anti-Neospora Caninum Antibodies Research Articles

OCORRÊNCIA DE ANTICORPOS anti-Neospora caninum EM VACAS LACTANTES DO MUNICÍPIO DE ARAGUAÍNA, ESTADO DO TOCANTINS, BRASIL

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in lactating cows from farms in the municipality of Araguaina, Tocantins State, Brazil. Blood samples from 192 randomly selected cows were collected and analyzed by Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) in order to detect IgG anti-Neospora caninum antibodies. Tachyzoites of the Nc-1 isolate of N. caninum, cultivated in Vero cells, were used as antigen and the cut-off point was titers above 1:200. Titration of positive samples until the dilution 1:6,400 was also performed. Forty-eight samples (25%) were serum positive; the prevalence in the farms was between 12.5% and 33.3% revealing the animal’s exposition to the parasite in the municipality of Araguaina. This is the first record of this parasite in the State of Tocantins.

Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

Uninfected dogs and those naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi exhibiting different clinical forms of disease were evaluated for the presence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Blood samples were collected from 110 mongrel dogs. Sera were tested using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and the animals with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) (n=60) were classified clinically. Out of the 110 sera investigated, 5 (4.5%) were positive for N. caninum (IFAT>50) and 36 (32.7%) for T. gondii (IFAT>16). Anti-L. chagasi antibody titers in asymptomatic dogs (n=10) were found to be significantly lower (P<0.05) than those in oligosymptomatic ones (n=22), which were in turn significantly lower (P<0.05) than those in symptomatic ones (n=28). No association between Leishmania and N. caninum infections was observed. Among dogs infected with L. chagasi, a tendency (P=0.053) towards an association between the infection with T. gondii and the appearance of VL symptoms was observed, suggesting that the clinical manifestation of VL in dogs may enhance their susceptibility to T. gondii. The possible influence of the immunosuppressive status of canine leishmaniasis in the different clinical forms of the disease is discussed.

SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO NEOSPORA CANINUM IN FEMALE BOVINES FROM THE WESTERN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was evaluated in 1104 cows from 118 farms in the Western region of São Paulo State, Brazil, using indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. Sixty-five (55.0%; CI 95%: 46.0-63.8%) farms showed at least one seropositive animal. Prevalence over 10% was observed in 33 farms (28.0%; CI 95%: 20.4-36.5%), and over 20% in 18 farms (15.2%; CI 95%: 9.5-22.6%). Prevalence of animals showed 120 (10.9%) positive females (IFAT ? 1:100). The positivity in the farms showed significant association with farms producing more than 50 liters per day. Infection caused by the protozoan N. caninum occurs in the Western region of the state of São Paulo, and although no differences were observed either in relation to the production type or management practices, greater milk yield was related to greater prevalence of infection.

Seroprevalence of <i>Neospora Caninum</i> in Stray Dogs

Problem statement: To investigate anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in stray dogs living in Tabriz city, 100 blood samples were collected. Serum samples were screened for detection of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies using Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT; ≥50). Antibodies were seen in 31 (31%) of 100 dogs. Approach: The IFAT antibody titers were as follows: 1:50 in 11 dogs, 1:100 in ten dogs, 1:200 in six dogs, 1:400 in one dog, 1:800 in two dogs and 1:1,600 in one dog. There were no significant differences in seroprevalence of Neospora infection between different genders (p>0.05). The seropositive results were increased with age and differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Results: The results confirm the presence and exposure of stray dogs to N. caninum in Tabriz city and importance of this protozoan as a cause of disease in dogs of the region. Conclusion: Based on the present study, this is the first report on seroprevalence of N. caninum in stray dogs of the Tabriz northwest of Iran. This finding confirms the presence of Neospora infection and the important role of dogs in the region.

Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from farms located in northern Parana, Brazil

Neospora caninum é um protozoário causador de doença de esfera reprodutiva em algumas espécies de animais, causando perdas econômicas em rebanhos de produção. Esta doença está ligada diretamente a problemas reprodutivos, podendo ser transmitida por fêmeas infectadas aos seus descendentes ou através de oocistos eliminados nas fezes de seus hospedeiros definitivos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar a soro-ocorrência de anticorpos contra N.caninum em ovinos de propriedades rurais localizadas no norte do Paraná. Foram colhidas 381 amostras de sangue de ovelhas e 25 amostras de sangue canino de 11 propriedades rurais na região norte do estado do Paraná. Utilizou-se a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) para a detecção de anticorpos contra N.caninum e foram considerados positivos os animais que apresentaram títulos ? 50. Encontrou-se uma ocorrência de 13,91% (10,7% < IC 0,95% < 17,9%) e 36% (18,7% < IC 0,95% < 57,4%) de anticorpos contra N. caninum nos ovinos e nos cães, respectivamente. Foi observada uma diferença significativa na associação entre o resultado da sorologia dos ovinos para N.caninum e as variáveis “abate animais na propriedade” (P=0,0041; OR=5,27) e “cães com acesso às vísceras” (P=0,0001; OR=1,49).

Anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em bovinos de leite do sudoeste do estado do Paraná

Since November 2007 until May 2009, 1,778 serum samples of cattle from dairy herds of the Southwest of Parana State, Brazil, were used for search of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies. The frequency of seropositive animals, assessed by IFAT, was 24.2% (431/1,178), showing a relatively high occurrence in the studied population. These results show that Neospora caninum is widely distributed in the dairy cattle in the Southwest of Parana State. The presence of Neospora caninum in a herd is worrisome, since this protozoan is closely related with reproductive disorders and low milk production in cattle.

IgM e IgG como marcadores da infecção transplacentária por Neospora caninum em fetos bovinos

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em 260 amostras de soro coletadas de fetos bovinos de julho de 2007 a março de 2008, em abatedouro do município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para detecção de anticorpos anti-N. caninum, a técnica de imunofluorescência indireta foi utilizada tanto para a detecção de imunoglobulinas G e M. Amostras com títulos e" 25 foram consideradas positivas. Das 260 amostras testadas, 15% (39/260) foram positivas para anticorpos anti-N. caninum. Destas, em 38 (97,4%) foi detectada a presença de IgG anti-N. caninum e em seis (15,4%) de IgM. Em cinco amostras (12,8%) detectaram-se ambos, IgG e IgM. Os resultados reafirmam a habilidade do N. caninum em determinar infecção fetal. A pesquisa de IgM foi de limitada importância na detecção da infecção via transplacentária em soro fetal bovino.

Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in swine from Northeastern Brazil

Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in swine from Northeastern Brazil

Prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in stray dogs of Urmia, Iran

To investigate anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in stray dogs living in Urmia city, 135 blood samples were collected. Serum samples were screened for detection of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; >or=50). Antibodies were seen in 36 (27%) of 135 dogs. The IFAT antibody titers were as follows: 1:50 in 16 dogs, 1:100 in ten dogs, 1:200 in six dogs, 1:400 in one dog, 1:800 in two dogs, and 1:1,600 in one dog. There were no significant differences in seroprevalence of Neospora infection between different genders (p > 0.05). The seropositive results were increased with age and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results confirm the presence and exposure of stray dogs to N. caninum in Urmia city and the importance of this protozoan as a cause of disease in dogs of the region.

Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in swine from Northeastern Brazil

A serologic survey was conducted among 130 swine slaughtered in the public slaughterhouse of the city of Patos, Paraíba State, Northeastern Brazil, to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies, and to verify possible associations between sex of the animals and antibody prevalence. The sera were analyzed by indirect antibody tests, considering 1:64 (T. gondii) and 1:50 (N. caninum) dilutions as cut-off points. The prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 36.2% (47/130) (95% CI = 27.9 - 45.0%) with reciprocal titers ranging from 64 to 2,048, and of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 3.1% (4/130) (95% CI = 0.8 - 7.7%) with reciprocal titers ranging from 50 to 6,400. Three of the four N. caninum-positive samples were also positive for T. gondii antibodies. All Neospora and Toxoplasma IFAT-positive animals were also positive for confirmatory immunoblotting techniques using total and purified N. caninum and T. gondii tachyzoite antigens, i.e., p38 (NcSRS2) and p30 (TgSAG1). There was no association between sex of animals and prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies. This is the first indication of N. caninum natural infection in pigs from Brazil.

