title: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the detection of equine antibodies specific to a recombinant Fasciola hepatica surface antigen in an endemic area.
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.
authors.affiliation: Equine Diseases Study Group (Epidemiology, Parasitology and Zoonoses), Animal Pathology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Santiago de Compostela University, 27002 Lugo, Spain.
authors.forename: María Sol
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Arias
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Piñeiro
authors.forename: George V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Hillyer
authors.forename: Iván
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Francisco
authors.forename: Cristiana Filipa
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Cazapal-Monteiro
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Suárez
authors.forename: Patrocinio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Morrondo
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Andrade
authors.forename: Adolfo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paz-Silva
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005210:Fasciola hepatica / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005211:Fascioliasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology; D006736:Horses; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011994:Recombinant Proteins