Prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in cattle from the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Leandra M Oshiro,Renato Andreotti,Letícia A.R.C Monteiro,Jacqueline M De Oliveira,Maria De Fatima C Matos

doi:10.1590/s1984-29612007000300004

Abstract

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect domestic and wild canids, as well as ruminants and equines. It was described in 1988 and has been known as a major cause of abortion in bovines and neuromuscular alterations and death in dogs. To estimate the prevalence of bovine neosporosis in the 22 municipalities of the so-called Estrato 1 subregion of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, blood samples were collected from cows aged 24 months and older, from December 2003 to March 2004. During sample collection, a questionnaire was used to gather data of epidemiological interest. The samples were subjected to serological diagnosis (indirect fluorescence antibody test - IFAT). Prevalences of 14.9% (449/2488) and 69.8% (143/205) were found for the animals and herds sampled, respectively. The variable found to be associated with seropositivity to N. caninum was abortion (OR 2.52; CI 1.25-5.06). The results revealed the presence of infection by N. caninum in the herds investigated, drawing attention to its role as a potential cause of abortion in cattle in Mato Grosso do Sul.

Highlights

Neospora caninum, a parasitic protozoan that forms cysts in animal tissues, was, as late as 1988, confused with Toxoplasma gondii because of their biological and structural similarities, they are antigenically distinct (DUBEY et al, 1988).Since its discovery, N. caninum has gained attention, as it is responsible for abortions and premature births in animalsRev
The purpose of the present study was to use Indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) to estimate the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in cattle in the 22 municipalities located in a stretch of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul to identify risk factors likely to be associated with N. caninum infection
Indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) Samples were subjected to IFAT to detect the presence of Prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in cattle from the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil antibodies

Summary

Introduction

A parasitic protozoan that forms cysts in animal tissues, was, as late as 1988, confused with Toxoplasma gondii because of their biological and structural similarities, they are antigenically distinct (DUBEY et al, 1988).Since its discovery, N. caninum has gained attention, as it is responsible for abortions and premature births in animalsRev. In Brazil, the occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in cattle was first reported in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (BRAUTIGAM et al, 1996).

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Conclusion