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Experimental infection with Neospora caninum in Texel ewes at different stages of gestation. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 37:100817. [PMID: 36623898 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study Texel sheep, at different stages of pregnancy, were experimentally infected with Neospora caninum. Eleven ewes, seronegative for N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii, were inoculated 30 days before breeding (Group A), or at 65, 100, and 120 days of gestation (Groups B, C, and D). The group E (control) was inoculated with PBS. Blood samples were collected at -2, 2, 5, and 7 days post-infection (dpi), and weekly up to 42 dpi, for hematology, parasitemia (PCR), and serology (RIFI) assessments. Blood and tissue samples were collected from the lambs for molecular and histological analyses. All animals in Groups B, C, and D were seroconverted, whilst those in groups A and E remained seronegative. Parasitic DNA was detected in the blood of two ewes (groups B and D) and a lamb (group D), and in the brain of a lamb (group B). The parasitemia-positive ewe in group B delivered a weak and seropositive lamb, and had parasitic DNA in its placenta. These results confirm the vertical transmission of N. caninum in ewes inoculated at the beginning and end of pregnancy. The absence of abortions and other clinical signs suggest that Texel sheep may potentially have resistance to N. caninum.
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Bezerra RA, Valencio BA, Alvares FBV, Alcântara ÉT, Sarmento WF, Melo RPB, Mota RA, Azevedo SS, Gennari SM, Vilela VLR, Feitosa TF. Dynamics of Neospora caninum transmission in naturally infected sheep under semiarid conditions. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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3
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Tirosh-Levy S, Wolkomirski R, Savitsky I, Kenigswald G, Fridgut O, Bardenstein S, Blum S, Mazuz ML. Neospora-related abortions in sheep in Israel - A serological diagnostic challenge in an endemic area. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100809. [PMID: 36436896 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abortions in sheep flocks is a common multifactorial problem, which affects animal productivity and welfare. Israel is endemic to several infectious abortifacient pathogens, with neosporosis identified as a prominent cause. High seroprevalence of N. caninum is present in the general sheep population, making complicate to associate it as the causative agent of abortion in sheep. Here we describe two investigations of abortion storms in sheep flocks with high seroprevalence of neosporosis. In flock A, higher anti-Neospora antibody titers were demonstrated in aborting versus non-aborting ewes, suggesting that it may be the cause of abortions. In flock B, several infectious abortifacients were identified, but only the seroprevalence of border disease differed statistically between aborting and non-aborting ewes. These reports highlight the difficulty of diagnosing the cause of abortion in a multifactorial situation, and confirm the necessity to assess paired samples from aborting and non-aborting ewes, for reliable interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Ricardo Wolkomirski
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Igor Savitsky
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | | | - Orly Fridgut
- Virology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | | | - Shlomo Blum
- Bacteriology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Monica L Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel.
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Benavides J, González-Warleta M, Arteche-Villasol N, Pérez V, Mezo M, Gutiérrez-Expósito D. Ovine Neosporosis: The Current Global Situation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162074. [PMID: 36009665 PMCID: PMC9405361 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review summarizes the current global situation of Neospora caninum infection in sheep by referring to all of the available descriptions of natural ovine neosporosis to date, focusing on epidemiology, clinical signs, lesions, and diagnosis. The data suggest that ovine neosporosis is more prevalent than currently thought, that it has increased in the last few decades, and that it should now be considered in the differential diagnosis when investigating abortion in sheep. Abstract In the past 20 years, Neospora caninum infection in sheep has been reported in at least 31 countries worldwide from all sheep-rearing continents (Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania), and its role as an abortifacient agent is becoming more evident. Most studies of ovine neosporosis have focused on its epidemiology, based primarily on serological analysis, with only a few studies investigating the actual presence of the parasite by PCR and/or IHC. Individual seroprevalence rates were highly variable between countries, and even between regions within the same country, ranging from 0.0% to 67.4% positive. Furthermore, most of the studies were not directly comparable due to differences in experimental designs, sample sizes, husbandry systems, ecological factors, and serological tests (e.g., IFAT, ELISA, MAT, Western blot). The latter, along with the scarcity of studies on the relevance of N. caninum as an abortifacient agent, may bias the perception of the importance of this disease. This review summarizes the situation of N. caninum infection in sheep using all available published studies describing natural ovine neosporosis. The epidemiology shows that ovine neosporosis is found worldwide, and it poses a relevant risk to the sustainability of sheep flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Benavides
