Caninum In Dogs Research Articles

A first insight into seropositivity of Neospora caninum and associated risk factors in free-roaming dogs from Ecuador

Neosporosis is a worldwide parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum. It can cause economic losses to farmers due to its relationship with abortions and neonatal mortality in cows. Dogs play a key role in its spread as they are considered definitive hosts. In this study, we determined for the first time the seropositivity of N. caninum infection in dogs from Ecuador and evaluated potential risk factors. A total number of 339 free-roaming dogs from the three main regions of Ecuador (Coastal, Andean, and Amazonian regions) were included in the study and classified either as urban or rural dogs. Serum samples were collected from November 2018 to May 2019, and analyzed with a commercial ELISA test. An overall seropositivity of 6.8 % (CI: 95 %, 2.8 % – 11.7 %) was found in N. caninum infection with no statistical differences among regions or urban/rural dogs. This is the first surveillance of N. caninum in Ecuador, confirming a country-wide distribution of this pathogen. Considering the large populations of free-roaming dogs in Ecuador, a One Health approach for surveillance and managing N. caninum in dogs is needed to protect either livestock or wildlife.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in pet cats, dogs and rabbits from urban areas of Poland

BackgroundNeospora caninum (N. caninum) has a broad intermediate host range and might cause multisystemic lesions in various species of animals. Dogs are both intermediate and definitive hosts of the parasite and play a crucial role in the horizontal transmission of this protozoan to other animals. Cats and rabbits could be sensitive to infection with N. caninum, however, clinical symptoms and the exact route of infection in these species are unknown. The epidemiology of N. caninum in cats and rabbits has been barely researched, and there is no published record of the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in these species in Poland. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents for N. caninum within pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban areas of Poland and to identify possible risk factors for these animals.ResultsIn total, serum samples from 184 cats (Felis catus), 203 dogs (Canis familiaris) and 70 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in dogs and cats reached 1.0% (2/203; 95% CI: 0.3–3.5) and 3.3% (6/184; 95% CI: 1.5–6.9), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence regarding age group, gender, symptoms or sampling location were found. All 70 samples from pet rabbits were negative for anti-N. caninum antibodies.ConclusionsThe seroprevalence rates of N. caninum in dogs and cats in the present study were low, however, our results confirmed N. caninum circulates among dog and cat populations in Poland, and neosporosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of neuro-muscular disorders in these species. This is the first serological survey of N. caninum in European pet cats and rabbits. The role of pet rabbits in N. caninum epidemiology and circulation in Poland is marginal.

Elimination of probable praziquantel-resistant Dipylidium caninum with nitroscanate in a mixed-breed dog: a case report

BackgroundPraziquantel is the drug of choice for treating the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum in dogs; however, resistance is possible, and regular, non-targeted administration of praziquantel may select for anthelminthic-resistant populations.MethodsThe zinc sulfate fecal floatation procedure was conducted. Gross visualization was used to identify Dipylidium spp. segments, and capsule endoscopy was used to visualize adult tapeworms within the intestinal tract.ResultsAn 18-month-old spayed female terrier mix was presented due to diarrhea, hematochezia and weight loss. The dog received appropriate anthelmintic therapy for Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp. and Dipylidium spp. The dog’s clinical signs resolved, and elimination of Ancylostoma spp. was confirmed by subsequent fecal analysis. However, Dipylidium spp. segments were repeatedly present in the stool. Observation of the segments confirmed the presence of adult Dipylidium spp in feces. Treatment with praziquantel and epsiprantel were unsuccessful in eliminating the organism but was apparently successful in flea prevention. A single dose of nitrosconate was administered and eliminated Dipylidium spp. infection in the dog.ConclusionsNitrosconate can be an effective treatment for praziquantel-resistant dipylidiasis in dogs. The novel application of capsule endoscopy confirmed the anthelmintic efficacy of this treatment.Graphical

Mono- and Mixed Invasions of Socially Dangerous Nematodes toxocara Canis and Ancylostoma caninum in Dogs in Rural and Urban Settlements in the Region North Caucasus and the Results of Tests Against them of New Drugs

