What is a diagnostic test for equine piroplasmosis?

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Detecting the horse’s immune response is a practical way to diagnose exposure to this protozoan parasite. ELISA measures antibodies in the serum against Theileria equi, so it serves as a reliable screening tool to identify horses that have been infected or exposed, which is crucial for surveillance and movement controls. Antibody-based tests are especially useful because the parasite can be present at low levels or intermittently, making direct parasite detection challenging; serology can pick up past and current exposure even when parasites aren’t easily seen on a smear.

While direct detection tests like PCR can confirm current infection by finding parasite DNA, and blood smears can occasionally show organisms, these methods are typically used to complement serology or when confirmation of active infection is needed. Gram stain is not appropriate for this protozoal infection, and urinalysis isn’t relevant to diagnosing piroplasmosis.