anti-Neospora Caninum Antibodies Research Articles

PRESENCE OF ANTI-NEOSPORA CANINUM ANTIBODIES IN TEMAZATE DEER (MAZAMA TEMAMA) AND WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS) FROM THE CENTRAL REGION OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO.

This study documents the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and their association with certain risk factors in 2 deer species from the central region of Veracruz State, Mexico. A total of 90 blood samples, 20 from temazate deer (Mazama temama) and 70 from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), were taken from 3 farms, and serum samples were subjected to ELISA indirect test to detect N. caninum antibodies; the association between the serological status and the possible risk factors was then estimated. The overall presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 57.7% (52/90; 95% CI 46.9-67.9), with positive animals identified on all farms; in white-tailed deer it was 57% and in temazate deer 60%. Prevalence was higher in females than males. Adult animals had a higher prevalence than young ones. The risk analysis identified the age in the adult animal category (odds ratio 5.8) as being associated with the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies. These results provide evidence of the significant contamination of oocysts in the environment and allow us to estimate the contribution of deer to the sylvatic cycle.

Reproductive, productive and financial consequences of chronic Trypanosoma vivax infection in a dairy cattle herd in a region without a cyclic vector

This study evaluated the reproductive, productive and financial consequences of chronic Trypanosoma vivax infection in a dairy cattle herd located in a region without the cyclic vector during two years. Animals were categorized as either positive (chronically infected) or negative for T. vivax antibodies using a commercial rapid test. Additionally, serum samples from cows were analyzed for the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed through rectal palpation and ultrasonography after 30, 60 and every 21 days until the 144th day of pregnancy. If an abortion occurred in the final trimester, serology and cPCR were performed on calves for T. vivax and N. caninum. The breeding period, calving interval and pregnancy losses were recorded. The milk production of each animal during the 305 days of lactation was measured, and the annual financial impact of milk production was calculated using a revenue minus feed cost (RMFC) indicator. Out of 177 cows, 71.75 % were chronically infected, and 13.50 % were T. vivax-negative. No correlation (p = 0.8854) of co-infection between T. vivax and N. caninum was observed. Negative cows required fewer (p≤0.05) artificial inseminations than chronically infected ones. T. vivax was not significantly associated (p = 0.7893) with pregnancy loss up to 81 days of pregnancy. Cows chronically infected by T. vivax had 4-fold greater chance (p = 0.0280) of experiencing pregnancy loss between 82 and 144 days of gestation. Eighteen cows aborted, two were positive for T. vivax antibodies, and one for N. caninum antibodies. The calves were negative for T. vivax and N. caninum. Chronically infected cows and negative cows for T. vivax that experienced pregnancy loss (82–144 days of pregnancy) had a longer (p≤0.05) breeding period to become pregnant, and consequently a longer calving interval compared to cows that maintained pregnancy. The difference (p≤0.05) in milk production was evident when pregnancy loss occurred between 82 and 144 days of gestation in cows chronically infected by T. vivax. The RMFC indicated a negative impact of 38.2 % on the farm's annual milk revenue due to the presence of chronically infected cows.

Worldwide Overview of Neospora spp. Infection in Equids Diagnosed by Serological Tests: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Equids can be infected by Neospora spp., and its infection is associated with neurological and reproductive disorders. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in horses, donkeys and mules worldwide between 2012 and 2022. Five scientific databases were consulted: MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, PubMed, LILACS and SciELO, using the descriptors “protozoan” or “neospora” AND “horses” or “donkeys” or “mules”. A total of 1909 studies were screened, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of Neospora spp. infection in equids, based on a total of 11,076, was 8.34% (95% CI: 4.78–14.17%). Further analysis by species revealed no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of Neospora spp. infection across equids: 8.5% (95% CI 5.03–13.99%) in horses, 7.36% (CI 2.08–22.94%) in donkeys and 6.07% (95% CI 0.71–36.83%) in mules. Regarding diagnostic tests, the prevalence of Neospora spp. infection determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was 8.08% (95% CI: 3.74–16.61%), by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was 7.91% (95% CI: 3.71–16.08%), and by the modified agglutination test (MAT) was 20% (95% CI: 15.37–25.60%). This meta-analysis provided valuable and comprehensive insights into the prevalence of Neospora spp. infection in horses, donkeys, and mules using serological detection methods. The results highlight the wide distribution of Neospora spp. infection in equids across all continents, indicating the importance of this infection. Transmission of the parasite can occur both horizontally (directly between animals) and vertically (from mother to offspring), further emphasizing the significance of understanding and managing this infection in equid populations.

