Impact of equine and camel piroplasmosis in Egypt: How much do we know about the current situation?

Authors: ELSAWY, BASSMA - Washington State University; MAHMOUD, MONA - Washington State University; Suarez, Carlos; ALZAN, HEBA - Washington State University

Submitted to: Pathogens
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2023
Publication Date: 11/5/2023
Citation: Elsawy, B.S., Mahmoud, M.S., Suarez, C.E., Alzan, H.F. 2023. Impact of equine and camel piroplasmosis in Egypt: How much do we know about the current situation? Pathogens. 12(11). Article 1318. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12111318.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12111318

Interpretive Summary: Camel piroplasmosis is a costly acute and persistent tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites. In this study we discuss multifactorial effects and overall impact of equine and camel piroplasmosis in Egypt, which currently remains poorly characterized. Several Babesia and Theileria spp., as well as potential tick vectors affecting these two species have been identified in the country. Equine and camel piroplasmosis has been reported in all governates in the country. In addition, we identified current gaps of knowledge which might help developing future research efforts towards improved intervention and control of equine and camel piroplasmosis in this country.

Technical Abstract: Piroplasmosis is a global tick-borne disease caused by hemoprotozoan parasites, that causes high morbidity and substantial economic losses in farm animals. Equine and camel piroplasmosis causes important losses worldwide and in Egypt. The multifactorial effects and overall impact of equine and camel piroplasmosis in Egypt remains poorly characterized. However, several Babesia and Theileria spp. As well as potential tick vectors affecting these two species have been identified in the country. Equine and camel piroplasmosis has been reported in all governates in the country. Thus, in this work, we are trying to provide a broad depiction of the current approaches used for diagnosis and control and the impact of piroplasmosis on the equine and camel industries in Egypt. We also identified current gaps of knowledge which might help developing future research efforts towards improved intervention and control of equine and camel piroplasmosis..