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-University of Leon, Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
| | - Marta González-Warleta
- Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, Parasitology Laboratory, Axencia Galega da Calidade Alimentaria (AGACAL)-Xunta de Galicia, Ctra, Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Noive Arteche-Villasol
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-University of Leon, Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Valentín Pérez
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-University of Leon, Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mezo
- Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, Parasitology Laboratory, Axencia Galega da Calidade Alimentaria (AGACAL)-Xunta de Galicia, Ctra, Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-University of Leon, Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
- Correspondence:
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5
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Prevalence and risk factors of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infection in breeding ewes from central western Mexico. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:225. [PMID: 35794282 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03221-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to analyse the prevalence of infection by N. caninum and T. gondii in breeding ewes from central western Mexico. For this purpose, 184 blood samples were collected from sheep in the reproductive stage, which were analysed by ELISA and PCR tests, respectively, and the association between seroprevalence and some management factors was estimated by means of a logistic regression analysis. For N. caninum, a seroprevalence of 15.22% was identified, while the DNA detection in blood was 14.13% (26/184); positive animals were found in 75% of the farms (6/8). The variables poor placental waste management (OR 8.4), abortion history (OR 1.5) and presence of rodents (OR 1.3) were identified as risk factors for N. caninum infection. In the case of T. gondii, a seroprevalence of 61.96% was found, and antibodies were detected in eight farms included in the study; no positive samples were identified for T. gondii by the PCR test. The main identified risk factors for T. gondii were as follows: poor hygiene conditions (OR 12.5), presence of cats (OR 9.5), presence of other domestic animals (OR 5.7), urban context of the farm (OR 9.5) and public water supply (OR 5.3). The seroprevalence of co-infection of T. gondii and N. caninum in breeding ewes was 7% (13/184; 95% CI 6.92-7.20). T. gondii has a high seroprevalence while N. caninum was of lower proportion, and both may be associated with reproductive losses for these herds studied.
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Della Rosa P, Fiorentino MA, Morrell EL, Scioli MV, Paolicchi FA, Moore DP, Cantón GJ, Hecker YP. Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii as causes of reproductive losses in commercial sheep flocks from Argentina. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 1:100057. [PMID: 35284874 PMCID: PMC8906136 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide preliminary data about the occurrence of Neospora caninum- and Toxoplasma gondii-related abortions and perinatal deaths in sheep from Argentina. Thirty ovine aborted foetuses and 33 perinatal deaths were submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Service at INTA EEA Balcarce (Argentina) during 2017–2019. A complete necropsy was performed on all specimens submitted, and foetal and placental tissues were examined. Foetal cavity fluids were collected for assessment of antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii by indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT). Placental and foetal tissue samples were collected for DNA extraction and histopathological analysis. The differential diagnosis with other causes of abortion was carried out. Of the sampled specimens, 20.63% (13/63) displayed evidence for N. caninum infection by IFAT and PCR, and in 61.5% (8/13) of the positive specimens the parasite was confirmed as the cause of abortion/perinatal death based on the presence of compatible histological lesions and/or positive immunohistochemistry test, positive PCR and/or positive IFAT, and no other infectious agents diagnosed. In contrast, T. gondii infection was confirmed in 9.52% (6/63) of the analysed specimens, but only in 2 lambs T. gondii was determined as the death cause. Neosporacaninum and T. gondii co-infections were confirmed in 4 analysed specimens (2 aborted foetuses and 2 perinatal deaths). These results demonstrated that N. caninum is efficiently transmitted and a frequent cause of ovine reproductive failure in the commercial analysed flocks compared with T. gondii. Despite T. gondii congenital infection was detected in some specimens (6/63), it was confirmed as the cause of death in only two of them. Thus, and considering the limited availability of confirmed samples, we could not determine whether toxoplasmosis is a major problem in Argentinian sheep flocks or not. More studies on a greater number of specimens from different ovine production systems under different management conditions are necessary to assess the real impact of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis in Argentina. Neospora caninum congenital infection was found in 13 of the 63 analysed specimens. In 8 of these 13 cases, N. caninum was confirmed as the cause of abortion/perinatal death. Toxoplasma gondii was determined as the perinatal death cause in 2 lambs. Co-infections with N. caninum + T. gondii were only confirmed in 4 analysed specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Della Rosa
