Molecular and serological investigation of Lawsonia intracellularis in weanling foals in Turkey

Equine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis has been described in weanlings many different countries including the USA, Western Europe, Israel, Korea and Brazil but not investigated Turkey Eastern Europe. The objective of study was to determine seroprevalence fecal shedding L. weanling foals. A cross-sectional designed randomly selected 97 foals with or without clinical signs from 3 provinces Turkey. Total protein albumin levels serum samples were measured using automated biochemistry analyser. Serum also tested bELISA real-time PCR detect intracellularis-specific antibodies -DNA, respectively. Seropositivity found be 25.8% bELISA. However, none positive PCR. Statistically, no significant associations between seropositivity ALB/TP levels. indicated exposure foal population for first time Further investigations are needed better understand epidemiology disease as well adult horse populations potential wildlife resorvoirs country/region.