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de Barros LD, Bogado ALG, Furlan D, de Melo Jardim A, Okano W, da Silva LC, Pereira CES, Bronkhorst DE, Cardim ST, Garcia JL. Effects of Neospora caninum on reproductive parameters in dairy cows from a closed herd in Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 23:100524. [PMID: 33678379 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dairy production and cattle reproductive parameters exhibit a strong relationship, which can be disrupted by infectious agents, such as Neospora caninum, that affect the reproductive tract of these animals. Neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide and is responsible for substantial economic losses. We evaluated the impact of N. caninum infection on the reproductive parameters of 434 Holstein dairy cows from a herd in Brazil that had been closed for 4 years through the assessment of serological testing and reproductive parameters. Dairy cows older than 24 months and that required at least 2.2 inseminations to become pregnant had a higher frequency of seropositive results. Analysis of the medians of positive and negative cows revealed that seropositive cows tended to require more insemination efforts to achieve pregnancy and showed a 2-month increase in age at first calving. According to the reproductive parameters, the correlation coefficient was higher in seronegative animals, while no such correlation was detected in seropositive cows. Thus, we concluded that N. caninum negatively affects the reproductive parameters of dairy cows kept in a closed herd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - João Luis Garcia
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
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Macedo CABD, Macedo MFSBD, Miura AC, Taroda A, Cardim ST, Innes EA, Katzer F, Cantón GJ, Chianini F, Headley SA, Garcia JL. Occurrence of abortions induced by Neospora caninum in dairy cattle from Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2017; 26:292-298. [PMID: 28977243 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of N. caninum associated with abortions of dairy cattle from Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood from dairy cows that aborted along with intrathoracic fluid and tissue samples (brain, heart, liver, and lung) from their fetuses were collected and used for serology; PCR, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) evaluations were also conducted. Twenty-one cows (51.2%) out of 41, and eight fetuses (26.7%) out of 30 were ELISA (HerdCheck, IDEXX) positive for N. caninum. Dams > 36 months of age had a higher risk of being serum positive than younger animals. PCR and IHC revealed that 38.8% (14/36) and 25.0% (9/36) of the fetuses were positive for N. caninum, respectively for each of the tests. Seropositive cows had a higher frequency of fetuses that were also positive by either intrathoracic fluid, PCR, or IHC. In summary, the present study observed a high frequency of N. caninum in abortions from dairy cows from southern Brazil, with a higher N. caninum prevalence found in cows that were older than 36 months. In addition, serology, PCR, and IHC should be used all together for better diagnosis of neosporosis in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - German Jose Cantón
- Moredun Research Institute, United Kingdom; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Argentina
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Sinnott FA, Monte LG, Collares TF, Silveira RM, Borsuk S. Review on the immunological and molecular diagnosis of neosporosis (years 2011–2016). Vet Parasitol 2017; 239:19-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Okumu TA, Munene JN, Wabacha J, Tsuma V, Leeuwen JV. Seroepidemiological survey of Neospora caninum and its risk factors in farm dogs in Nakuru district, Kenya. Vet World 2016; 9:1162-1166. [PMID: 27847430 PMCID: PMC5104729 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1162-1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum (NC) and its risk factors in farm dogs in Kenya. Materials and Methods: As part of a longitudinal study on dairy cattle abortion in 2010 in Kenya, serum samples were collected from 84 dogs in 53 randomly selected dairy cattle farms to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of seropositivity for NC. Results: 15 (17.9%) of the dogs were seropositive to NC antibodies, and at least one seropositive dog was found in 12 (22.6%) of the 53 farms. The final multivariable logistic regression model identified free-roaming as the only factor significantly associated with seropositivity (odds ratio=4.48; p=0.03). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that canine neosporosis does exist in Kenya and that farmers should restrict their dogs from roaming to reduce the risk of their dogs becoming a reservoir for NC. More studies need to be carried out to determine the reproductive effects of NC on dairy cattle in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tequiero Abuom Okumu
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi City, Kenya
| | - John Njenga Munene
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Egerton University, Njoro, Nakuru County, Kenya
| | - James Wabacha
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi City, Kenya; AQ1 African Union Inter Africa Bureau of Animal Resources, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Victor Tsuma
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi City, Kenya
| | - John Van Leeuwen
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada
