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Fereig RM, Abdelbaky HH, Mazeed AM, El-Alfy ES, Saleh S, Omar MA, Alsayeqh AF, Frey CF. Prevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies and DNA in Raw Milk of Various Ruminants in Egypt. Pathogens 2022; 11:1305. [PMID: 36365056 PMCID: PMC9696228 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in raw milk samples was estimated in different ruminants and Egyptian governorates. Of 13 bulk milk samples tested by ELISA, five (38.5%) were positive for antibodies to N. caninum, and two samples were additionally positive for antibodies to T. gondii, resulting in a seroprevalence of 15.4% for both T. gondii and co-infection. In individual milk samples (n = 171) from the same bulks, antibodies to N. caninum were detected in 25.7%, to T. gondii in 14%, and 3.5% had antibodies to both parasites. A strong correlation between the OD values of the bulk samples and of the relevant individual milk samples was found for T. gondii (Pearson r = 0.9759) and moderately strong for N. caninum (Pearson r = 0.5801). Risk factor assessment for individual milk samples revealed that antibodies to T. gondii were significantly influenced by animal species, while no risk factors were detected for N. caninum antibodies. Additionally, DNA of N. caninum was detected in a bulk milk sample of cattle for the first time in Egypt, and DNA of T. gondii was found in bulk milk samples of cattle, sheep and goats. This is the first study in Egypt in which bulk milk samples of different ruminants were tested for the presence of N. caninum and T. gondii antibodies and DNA. Both individual and bulk milk samples are useful tools for monitoring antibody response to N. caninum and T. gondii infections in different ruminants in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M. Fereig
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | | | - Amira M. Mazeed
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Arish University, North Sinai, Arish 45516, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Somaya Saleh
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mosaab A. Omar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Abo-Shehada MN, Khalil R, Abu-Halaweh M, Sweis K, Amr Z, Billeh L. Seroprevalences of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in Jordanian women who had a recent spontaneous abortion. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e008821. [PMID: 34586175 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigates Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum among 445 recently spontaneously aborted (RSA) Jordanian women using ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody (at a cut-off value of 1/200) tests, respectively. The type of hospital, age, cat and dog contacts, raw and barbecued meat and wild plant consumption, number of abortions, and stillbirths were tested as independent variables using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The true seroprevalences were 22.1% for T. gondii-IgG, 22.7% for N. caninum-IgG, 2.6% for T. gondii-IgM, 10.6% for N. caninum-IgM, 0% for T. gondii-IgG and IgM, 6.7% for N. caninum-IgG and IgM, and 4.6% and 0% for both parasite IgG and IgM, respectively. T. gondii-IgM-seropositivity was associated with the number of abortions with odds ratios (OR) of 2.4 and eating barbecued meat (OR = 0.12). N. caninum-IgG-seropositivity was associated with having a dog in the house (OR = 2.6), and with stillbirth (OR = 0.1). N. caninum-IgM was associated with visiting a private-hospital (OR = 2.7). RSA Jordanian women are equally exposed to both parasites with significantly (p < 0.05) higher seroprevalence of N. caninum-IgM compared to T. gondii-IgM suggestive of active infections among RSA women in Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud N Abo-Shehada
- Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Raida Khalil
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Philadelphia University, Jerash, Jordan
| | - Marwan Abu-Halaweh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Philadelphia University, Jerash, Jordan
| | - Kanar Sweis
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Zuhair Amr
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Lena Billeh
- Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Maldonado Rivera JE, Hecker YP, Burucúa MM, Cirone KM, Cheuquepán FA, Fiorani F, Dorsch MA, Colque LA, Cantón GJ, Marin MS, Moore DP. Innate and humoral immune parameters at delivery in colostrum and calves from heifers experimentally infected with Neospora caninum. Mol Immunol 2021; 132:53-59. [PMID: 33545625 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a leading cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. The study of the immune response against N. caninum is critical to understand its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and, ultimately, in preventing and controlling bovine neosporosis. Herein, we determined the gene expression of innate immune components endosomal RNA-sensing TLRs, BMAP28 cathelicidin, TNF-α and IL-10 and characterized the variation in both IgG ratio and avidity at delivery in N. caninum-infected heifers challenged at day 210 of gestation, colostrum and their calves. Increased BMAP28 expression was observed not only in colostrum but also in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and umbilical cord of calves from N. caninum-infected heifers in comparison with mock-infected control group. In addition, statistically significant decrease of TLR7 and IL-10 expression levels were observed in umbilical cord, suggesting an attempt to avoid an exacerbated immune response against the parasite. At delivery, serum and colostrum samples from infected group evidenced specific IgG anti-N. caninum. Infected heifers showed IgG1/IgG2 ratios <1 and high avidity specific IgG. As expected, colostrum samples of these animals exhibited a high IgG1 concentration and elevated avidity values. Three out of four calves from N. caninum-infected heifers had specific IgG with IgG1/IgG2 ratios>1 and lower avidity values before colostrum intake. Interestingly, both IgG1/IgG2 ratios and avidity values increased in seropositive calves after colostrum intake. Overall, this study provides novel information on neonatal immunity in congenitally infected calves, which is essential to understand how the immune pathways could be manipulated or immune components could be employed in order to improve protection against neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Maldonado Rivera
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Y P Hecker
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - M M Burucúa
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - K M Cirone
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina
| | - F A Cheuquepán
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - F Fiorani
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - M A Dorsch
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - L A Colque
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina
| | - G J Cantón
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina
| | - M S Marin
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - D P Moore
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina.
