The first molecular detection of equine piroplasmosis in Vietnam

Equine piroplasmosis, which is caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi , has a significant impact on the veterinary and economic aspects of the global horse industry. However, many countries, including Vietnam, have not yet conducted epidemiological surveys to determine the prevalence of these haemoparasites. The aim of this study was therefore to detect T. equi and/or B. caballi infections in horses and to identify their genotypes. Blood samples were collected from 154 seemingly healthy horses in 8 districts of Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, and Son La provinces located in the northern part of the country. Twenty-four horses (15.58%, 95% CI: 10.70–22.14%) were infected with T. equi in six districts. Babesia caballi was not detected. No significant association was found between gender, host age, and the number of infected horses. Phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA sequences from the positive DNA samples revealed genotypes A, C, and E.The results of this study confirm the presence of equine theileriosis in northern Vietnam and highlight the need for nationwide studies of equine piroplasmosis involving a large sample size.