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Antonello AM, Camillo G, Weber A, Braunig P, Sangioni LA, Vogel FSF. DINÂMICA SOROLÓGICA DE ANTICORPOS CONTRA Neospora caninum DURANTE A GESTAÇÃO DE VACAS NATURALMENTE INFECTADAS. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/1089-6891v16i428127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Neosporose é uma das maiores causas de perdas reprodutivas em rebanhos bovinos. O estágio da gestação em que ocorre a infecção ou o recrudescimento das formas bradizoítas, que se reflete no nível de anticorpos, é um dos fatores que define o futuro da gestação. Portanto, este trabalho visa a traçar um esboço do perfil sorológico de fêmeas naturalmente infectadas durante a gestação. Para isso, amostras séricas de 25 vacas da raça holandesa foram coletadas desde o dia da inseminação artificial até a véspera do parto, em intervalos mensais. Essas amostras foram testadas por imunofluorescência indireta em busca de IgG. Dos 25 animais, somente 13 foram utilizados na análise, por serem soropositivos desde o início ou por se soroconverteram durante a gestação. Observou-se um aumento gradual dos níveis de anticorpos ao longo da gestação, mais evidente na metade final do período. Observou-se também diferença significativa nos títulos de anticorpos entre os períodos iniciais e finais da gestação, sugerindo a reativação de formas bradizoítas. Tais resultados reforçam a ideia da flutuação nos níveis de anticorpos ao longo da gestação, influenciado pela reativação de N. caninum. O conhecimento dessa dinâmica é importante para a patogenia e epidemiologia da infecção bem como para o diagnóstico.
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Almería S, López-Gatius F. Markers related to the diagnosis and to the risk of abortion in bovine neosporosis. Res Vet Sci 2015; 100:169-75. [PMID: 25841793 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2015.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis has emerged as a main cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. An important question to understand the disease is why not all infected cows abort. In the present review we summarize the knowledge on markers related to the diagnosis and more importantly to the risk of abortion in the infected cow. Markers considered herein include those based on specific antibodies, antibody titers and antibody subtypes, cellular immunological markers, hormones and other proteins related to gestation. The identification of parasite molecules that are specifically identified in the aborting cows might help to understand the mechanism of parasite-associated abortion and control the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Almería
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA) - Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus UAB, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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Underwood WJ, Blauwiekel R, Delano ML, Gillesby R, Mischler SA, Schoell A. Biology and Diseases of Ruminants (Sheep, Goats, and Cattle). LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE 2015. [PMCID: PMC7149867 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-409527-4.00015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Ruminants continue to be important in their traditional role in agricultural research and teaching. They are now also extensively used for studies in molecular biology; genetic engineering; and biotechnology for basic science, agricultural and clinical applications. Concern and interest for the welfare for these species and improved understanding of their biology and behavior have continued and are reflected in changing husbandry and management systems. This chapter addresses at high levels basic biology, husbandry, and the more common or important diseases of the three ruminant species used most commonly in the laboratory, namely sheep, goats and cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Blauwiekel
- University of Vermont, Hills Building, Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT, USA
| | | | - Rose Gillesby
- Veterinary Services and Biocontainment Research, Animal Research Support, Zoetis, Richland, MI, USA
| | - Scott A. Mischler
- Worldwide Comparative Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Middletown Rd., Pearl River, NY, USA
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Pre-Calving and Calving Management Practices in Dairy Herds with a History of High or Low Bovine Perinatal Mortality. Animals (Basel) 2013; 3:866-81. [PMID: 26479538 PMCID: PMC4494440 DOI: 10.3390/ani3030866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mortality of full-term calves at calving is an increasing problem in dairy industries internationally. Multiple herd management factors contribute to such losses. This case-control study identified factors which differed between herds with high and low calf mortality. These included breeding, dietary, health and calving factors. It was concluded that calving, not pre-calving, management appears to be the most important area of concern in herds with high perinatal mortality. This indicates that farmers and their veterinarians need to focus on calving management when investigating such problems and when attempting to reduce losses in herds with high rates of bovine perinatal mortality. Abstract Bovine perinatal mortality is an increasing problem in dairy industries internationally. The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with high and low herd-level calf mortality. Thirty herds with a history of either high (case) or low (control) calf mortality were recruited. A herd-level questionnaire was used to gather information on management practices likely to impact bovine perinatal mortality. The questionnaire was divided into four subsections dealing with pre-calving (breeding, diet and body condition score, endemic infectious diseases) and calving factors. Most of the significant differences between case and control herds were found in calving management. For example, in case herds, pregnant cattle were less likely to be moved to the calving unit two or more days and more likely to be moved less than 12 hours pre-calving, they were also less likely to calve in group-calving facilities and their calves were more likely to receive intranasal or hypothermal resuscitation. These management procedures may cause social isolation and periparturient psychogenic uterine atony leading to dystocia, more weak calves requiring resuscitation and high perinatal calf mortality. The key finding is that calving, not pre-calving, management appears to be the most important area of concern in herds with high perinatal mortality.
