Caninum Infection In Dogs Research Articles

Molecular and serological prevalence rates of Neospora caninum infection in dogs from Jordan.

Neosporosis is a proven disease of farm animals and dogs caused by Neospora caninum. This cross-sectional study investigates N. caninum prevalence and seroprevalence among 268 dogs. Nc5 gene PCR was carried out on dog faeces and confirmed by sequencing. Seroprevalence was detected using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Three age groups, gender, locality (Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa Governorates), dog type (stray, pet, and breeding), place of living (indoor/outdoor), food type (raw/cooked), having diarrhoea, having abortion in the area, and having animals nearby were tested as independent variables for associations with positivity to N. caninum using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The true prevalence of N. caninum was 34.3% (95% CI 28.4, 40.5) using the Nc5-PCR test. The true seroprevalence rate of N. caninum among dogs in Jordan was 47.9% (95% CI 41.4, 54.5) using IFAT. The sequenced isolates of Nc5-PCR products (n = 85) matched three N. caninum strains, namely, NcHareGre (n = 70, 82.4%, 95% CI 72.6-89), NC MS2 (n = 14, 16.5%, 95% CI 9.3-26.1), and L218 (n = 1, 1.2%, 95% CI 0.03-6.4). The three strains were isolated previously from three different countries and continents. N. caninum shedding is associated with abortion among dogs and animals in the area (odds ratio = 3.6). In Amman and Zarqa, living indoors reduced seroprevalence at 0.45, 0.24, and 0.02 odds ratios, respectively. Jordan shares three molecular N. caninum strains with three different countries and continents.

A 20-year serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in dogs with neuromuscular disorders from urban areas in Argentina

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections may be associated with neuromuscular disorders in dogs. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence to these protozoan parasites in dogs with neuromuscular disease from urban areas of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, over a period of 20 years, and to evaluate the association of seropositivity and antibody titres with different variables such as sex, breed and age. For this, a total of 7238 serum samples from urban owned dogs were analysed by the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for specific IgG antibodies. The observed seropositivity rates were 35.7 % for T. gondii and 25.7 % for N. caninum. Crossbred dogs had a significantly higher seroprevalence for T. gondii than purebred dogs (41 % vs. 29.3 %), while a trend towards significance was observed for N. caninum, which was slightly higher in purebred dogs (26 % vs. 23.6 %). Seroprevalence for both parasites increased with age and was higher in older animals. Regarding the distribution of specific antibody titres, the most frequent IFAT T. gondii titre found was 100 and for N. caninum it was ≥800. For toxoplasmosis, there was no association with age group, and low titres (50, 100 and 200) predominated in all groups. However, for neosporosis, age and titres were significantly associated for one age group, with dogs under 12 months of age having a higher proportion of high titres (400 and 800). The trend in the seroprevalence for T. gondii is increasing over the years and lower antibody titres predominate in the dogs studied, which may be more related to the presence of chronic infections and not necessarily to the clinical signs of the animals. Despite the generally low titres observed for toxoplasmosis in this study, it is important to highlight the high seroprevalence found in our region, as dogs can act as sentinels of environmental contamination and as indicators of possible human infection. In the case of neosporosis, although the trend in seroprevalence in dogs with signs appears to be decreasing over the years, our work shows that higher antibody titres predominate, and are probably related to the clinical signs presented by the dogs. This study provides the most recent epidemiological data and serological profiles of T. gondii and N. caninum infections in a large number of canine sera from urban areas in Argentina, providing relevant information for clinical veterinarians and epidemiologists in order to understand the circulation of the parasites.

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.

Immunoassay for detection of Dipylidium caninum coproantigen in dogs and cats.

Dipylidium caninum infections in dogs and cats are underestimated because of a lack of proglottid observations and poor recovery of parasite elements by centrifugal flotation. We developed an immunoassay that employs a pair of monoclonal antibodies to capture D. caninum-specific coproantigen in fecal extracts from dogs and cats. Real-time PCR for D. caninum DNA in perianal swabs and observation of proglottids were used as reference methods. In 6 experimentally infected dogs, parasite DNA, coproantigen, and proglottid segments were first detected at 22, 23, and 26 d post-infection, respectively. Praziquantel treatment of 3 experimentally infected dogs resulted in the elimination of both coproantigen and proglottid shedding within 1-5 d post-treatment; however, parasite DNA persisted for 14 d. Immunohistochemistry on immature and mature tapeworm segments using an antibody against the coproantigen supports the premise that the antigen is produced in mature segments. We assessed the performance of our coproantigen test in natural infections in 78 dogs from a flea-endemic area. Of the 12 antigen-positive samples, 11 were confirmed with a positive PCR test and/or proglottid observation. Finally, we evaluated a convenience sample set of 730 canine and 163 feline fecal samples obtained from a commercial diagnostic laboratory; D. caninum antigen was detected in 4.1% of the canine and 12.9% of the feline samples, whereas parasite elements were observed in only 0.028% of samples. Our coproantigen immunoassay provides a sensitive method for the detection of D. caninum infection in dogs and cats.

Anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e anti-Neospora caninum em cães com e sem sinais neurológicos

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the association between neurological signs as well as plausible risk factors and the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in dogs of the Campo Grande region of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. In this study, the dogs were divided into two groups based on the presence and the absence of neurological signs (n=30 in each group). Serological diagnosis was performed using the indirect fluorescent antibody test. In the group with neurological disorders, 23.3% and 30% of the dogs had anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies, respectively. Moreover, three dogs from this group showed co-infection with both protozoa. In the group without neurological signs, 16.7% and 13.3% of the dogs were seropositive for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. Although presence of neurological signs was not associated with T. gondii and N. caninum infections (P = 0.747 and P = 0.21, respectively), there was a statistical association between T. gondii seropositivity and peripheral neurological alteration (P = 0.016) among dogs with neurological signs. Raw meat ingestion was the only risk factor associated with the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies (P = 0.041). Results revealed evidence of exposure to N. caninum and T. gondii in dogs irrespective of the presence of neurological signs. Moreover, this study highlighted the need for serological investigation of T. gondii in dogs with disturbances in peripheral nervous systems and not offering raw meat to animals to avoid the risk of N. caninum infection.

Epidemiological study of gastrointestinal helminths among dogs from Northeastern Nigeria: a potential public health concern.

Understanding the epidemiology of canine parasitic infections, gastrointestinal helminthic infections in particular, is crucial for designing an efficient control programs targeted at minimizing the risks of zoonotic transmission. A total of 470 dogs attending veterinary clinics in Northeastern Nigeria were screened for gastrointestinal helminths using standard parasitological techniques. Epidemiological risk factors associated with the canine parasitic infections were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. In total, 77.9% (366/470) of dogs had harboured one or more species of the gastrointestinal helminths: Ancylostoma caninum (40.2%), Toxocara canis (35.1%) Trichuris vulpis (26.6%), Spirocerca lupi (5.7%), Taenia/Echinococcus (12.3%), Dipylidium caninum (10.9%) and Diphyllobothriid ova (2.8%). Female dogs (OR=2.1; p=0.02), local breeds (OR=2.3; p<0.01), younger dogs (OR=3.2; p<0.001), dogs adopted as security guards (OR=1.8; p<0.01) and poor body condition score (OR=3.1; p<0.001) were strongly associated with A. caninum infection. For T. canis and T. vulpis, younger dogs (OR=2.5; p=0.02 and OR=2.3; p<0.01) and poor body condition score (OR=4.2; p<0.001 and OR=2.2; p<0.01) were the strong predictors for infection, whereas female dogs (OR=2.8; p=0.02), younger dogs (OR=4.1; p<0.001) and poor body condition score (OR=4.0; p<0.001) were strongly associated with D. caninum infection in dogs. The results revealed high prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths-some of which have zoonotic potential-among dogs underlying huge public health risk.

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.

Dipylidium caninum Infection in Dogs and Humans in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia.

Dogs are reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases. In Ethiopia, the majority of owned dogs are semi-stray, freely roaming in the community. Studies reporting dog borne zoonotic diseases are scarce in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs and in children with gastrointestinal complaints in Bishoftu Town, Oromia. We collected 384 fecal samples from dogs presented to veterinary teaching hospital and 259 stool samples from children presented to Bishoftu Hospital for clinical examination. Samples were first macroscopically examined for the presence of proglotids, followed by microscopic examination for the presence of eggs with the direct smear following flotation technique. The prevalence of D. caninum was 21% (95% CI: 16.6–24.9) in dogs. Although not statistically significant (p > 0.05), higher prevalence was detected in adult (11.9%), local breed (17.7%), and male (12.6%) dogs compared to young (8.59%), exotic breed (2.86%), and females (7.81%), respectively. Dipylidium caninum was detected in a stool sample obtained from a three year-old child (0.4%, 1/259). This study showed that the prevalence of D. caninum in the dogs is high while it is rare in children. Although the prevalence in children is negligible in this study, the high proportion of infected dogs can pose a significant risk of infection in the general human population. Public health risk can be reduced by eliminating the semi-roaming of owned dogs and proper management of dogs with regular deworming and prevention of environmental contamination with dog feces. Similarly, raising public awareness about dog borne zoonoses and avoiding contact with dog feces are important.

Prevalence, Incidence, and Risk Factors for Infection by Neospora caninum in Dairy Farm Dogs in North-Central Mexico.

