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Equine Protozoa Myeloencephalitis qPCR

     Pathogen test  The qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Sarcocystis neurona, the pathogen responsible for Equine Protozoa Myeloencephalitis. Sample 2- 5 mL - liquor (CSF)...

    €55.35

      Sample RequirementsSample Requirements
      • 2- 5 mL - liquor (CSF)  - in EDTA tube.
      • feces - sterile container 
      • postmortem tissues. 

      Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

      Equigerminal Lab HIESE
      Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
      3230-343 Penela, Portugal

      Turnaround TimeTurnaround Time

      2 to 5 working days

      About the testAbout the test

      The qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Sarcocystis neurona, the pathogen responsible for Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM).

      What is Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis?

      Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a progressive, degenerative neurological disease of the central nervous system.

      It is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorders in horses in the United States.

      The protozoan is not present in horse manure, therefore EPM is not transmitted between horses and horses are considered dead-end hosts.

      Why test?Why test?

      The qPCR test is recommended for the detection of Sarcocystis neurona in horses with neurological disease compatible with Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis.

      It provides direct detection of the pathogen's DNA in appropriate clinical samples.

      Clinical signsClinical signs

      Clinical signs vary depending on the area of the brain or spinal cord affected. The three characteristic "A"s of EPM are:

      • Asymmetry is a term we use to describe a symptom that is worse on one side of the body than on the opposite side. In other words, with EPM, the signs are generally worse on the left side than on the right or visa versa. 
      • Ataxia is a term we use to describe incoordination or the inability of the horse to know exactly where its legs are, resulting in inability to move its legs and trunk normally.
      • Atrophy describes a condition where the muscles shrink from their normal size. With EPM, this results from damage to the nerves that normally control or “innervate” these muscles. Muscle atrophy is not seen in all cases of EPM, so it is not as consistent a sign of disease as is the asymmetrical ataxia. 
      TransmissionTransmission

      Life Cycle of Sarcocystis neurona 

      • S. neurona has a complex, two-host life cycle. 
      • The opossum has been identified as a definitive host of S. neurona. The opossum ingests sarcocysts in muscle tissues of scavenged carcasses of intermediate hosts. The parasite undergoes a form of sexual reproduction within the opossum which produces the sporocyst
      • Sporocysts are shed in the feces of the opossum. Sporocysts can survive in the environment for several months.
      • The horse is an aberrant, intermediate host.
      • The horse is exposed by ingesting feed or water contaminated with opossum feces that contain sporocysts.
      • The parasite undergoes a form of asexual reproduction in the horse and eventually gains access to the brain and spinal cord 
      PreventionPrevention
      • Horse owners can take advantage of some basic husbandry practices and good common sense to help reduce the risk factors that can contribute to disease incidence. One thing that all of us can do is to keep our feed storage areas neat and clean. Untidy areas with spilled feed invites unwanted guests such as opossums. 
      • Keep your feed in sealed or closed containers.
      • Cover your hay storage area if possible.
      • Keep rodents under control on your property.
      • Discourage visits by opossums.
      • Check with local authorities with respect to trapping and relocating opossums or eliminating them.
      • Properly dispose of any animal carcasses that you may see on or near your property.
      • Clean your equine water sources on a regular basis.
      • Do not feed on the ground.
      • When transporting horses, make them as comfortable as possible. Transportation stress can be a contributing factor for EPM.
      ResultsResults

      The qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Sarcocystis neurona.

      Results are reported as Positive or Negative for the presence of the pathogen.

      Additional informationAdditional information

      The horse is considered a dead-end host because the parasite is not shed in horse manure.

      The disease affects the central nervous system and may involve both the brain and spinal cord, although spinal cord involvement is more common.

      FAQsFAQs

      What does the qPCR test detect?

      The qPCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Sarcocystis neurona, the protozoan responsible for Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM).

      Which samples can be submitted?

      The test can be performed using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), faeces or post-mortem tissues.

      Can EPM spread from horse to horse?

      No. Horses are considered dead-end hosts because Sarcocystis neurona is not shed in horse manure.

      How long does it take to receive the results?

      Results are available within 2 to 5 working days.

      How do horses become infected?

      Horses become infected by ingesting feed or water contaminated with opossum faeces containing infective sporocysts.

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