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Identification of a highly antigenic region of subtilisin-like serine protease 1 for serodiagnosis of Neospora caninum infection. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2013; 20:1617-22. [PMID: 23966554 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00352-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes abortion in cattle; hence, accurate diagnosis of this pathogen is important to the cattle farming industry. Our previous proteomics and immunoscreening analyses revealed that the N. caninum subtilisin-like serine protease 1 (NcSUB1) has potential as a serodiagnostic tool for Neospora. Consequently, we expressed two fragments containing five NcSUB1 tandem repeat copies covering amino acids (aa) 524 to 843 (NcSUB1t) and 555 to 679 (NcSUB1tr) to identify the antigenic regions. The serodiagnostic performances of NcSUB1t and NcSUB1tr were compared with that of N54, which contains a single copy of the repeats (aa 649 to 784), and with the truncated NcSAG1 (NcSAG1t), which lacks a signal peptide and C-terminal hydrophobic regions, as a positive reference. Serum samples from N. caninum experimentally infected cattle and mice and cattle from a farm with confirmed cases of Neospora abortion were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with the four antigens. In the N. caninum experimentally infected cattle, the highest IgG1 antibody titers were detected against NcSUB1t, while specific IgG1 antibodies were detectable from 16 days postinfection (dpi), with levels peaking at 36 dpi for all of the antigens. On the other hand, the levels of anti-NcSUB1 IgG2 antibodies were lower than those of anti-SAG1t IgG2 antibodies. The ELISA with NcSUB1t and NcSUB1tr had good sensitivity (94.59 to 95.95%) and specificity (80 to 100%) with bovine serum field samples compared to NcSAG1t and showed no cross-reactions with sera from Toxoplasma gondii experimentally infected mice. Moreover, IgG antibodies against NcSUB1t were detected during parturition in the NcSAG1t antibody-positive cattle, and NcSUB1t-specific antibody transfer was observed from a mother to her calf. Our results show that the NcSUB1 tandem repeat is potentially useful for serodiagnosis of N. caninum.
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Leon A, Richard E, Fortier C, Laugier C, Fortier G, Pronost S. Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii and Neospora caninum in equine aborted foetuses and neonates. Prev Vet Med 2011; 104:179-83. [PMID: 22130310 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are major causes of equine mortality and cause severe economic loss to the equine industry. The present study was based on a complete necropsy protocol associated with classical microbiological examinations and molecular biology on 407 cases of abortion, stillbirths and neonate death. Based on this retrospective survey, "less common" abortive infectious agents were characterised by molecular tools in nine independent cases of abortion or neonate mortality. Among others, Chlamydophila abortus (1 case), Coxiella burnetii (6 cases) and Neospora caninum (3 cases) were detected by real-time PCR; one of these samples being co-infected by N. caninum and C. burnetii. DNA detection of this latter bacterium is reported here for the first time in equine abortion samples. C. burnetii should, along with other common pathogens, probably be taken into account in equine abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albertine Leon
- Frank Duncombe Laboratory, IFR 146-ICORE, University of Caen Basse-Normandie, 14053 Caen cedex 4, France.
