Abstract
This study was conducted to detect specific anti-Neospora antibodies using a commercial competitive-inhibition ELISA kit, and to evaluate the risk factors for Neospora spp. infection. Out of a total of 2,228 donkey sera collected in three provinces in China, 211 (9.5%) were found to be positive for anti-Neospora antibodies. Statistical analysis revealed that age (p = 0.019, OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.08-2.44), feeding status (p < 0.001, OR = 3.79, 95%CI: 2.65-5.43), miscarriage history (p = 0.006, OR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.27-4.01), and contact with dogs (p < 0.001, OR = 2.69, 95%CI: 1.86-3.88) were significant risk factors for Neospora spp. infection. This is the first evidence of Neospora infection in donkeys in China.
Highlights
Neospora spp. are globally distributed obligate intracellular parasites [22] and are closely related to Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp., belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa of the Sarcocystidae family [7]
Equine neosporosis caused by two species of Neospora (Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi), is accompanied by neurologic symptoms and reproductive loss [9,21]
Commercial competitive-inhibition ELISA kits have been used widely to detect Neospora antibodies in many kinds of animals including donkeys [17] due to the method’s high accuracy, sensitivity and accessibility [4]
Summary
Neospora spp. are globally distributed obligate intracellular parasites [22] and are closely related to Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp., belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa of the Sarcocystidae family [7]. Neospora can infect a wide variety of hosts [8]. Coyotes and dingoes are definitive hosts of Neospora spp. [13,14,19], and certain other mammal species, including cattle and other ruminants, canids and horses can serve as intermediate hosts [10]. Equine neosporosis caused by two species of Neospora (Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi), is accompanied by neurologic symptoms and reproductive loss [9,21]. Donkeys (Equus asinus) are closely related to horses and can be infected by some equine pathogens such as the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