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Apicomplexan Protozoa Responsible for Reproductive Disorders: Occurrence of DNA in Blood and Milk of Donkeys ( Equus asinus) and Minireview of the Related Literature. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020111. [PMID: 33499205 PMCID: PMC7912328 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Donkeys may be susceptible to many pathological agents and may act as carriers of pathogens for other animal species and humans. This study evaluated the occurrence of potentially abortifacient apicomplexan protozoa DNA in blood and milk samples collected at different time periods during lactation (1, 6, and 10 months) from 33 healthy dairy jennies. A total of 73 blood and 73 milk samples were used for DNA extraction and analysis. Blood specimens from 11/33 (33%) jennies scored positive for Theileria equi, while milk samples scored negative. Blood and milk of 3/33 jennies yielded DNA of Toxoplasma gondii at 6 months (n. 1) and 10 months (n. 2) after parturition. Neospora caninum DNA was found in four milk and in five blood samples only at one month after parturition. This study is the first report about the presence of N. caninum DNA in milk of naturally infected jennies. Moreover, the excretion of N. caninum DNA in some of these jennies at 30 days from the parturition may suggest a possible occurrence of an endogenous cycle, while the presence of T. gondii DNA in the milk collected at 6 and 10 months after parturition may be suggestive of a discontinuous excretion.
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Nicolino RR, de Oliveira CSF, Lopes LB, Rodrigues RO, Haddad JPA. Prevalence and risk factors associated with anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in dairy herds in the central region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 10:71-74. [PMID: 31014603 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is one of the parasites that frequently causes reproductive loses in cattle herds all over the world. Surveys have shown a high prevalence of the parasite in herds; in certain locations, 90% to 100% of dairy holdings are positives according serological tests. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with the increased number of seropositive dairy cattle in the central region of Minas Gerais, the largest milk producer state in Brazil. Samples were collected from 151 dairy herds and from 2915 lactating cows, and were evaluated by an indirect ELISA assay. According to results, animal prevalence was 21.9% (CI 95%: 18.9 to 24.9%), while the herd prevalence it was 98.5% (CI 95%: 97.0 to 99.9%). Poisson regression estimate the herd risk factors associated with the increased number of cases. An increased number of positive animals was related to the previous history of abortion and the presence of dogs. The use of individual natural colostrum feeding and reproductive techniques such as embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization are associated with a reduced number of seropositive animals in the herd. In conclusion, Neospora caninum is overspread across the dairy herds of the region, and it may be causing major economic losses for dairy farmers. The use of reproduction techniques, the access of dogs to the herds and the management of calf colostrum are important issues to be considered in the control of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Romero Nicolino
- Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys - UFVJM, Agronomic & Animal Sciences Institute, Av. Ver. João Narciso, 1380 - Cachoeira, Unaí, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | | | - Luciano Bastos Lopes
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa. Rodovia MT-222, Km 2,5, Zona Rural, Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | - João Paulo Amaral Haddad
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG. Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Bapodra P, Wolfe BA. Investigation of Neospora caninum seroprevalence and potential impact on reproductive success in semi-free-ranging Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus). Vet Rec Open 2015; 2:e000123. [PMID: 26392906 PMCID: PMC4567163 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2015-000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and reproductive impact of Neospora caninum in a herd of semi-free-ranging Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) at a conservation facility, following a suspected abortion storm in 2008. Serum samples (n=103) collected from 60 individuals between 2002 and 2011 were evaluated using competitive ELISA for the detection of N. caninum-specific antibodies. Of the 103 samples, 73 (70.9 per cent) were positive for N. caninum antibodies, with a mean±sd competitive inhibition (CI) of 77.6±19.8 per cent. Thirty (29.1 per cent) samples were seronegative, with mean CI of 15.2±9.70 per cent. A significant negative linear relationship was noted between the proportion of seropositive animals and age (R(2)=0.228, P<0.001). Calving rates of adult females from 2005 to 2011 ranged from 15.4 per cent to 52 per cent (mean 35.5±11.3 per cent), and did not correlate with mean CI values (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.072, P=0.878). While both horizontal and transplacental transmission are likely contributing to persistent herd seropositivity, the role of N. caninum in reproductive success in this and other populations of endangered ungulates remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Bapodra
- Department of Conservation Medicine, The Wilds, Cumberland, Ohio , USA
| | - Barbara A Wolfe
- Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio , USA
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Experimental ruminant models for bovine neosporosis: what is known and what is needed. Parasitology 2014; 141:1471-88. [PMID: 24926962 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
At present, bovine neosporosis is an important worldwide concern because of its wide geographic distribution and economic impact. Abortion is the main clinical sign of bovine neosporosis in both dairy and beef cattle. Ruminant challenge models are critical to evaluate potential vaccine candidates to help tackle bovine neosporosis and to study pathogenesis and host responses to infection. Several research groups have developed ruminant models of Neospora caninum infection independently of others, resulting in a high degree of variability due to the use of different species of animals, breeds, strains/isolates of N. caninum, doses, routes and times of inoculation. Standardization is greatly needed to advance research in a more collaborative, timely and efficient manner. In the absence of widely accepted international guidelines, this manuscript serves to summarize and discuss the different models and parameters currently in use. Parameters essential for the development of non-pregnant and pregnant ruminant models are outlined and the main knowledge gaps are identified. This information could act as the basis to develop a consensus for international standard guidelines for ruminant models of neosporosis that would be helpful for researchers in this field worldwide.