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Tuo W, Zhao Y, Zhu D, Jenkins MC. Immunization of female BALB/c mice with Neospora cyclophilin and/or NcSRS2 elicits specific antibody response and prevents against challenge infection by Neospora caninum. Vaccine 2011; 29:2392-9. [PMID: 21281689 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 01/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is the causal agent of bovine neosporosis which results in high levels of abortion. The present study determined the protective efficacy of two Neospora antigens--Neospora cyclophilin (NcCyP) and NcSRS2. The ability of native NcCyP to upregulate mouse IFN-γ was also confirmed in this study. Recombinant NcCyP or NcSRS2 were tested either alone or in combination and formulated with adjuvant ImmuMax-SR and CpG. Female BALB/c mice (n=15) of 10-12 weeks of age were immunized s.c. twice over a 2-week interval with vaccines containing either NcCyP (20 μg/dose) alone, NcSRS2 (20 μg/dose) alone, NcCyP plus NcSRS2, or non-recombinant bacterial antigen (NR) in 2 separate trials. All mice were challenge-infected 3 weeks following the booster immunization and necropsied 3 weeks after the challenge infection. Brain and serum were collected and Nc-specific DNA sequence in brain tissue and antibodies in serum were analyzed by PCR or ELISA/Western blotting. Results showed that mice vaccinated with rNcCyP, rNcSRS2, or both rNcCyP and rNcSRS2 responded with high levels of NcCyP or NcSRS2 specific antibodies. Overall, mice received vaccines formulated with either rNcCyP or rNcCyP and rNcSRS2 had a higher (p<0.01) percent protection when compared to the mock- or non-vaccinated mice. The group immunized with rNcSRS2 alone exhibited slightly lower levels of protection, which was higher (p<0.05) than that of the non-vaccinated group but did not differ (p=0.06) from that of the mock-vaccinated group. The results of the present study indicate that NcCyP is a highly efficacious vaccine candidate which may be useful in protection against Neospora infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Tuo
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA/ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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12
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Neospora caninum: Application of apical membrane antigen 1 encapsulated in the oligomannose-coated liposomes for reduction of offspring mortality from infection in BALB/c mice. Exp Parasitol 2010; 125:130-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 11/24/2009] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ghalmi F, Dramchini N, China B. Risk factors for abortion in cattle herds in Algeria. Vet Rec 2010; 165:475-6. [PMID: 19850856 DOI: 10.1136/vr.165.16.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F Ghalmi
- National Veterinary School, BP 161 Hassen Badi El-Harrach, Algiers, Algeria
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Ghalmi F, China B, Kaidi R, Losson B. First epidemiological study on exposure to Neospora caninum in different canine populations in the Algiers District (Algeria). Parasitol Int 2009; 58:444-50. [PMID: 19723590 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2009.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2009] [Revised: 08/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. Dogs act as final hosts shedding oocysts in the environment. They can also harbour the extraintestinal stage of the parasite and this may be associated with a fairly rare neuromuscular condition. The sera of 781 dogs from the Algiers District were screened by IFAT for the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies. These dogs were distributed into four populations: local stray dogs, police dogs, dogs from breeding kennels and farm dogs. The overall seroprevalence was 21.90%. Significant differences were observed between the different populations, the highest prevalence being observed in farm (44.44%) and stray dogs (22.55%). Additionally, the highest titres were observed in farm dogs. Among studied epidemiological parameters, breed, dog origin, season and vaccination status were significantly associated with IFAT results. Additionally, a recently described real time PCR was used on the blood of 100 pound dogs and the results were compared with the serological data. A higher proportion of dogs was found to be positive by PCR when compared to the IFAT results. There was only a fairly low agreement between PCR and IFAT results which suggests that these techniques measured different aspects of the host-parasite relationship. This study indicates that the level of exposure of the canine population of Algiers area to N. caninum is very high. This would indicate a potentially high risk for N. caninum induced abortion in cattle in this region and in Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ghalmi
- University of Liege, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Liège, Belgium
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Comparison of two PCR protocols for the detection of Neospora caninum DNA in rodents. Vet Parasitol 2009; 159:159-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2008] [Revised: 09/17/2008] [Accepted: 10/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Specific anti-Neospora caninum IgG1 and IgG2 antibody responses during gestation in naturally infected cattle and their relationship with gamma interferon production. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2009; 130:35-42. [PMID: 19201036 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2008] [Revised: 11/29/2008] [Accepted: 01/08/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production has been attributed a protective role against abortion in Neospora-infected dairy cows. This study investigate possible relationships between plasma levels of the N. caninum-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes IgG1 and IgG2 and IFN-gamma production throughout gestation in dairy cows naturally infected with the parasite. Data were obtained from 31 pregnant Neospora-seropositive animals. Blood samples were collected on gestation days 40, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 or until abortion. Ten pregnancies ended in abortion. One of the 11 cows producing IFN-gamma suffered abortion (9.1% of the cows producing IFN-gamma). Non-aborting cows producing IFN-gamma (n=10) showed a significantly higher IgG2/IgG1 antibody ratio throughout the gestation period than cows not producing IFN-gamma (n=11). A significant negative effect of IFN-gamma production on IgG1 antibodies was also observed, while IFN-gamma production did not affect IgG2 antibody levels. In contrast, higher levels of IgG2 antibodies compared to IgG1 antibodies were observed over the whole of gestation in aborting animals, both in those not producing IFN-gamma and in the single aborting cow that produced the cytokine. Our findings indicate that a Th1 immune response, in which IgG2 antibodies prevail, could be protective against N. caninum abortion, but only in the presence of IFN-gamma production. On their own, elevated IgG2 antibody titres appear to be insufficient to protect dams chronically infected with N. caninum against abortion.