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and incidence of Neospora caninum infection in dogs that are in close contact with dairy cattle and to identify possible risk factors associated with the infection in this population. Twenty-four dogs located in 8 different dairy farms of Aguascalientes, Mexico, were evaluated for a 6-mo period. Once a month a sample of serum and a sample of peripheral blood was collected. The serum was used to detect antibodies against N. caninum by means of the indirect immunofluorescence technique, and the blood was used to detect parasite's DNA. The association between seroprevalence and possible risk factors was estimated using logistic regression. The prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 54% in the first month, 62% in the last month, and the incidence was 8.69%. One farm had no positive cases. Antibody titers ranged from 1:50 to 1:800. Parasite DNA was not detected in any of the samples. Only the age (>6 yr) of the dogs was identified as a risk factor for infection by N. caninum (P ≤ 0.05).

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.

Neospora caninum oocyst shedding in a naturally infected dog from Italy.

Although the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dogs can be relatively high, there are few reports of dogs naturally shedding N. caninum oocysts. Worldwide, the prevalence of Neospora excretion in canine faeces ranges from 0.03% to 4.9%. A mixed-breed male household dog of about 8years in age living in the district of Pisa (Tuscany, Central Italy) was referred for dysorexia, weakness and general lymph node enlargement. Clinical pathology demonstrated mild normocytic and normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia and hypoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia. Serology for Leishmania, Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum was negative. From lymph node and bone marrow analysis, T cell lymphoma, high grade, pleomorphic type, clinical stage V, was diagnosed. The dog was treated with a chemotherapy induction protocol with vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone for 8weeks. A faecal sample collected from the dog 7days after the beginning of the treatment and analysed by flotation test and a McMaster method, revealed the presence of 300 OPG N. caninum-like unsporulated oocysts of about 10-11μm in diameter. An aliquot of the same faecal sample analysed by PCR with species-specific primer pairs Np6+/Np21+ was positive for N. caninum DNA, while specific serology performed on sera collected at the first visit and a month later by IFAT, were positive with a titer of 1: 50 and 1:400, respectively. Soon after the dog died. Naturally occurring systemic illness or iatrogenic immunosuppression may predispose dogs to proliferation of the parasite. The dog was receiving chemo-immunosuppressive treatment for T cell lymphoma. For this reason it is possible to suppose that emission of Neospora oocysts in this dog was caused by reactivation of a latent infection.

Preventive efficacy of NexGard Spectra® against Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs using a natural flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestation model.

The efficacy of a monthly oral endectocide product, NexGard Spectra® (Merial), a combination of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime, was evaluated in a flea (Ctenocephalides felis) challenge model for the prevention of Dipylidium caninum tapeworm infection in dogs. The efficacy of treatment with NexGard Spectra® was assessed in 10 dogs following weekly flea infestation with metacestode naturally infected fleas and compared with that in 10 untreated control dogs. The 100 fleas deposited weekly on each dog were not removed until Day 35, allowing enough time for their ingestion. The microscopical analysis of 30 fleas from the flea batches before each weekly challenge demonstrated that 10–33% of the fleas were infected by D. caninum cysticercoid larvae. The arithmetic mean flea count recorded was 47.7 for the 10 untreated dogs and 0 for the 10 treated dogs at Day 35. Based on the daily collection of expelled D. caninum proglottids by dogs during the 70 days of the study, 70% (7/10) of the control dogs and 0% (0/10) of the treated dogs were infected with D. caninum (p < 0.0031). Through its efficacy against fleas, NexGard Spectra® treatment provided indirect prevention of D. caninum infestation. No treatment-related adverse events were observed in dogs during this study.

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.

Serological study of Neospora caninum infection in dogs in central China.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion in cattle as well as reproduction problems and neurological disorders in dogs. Dogs are important in the epidemiology of N. caninum because they act as definitive hosts, shedding oocysts in the environment. To investigate the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs in central China, 1176 serum samples were collected from domestic dogs in Henan province, central China between March 2015 and February 2016 and tested for IgG antibody against N. caninum, using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum was nearly 15% (172/1176). No significant difference was observed between this seroprevalence according to sex and breed of dogs (p > 0.05). The infection rate in rural dogs (18%) was higher (p < 0.05) than in urban dogs (11%). The prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs increased (p < 0.05) with age. The results of the present study indicate the high prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in dogs in Henan province, central China. Sanitary conditions and animal health must be improved to prevent the transmission risk of N. caninum by dogs.

Low prevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs in Jilin, Henan and Anhui Provinces of the People's Republic of China.

BackgroundNeospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are important pathogens of worldwide distribution. N. caninum is a major cause of abortion in cattle and dogs are main reservoirs because they excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts. Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis and dogs are considered as sentinels for this parasite because of their close contact with people and cats; additionally dog meat is also used for human consumption in China. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii infection in dogs from China. A total of 425 countryside dog hearts in Jilin, Henan and Anhui provinces of the People’s Republic of China were collected from slaughter houses in two batches; the first batch of 96 in October 2013, and the second batch of 329 in April 2014. Serum samples extracted from 96 dog hearts were tested for antibodies to N. caninum and from 425 dog hearts were tested for T. gondii antibodies in the modified agglutination tests (cut-off 1:25 for both), using respective antigens.ResultsAntibodies to N. caninum were 6 of 96 (6.25%) of dogs with titers of 1:25 in 2, 1:50 in 3, and 1:100 in 1. All seropositive dogs were more than 1 year old. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 35 of 425 (8.24%) dogs with titers of 1:25 in 15, 1:50 in 14; and 1:100 in 6.ConclusionThe results of the present study indicated low prevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii antibodies in dogs of China, compared with Europe and America. Identification of the risk factors that underlie these differences may help prevention of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis. This is the first report of N. caninum infection in dogs from China.

Prophylactic Treatment of Flea-Infested Dogs with an Imidacloprid / Flumethrin Collar (Seresto®, Bayer) to Preempt Infection with Dipylidium caninum

The objective of the study was to determine the sustained effectiveness of 10 % imidacloprid and 4.5 % flumethrin, incorporated in a slow-release matrix collar, in preventing Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs after repeated laboratory infestations with fleas infected with metacestodes of this tapeworm. Efficacy against infection with D. caninum was evaluated by infesting 16 dogs with cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on study days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42, from batches suitably infected with D. caninum metacestodes. Prior to each post-treatment infestation the D. caninum infection rate for the fleas was determined by microscopically examining 100 fleas for D. caninum metacestodes. The D. caninum prevalence in the fleas used for infestations ranged from 23 % to 52 %. Medicated collars were fitted to 8 of the dogs on study day 0. The weight of the IVP collars varied between 35.48 g and 38.48 g (average 37.16 g), whilst animal weight varied between 12.20 kg and 17.98 kg (treated group, n = 8, average 14.79 kg). Seven days later infestation of each of the 16 dogs with 250 fleas commenced. Infestations continued at weekly intervals until Day 42 with efficacy against fleas evaluated 24 hours after each infestation. From Days 21 to 74, infection of the dogs with D. caninum was verified (daily examination of faeces and cages for the presence of expelled proglottids). Calculation of prophylactic effectiveness of the collars in preventing infection with D. caninum was based on the difference in geometric mean numbers of scoleces between groups at necropsy on Day 75. Effective prevention of infection with D. caninum was found to be 96.6 %. Efficacy of the collars against fleas was ≥ 99.9 % for the duration of the assessment period. Newly acquired infestations of fleas are rapidly eliminated by the insecticidal components of the medicated collars over a period of several months. In the event of fleas being infected with metacestodes, with D. caninum can be prevented in collared dogs, concurrently reducing the likelihood of transmission to humans.

Serological study of Neospora caninum infection in dogs and cattle from west of Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dogs and cattle from Hamedan province (West of Iran). Blood samples were collected from 1,046 cattle and 270 dogs in this area. Cattle and dog samples were tested and analyzed using ELISA and IFAT, respectively. IgG-antibodies to N. caninum were found in 27 and 17.4 % of dogs and cattle samples, respectively. In cattle study, The association between infection and type of cattle was statistically significant (P = 0.004). Also, significant statistical differences were observed regarding to stray canids presence in farm (P < 0.0001), and abortion history (P < 0.001), unlike to age (P = 0.195) and breed (P = 0.077). In dog study, there was statistical differences among age groups (P < 0.001) and type of dogs (P < 0.001) opposite to gender (P = 0.112). This study is the first report of N. caninum infection in dogs and cattle from west of Iran. There is both horizontal and vertical transmission of N. caninum in this area, and the presence of stray dogs may be a risk factor for N. caninum infection in cattle. N. caninum is an important factor in the economic losses of the cattle breeding in Hamedan province. Therefore, further investigations and designing control strategies for improving management in cattle farms is highly recommended.

Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs infested with fleas

The present study pertains to the Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs infested with fleas. Twenty dogs were presented to the Divison of Surgery, SKUAST-K for different surgical procedures. Majority of the dogs had a history of pruritus, loss of weight as well as rubbing their perineal region against the wall. On external examination dogs were found infested with Ctenocephalides canis. When dogs were anesthetized, motile segments were seen coming out of their anus, which were then identified as mature segments of D. caninum.

Epidemiological survey of Neospora caninum infection in dogs from Romania

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dogs from Romania at a national level and to detect possible correlations between the value of seroprevalence and a series of factors like sex, age, breed category and area. The prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was determined in sera samples from 1114 dogs located in different regions of Romania using the IFAT method. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 364 dogs (32.7%). The titers of anti-N. caninum antibodies varied from 1:50 to 1:800.