Seropositivity of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Anti-Neospora caninum Antibodies in Cattle Intended for Human Consumption in an Amazonian Area of North Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are obligate intracellular intestinal coccidia distributed worldwide, and are causative agents of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies and the factors associated with infections in beef cattle intended for human consumption in an Amazonian area of North Brazil. We collected blood samples of 387 cattle from 50 herds located in different municipalities of the State of Rondônia. An epidemiological questionnaire was distributed to farmers, with regard to nutritional, sanitary and reproductive herd management. The samples were identified, refrigerated and sent for serological analyses via IFAT (Immunofluorescent Antibody Test). Among the 387 analyzed animals, 91 (23.5%; CI 95%: 18.8-27.2) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies, with titers varying from 1:64 (75.8%) to 1:512 (2.2%). For anti-N. caninum antibodies, only four animals (1%; CI 95%: 0-2.7) were positive, with titers ranging from 1:400 (50%) to 1:1600 (25%). We observed a significant rate of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the variables "pure breed" and "contact with free-range chickens" (p < 0.2). There were no risk factors associated with the presence of anti-T. gondii or anti-N. caninum antibodies. In conclusion, there was a high prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in beef cattle intended for human consumption in the State of Rondônia, Brazil, and a low prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies. Longitudinal studies can better elucidate the cause of these prevalence levels and how they could be better prevented and controlled.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Anti-Neospora caninum Antibodies in Urban Traction Equids in Northeast Brazil: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors.

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in equids that carry out traction work in Northeastern Brazil, and to establish the potential risk factors associated with seropositivity for these agents. Blood samples were collected from 322 traction equids (horses, donkeys and mules) in urban areas of 16 municipalities in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. The samples were sent for serological diagnosis using the Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). Epidemiological questionnaires were given to the owners to assess the possible risk factors associated with infections. It was observed that 13.7% (44/322, CI: 10.9-16.5) of the equids tested positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies and 5% (16/322, CI: 2.6-7.4) tested positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies. Conducting traction work for over four years was considered a risk factor associated with T. gondii infection (odds ratio: 6.050; CI: 4.38-8.54, p = 0.025). There were no risk factors associated with N. caninum infection. It was concluded that traction equids have a significant prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in urban areas in the State of Paraíba, with an identified risk factor for seropositivity for anti-T. gondii as conducting traction work for more than four years.

Seroprevalence and associated factors with Neospora caninum infection in sheep and goats slaughtered in the state of Paraíba, Brazil.

The objective was to describe the seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in goats and sheep slaughtered in the state of Paraíba and to identify possible associated factors with the infections. Two hundred twenty-nine samples from goats and two hundred five from sheep were analyzed by Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFAT) using a cutoff point of 1:50. The presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was identified in 28.4% (65/ 229; 95% Confidence Interval: 22.6-34.2) of the goat samples and in 12.7% (26/ 205; 95% CI: 8.2 - 17.2) of the sheep samples. Contact between goats and dogs (Odds ratio 4.81; CI 1.13 - 2.67; p = 0.041) and cattle (OR. 1.87; CI 1.13 - 2.67; p = 0.002) was identified as a risk factor for goats and contact between sheep and dogs (OR 2.32; CI 1.58 - 3.14; p = 0.026) and history of abortion (OR 1.94; CI 1.28 - 2.90; p = 0.001) was considered a risk factor for sheep. The study revealed a high seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in slaughtered goats and sheep in Paraíba. Risk factors such as contact with dogs/cattle and abortion history underscore the need for preventive measures to control infection and enhance animal health management.