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), W3470, Mercedes, Argentina
| | - María A Fiorentino
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Eleonora L Morrell
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - María V Scioli
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | | | - Dadín P Moore
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.,Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, 7620, Argentina
| | - Germán J Cantón
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Yanina P Hecker
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.,Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, 7620, Argentina
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Dessì G, Tamponi C, Pasini C, Porcu F, Meloni L, Cavallo L, Sini MF, Knoll S, Scala A, Varcasia A. A survey on Apicomplexa protozoa in sheep slaughtered for human consumption. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1437-1445. [PMID: 35192068 PMCID: PMC8993733 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Infections with the Apicomplexa Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis spp. are common causes of reproductive disorders in sheep. However, few epidemiological studies regarding co-infections with these three protozoa are reported in sheep in Italy. For this reason, this study aims to evaluate possible co-infections with T. gondii, N. caninum, and Sarcocystis spp. in sheep slaughtered for human consumption. From April to July 2019, individual blood, brain, heart, and diaphragm samples were collected from 138 sheep after slaughtering. The presence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma in serum samples was evaluated through ELISA. DNA of the three protozoa was investigated using specific PCRs. Co-infection with T. gondii, N. caninum and Sarcocystis spp. was found in 66.7% of the examined sheep. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in the 36.2% of serum samples. The presence of T. gondii DNA was detected in the 67.4%, 77.5%, and 21.7% of the brain, heart, and diaphragm samples, respectively. Neospora caninum DNA was found in 72.5% of the examined brain samples. Sarcocystis spp. DNA was detected in 92% and 52.2% of the heart and diaphragm samples, respectively. Sequence analysis of the Sarcocystis spp. revealed the sole presence of Sarcocystis tenella. The present study demonstrates that sheep have a high risk of infection with the three Apicomplexa investigated, suggesting the need to adopt adequate measures to prevent the spread of these parasitic infections considering their clinical and economic impact on ovine production. Furthermore, the possible role sheep play in the zoonotic transmission of toxoplasmosis to humans was highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Dessì
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Pasini
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Porcu
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luisa Meloni
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Lia Cavallo
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Sini
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stephane Knoll
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scala
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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8
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Assessment of transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in Neotropical deer: an estimative based on serology. Vet Parasitol 2022; 303:109677. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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9
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The involvement of protozoan parasites in sheep abortions - a ten-year review of diagnostic results. Vet Parasitol 2022; 303:109664. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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10
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Dynamics of Neospora caninum-Associated Abortions in a Dairy Sheep Flock and Results of a Test-and-Cull Control Programme. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111518. [PMID: 34832673 PMCID: PMC8625302 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that can cause abortions and perinatal mortality in sheep. Although ovine neosporosis has been described worldwide, there is a lack of information about the relationship between N. caninum serostatus and the reproductive performance. In this study, we described the infection dynamics in a dairy sheep flock with an abortion rate up to 25% and a N. caninum seroprevalence of 32%. Abortions were recorded in 36% and 9% of seropositive and seronegative sheep, respectively. Seropositive sheep were more likely to abort twice (OR = 4.44) or three or more times (OR = 10.13) than seronegative sheep. Endogenous transplacental transmission was the main route of transmission since 86% of seropositive sheep had seropositive offspring. Within dams that had any abortion, seropositive sheep were more likely than seronegative ones to have female descendants that aborted (OR = 8.12). The slight increase in seropositivity with the age, the low percentage of animals with postnatal seroconversion or with low avidity antibodies, and the seropositivity of one flock dog, indicated that horizontal transmission might have some relevance in this flock. A control programme based on selective culling of seropositive sheep and replacement with seronegative animals was effective in reducing the abortion rate to 7.2%.
