Author
 |
Knowles Jr, Donald |
|
Submitted to: Academic Press
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 6/21/2010 Publication Date: 7/1/2010 Citation: Knowles Jr, D.P. 2010. Understanding Piroplasmosis. Equine Disease Quarterly. 19(3):4-5. Interpretive Summary: This invited article summarizes the current state of the re-emergence of equine piroplasmosis (babesiosis) within the United States. The article summarizes disease signs, transmission, diagnosis and potential treatment. Technical Abstract: The insidious emergence of tick borne Babesia (Theileria) equi infection and disease (piroplasmosis) recently in the U. S. is a poignant reminder of the vigilance required to remain free of the class of infectious diseases which include persistence in their pathogenesis. Pathogen persistence is the ability of an infectious organism to remain in the host long-term, even for life in the absence of easily detectable clinical disease. A critical outcome of persistence is infected populations which are clinically silent reservoirs for transmission. Three questions receiving increased consideration due to the recent re-emergence of B. equi infection in the U.S. are: (1) why was clinical disease not detected in the acute phase in the majority of infected horses; (2) how did infection enter the U. S., and (3) is it possible to treat and remove transmission risk from infected horses? Equine piroplasmosis is caused by either B. equi or B. caballi, due to its prevalence in recent diagnoses this discussion will focus on B. equi. |