Mono- and Mixed Invasions of Socially Dangerous Nematodes toxocara Canis and Ancylostoma caninum in Dogs in Rural and Urban Settlements in the Region North Caucasus and the Results of Tests Against them of New Drugs

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dogs from greater Sydney, Australia unchanged from 1997 to 2019 and worldwide review of adult-onset of canine neosporosis

Neospora caninum causes disease of the muscle and nervous systems in canine pups and is known for producing disease in older dogs. We aimed to determine anti-N. caninum seroprevalence in healthy adult dogs from greater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia and summarise published reports of adult-onset of canine neosporosis. Indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFAT) were used to detect anti-N. caninum IgG and compared to the value from an equivalent 1997 study. The N. caninum seroprevalence (anti-IgG, 1:50 serum dilution) was 14.1% (27/192; 95% CI: 9.1–19.0%) demonstrating no significant change compared to 1997 (12%; 18/150; 95% CI: 7.7–18.2%) (P = 0.58). A literature search identified 56 published cases of adult-onset canine neosporosis, most associated with neurological or myopathic signs (66.1%, 37/56) or cutaneous lesions (25.0%, 14/56). We confirm that a single IFAT N. caninum IgG titre has limited diagnostic value regardless of the cut-off because healthy adult dogs exhibit a range of titres.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum Infection in Dog Population Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes neurological disorders in dogs. This systematic review and meta-analysis targeted at evaluating the worldwide seroprevalence rate of N. caninum in dogs. Five electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, until December 2018 were thoroughly searched for relevant English language articles. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed in StatsDirect statistical software (version 2.7.9). The searching process yielded a total number of 156 papers. The total prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of N. caninum infection in dog population worldwide was measured as 17.14% in data analyses (15.25-19.10). In addition, a significant association was also detected between neosporosis infection in dogs and continent, country, year, WHO regions, sample size and diagnostic method (P < 0.001). Dogs are a matter of concern to public health officials as a source of N. caninum infection. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to provide comprehensive data and systematically analyze the prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs. Accordingly, it is recommended that researchers carry out further studies to prevent and control neosporosis among dog population worldwide.

Standardization of recombinant Ancylostoma caninum cysteine protease 2 (rAcCP2) based indirect ELISA for serodiagnosis of hookworm infection in dogs

Diagnosis of hookworm infection in dogs during pre-patentency or in pregnant bitches harbouring encysted larvae in tissues can be achieved by employing serological tests using proteins derived from somatic or excretorysecretory products of adult or larvae of Ancylostoma caninum. In the present study, cathepsin-B protease (AcCP2) of A. caninum, which helps in development of parasitism and nutrient digestion, was used to develop an indirect ELISA for detection of specific antibodies to A. caninum in dogs. The rAcCP2 (approx. 59.0 kDa) was cloned, expressed and purified under denaturing conditions. Serum samples of 20 known A. caninum positive and 15 known negative dogs were used for the standardization of indirect ELISA. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay was determined by using sera samples from 123 dogs (48 positive for A. caninum eggs in faeces and 75 faecal negative). Out of the 48 A. caninum faecal positive sera, 46 were tested positive (OD &gt; 0.306) by indirect ELISA; whereas, 14 out of 75 faecal negative samples were also tested positive (OD &gt; 0.306) by indirect ELISA. Based on the results, the sensitivity and specificity of rAcCP2 based indirect ELISA was calculated to be 95.8% and 84.3%, respectively. No cross-reactions were observed with serum from dogs naturally infected with B. canis vogeli, B. gibsoni, E. canis, Dirofilaria immitis and Toxocara canis. The results of the present study indicate that indirect ELISA with rAcCP2 protein might be appropriate in large scale epidemiological screening and for serological diagnosis of A. caninum infection in dogs.