SOROPREVALÊNCIA DE Neospora caninum EM PROPRIEDADES DO MUNICÍPIO DE BARRA DE SÃO FRANCISCO, ESPÍRITO SANTO, BRASIL

This study assesses the prevalence of anti-Neospara caninum antibodies in cattle from Barra de Sao Francisco, Espirito Santo, Brazil. Venous blood samples were collected from 40 cows raised in 4 different properties. Anti-Neospora caninum antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence testing (IIFT). A total of 7 animals (17,5%; 95% CI = 0,5 – 34,5%) were reactive. This is the first report of Neospora caninum infection in cattle herds from Espirito Santo. Although there was no evidence of reproductive failure, this possibility can not be excluded due to the fact that no control measures are adopted in the three farms where seropositive cows were found. Therefore, results indicate a need for further research to verify the actual prevalence of the disease in the state.

PREVALÊNCIA DE Neospora caninum EM CÃES DE GOIÂNIA

Neospora caninum is a coccidium from Sarcocystidae family and Apicomplexaphylum that causes neurological disorders in dogs and, since 1989, described as anabortion agent in bovine cattle. Dogs and coyotes had their role on the horizontal transmission proved, and they were classified as definitive hosts. The objectiveof this study was to determinate, through indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) thepresence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in dogs of the city of Goiânia-Go,from the Zoonosis center, the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) VeterinaryHospital and from private clinics. From the total of examined dogs, 32.97 %(65/197) were positive, with titers higher than 1:50. Among the 72 animals fromthe zoonosis center of Goiânia, 36.1 % (26/72) showed positive results and amongthe 125 dogs from the UFG veterinary hospital and private clinics, 31.2 % (39/125)were positive to N. caninum.

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

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.

High prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in ranches of Corrientes, Chaco and Formosa provinces, Argentina

Water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are important to the economy of several countries including Argentina. N. caninum exposure and isolation have been reported in water buffaloes. The goal of this paper is to describe the prevalence of antibodies against N. caninum in water buffaloes from eight ranches located in the provinces of Corrientes, Chaco and Formosa. Anti-Neospora caninum antibodies were determined by using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in sera of 1,024 water buffaloes at a 1:100 dilution. Reproductive parameters were normal having >80% of pregnancy, >75% of calving and >70% of weaning in all farms. Antibody titers were found in 665 (64.9%) buffaloes. All farms presented positive animals. Results indicate a high exposure of water buffaloes to N. caninum in these provinces of the northeastern Argentina. Although more studies should be performed in order to assess the consequences of Neospora-infections in the water buffalo industry, the high prevalence of infected animals should be considered as a risky epidemiological variable.

Serologic study of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in household dogs and dogs living in dairy and beef cattle farms in Tehran, Iran

A few studies have been done on the seroepidemiology of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in dairy and beef cattle farms in Iran, which suggested the presence of N. caninum in these areas, but there is no published information directed on the presence or epidemiology of this organism in the dogs in Iran. To investigate anti-N. caninum antibodies in household dogs and dogs living in cattle farms, 100 blood samples were collected: 50 from dogs living in dairy and beef cattle farms and 50 from household dogs. Serum samples were screened for detection of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; > or = 50). Antibodies were seen in 10 (20%) of 50 household dogs and in 23 (46%) of 50 farm dogs. There were significant statistical differences in seropositivity between these two groups (P = 0.005). The IFAT antibody titers were as follows: 1:50 in seven dogs, 1:100 in eight dogs, 1:200 in six dogs, 1:400 in seven dogs, 1:800 in three dogs, 1:1,600 in one dog, and 1:12,800 in one dog. There were no significant differences in seropositivity between males and females. The positive results were increasing with age, and positive results were significantly different in the age group of older than 2 years compared to the dogs of age group under 1 year (P = 0.000) and 1-2 years (P = 0.007). The results confirm the exposure of household and farm dogs to N. caninum in Tehran and the higher rate of exposure for the dogs of dairy and cattle farms around Tehran.

