Evidence of tick-borne pathogens in Albanian equids detected by molecular and serological methods

Authors: Kristi Morava, Relja Beck, Ilir Dova, Ani Vodica, Dhimitër Rapti, Kledis Çela, Xhelil Koleci, and Rezart Postoli

Ger. J. Vet. Res 2026. vol. 6, Iss. 2 pp:35-45
Doi: https://doi.org/10.51585/gjvr.2026.2.0187

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Abstract:

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne, non-contagious protozoal disease primarily caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. This disease affects horses, mules, and donkeys, resulting in hemolytic anemia and systemic illness. The present study determined the seroprevalence of T. equi in equids from three regions of Albania (Gjirokastër, Elbasan, and Durrës) using the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT), and provided preliminary molecular data from Korça. A total of 139 serum samples were collected from clinically healthy equids, comprising 32 horses, 33 mules, and 74 donkeys, between April and September 2023. Samples were tested for T. equi antibodies using a commercial IFAT kit, with positive and negative controls included in all assays. The overall seroprevalence was 42.5% (59/139), with higher rates in mules (54.5%) and horses (53.1%) compared to donkeys (32.4%). Regionally, seroprevalence ranged from 37.8% in Durrës to 46.6% in Gjirokastër. No statistically significant differences were detected among species, sex, or regions (χ² = 14.27, p = 0.113). However, female mules exhibited the highest positivity rate (58.8%) and female donkeys the lowest (26.5%). The relatively high prevalence in mules and horses may be linked to increased exposure to tick vectors resulting from management practices. In Korça, molecular analysis of 50 equids identified 11 cases of T. equi, as well as single detections of Babesia vulpes, Ehrlichia sp., and Midichloria mitochondrii. These findings confirm the circulation of these pathogens in the region. In conclusion, the combined serological and molecular findings demonstrate the presence of T. equi among equids in Albania and provide baseline epidemiological data. These results underscore the need for larger-scale studies to better characterize the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of EP on equine health nationwide.

Keywords:

Albania, IFAT, Molecular method, Seroprevalence, Theileria equi, Tick-borne diseases

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