First report of the molecular detection of Ancylostoma caninum in Lahore, Pakistan: the threat from pets

The molecular prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum was determined in stray and pet dogs in Lahore, Pakistan from July 2014 to August 2015. A total of 500 dog faecal samples were first evaluated using a sedimentation technique and further through a PCR assay targeting the ITS-2 region of the A. caninum genome. Overall, 130 (26%) samples were positive for hookworm infestation by microscopic examination. Only microscopically positive samples were processed for PCR and 89 (17.6%) were positive for A. caninum. Sequence analysis of amplicons showed 100% homology with A. caninum and the genotypes clustered in one clade with Brazilian A. caninum hookworms. There was a significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) increased prevalence in male dogs younger than six months old. Labrador retrievers had higher A. caninum incidence compared to German shepherds and other breeds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the molecular prevalence of A. caninum in dogs in Pakistan. The novel results of the present study allow us to conclude that A. caninum is more prevalent in pet dogs, especially puppies, and this can be a potential threat for humans that come into contact with such animals. Therefore, the routine monitoring of pets, especially the more susceptible breeds, is essential for disease control.

High seroprevalance of Neospora caninum in dogs in Victoria, Australia, compared to 20\xa0years ago

BackgroundCanids are definitive hosts of the apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum, the leading cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. For horizontal transmission from canids to occur, oocysts of N. caninum must be shed by the definitive host into the environment of susceptible intermediate hosts such as cattle. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of N. caninum in canids in Victoria, Australia’s leading dairy producing state.ResultsNeospora-like oocysts were observed in 8% (18/234) of faecal samples from wild dogs, domestic dogs and red foxes from Victoria, Australia. However, none tested positive for N. caninum DNA using a quantitative PCR. In a separate sample population, blood sera from 483 domestic dogs were tested for anti-N. caninum antibodies using competitive ELISA. A subset of cELISA samples were re-tested using indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). A seroprevalence of 29.8% (144/483; 95% CI: 11.7–47.8%) was calculated when using cELISA; whereas it was 32.9% (27/80; 95% CI: 15.8–51.8%) using IFAT. Potential risk factors were evaluated using univariable analyses and then assessed in separate multivariable models. Using ‘aged’ dogs as a reference, the seroprevalence of ‘adolescent’ and ‘adult’ dogs was 88% (P = 0.05) and 91% (P = 0.08), respectively, indicating seroprevalence increases with age. There was a 19% higher likelihood of infection in rural locations (P = 0.10) relative to urban areas. Jack Russell Terriers had a 22% higher risk of a cELISA-positive result (P = 0.05) regardless of geographical location, age or sex.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that exposure to N. caninum in domestic dogs is widespread in Victoria, although faecal oocyst shedding is infrequent. Our results indicate increased N. caninum seroprevalance status in dogs over the past two decades. The results imply that dogs get either exposed to the infected meat more frequently or that vertical dam to foetus transmission is more frequent than previously thought. Our study calls for re-evaluation of historical N. caninum seroprevalance studies, because the attitude to dog diet changes.

Molecular and serological detection of Neospora caninum in multiple tissues and CSF in asymptomatic infected stray dogs.

Backgrounds: Neospora caninum is an Apicomplexan parasite. It causes paralysis and neuromuscular disorders in dogs and abortion in cattle. Although contamination with N. caninum is common in stray dogs, most of the dogs are infected with subclinical neosporosis. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of N. caninum in multiple tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using Nested-PCR technique. Furthermore, the N. caninum specific antibody was detected in serum of examined dogs by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Methods: Forty two stray dogs of mixed breeds captured from districts of Tehran, Iran, were examined physically and euthanized. A commercially indirect ELISA kit was used to detect the anti-N. caninum antibodies in serum. Nested PCR was applied to analyze the extracted DNA from brain, skeletal muscle, CSF, liver, spleen and mandibular lymph nodes for Nc5 gene. Results: Indirect ELISA assay for N. caninum antibody was positive in a seven years old male dog (2.22%). Out of 42 stray dogs whose multiple organs were examined using Nested PCR, 15 samples (35%) were positive. The highest presence of N. caninum was found in skeletal muscle with 30% (13/42) frequency, followed by CSF (26.2%) (11/42), brain (19%) (8/42), liver (7.14%) (3/42), lymph node (4.62%) (2/42) and spleen samples (0/42). Conclusions: These results suggest that serology tests can underestimate the carrier of N. caninum in dogs compared to PCR test which directly detect the presence of the parasite. Nested-PCR might be a potential alternative for the histological methods to detect N. caninum in dog’s tissues.