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11
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Feitosa TF, Costa FTR, Bezerra RA, Álvares FBV, Ferreira LC, Mota RA, Gennari SM, Pena HFJ, Azevedo SSD, Vilela VLR. Vertical transmission and kinetic of antibodies anti-Neospora caninum in naturally infected lambs in the semiarid region of Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e010621. [PMID: 34495126 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aimed with this study to evaluate vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in naturally infected sheep and to monitor the kinetics of antibodies against this protozoon in their lambs. Therefore, 48 pregnant ewes, from five herds, were divided into two groups: G1 - positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies, with 19 animals; and G2 - seronegative, with 29 animals. Blood samples were taken from the ewes and their lambs, immediately after birth, before ingesting colostrum, and 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after birth. Analysis on serum antibodies was performed using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Among the 19 seropositive mothers, six (31.6%) gave birth to lambs seropositive before ingesting colostrum and it was found that these lambs remained positive until the end of the study (56 days). Only one of the lambs, from a ewe that presented an antibody titer of 200, seroconverted after ingestion of colostrum. All the lambs that had been born from negative mothers remained negative throughout the experimental period. It was concluded that transplacental transmission was an important form of diffusion of N. caninum in the herds studied and that seropositive lambs maintained circulating antibodies during the period analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Ferreira Feitosa
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Doenças Infectocontagiosas, Instituto Federal da Paraíba - IFPB, Sousa, PB, Brasil
| | - Flávia Teresa Ribeiro Costa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Roberto Alves Bezerra
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | | | - Larissa Claudino Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- Laboratório de Doenças Infecto-contagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Única e Bem-Estar Animal, Universidade Santo Amaro - UNISA, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Doenças Infectocontagiosas, Instituto Federal da Paraíba - IFPB, Sousa, PB, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
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12
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A recent update about seroprevalence of ovine neosporosis in Northern Egypt and its associated risk factors. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14043. [PMID: 34234210 PMCID: PMC8263615 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93596-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum (Family: Sarcocystidae) is an obligate intracellular protozoan. It is one of the most critical abortifacients in ruminants. The seroprevalence of antibodies against N. caninum and its risk factors was investigated among 430 sheep from four North Egyptian governorates, Alexandria, Gharbia, Menofia, and Qalyubia, during the period from 2017 to 2018. Generally, the overall prevalence rate of N. caninum among sheep was 8.6%. The logistic regression analysis for the obtained data revealed that N. caninum increased significantly with age (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 8.4-18.7) of the ewe (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 7.6-14.9), particularly among sheep in contact with dogs (OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 7.5-14.3). Besides, locality, season, and pregnancy status of examined sheep had no significant effect on the appearance of N. caninum infection. the present findings confirm the presence of N. caninum among sheep in Egypt which probably play a role in reproductive failure in sheep. Therefore, sanitary measures and monitoring of the infection should be implemented to reduce the spreading of the infection.