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Chigerwe M, Tyler JW, Nagy DW, Middleton JR. Frequency of detectable serum IgG concentrations in precolostral calves. Am J Vet Res 2008; 69:791-5. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.69.6.791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Vemulapalli R, Sanakkayala N, Gulani J, Schurig GG, Boyle SM, Lindsay DS, Sriranganathan N. Reduced cerebral infection of Neospora caninum in BALB/c mice vaccinated with recombinant Brucella abortus RB51 strains expressing N. caninum SRS2 and GRA7 proteins. Vet Parasitol 2007; 148:219-30. [PMID: 17651896 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2007] [Revised: 06/13/2007] [Accepted: 06/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, is the causative agent of bovine neosporosis, an important disease affecting the reproductive performance of cattle worldwide. Currently there is no effective vaccine available to prevent N. caninum infection in cattle. In this study, we examined the feasibility of developing a live, recombinant N. caninum vaccine using Brucella abortus vaccine strain RB51 as the expression and delivery vector. We generated two recombinant RB51 strains each expressing SRS2 (RB51/SRS2) or GRA7 (RB51/GRA7) antigens of N. caninum. BALB/c mice immunized by single intraperitoneal inoculation of the recombinant RB51 strains developed IgG antibodies specific to the respective N. caninum antigen. In vitro stimulation of splenocytes from the vaccinated mice with specific antigen resulted in the production of interferon-gamma, but not IL-5 or IL-10, suggesting the development of a Th1 type immune response. Upon challenge with N. caninum tachyzoites, mice vaccinated with strain RB51/SRS2, but not RB51/GRA7, showed significant resistance to cerebral infection when compared to the RB51 vaccinated mice, as determined by the tissue parasite load using a real-time quantitative TaqMan assay. Interestingly, mice vaccinated with either strain RB51 or RB51/GRA7 also contained significantly lower parasite burden in their brains compared to those inoculated with saline. Mice vaccinated with strain RB51/SRS2 or RB51/GRA7 were protected to the same extent as the strain RB51 vaccinated mice against challenge with B. abortus virulent strain 2308. These results suggest that a recombinant RB51 strain expressing an appropriate protective antigen(s), such as SRS2 of N. caninum, can confer protection against both neosporosis and brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Vemulapalli
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Chanlun A, Emanuelson U, Frössling J, Aiumlamai S, Björkman C. A longitudinal study of seroprevalence and seroconversion of Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle in northeast Thailand. Vet Parasitol 2007; 146:242-8. [PMID: 17416467 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2006] [Revised: 02/09/2007] [Accepted: 02/09/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A long-term study was carried out in 11 dairy herds in the Khon Kaen province of northeast Thailand between August 2001 and November 2004. The objective was to investigate seroprevalence dynamics of Neospora caninum infection in the herds and to demonstrate patterns of seroconversion in individual cattle. Each herd was visited once a year, in total four times, and sera from cattle > 3 months of age and farm dogs as well as a sample from the bulk milk were collected. All samples were analysed for presence of specific antibodies by an N. caninum iscom ELISA. The overall percentage of antibody-positive cattle was constant and varied only between 10 and 13% over the 4 years, but the variation in within-herd seroprevalence between herds was substantial. Two herds had > or = 20% seropositive animals at all samplings and consistently high bulk milk OD, whereas two herds had no seropositive animal at the last two samplings and low bulk milk OD. Five herds had a decreasing trend of within-herd seroprevalence, whereas the remaining six herds had a higher portion of test-positive individuals at the end of the study. A total of 424 individuals were sampled more than once; 344 (81%) and 32 (8%) were consistently antibody-negative and