Serological study of Neospora caninum in dogs and wildlife in a nature conservation area in southern Portugal

SUMMARYA serological survey was performed to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies againstNeospora caninumin dogs and native animals in a wildlife conservation area in southern Portugal. The study involved 463 animals, including dogs (n = 286), European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus;n = 32), Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon;n = 34), wild boars (Sus scrofa;n = 26), foxes (Vulpes vulpes,n = 25), common genets (Genetta genetta;n = 17), red deer (Cervus elaphus;n = 14), wildcats (Felis silvestris;n = 6), four mustelid species (n = 17) and rodents (n = 6). Samples from dogs were analysed by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). Samples from wild animals were screened by the modified agglutination test and positive and doubtful results were confirmed by IFAT. The seroprevalence ofN. caninumin dogs was 32·5% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 27·3–38·1]. Among wild animals, exposure toN. caninumwas confirmed only in foxes (12%, 95% CI 4·2–30) and rabbits (25%, 95% CI 13·3–42·1). This is the first evidence of natural exposure toN. caninumin foxes and rabbits in Portugal, and our results suggest that rabbits may play a role as reservoirs of infection to dogs, foxes and other wildlife carnivores. The relevance of this finding in the sylvatic cycle ofN. caninumneeds further studies, since infection may affect wildlife species and cattle grazing in the same areas.

Occurrence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs from rural properties surrounding a biological reserve, Espirito Santo, Brasil.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in serum samples of 187 dogs from 30 rural properties surrounding Córrego do Veado Biological Reserve, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The Reserve is one of the last lowland Atlantic Forest remnants of the region, surrounded by agriculture farms and cattle pastures. The presence of IgG antibodies was determined by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test for T. gondii (cut-off 1:16) and N. caninum (cut-off 1:50). Positive samples were diluted 2-fold until the last positive dilution. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 77 (47.05%) dogs and antibodies to N. caninum in 22 dogs (11.76%) and one only dog was positive for both infections. No association between T. gondii and N. caninum infection and sex was observed (p>0.05). Control measures to prevent those infections in dogs that living surrounding the reserve and that had contact with wild animals are important to avoid the introduction of N. caninum in wild animals. This was the first study of frequency of occurrence of T. gondii and N. caninum in dogs from Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Molecular Identification of Hookworm Isolates in Humans, Dogs and Soil in a Tribal Area in Tamil Nadu, India.

BackgroundHookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale) remain a major public health problem worldwide. Infections with hookworms (e.g., A. caninum, A. ceylanicum and A. braziliense) are also prevalent in dogs, but the role of dogs as a reservoir for zoonotic hookworm infections in humans needs to be further explored.Methodology/Principal FindingsAs part of an open-label community based cluster-randomized trial in a tribal area in Tamil Nadu (India; 2013–2015), a total of 143 isolates of hookworm eggs from human stool were speciated based on a previously described PCR-RFLP methodology. The presence of hookworm DNA was confirmed in 119 of 143 human samples. N. americanus (100%) was the most prevalent species, followed by A. caninum (16.8%) and A. duodenale (8.4%). Because of the high prevalence of A. caninum in humans, dog samples were also collected to assess the prevalence of A. caninum in dogs. In 68 out of 77 canine stool samples the presence of hookworms was confirmed using PCR-RFLP. In dogs, both A. caninum (76.4%) and A. ceylanicum (27.9%) were identified. Additionally, to determine the contamination of soil with zoonotic hookworm larvae, topsoil was collected from defecating areas. Hookworm DNA was detected in 72 out of 78 soil samples that revealed presence of hookworm-like nematode larvae. In soil, different hookworm species were identified, with animal hookworms being more prevalent (A. ceylanicum: 60.2%, A. caninum: 29.4%, A. duodenale: 16.6%, N. americanus: 1.4%, A. braziliense: 1.4%).Conclusions/SignificanceIn our study we regularly detected the presence of A. caninum DNA in the stool of humans. Whether this is the result of infection is currently unknown but it does warrant a closer look at dogs as a potential reservoir.