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Pereira KAG, de Sousa RS, Varaschin MS, Becker APBB, Monteiro ALG, de Oliveira Koch M, Costa RC, Laskoski LM, Galindo CM, de Cristo TG, da Fonseca FM, Locatelli-Dittrich R. Transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum to lambs in successive pregnancies of naturally infected sheep in Southern Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 23:100537. [PMID: 33678390 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to report the detection of N. caninum DNA in a newborn lamb (1) with neurological signs and congenital neosporosis and in a stillborn lamb (2), both born from the same ewe in a herd of Southern Brazil. The lambs were born during different pregnancies of a Suffolk ewe seropositive to N. caninum and seronegative to T. gondii. Histopathological lesions were observed only in the central nervous system of the lambs. The newborn lamb (1) showed mild and focal gliosis in the frontal lobe. In the hippocampal region of the stillborn lamb (2), lymphoplasmacytic perivascular cuffs and N. caninum cysts were observed in the cytoplasm of neurons and confirmed by IHC. PCR was performed using brain samples to detect the protozoa N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. The infection with N. caninum was confirmed in the newborn lamb (1) by PCR and in the stillborn lamb (2) by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and PCR tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Alcalá Gonçalves Pereira
- Veterinarian, Sector of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Renato Silva de Sousa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Mary Suzan Varaschin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Caixa postal 3037, Lavras CEP 37200-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Brenner Busch Becker
- Veterinarian, Sector of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Alda Lúcia Gomes Monteiro
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marília de Oliveira Koch
- Veterinarian, Sector of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Rafael Carneiro Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Lavras, Caixa postal 3037, Lavras CEP 37200-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciane Maria Laskoski
- Veterinarian, Sector of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Claudia Martins Galindo
- Veterinarian, Sector of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Thierry Grima de Cristo
- Veterinarian, Sector of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Flávia Moreira da Fonseca
- Veterinarian, Sector of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Locatelli-Dittrich
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, Rua dos Funcionários, 1540, Juvevê, Curitiba CEP:80035-060, Paraná, Brazil
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Selim A, Abdelhady A. Neosporosis among Egyptian camels and its associated risk factors. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:3381-3385. [PMID: 32929587 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02370-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intercellular protozoan parasite and considered one of the abortive pathogens in a wide range of ruminants. The present study aimed to investigate the antibodies against N. caninum in camels from three governorates in Egypt to understand the epidemiology of neosporosis and its associated abortion. The study was carried out on 282 camels using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The obtained results confirmed the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in 31 out of 282 camels. Moreover, no significant difference in seroprevalence was observed between different localities under the study and between males and females. On contrary, the number of seropositive camels was increased significantly in adult camels of 8-11 years old (OR = 9.1, 95% CI: 1.1-73.1), during the autumn (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 0.79-7.1) and mainly in females with history of abortion (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2-6.5) or in camels raised with dogs (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1-7.08). The presence of antibodies against N. caninum in camels from Egypt increases the demand for further studies to determine its epidemiological role as a cause of abortion and reduce its economic impacts on camel's industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
| | - Abdelhamed Abdelhady
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
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15
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Novoa MB, Aguirre NP, Ormaechea N, Palmero S, Rouzic L, Valentini BS, Sarli M, Orcellet VM, Marengo R, Vanzini VR, Primo ME. Validation and field evaluation of a competitive inhibition ELISA based on the recombinant protein tSAG1 to detect anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep and goats. Vet Parasitol 2020; 284:109201. [PMID: 32801057 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion and reproductive failure in small ruminants. We validated and evaluated under field conditions a competitive inhibition ELISA based on the truncated SAG1 protein (tSAG1) from N. caninum for the detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep and goat flocks. The assay was validated using 80 positive and 142 negative serum samples from sheep and goats analyzed by IFAT and immunoblot (IB). ciELISAtSAG1 was then used to evaluate the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in 1449 goats from 143 flocks and 385 sheep from 40 flocks and compared to IFAT. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was evaluated by IFAT. The ciELISAtSAG1 cut-off was ≥ 36 percent inhibition, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 100.0 % (95 % CI = 95.4-100.0 %) and a diagnostic specificity of 98.6 % (95 % CI = 95.0-99.8 %) relative to the agreement between IFAT and IB. The field evaluation revealed a concordance between ciELISAtSAG1 and IFAT of 97.4 %, with an agreement (κ) of 0.90 for sheep sera, and a concordance of 96.5 % with κ = 0.85 for goat sera. The overall prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep was 14.3 % by IFAT and 15.8 % by ciELISAtSAG1. In goats, prevalence was 12.9 % by IFAT and 14.6 % by ciELISAtSAG1. The overall prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 28.8 % in goats and 43.8 % in sheep. The ciELISAtSAG1 could be useful for large-scale detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep and goats, and for seroepidemiological investigations due to its appropriate sensitivity and specificity, and the simplicity of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Novoa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Nerina Patricia Aguirre