Use and comparison of serologic assays to detect anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that cause abortion in different ruminant species, including red deer ( Cervus elaphus). There are no validated assays to be performed with sera from red deer. At the present work, we evaluated the agreement among indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), competitive inhibition ELISA based on a recombinant protein (ciELISA tSAG1) and immunoblot (IB) to detect anti- N. caninum antibodies in a red deer herd that presented reproductive losses due to N. caninum. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between the serologic results and 15 hinds were analyzed by IFAT, ciELISA tSAG1 and IB to detect anti- N. caninum antibodies. In the three assays, the cut-off established for cattle was used. Besides, sera were analyzed by IFAT to detect anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. The hinds were monitored by ultrasound scanning during the gestational period to detect abortions. Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC1) and the percentage of agreement were used to estimate the agreement between pairs of assays. Chi-square test and odds ratio (OR) were used for the statistical association between abortion and seropositivity to N. caninum or to T. gondii. The N. caninum seropositivity rate was 53.9% (62/115), 57.4% (66/115) and 55.7% (64/115) for IFAT, ciELISA tSAG1 and IB, respectively. The AC1 and percentage of agreement were 0.760% and 87.8% for the pair ciELISA tSAG1 /IFAT, 0.793% and 89.6% for the pair IFAT/IB, and 0.966% and 98.3% for the pair IB/ciELISA tSAG1. The T. gondii seropositivity rate was 53.0% (61/115). Seropositive hinds to N. caninum were more likely to abort than seronegative hinds by the 3 assays. The OR for the association between N. caninum seropositivity and abortion was 72.70, 22.96 and 83.24 when ciELISA tSAG1, IFAT or IB assays were used, respectively. between T. gondii seropositivity and abortion. The three serologic assays were useful to detect N. caninum infected hinds. The validation of the assays for use in red deer would be an improvement for diagnosis of neosporosis in this species.

Unaffected semen quality parameters in Neospora caninum seropositive Belgian Blue bulls

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion, perinatal mortality, and subfertility in cattle worldwide. Despite the presence of the DNA of the parasite in semen of infected bulls, the effect on semen quality has not been extensively studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a natural Neospora caninum infection on fresh and frozen semen quality parameters in Belgian Blue bulls. Two hundred and fourteen bulls were serologically screened with an indirect ELISA-test specific for anti-Neospora caninum antibodies, every two months during one year. In addition to serological screening, semen was collected twice weekly using an artificial vagina. The following semen quality parameters were assessed: ejaculate volume, concentration, total motility of fresh semen samples, as well as morphology, total and progressive motility for frozen/thawed semen samples. Bulls were semen sampled throughout the whole year, but only semen samples of bulls that had six consecutive positive or negative ELISA-test results were included in our dataset (n = 98). Generalized linear and binomial mixed models were used for statistical analysis of each outcome variable. In these models the explanatory variables were defined as: age, barn location, mean Temperature Humidity Index (THI) during sperm production (14–42 days before sampling), maximum daily THI at collection, season of sperm production, season at collection and the Neospora caninum antibody test results. Initially, individual explanatory variables were tested in univariable models for each outcome variable. Akaike information criterion (AIC) values were used to select explanatory variables to build a multivariable model, where the Neospora caninum test result was forced in all models. The present study reveals an overall apparent seroprevalence of Neospora caninum of 9,2% in the study population. No significant associations were detected between natural neosporosis, substantiated by ELISA-antibody levels, and any of our tested outcome variables on fresh and frozen/thawed semen samples. Based on the results of the present study, we conclude that Neospora caninum seropositive bulls do not have lower semen quality parameters compared with seronegative bulls.