Occurrence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dairy cattle from the northern region of the Paraná State, Brazil

Three-hundred and eighty-five serum samples were taken from dairy cows on 90 farms in 12 counties from the northern region of the Paraná State, Brazil. The samples were analyzed by IFAT for the detection of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies. Forty-five (12%) samples were seropositive to N. caninum, while 102 (26%) samples were seropositive to T. gondii. Only four animals were seropositive to both coccidia. No significant difference was observed between the N. caninum serology and any of the variables studied, such as dairy cattle management, milk production, reproductive problems, feeding, and presence of dogs, cats and rodents. These data suggest that neosporosis is present among dairy cattle in the studied geographic region and the simultaneous detection of serum positive animals to both types of coccidian parasite demonstrates the independent occurrence of these coccidia in dairy cows.

Hepatic sarcocystosis in a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

Fatal hepatic sarcocystosis was diagnosed in a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the northeastern Spanish Mediterranean coast based on pathologic findings and the microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics of the intralesional parasite. Main gross lesions were icterus, subcutaneous hemorrhages, and hepatic congestion. The most prominent microscopic lesions consisted of severe acute multifocal to coalescing necrotizing hepatitis with cholestasis and intralesional protozoa. There was severe chronic pancreatitis with generalized distension of pancreatic ducts by hyaline plugs and adult trematodes. Only asexual stages of the protozoa were found. The parasite in the liver divided by endopolygeny. Schizonts varied in shape and size. Mature schizonts had merozoites randomly arranged or budding peripherally around a central residual body. Schizonts were up to 22 microm long, and merozoites were up to 6 microm long. Ultrastructurally, merozoites lacked rhoptries. This parasite failed to react by immunohistochemistry with anti-Toxoplasma gondii, anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Sarcocystis neurona antibodies. The microscopic and ultrastructural morphologies of the parasite were consistent with Sarcocystis canis, so far described only from animals in the Unites States. The life cycle and source of S. canis are unknown. The present report of S. canis-like infection in a sea mammal from Spain indicates that the definitive host for this parasite also exists outside of the United States.

Prevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dogs from beef-cattle farms, dairy farms, and from urban areas of Argentina.

Prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was determined in sera of 320 dogs from Argentina using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 121 of 320 (37.8%) sera with titers of 1:50 (21 dogs), 1:100 (23 dogs), 1:200 (23 dogs), 1:400 (17 dogs), 1:800 (23 dogs), and > or = 1:1.600 (14 dogs). The seropositivity (IFAT, > or = 1:50) was higher in dogs from dairy (48% of 125) and beef (54.2% of 35) farms than in dogs from urban areas (26.2% of 160). Prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was higher in dogs more than 12 mo of age (47.7%, 105 of 222) versus in 12-mo-old or younger dogs (12.7% of 86), suggesting postnatal exposure of N. caninum infection in dogs.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum Infection in 25 Ontario Dairy Herds and its Association with Periparturient Health and Production

Serum samples were collected in 1995/1996 from 7 58 animals on 25 Ontario Holstein dairy farms at three weeks prior to expected calving. The frozen sera were subsequently analyzed for anti-Neospora caninum antibodies. Herd seroprevalence was 60% and 73% using two different cut-off values for defining infection. Using the lower cut-off, within-herd seroprevalence ranged from Oto 38% with a mean of 9.0% in seropositive herds. Seropositivity was associated with a 3.8-fold increased risk ofretained placenta. No significant impact of infection on milk production was detected for the first three Dairy Herd Improvement test-day evaluations of each cow's lactation.