Serological and molecular detection of Theileria equi in horses from Sinop, Mato Grosso state, Brazil

Equine piroplasmosis is the most important tick-borne disease to affect horses in Brazil. Theileria equi one of causative agents equine piroplasmosis. Chronic cases are expected, which animals show no apparent signs infection and remain asymptomatic but constitute a source infectious agent that ticks can spread. This study was conducted across 81 ranches located municipality Sinop, State Mato Grosso, A sample calculation performed estimate prevalence T. among horses. total 1,853 were included sampling analysis based on information available from Institute Agricultural Livestock Defense Grosso State. The serological 367 serum samples using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detect anti-T. antibodies revealed 337 positive, representing frequency 90.70%. molecular designed amplify EMA-1 gene, harbors, showed positivity 20 89 tested samples. fragments four sequenced analyzed determine their similarities sequences other species, deposited at GenBank, all 100% similarity with equi. Our represents first report equids northwestern revealing widespread distribution seropositive animals.