Detection of Anti-Neospora caninum Antibodies on Dairy Cattle Farms in Southern Italy.

Neosporosis is recognized as one of the major causes of bovine abortion worldwide. Canids are the main definitive host for this parasite and the presence of dogs in the farm is an important factor for the Neospora caninum infection in bovines. Since, in the province of Lecce, located in the Apulia region of Southern Italy, there are no studies showing the presence of the infection in farm animals, the objective was to perform a serological evaluation for anti-N. caninum antibodiesin serum from 706 dairy cattle and 21 farm dogs located in 40 farms uniformlydistributed over the territory.The presence of N. caninum infection was confirmed in 90.0% (36/40) of the 40 farms examined. The results obtained on all serum samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ID Screen® Neospora caninum competition ELISA kit) for anti-N. caninum antibodies showed a seropositivity rate of 21.1% (149/706) among dairy cows, with a statistically significant higher percentage of positive subjects in the animals over two years old and a positivity rate of 42.9% (9/21) in tested dogs. The obtained data confirmed the presence of neosporosis even in the Lecce area, where it could therefore represent an important cause of abortion and economic losses.

Detection of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep’s full-cream milk by a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay

Ovine neosporosis, caused by the Apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum, leads to reproductive failure worldwide. Nowadays, there is a trend to develop diagnostic techniques using non-invasive samples, such as milk, in order to reduce animal stress, sample collection effort, and costs. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a highly sensitive and specific serological technique, based on a time resolved-fluorescence immunoassay using a N. caninum GRA7 antigen (GRA7-TRFIA), for the detection of anti-N. caninum immunoglobulins G on sheep’ full-cream milk samples. An analytical validation was performed, including intra- and inter-assay precision, analytical sensitivity and accuracy. The diagnostic performance of the assay was evaluated by studying the positive-negative discrimination by Mann Whitney U tests. In additon optimal cut-offs, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, and areas under the curve were calculated by three Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analyses, using GRA7-TRFIA and a N. caninum tachyzoite soluble extract-based ELISA (NcSALUVET-ELISA) in blood sera, and the coinciding results of both techniques, as reference techniques. Moreover, Spearman’s correlation of GRA7-TRFIA in milk with the techniques in sera and agreement (kappa values) were also estimated. GRA7-TRFIA for milk samples showed an adequate precision, with high analytical sensitivity and accuracy. Regarding ROC analyses, at the optimal cut-offs, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were more than 90 % in all cases. In addition, GRA7-TRFIA values in milk were more positively correlated to GRA7-TRFIA values in blood sera than in the case of values obtained with NcSALUVET-ELISA. GRA7-TRFIA in milk showed an almost perfect agreement with GRA7-TRFIA in blood sera (kappa = 0.98) and with the coinciding results of GRA7-TRFIA and NcSALUVET in blood sera (kappa = 1.00), while it has a substantial agreement with NcSALUVET-ELISA (kappa = 0.69). In the light of these results, GRA7-TRFIA in full-cream milk samples is a highly sensitive technique that could be used for screening anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep flocks.

Development and validation of a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in goats

Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide distributed parasite causing abortions and fetal malformations in small ruminants. The aim of this study was to design and validate a new immunoassay based on the use of TgSAG1-GRA8 chimeric antigen for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies in serum of goats. First, a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TgSAG1-GRA8-TRFIA) was developed. In addition, the diagnostic performance of TgSAG1-GRA8-TRFIA was compared with an optimized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (TgSALUVET-ELISA) and a Western Blot (WB), both based on whole T. gondii tachyzoite antigenic extract. The TgSAG1-GRA8-TRFIA has shown a high intra- and inter-assay precision, analytical sensitivity and accuracy. The ROC analysis of this assay showed an optimal cut-off of 217.4 Units of Fluorometry for T. gondii (UFT), with 92 % of sensitivity and 90.48 % of specificity. A positive and statistically significant Spearman’s correlation with TgSALUVET-ELISA was detected, and kappa value was 0.83, presenting high agreement with both methods. However, TgSAG1-GRA8 protein showed cross-reactivity with specific anti-Neospora caninum antibodies. Thus, TgSAG-1-GRA8 chimeric antigen seems not to be an ideal option for the serodiagnosis of T. gondii infection in goats unless combined with the serodiagnosis of N. caninum infection in parallel. In the light of the results obtained, a comprehensive study on the existence of cross-reactivities between T. gondii antigens used in serological tests employed in animal health and specific antibodies directed against Toxoplasmatinae parasites should be performed.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from Paraná state, South Brazil: prevalence and associated factors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence and factors associated with the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from Paraná state. The detection of antibodies for T. gondii and N. caninum was performed by homemade and commercial indirect ELISA, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to verify the factors associated with the seroprevalence. Antibodies anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum were observed in 42.7% and in 17.6% of the animals, respectively. The protective factors associated to seropositive were "some level of confinement" (full or semi-extensive confinement) (OR=0.53) for T. gondii and "use of skilled labor" (OR=0.64) for N. caninum. The risk factors were "presence of cats" (OR=1.75) for T. gondii and "feeding of dogs with sheep placental remains" (OR=1.79) for N. caninum. In addition, to presenting a significant and simultaneous seroprevalence for both agents (9.9% of the animals), the results also indicate that deficiencies in management and environmental sanitation, the presence of reservoirs, and types of exploitation enhance the seropositivity. Thus, studies like this might support sanitary programs and public policies for the prevention of T. gondii and N. caninum in the sheep herds of Paraná state.

Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in pigs in the State of Pará, Brazil.

We investigated the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in pigs raised in the Northeast of Pará, Brazil. At Study I, convenience sampled 151 pigs at two slaughterhouses, with and without state inspection; and Study II, which assessed 159 pigs with probabilistic sampling from nine pig farms. Serological analysis was performed using indirect fluorescent antibody test for T. gondii and N. caninum with a cutoff of 64 and 50, respectively. Overall, 6.77% pigs were seropositive for T. gondii and 5.16% for N. caninum. In Study I, pigs slaughtered with and without state inspection presented similar occurrence for both coccidia (p>0.05). Study II found an association between N. caninum seropositivity and sludge discarded into the soil, feeding pigs with animal-based protein, subsistence system, and absence of nipple drinkers. No association was found for T. gondii. Pigs from Pará are a potential source of T. gondii infection to humans. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to report anti-N. caninum antibodies in the serum of pigs in Pará State, Brazilian Amazon.

Neospora caninum infection in cattle in the state of Amazonas, Brazil: seroprevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors.

Livestock in the Amazon has grown significantly and, although neosporosis in cattle has been reported worldwide, there is no information about N. caninum in production systems in the state of Amazonas. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in cattle, their spatial distribution and the risk factors associated with N. caninum infection in the state of Amazonas. Questionnaires were applied to farmers to assess risk factors associated with N. caninum infection. Blood samples were collected from 1,073 animals on 47 farms in 33 municipalities in the four Amazonian subpopulations. IgG anti-N.caninum antibodies were detected by the indirect fluorescence test, with a general prevalence of 30.2%, being seropositive in 43 farms (91.5%), with prevalence ranging from 2.2% to 69.2%. The highest number of high density points was found in subpopulation 3 (municipality of Apuí and other municipalities on the Madeira River and affluent). It was concluded that N. caninum is present with high seroprevalence values, when compared to other cattle producing states in the Amazon region of Brazil. The identified factors can be used as risk indicators so that control measures can be implemented to prevent infection by N. caninum in these herds.