antibody-positive, respectively. The proportions of animals that changed from being seronegative to seropositive and from being seropositive to seronegative between the years were 3.9-4.6% and 19-39%, respectively. Apparent vertical and horizontal transmission rates were 58% (95% CI; 44-71%) and 5% (95% CI; 3-7%), respectively. In conclusion, the overall percentage of N. caninum antibody-positive cattle was constant over the years, but the within-herd seroprevalence varied substantially between the herds. Seroconversions were likely to occur in individual cattle although most animals had consistent serological status throughout the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aran Chanlun
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Hoar BR, McQuarry AC, Hietala SK. Prevalence ofNeospora caninumand persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus in dairy-breed steers in a feedlot. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007; 230:1038-43. [PMID: 17397345 DOI: 10.2460/javma.230.7.1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and effect of Neospora caninum infection and persistent infection (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) on weight gain, morbidity, and mortality rate in dairy-breed steer calves located on a feedlot in California. DESIGN Prospective cohort observational study. ANIMALS 900 dairy-breed steer calves in 2 pens. PROCEDURES The 3- to 4-month-old calves were evaluated for serum antibodies against N caninum and infection with BVDV at entry to the feedlot. Five months later, sera were again analyzed for anti-N caninum antibodies; calves that were determined to have BVDV infection initially were retested to evaluate PI status. Average daily gain, morbidity, and deaths were recorded for all calves. RESULTS Among 900 calves, prevalence of N caninum infection was 16.7% (95% confidence interval, 14.3% to 19.3%); prevalence of BVDV-associated PI was 0.2% (95% confidence interval, 0.03% to 0.9%). Morbidity rate and time to first illness were not significantly different between calves that were seropositive or seronegative for N caninum. At the second sample collection, weight and average daily gain of calves that were seropositive for N caninum was less than that of seronegative steers in 1 pen, whereas these measures did not differ between groups in the other pen. Statistical power was insufficient to evaluate the effect of BVDV PI on any outcome measurement. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although N caninum serostatus had no significant effect on morbidity rate, some seropositive calves had reduced growth, compared with seronegative calves, 5 months after entry to the feedlot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R Hoar
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Razmi GR, Maleki M, Farzaneh N, Talebkhan Garoussi M, Fallah AH. First report of Neospora caninum-associated bovine abortion in Mashhad area, Iran. Parasitol Res 2006; 100:755-7. [PMID: 17024355 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-006-0325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2006] [Accepted: 08/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan which causes abortion in cattle worldwide. The present study was designed to assess the importance of bovine neosporosis for causing abortion in Iranian cattle. Infection was primarily diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), complemented with histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). One hundred brains of aborted bovine fetuses were collected from Iranian dairy herd between 2003 and 2005 in Mashhad area. N. caninum was detected by PCR in the brains of 13 aborted fetuses. Lesions consistent with N. caninum infection were observed in 12 of fetal brains. Immunohistochemical examination of brain detected N. caninum organisms in three aborted fetuses, and a thick-walled (2 mum) cyst with 50 mum diameter was identified in one of the IHC-positive brain. The results indicated that neosporosis is an important cause of abortion in dairy cattle of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Razmi
- Department of Pathobiology, School Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 91775-1793, Mashhad, Iran.