Diagnosis and therapeutic management of Dipylidium caninum in dogs: a case report.

The present study is related to Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs. Three dogs about 1year of age with the history of scooting behaviour and passing diarrhoeic stool containing white specks were presented before the clinicians. Physical examination of dogs revealed flea infestation and faecal examination revealed the presence of gravid segments, which were confirmed microscopically to be of cestode, D. caninum. Dogs were treated with Praziquantel@5mg/kg body wt. orally. Dogs showed marked recovery post treatment. On re-examination after a week, faeces were found negative for any parasitic eggs/gravid segments.

Clinical Effects of Mixed Infection of Trypanosomes and Ancylostoma caninum in Dogs and Treatment with Diminazene and Mebendazole (Nigeria)

Clinical Effects of Mixed Infection of Trypanosomes and Ancylostoma caninum in Dogs and Treatment with Diminazene and Mebendazole (Nigeria)

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in dogs from the state of Tocantins: serology and associated factors.

This study investigated occurrences of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies by means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT), along with risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, in 204 dogs from urban and rural areas of the municipality of Araguaína, state of Tocantins, Brazil. One hundred and thirty samples (63.7%) were positive for T. gondii using ELISA: 57.1% and 70.7% in the urban and rural areas, respectively. The seropositivity frequency for T. gondii observed through IFAT was 57.4%, distributed between rural and urban areas as 62.6% and 52.4%, respectively. The factors associated with canine toxoplasmosis were age and breed (p<0.05). In relation to N. caninum, 88 samples (43.1%) were positive, according to ELISA, distributed as 42.9% in urban areas and 43.3% in rural areas. Anti - N. caninum antibodies were detected through IFAT in 62 dogs (30.4%), distributed as 31.3% and 29.5% between rural and urban areas, respectively. Age and breed were associated with neosporosis occurrence (p<0.05) by IFAT. This study provides the first detection of IgG antibodies for canine toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in the state of Tocantins and highlights the importance of dogs in the epidemiological chain of these diseases.

Occurrence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum in dogs from Natal, RN, Brazil

&lt;p&gt;A ocorrência de anticorpos anti-&lt;em&gt;Toxoplasma gondii &lt;/em&gt;e anti-&lt;em&gt;Neospora caninum &lt;/em&gt;foi determinada em cães do município de Natal, RN, onde informações sobre a presença destes coccídios nessa espécie não era conhecida. Para tanto, foram utilizados 29 cães domiciliados, que habitam áreas que circundam duas importantes Unidades de Conservação de Mata Atlântica presentes no município (Parque da Cidade e Parque das Dunas), e outros 73 cães que foram sacrificados no Centro de Controle de Zoonoses de Natal por serem positivos a &lt;em&gt;Leishmania &lt;/em&gt;spp. Somente em relação aos cães que vivem próximos aos parques foi possível a obtenção de informações sobre o sexo dos animais. A presença de anticorpos contra cada um dos coccídios foi determinada com a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta com ponto de corte de 16 para &lt;em&gt;T. gondii &lt;/em&gt;e 50 para &lt;em&gt;N. caninum. &lt;/em&gt;Dos 102 cães examinados, 13 (12,7%, IC 95% 7,0-20,8) foram positivos para T. gondii e 3 (2,9%, IC 0,6-8,4%) para &lt;em&gt;N. caninum&lt;/em&gt;. Associação entre: localidades de obtenção das amostras (parques x CCZ) e sexo dos animais com a ocorrência de anticorpos contra cada um dos parasitos, determinada através do teste exato de Fisher, foram positivas para &lt;em&gt;T. gondii, &lt;/em&gt;com os machos (p = 0,027) e cães que habitam próximos aos parques (p = 0,008) apresentando maiores taxas de infecção. Associações não foram observadas em relação a &lt;em&gt;N. caninum.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Neospora caninum prevalence in dogs raised under different living conditions