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nadia Ormaechea
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Palmero
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lisandro Rouzic
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Beatriz Susana Valentini
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Macarena Sarli
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Viviana Mercedes Orcellet
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rafael Marengo
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Victor René Vanzini
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Evangelina Primo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
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16
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Valencio BA, Alves BF, Bezerra RA, Vilela VLR, Feitosa TF, Amaku M, Azevedo SS, Gennari SM. Longitudinal study of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in female lambs from Paraíba State, Brazil. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Carreiro CC, McIntosh D, dos Santos DJ, de Paula Lopes S, de Jesus VLT. Morphological and molecular characterization of a species of Tetratrichomonas present in feces of Brazilian sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus). Parasitol Res 2020; 119:233-242. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06466-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Romo-Gallegos JM, Cruz-Vázquez C, Medina-Esparza L, Ramos-Parra M, Romero-Salas D. Prevalence and risk factors of Neospora caninum infection in ovine flocks of central-western Mexico. Acta Vet Hung 2019; 67:51-59. [PMID: 30922091 DOI: 10.1556/004.2019.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study, carried out in 13 sheep flocks of central-western Mexico, aimed to identify the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies, to develop a risk analysis of the infection and to estimate the prevalence of parasite DNA in blood. A total of 368 serum and blood samples were subjected to ELISA and PCR tests, respectively, and the association between the prevalence of antibodies and some management factors was estimated. The overall prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 13.5% [50/368; 95% confidence interval (CI) 10-17], ranging from 2.7 to 90% per flock, and 92% of the farms had seropositive animals. In ewes the prevalence was 14% (48/348, 95% CI 10-17) and in rams 10% (2/20; 95% CI 1- 33). The mean prevalence of Neospora DNA in blood was 27% (99/368, 95% CI 22-31), implying a range between 16 and 82%. In rams, the prevalence was 5% (1/20 95% CI 2-26), while in ewes it was 28% (98/348, 95% CI 23-33). The agreement between the tests was k = 0.19. The presence of other domestic animal species in the farms [odds ratio (OR) 4.4] and the consumption of placental debris, fetuses and stillborn lambs by dogs living in the farms (OR 5.8) were demonstrated to be risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Manuel Romo-Gallegos
- 1 Technological Institute of the Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, El Llano, 20330 Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Carlos Cruz-Vázquez
- 1 Technological Institute of the Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, El Llano, 20330 Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Leticia Medina-Esparza
- 1 Technological Institute of the Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, El Llano, 20330 Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ramos-Parra
- 1 Technological Institute of the Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, El Llano, 20330 Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Dora Romero-Salas
- 2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
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19
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Endogenous transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum during successive pregnancies across three generations of naturally infected sheep. Vet Res 2018; 49:106. [PMID: 30333061 PMCID: PMC6389217 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-018-0601-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous transplacental transmission, which occurs during pregnancy as the result of reactivation of a latent infection in the dam, is the main mechanism of propagation of Neospora caninum within cattle herds. However, the importance of this propagation mechanism has not yet been evaluated in relation to ovine neosporosis. In this study, involving three generations of ewes naturally infected by N. caninum, we demonstrated that endogenous transplacental transmission may also be highly efficient in the ovine host since transmission of infection occurred in 96.6% of gestations and the congenital infection rate ranged between 66.7 and 93%. Nevertheless, parasite burdens decreased gradually in consecutive generations. Reactivation of latent infections had a strong impact on the pregnancy outcome, with high mortality rates recorded in the offspring of the two first generations of ewes (21.4-46.1%). Histological examination of the brain revealed that all aborted foetuses had characteristic lesions of neosporosis (necrotic glial foci) and a few parasite cysts, whereas most stillborn and newborn lambs that died shortly after birth had non-specific lesions (mild glial foci without necrosis) and parasite cysts were more frequent. Microsatellite analysis revealed scarce genetic variability in the N. caninum population, in accordance with a scenario in which infections were of a single origin and were exclusively maintained by clonal propagation through endogenous transplacental transmission.