Investigation of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in dogs in Osmaniye province

Neospora caninum Apicomplexa şubesinde yer alan parazitik bir protozondur. Son konakları canidae ailesinde bulunan carnivorlar, ara konakları ise sığır başta olmak üzere, koyun, keçi, manda ve at gibi çiftlik hayvanlarıdır. Hastalık köpeklerde genellikle asemptomatik seyreder. Klinik neosporosis genellikle çok genç, çok yaşlı ve bağışıklık sistemi baskılanmış köpeklerde farklı düzeylerde ortaya çıkar. Enfekte hayvanlarda nöromuskuler bozukluklar, multifokal sistemik yayılım ve dermal semptomlar görülebilir. Etken sığır başta olmak üzere bazı ara konaklarda abort, ölü doğum, fötal ölümler ve sonuçta ciddi ekonomik kayıplara neden olur. Hastalığın sığırcılık işletmelerinde neden olduğu yıllık ekonomik kaybın dünya genelinde 1,298 milyar dolar, Türkiye’de ise 40,5 milyon dolar olduğu tahmin edilmektedir. N.caninum’un domestik siklustaki en önemli konağı köpektir. Bu çalışmanın amacı Osmaniye yöresindeki köpeklerin N.caninum’a maruziyet durumlarını belirlemekti. Bu amaçla Osmaniye’nin farklı ilçelerinden 71’i erkek ve 34’ü dişi olmak üzere toplam 105 köpekten kan örnekleri alınarak N.caninum antikorlarına karşı c-ELISA yöntemi ile test edildi. Etkenin ortalama seroprevalansı %35,23 (37/105) olarak belirlendi. Çalışmada N.caninum seroprevalansı ile ırk, cinsiyet ve yaş arasındaki ilişki istatistiksel olarak önemsiz bulundu (p˃0.05). Bu çalışma ile Osmaniye yöresindeki köpeklerin etkene maruziyet durumu ilk kez ortaya konmuştur.

Serosurvey of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs and hunters of Brazil.

The protozoan Neospora caninum is an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, with domestic dogs serving as the definitive hosts. Although hunting activities have been indicated as a potential risk factor for N. caninum infection in dogs, no serological evidence has so far been reported in hunting dogs, wild boars (Sus scrofa), and hunters. A total of 98 wild boars, 168 hunting dogs, and 15 hunters from three Brazilian regions were sampled and tested for anti-N. caninum antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test, resulting in 15/168 (9%) seropositive hunting dogs, and 0/98 wild boars, and 0/15 hunters seropositive. The absence of N. caninum antibodies in wild boars may suggest low exposure to oocysts shed by hunting dogs and wild canids in three different Brazilian regions. Finally, the absence of hunter seropositivity supports the current lack of evidence that N. caninum is a zoonotic parasite.

Investigation of anti-Neospora caninum Antibodies in Goats in Mesudiye District of Ordu using ELISA

Bu çalışma, Ordu’nun Mesudiye ilçesi keçilerinde Neospora caninum seroprevalansının saptanması amacı ile yapılmıştır. Araştırmada Mesudiye ilçesindeki 5 farklı çalışma merkezine ait (Arpaalan, Birebir, Çiftliksarıca, Yeşilçit ve Musalı) 1 yaş ve üzerinde rastgele seçilen toplam 184 dişi keçinin kan serumlarında N. caninum antikorları ELISA testi ile incelenmiştir. Çalışma ile Ordu’nun Mesudiye ilçesinde incelenen toplam 184 dişi keçinin 16’sı (%8.69) anti-N. caninum antikorları yönünden seropozitif olarak saptanmıştır. Yaş grupları açısından, en fazla seropozitiflik oranı %13.04 ile iki yaşındaki keçilerde belirlenmiş, bir yaşındaki keçilerde ise seropozitiflik saptanamamıştır. Çalışma merkezleri arasında en yüksek seroprevalans %36.6 ile Birebir’de belirlenmiş, Çiftliksarıca (Nisan) ve Yeşilçit’de ise seropozitiflik saptanamamıştır. Ayrıca abort görülmeyen 178 keçinin 16’sı (%8.98) seropozitif bulunurken, abort geçmişi olan 6 keçinin hiçbirinde seropozitiflik tespit edilememiştir. Neospora caninum seroprevalans oranları keçilerin yaş grupları ile abort görülen ve görülmeyen keçiler arasında istatistiksel olarak önemsiz bulunmuş (P>0.05), çalışma merkezleri açısından ise seropozitifliğin önemli olduğu saptanmıştır (P<0.001). Ordu’nun Mesudiye ilçesinde keçilerde Neospora caninum ilk defa bu çalışma ile belirlenmiş ve %8.69 oranında seropozitiflik saptanmıştır.