Neospora caninum is an important cause of abortion in dairy cattle worldwide. Dogs are important in the epidemiology of N. caninum because they act as definitive hosts shedding oocysts in the environment. Vertical transmission of the parasite is well recognized as an important aspect of the epidemiology of the parasite but the importance of horizontal transmission has been less studied. A N. caninum competitive ELISA was used to examine serum samples from 600 dogs that were raised under 4 different living conditions. Samples from 138 dogs living on 24 dairies with a prevalence (0–70%) of anti-N. caninum antibodies in the cattle, 294 pet dogs without neurological signs, 76 from pet dogs exhibiting neurological signs, and 92 stray dogs were examined. The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum was 23.5% (95% CI=±2.99) in the 600 dogs. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed between the 4 different populations of dogs. The number of N. caninum positive samples were: 51 (36.9%, 95% CI=±3.09) of 138 dogs from dairies, 31 (10.5%, 95% CI=±6.38) of 294 pet dogs without neurological signs, disorders, 22 (28.9%, 95% CI=±6.70) of 76 pet dogs with neurological signs, and 37 (40.2%, 95% CI=±2.83) of 92 stray dogs. Seropositivity to N. caninum in dogs from dairies was associated with a high prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in the cattle. At the 3 dairies where no dogs were present, the seroprevalence to N. caninum in the cattle was significantly lower (P<0.05) than in the 21 dairies where dogs were present. Seroprevalence was significantly higher (P<0.05) in male dogs (97 of 366; 26.5%, 95% CI=±3.40) than in female dogs (44 of 234; 18.8%, 95% CI=±5.65). Seroprevalence in dogs increased with age suggesting postnatal exposure to N. caninum infection however, this increase was not significant (P>0.05). The prevalence of N. caninum antibodies was not significantly (P>0.05) different in dogs based on breed. These findings suggest a relationship between N. caninum infection of dogs from dairies and cattle on these dairies. However, further research is required to determine what is the most important way dogs acquire infection and how to prevent dogs from shedding oocysts.

Prevalence and correlates of antibodies to Neospora caninum in dogs in Portugal.

Neosporosis, caused by Neospora caninum, is an important cause of abortion in cattle and of neurological disease in dogs. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of antibodies to N. caninum in 441 dogs from the five regions of mainland Portugal. A commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) was used and specific antibodies were detected in 35 (7.9%) dogs. Seroprevalence levels were significantly different among some of the studied regions, as well as between stray dogs (13.6%) and hunting dogs (1.7%). The difference between seropositivity in dogs presenting musculoskeletal or neurological signs (21.4%) and that in animals without clinical signs compatible with neosporosis (5.6%) was close to statistical significance. This is the first report on the seroprevalence of N. caninum in dogs in Portugal. Neosporosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neurological disorders of dogs.

A new approach to Neospora caninum infection epidemiology: neosporosis in integrated and rural dairy farms in Turkey

Both cattle and dogs were examined in modern and rural dairy farms that had a history of abortion over 5%. The blood samples were collected from 427 aborted cattle and the sera were tested using a commercial ELISA test kit. Additionally, a necropsy procedure was carried out on the fetuses and calves dead within 2 months after birth; the tissue samples were evaluated by histopathologic, immunoperoxidase, and PCR techniques. Eighteen dogs in close contact with the cattle in the same field were included in the study and blood and feces samples were collected. The feces samples were analyzed by copro-PCR and the sera were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test. As a result, 161 out of 427 sera samples (37.7%) were found positive for N. caninum. In cattle, the lowest seropositivity was 6.7% and the highest seropositivity was 74.24%. Neosporosis seroprevalence in integrated holdings was lower than those of rural dairy cattle facilities (66.7%). The seropositivity for N. caninum in dogs was determined as 72.7% in rural holdings and 28.6% in integrated holdings. According to the risk analysis, N. caninum-seropositive cows had greater exposure to N. caninum-seropositive dogs in rural family holdings and integrated holdings (P = 0.054, odds ratio = 0.929; and P= 0.008, odds ratio = 0.986, respectively).