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Dourine Trypanosoma equiperdum, qPCR

    Test that looks for the tiny parasite that causes dourine, a disease passed on during mating, in your horse's blood....

    €55.35 Incl. VAT

      AboutAbout

      The PCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Trypanosoma equiperdum, the pathogen responsible for Dourine.

      What is Dourine?

      Dourine is a chronic or acute contagious disease of breeding equids transmitted directly from animal to animal during mating. The causative organism is Trypanosoma equiperdum.

      Dourine is the only trypanosomosis that is not transmitted by an invertebrate vector.

      Trypanosoma equiperdum differs from other trypanosomes because it is primarily a tissue parasite and is only rarely detected in the blood.

      There is no known natural reservoir of the parasite other than infected equids.

      Clinical signsClinical signs

      Dourine is mainly characterised by:

      • Swelling of the genitalia
      • Cutaneous plaques
      • Neurological signs

      Clinical signs vary according to the virulence of the strain, the horse's nutritional status and stress factors.

      Signs usually develop over weeks or months and often wax and wane. Relapses may occur following stress.

      Early signs include:

      • Genital oedema
      • Mucopurulent discharge

      In mares

      • Mucopurulent vaginal discharge
      • Oedematous vulva
      • Depigmentation of the genital region, perineum and udder
      • Abortion may occur with more virulent strains

      In stallions

      • Oedema of the prepuce and glans penis
      • Mucopurulent urethral discharge
      • Swelling may extend to the scrotum, perineum, ventral abdomen and thorax

      Neurological signs

      • Restlessness
      • Weight shifting
      • Progressive weakness
      • Incoordination
      • Paralysis
      • Unilateral facial paralysis

      Other findings may include:

      • Conjunctivitis
      • Keratitis
      • Anaemia
      • Intermittent fever
      • Progressive weight loss and poor body condition
      TransmissionTransmission

      Unlike other trypanosomal infections, dourine is transmitted almost exclusively during breeding.

      • Transmission from stallions to mares is more common, but mares can also transmit the disease to stallions.
      • T. equiperdum can be found in the vaginal secretions of infected mares and the seminal fluid, mucous exudate of the penis, and sheath of stallions.
      • Periodically, the parasites disappear from the genital tract and the animal becomes noninfectious for weeks to months.
      • Non infectious periods are more common late in the disease. Male donkeys can be asymptomatic carriers.
      • Rarely, infected mares pass the infection to their foals, possibly before birth or through the milk.
      • Infections are also thought to occur through mucous membranes such as the conjunctiva.
      • Other means of transmission may also be possible; however, there is currently no evidence that arthropod vectors play any role in transmission.
      • Sexually immature animals that become infected can transmit the organism when they mature.
      PreventionPrevention
      • To prevent dourine from being introduced into a herd or region, new animals should be quarantined and tested by serology.
      • When dourine is found in an area, quarantines and the cessation of breeding can prevent transmission while infected animals are identified.
      • Dourine can be eradicated from a herd, using serology to identify infected equids.
      • Infected animals are euthanised.
      • In some cases, stallions have been castrated to prevent disease transmission; however, geldings can still transmit the disease if they display copulatory behavior.
      • Successful treatment with trypanocidal drugs has been reported in some endemic areas.
      • However, therapeutic regimes have not been thoroughly investigated, and treatment is usually discouraged due to fears that the organism will persist inapparently.
      • Good hygiene should be used at assisted matings. No vaccine is available.
      ResultsResults

      The PCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Trypanosoma equiperdum, the pathogen responsible for Dourine.

      SampleSample

      5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube

      Send your sample by regular mail to:

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

      TurnaroundTurnaround

      2 to 5 working days

      How it worksHow it works

      🛒 Purchase the test: select and buy the test online.

      📧 Receive instructions: after payment confirmation you receive sample collection instructions by e-mail.

      🩺 Your veterinarian collects the sample: this test must be collected by a veterinarian, who collects the samples described above under Sample.

      📄 Complete the form: print and complete the submission form with the animal identification.

      📮 Send it to the laboratory: Equigerminal, S.A., HIESE, Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro, 25, Quinta Vale do Espinhal, 3230-343 Penela, PORTUGAL.

      📄 Receive your report: your certified report is issued as soon as the analysis is validated.

      FAQsFAQs

      Who collects the sample? Your veterinarian. See Sample for the material and the volume this test requires.

      How should the sample be sent? Keep it cool and send it by tracked courier as soon as it is collected. Shipping is arranged and paid for by the client.

      What happens if the sample arrives unsuitable? We contact you before processing and ask for a new sample.

      Can other tests be added to the same sample? Often yes, if the material and the volume allow it. Ask us before shipping.

      How long does it take? See Turnaround. The count starts when the sample arrives at the laboratory, not when you order.

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