Association between Neospora caninum seropositivity and reproductive disorders in girolando cows

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in Girolando cows, in order to evaluate the association between seropositivity and reproductive disorders. Blood samples were collected from 40 dairy cows in their reproductive phase from the cranial superficial epigastric vein. The blood samples were tested using the Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) to detect anti-N.caninum antibodies. The serological results were used to verify whether there was any association with the manifestation of reproductive disorders based on data from the records of reproductive history from 2017 to 2018 as well as the clinical observations of the herd throughout this study. The Fisher exact test was used to verify the existence of an association between the serology and reproductive disorders, adopting a 95% confidence level. The serological results showed a 27.5% seroprevalence in the herd for N. caninum, however, after statistical analysis, no association between seropositivity and reproductive disorders was found in the evaluated herd. Although the studied population is infected with Neospora caninum, we can infer that anti-Neospora caninum antibodies present in Girolando dairy cows at the UFRRJ Dairy Cattle Facility are not associated with the occurrence of reproductive disorders.

Detection of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in slaughtered sheep

Neospora caninum is a protozoan that causes reproductive disorders in herbivores. Domestic and wild dogs have been considered its definitive hosts, and when these animals are affected, they may suffer from a neuromuscular disease. Recently, this infection has also gained significance in small ruminants. Although neosporosis is already a proven cause of mortality in lambs and congenital infection can occur, this parasite has only recently been considered a cause of abortion in these animals. The aim of this study was to detect anti- N. caninum antibodies in slaughtered sheep. Serum samples (n = 100) collected in a slaughterhouse located in the municipality of Palmeira dos Indios (09°24’26” S and 36°37’39” W), state of Alagoas, northeastern Brazil, were used in this study. Anti- N. caninum antibodies were detected by means of the Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). The cut-off point was set at 50 and samples were titrated up to 800. Anti- N. caninum antibodies were detected in 13% (13/100) of the tested samples, 7.69% of which came from male sheep (1/13) and 92.31% (12/13) from females. Titers ranged from 50 to 800, with the majority of animals (46.15%; 6/13) presenting the maximum one (i.e., 800). Data herein reported demonstrated the circulation of N. caninum parasites among sheep in the study area. These findings are pivotal to improve the knowledge about the dynamics of this pathogen in an ovine population. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt sanitary measures to prevent infection by this parasite and thus reduce its economic impact on ovine production.

Reproductive diseases in a small dairy farm and its importance in regional development

Losses due to low reproductive efficiency can economically affect production in a small dairy farm. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Leptospira, anti-Toxoplasma gondii, and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in dairy cows with history of reproductive problems at a small dairy farm in Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil. The evaluated herd presented with history of abortion and return to estrus. Of the 37 samples analyzed, 10 (27%) were positive in microscopic serum agglutination, with titers ranging from 100 to 400, 21 (56.75%) were positive for Toxoplasma gondii in the indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT), with titers ranging from 16 to 256, and four (10.8%) were positive for Neospora caninum in IIFT, with titers ranging from 25 to 50. No variables were associated with any infection. Leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and neosporosis are widespread in herds and may have a negative impact on reproductive parameters of dairy cattle. Periodic serological evaluations are important, as they may guide the choice of preventive disease control measures in the herd and also alert and educate small producers and the local population on the possible presence of zoonoses spread by these infectious agents, in addition, it can be concluded that infectious diseases can have negative implications on the reproductive parameters of dairy cattle causing return to heat and abortion.