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20
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Cosendey RIJ, de Oliveira FCR, Frazão-Teixeira E, de Souza GN, Brandão FZ, Ferreira AMR, Lilenbaum W. Seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from the rapidly expanding flock of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2018; 14:59-62. [PMID: 31014738 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is primarily a disease of cattle and dogs, but Neospora caninum has been linked to abortion and neonatal mortality in sheep. Since the economic, clinical and epidemiological importance of the infection in sheep remains uncertain, this work investigated the seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies and associated factors in the rapidly expanding flock of Rio de Janeiro state. Blood samples from 388 sheep of 12 farms were collected and sera tested by a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Seroprevalence at the animal-level was of 6.2% (24/388) and, at the herd-level, 50% (6/12) of the studied farms had at least one seropositive animal. Multivariate analysis detected that occasional veterinary assistance (P < 0.05) was significantly associated to higher seroprevalence, which is also associated to age (P < 0.001) and gender (P < 0.0001). Farmers' investments should focus on making technical assistance more frequent and future studies should assess the association of veterinary assistance with anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I J Cosendey
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil
| | - F C R de Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
| | - E Frazão-Teixeira
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-361, Brazil.
| | - G N de Souza
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG 36038-330, Brazil
| | - F Z Brandão
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Patologia Clínica e Reprodução, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil
| | - A M R Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Departamento de Patologia Clínica e Reprodução, Niterói, RJ 24230-340, Brazil
| | - W Lilenbaum
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil
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Rizzo H, Villalobos EMC, Meira Júnior EB, Marques EC, Beraldi F, Gregory L. Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e anti-Neospora caninum em ovinos com distúrbios reprodutivos e fatores de risco. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-4174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência, sinais clínicos e fatores de risco associados a soropositividade para Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em ovinos. Foram utilizados 294 animais com histórico de distúrbios reprodutivos de 28 fazendas do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, diagnosticados através da imunofluorescência indireta (1:64 e 1:50). A ocorrência de T. gondii foi de 29,9% (88/294) e de N. caninum 18% (53/294), sendo 3,7% (11/294) dos ovinos soropositivos para ambos. Observou-se com maiores chances à infecção pelo T. gondii: ovinos mestiços (p=0,04), Santa Inês (p=0,006), fornecimento de pastagem (p<0,001) ou associada a concentrado (p<0,001), uso exclusivamente de monta natural (p=0,002, OR=2,28 e IC95%=1,37-3,79) e a presença de aves nas propriedades (p=0,001). Na infecção por N. caninum essa chance aumentou em: fêmeas (p=0,031), propriedades sem aprisco (p<0,001) e sistema de criação semi-intensivo (p<0,001). Em relação ao histórico de problemas reprodutivos, ovelhas infectadas pelo N. caninum e T. gondii apresentaram redução da chance de apresentarem abortamento (p=0,044) e repetição de estro (p=0,025) respectivamente. O T. gondii esteve mais presente sorologicamente que o N. caninum em ovinos com histórico de distúrbios reprodutivos e apesar de suas semelhanças, diferiram epidemiologicamente em aspectos relacionados as características da criação como raça, sexo, sistema de criação, tipo de alimentação e manejo reprodutivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huber Rizzo
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
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22
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Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Calero-Bernal R, Dubey JP, Gennari SM. All about neosporosis in Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 26:253-279. [PMID: 28876360 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is protozoan parasite with domestic and wild dogs, coyotes and grey wolves as the definitive hosts and many warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts. It was cultivated and named in 1988. Neosporosis is a major disease of cattle and has no public health significance. Since 1990's N. caninum has emerged as a major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, including in Brazil. N. caninum also causes clinical infections in several other animal species. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the biology of N. caninum and there are more than 200 papers on this subject from Brazil. However, most of the reports on neosporosis from Brazil are serological surveys. Overall, little is known of clinical neosporosis in Brazil, particularly cattle. The few reports pertain to sporadic cases of abortion with no information on epidemics or storms of abortion. The objective of the present review is to summarize all reports from Brazil and suggest topic for further research, including prevalence of N. caninum oocysts in soil or in canine feces, and determining if there are additional definitive hosts, other than the domestic dog. There is need for a national survey in cattle using defined parameters. Future researches should focus on molecular characterization of N. caninum strains, possibility of vaccine production and relationship between wildlife and livestock epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Koutsodontis Cerqueira-Cézar
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Jitender Prakash Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, United States of America
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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