Sero-epidemiology of the rhodococcus equi in horses in eastern kazakhstan

Abstract

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) seroprevalence in adult horses in East Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods: Sera were collected from 311 horses in 3 regions (Zhambyl, Almaty, East Kazakhstan) across the eastern regions of Kazakhstan between September and November 2021 and the presence of antibodies against virulent R. equi was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The equine seroprevalence of R. equi was found to be 93.6% in 2021. The highest seroprevalence VapA rate was in the Zhambly Region (98.02 %) and the lowest in the East Kazakhstan Region (88.89%). Samples taken from this region constitute 69.8% of the total samples, and 3.84% are vapA seronegative. R. equi appears to be endemic in East Kazakhstan. Conclusion: This is the first seroprevalence study of R. equi in Kazakhstan that provides information on epidemiology. Serological findings should be supported by clinical cases and the isolation of bacteria from foal barns. Based on the findings, protection and control programs against R. equi should be implemented in eastern Kazakhstan.

Keywords

• kazakhstan
• rhodococcus equi
• seroprevalence