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Almería S. Neospora caninum and Wildlife. ISRN PARASITOLOGY 2013; 2013:947347. [PMID: 27335866 PMCID: PMC4890850 DOI: 10.5402/2013/947347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis caused by Neospora caninum is among the main causes of abortion in cattle nowadays. At present there is no effective treatment or vaccine. Serological evidence in domestic, wild, and zoo animals indicates that many species have been exposed to this parasite. However, many aspects of the life cycle of N. caninum are unknown and the role of wildlife in the life cycle of N. caninum is still not completely elucidated. In North America, there are data consistent with a sylvatic cycle involving white tailed-deer and canids and in Australia a plausible sylvatic cycle could be occurring between wild dogs and their macropod preys. In Europe, a similar sylvatic cycle has not been established but is very likely. The present review is a comprehensive and up to date summary of the current knowledge on the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum, species affected and their geographical distribution. These findings could have important implications in both sylvatic and domestic cycles since infected wildlife may influence the prevalence of infection in cattle farms in the same areas. Wildlife will need to be taken into account in the control measures to reduce the economical losses associated with this important disease in cattle farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Almería
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals and Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CreSA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Almería S, López-Gatius F. Bovine neosporosis: clinical and practical aspects. Res Vet Sci 2013; 95:303-9. [PMID: 23659742 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 03/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite with a wide host range but with a preference for cattle and dogs. Since the description of N. caninum as a new genus and species in 1988, bovine neosporosis has become a disease of international concern as it is among the main causes of abortion in cattle. At present there is no effective treatment or vaccine. This review focuses on the epidemiology of the disease and on prospects for its control in cattle. Finally, based on the implications of clinical findings reported to date, a set of recommendations is provided for veterinarians and cattle farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Almería
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals and Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CreSA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona-IRTA, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Pusterla N, Conrad PA, Packham AE, Mapes SM, Finno CJ, Gardner IA, Barr BC, Ferraro GL, Wilson WD. Endogenous Transplacental Transmission of Neospora hughesi in Naturally Infected Horses. J Parasitol 2011; 97:281-5. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-2657.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Landmann JK, Gunn AA, O’Donoghue PJ, Tranter WP, McGowan MR. Epidemiology and Impact of Neospora caninum Infection in Three Queensland Tropical Dairy Herds. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 46:734-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01712.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dogs in south-western Poland. Vet Parasitol 2008; 153:168-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2007] [Revised: 01/02/2008] [Accepted: 01/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Dubey JP, Schares G, Ortega-Mora LM. Epidemiology and control of neosporosis and Neospora caninum. Clin Microbiol Rev 2007; 20:323-67. [PMID: 17428888 PMCID: PMC1865591 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00031-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 708] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite of animals. Until 1988, it was misidentified as Toxoplasma gondii. Since its first recognition in dogs in 1984 and the description of the new genus and species Neospora caninum in 1988, neosporosis has emerged as a serious disease of cattle and dogs worldwide. Abortions and neonatal mortality are a major problem in livestock operations, and neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in cattle. Although antibodies to N. caninum have been reported, the parasite has not been detected in human tissues. Thus, the zoonotic potential is uncertain. This review is focused mainly on the epidemiology and control of neosporosis in cattle, but worldwide seroprevalences of N. caninum in animals and humans are tabulated. The role of wildlife in the life cycle of N. caninum and strategies for the control of neosporosis in cattle are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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