patrocinio Morrondo, Rita Sánchez-Andrade & Adolfo Paz-Silva

  2. Laboratory of Parasite Immunology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Suite 617-A, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR, 00936-5067, USA

    George V. Hillyer

Authors
  1. María Sol Arias
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  2. Pablo Piñeiro
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  3. George V. Hillyer
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  4. Iván Francisco
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  5. Cristiana Filipa Cazapal-Monteiro
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  6. José Luis Suárez
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  7. Patrocinio Morrondo
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  8. Rita Sánchez-Andrade
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  9. Adolfo Paz-Silva
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Correspondence to Adolfo Paz-Silva.

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Arias, M.S., Piñeiro, P., Hillyer, G.V. et al. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the detection of equine antibodies specific to a recombinant Fasciola hepatica surface antigen in an endemic area. Parasitol Res 110, 1001–1007 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-011-2587-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-011-2587-x

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