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Jenkins MC, Parker C, Hill D, Pinckney RD, Dyer R, Dubey JP. Neospora caninum detected in feral rodents. Vet Parasitol 2006; 143:161-5. [PMID: 16997474 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2006] [Revised: 08/02/2006] [Accepted: 08/02/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The role of rodents in the epidemiology of neosporosis was investigated by assaying brain tissue of feral mice (Mus musculus) and rats (Rattus norvegicus) for Neospora caninum. Both mouse and rat brain tissue were extracted for total DNA, and subjected to two different N. caninum-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. A portion of brain tissue from the mice and rats were also assayed for N. caninum in gerbils or gamma-interferon gene knockout (KO) mice. Of the 105 feral mice tested, 10% were positive in the N. caninum-specific PCR assays. Of the 242 rats tested, 30% were positive in both assays. Although mice and rats had N. caninum by PCR testing, clinical signs of N. caninum infection were not observed nor were N. caninum parasites observed in gerbils or KO mice inoculated with the rodent brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Jenkins
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1040, BARC-EAST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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Abstract
Infertility is the diminished or absent capacity to produce viable offspring. Infections that reduce ovulation rates, fertilization rates, embryonic survival rates, fetal survival rates or perinatal survival rates result in observed infertility in beef cows. Reproductive pathogens include Leptospira, Campylobacter, Hemophilus, Brucella, bovine herpesvirus-1, bovine viral diarrhea virus, Tritrichomonas foetus, and Neospora caninum. Infectious infertility can be prevented or controlled with appropriate surveillance, biosecurity, and/or vaccination. The objective of this review is to briefly summarize current scientific information to assist with adoption of surveillance methods, implementation of biosecurity and selection of appropriate commercially available vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Daniel Givens
- Department of Pathobiology, 127 Sugg Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5516, USA.
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Abstract
Our understanding of the epidemiology of bovine neosporosis is advancing rapidly with considerable research activity being facilitated by improving methods. The dynamics of the infection in the known definitive hosts, the dog and the coyote, are being described. Improved procedures for production of oocysts enables the horizontal transmission to intermediate hosts and the subsequent more natural infection process to be studied. Details of the sylvatic cycles, potentially involving other animals in the dairy environment, are also emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Gay
- Field Disease Investigation Unit, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, POB 646610, Pullman, WA 99164-6610, USA.
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Carruthers VB. Proteolysis and Toxoplasma invasion. Int J Parasitol 2006; 36:595-600. [PMID: 16600244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2005] [Revised: 02/02/2006] [Accepted: 02/09/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites including Toxoplasma gondii cause widespread human and animal diseases, often with the most severe manifestations involving the central nervous system. The need for new therapeutic agents along with the fascinating biology of these parasites has fueled a keen interest in understanding how key steps in the life cycle are regulated. Proteolysis is intimately associated with cell and tissue invasion by these obligate intracellular parasites and recent studies have begun to identify the proteases involved in these processes. Based on clues from inhibitor experiments and cleavage site mapping studies, several groups are using emerging genome information, chemical proteomics and molecular genetics to identify and validate proteases that regulate secretory organelle biogenesis and invasion protein activity. These studies are revealing roles for an assortment of proteases including cathepsins, subtilases and rhomboids in cell and tissue invasion. The identification of highly selective inhibitors for these proteases has the potential to not only further dissect their roles in infection but also to ameliorate disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vern B Carruthers
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Room E5136, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Abstract
AbstractNeospora caninum is considered a major cause of abortion in cattle. Appropriate techniques for diagnosis of bovine neosporosis, both in vivo and in aborted foetuses, have been developed in the last ten years and some of them are commercially available. For diagnosis in live animals, detection of antibodies in serum or milk has been shown to be the best option both at the herd and the individual level. These techniques are excellent tools to examine N. caninum-associated abortion problems and to adopt some basic herd-control measures. Concerning foetal diagnosis, detection of compatible lesions by histological examination and parasites by PCR in brain (as well as heart and liver) are the best choices. Diagnostic criteria to distinguish foetal infection and Neospora-associated abortion are based not only on the demonstration of the parasite in the foetus but also on the extent and severity of the lesions in the foetus, foetal age and the assessment of neosporosis at the herd level. In the near future, new tools to diagnose infection should help to detect animals with parasite reactivation by testing the immune response to stage-specific antigens and lead to the development of molecular typing methods to characterise different parasite isolates. Finally, uniform diagnostic procedures need to be established between laboratories and countries in order to standardise result interpretation. The role of National or Regional Reference Laboratories is essential in countries or regions where control programmes for the disease are being developed.
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