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López-Ureña NM, Calero-Bernal R, Vázquez-Calvo Á, Sánchez-Sánchez R, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. A comparative study of serological tests used in the diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in small ruminants evidenced the importance of cross-reactions for harmonizing diagnostic performance. Res Vet Sci 2023; 165:105052. [PMID: 37864907 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major foodborne zoonotic pathogen that can be transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat of small ruminants, among others. Serology has been suggested as an epidemiological indicator and several tests are available nowadays. However, there is no comparative study with the most used ones. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop and validate two in-house tests (Western blot -TgSALUVET WB- and ELISA -TgSALUVET ELISA 2.0-) and perform a comparative study including such tests and four commercial ELISA kits (IDScreen®, PrioCHECK®, Pigtype® and IDEXX). First, a specific pattern of recognition of immunodominant antigens by TgSALUVET WB was determined with serum panels of noninfected sheep and sheep infected with T. gondii or Neospora caninum. Next, TgSALUVET WB was used as a reference to preliminary validate TgSALUVET ELISA 2.0 using sera from sheep and goats naturally infected with T. gondii. Then, the abovementioned sheep serum panels were analyzed by all tests and subjected to TG-ROC analyses and agreement tests, and cross-reactivity with the anti-N. caninum IgGs was studied. All the techniques were accurate enough for the cutoff values initially suggested with all serum panels (Se and Sp ≥ 94%), except for PrioCHECK®, which showed 83% Sp. However, a cutoff readjustment improved their diagnostic performance. Additionally, cross-reactions between anti-N. caninum antibodies and T. gondii antigens were detected with all tests. Thus, a second cutoff readjustment was carried out and the use of both readjusted cutoff values is recommended to obtain comparable data and avoid false-positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia María López-Ureña
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | | | - Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid 28040, Spain.
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET Research Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid 28040, Spain.
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Ahaduzzaman M, Hasan T. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats from different geographical regions of the world: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3790-3822. [PMID: 36345796 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which significantly impact small ruminant productivity, international animal trade and transboundary movement of animal across the globe. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) in sheep and goats is widely studied in many parts of the world and there is a lack of comprehensive information on prevalence estimates considering the global and regional perspectives. The aim of the study was to use systematic review and meta-analysis methods to estimate the global and regional pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats, as well as factors that influence prevalence estimations. Relevant articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep and/goats were searched in five electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and ProQuest. After the publications were checked to verify they fit the inclusion criteria, a total of 225 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, reflecting data from 70 countries/regions. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effect meta-analysis model. Overall, the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 33.86% (95% CI: 30.47-37.25%) in sheep and 31.78% (95% CI: 28.99-34.58%) in goats, with significant variation in prevalence estimates across geographical locations (p < .001). Substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 75%) was observed in most pooled seroprevalence estimates. The T. gondii infection in global sheep and goat population showed uptrend over the period. This information would be useful for epidemiologist, health authorities and farmers in order to plan future T. gondii survey and infection management strategies both locally and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ahaduzzaman
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjila Hasan
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
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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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Mendoza-Morales LF, Lagorio V, Corigliano MG, Sánchez-López E, Ramos-Duarte VA, Clemente M, Sander VA. Neosporosis in sheep: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global seroprevalence and related risk factors. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106569. [PMID: 35752203 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is recognized as the main cause of abortions in cattle worldwide and there is an increasing concern about its role in ovine reproductive losses; however, epidemiological studies regarding neosporosis in sheep are still limited. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global pooled seroprevalence and associated risk factors of ovine neosporosis. In the current report, a comprehensive strategy of search and data collection from 7 worldwide databases was performed. A final set of 73 studies (80 datasets) published from 2000 to 2021 were selected based on inclusion criteria, comprising data on 35,740 sheep (corresponding to 37,565 evaluated samples) from 30 countries worldwide. The global pooled seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in sheep estimated by the random-effects model was 13% (95% CI, 10-15) and showed high heterogeneity (Q = 5147.15, I2 = 98%, p< 0.001). Furthermore, by meta-analyses of subgroups it was demonstrated for the first time that seroprevalence significantly varied between continents (highest in Africa; 20%, 95% CI, 4-44), WHO regions (highest in African Region; 42%, 95% CI, 36-48), countries (highest in Colombia; 79%, 95% CI, 61-92%) and diagnostic methods (highest by IFAT; 17%, 95% CI, 12-23). Meta-regression indicated significant increasing trends in the prevalence of ovine neosporosis with decrease in geographical latitude (coefficient = -0.013; p<0.001), whereas longitude did not influence it (coefficient = -0.001; p=0.365). Regarding associated risk factors, older sheep were more likely to be infected with N. caninum than younger ones (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.08-1.87), and sheep bred under intensive or semi-intensive systems resulted less susceptible to be seropositive than those bred under extensive system (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.42-0.99 and OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.62-0.89, respectively). Conversely, no apparent association was found between seroprevalence and other variables, such as sex (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.9-1.24), the presence of dogs on the farm (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.63-2.12) or the presence of abortion (OR 1.80; 95% CI 0.87-3.74). In conclusion, the seroprevalence of ovine neosporosis is widely and heterogeneously distributed throughout the world, and it is negatively associated with increasing geographical latitude. In addition, age and extensive production system represent risk factors, which suggest that the horizontal transmission route is relevant for this host species. It is recommended to pay more attention to this disease and emphasize the global need for more indexed studies concerning the seroprevalence and risk factors of ovine neosporosis to better understand the epidemiology of this coccidian infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F Mendoza-Morales
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valentina Lagorio
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana G Corigliano
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edwin Sánchez-López
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Víctor A Ramos-Duarte
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Clemente
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria A Sander
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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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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Clune T, Lockwood A, Hancock S, Bruce M, Thompson AN, Beetson S, Campbell AJ, Glanville E, Brookes D, Trengove C, O'Handley R, Jacobson C. Neospora caninum is not an important contributor to poor reproductive performance of primiparous ewes from southern Australia: evidence from a cross-sectional study. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3875-3882. [PMID: 34599357 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum has been implicated as a sporadic cause of abortion and perinatal deaths in sheep flocks globally. However, its significance as a reproductive pathogen for sheep in Australia remains unknown. The aims of this study were to (i) determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in Australian breeding ewes and (ii) examine if natural exposure to N. caninum is associated with poor reproductive performance of primiparous ewes in southern Australia. Thirty flocks of primiparous ewes (aged 1-2 years old at lambing) from 28 farms in three states (Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria) were monitored between mating and lamb marking. Blood samples were also collected from multiparous mature ewes (aged 3 years or older) at each farm. Seroprevalence for anti-N. caninum IgG using indirect ELISA was determined for a subset of primiparous ewes that were predominantly determined to be pregnant and subsequently failed to rear a lamb (n = 1279) and randomly selected mature multiparous ewes with unknown reproductive status (n = 558). Neopsora caninum apparent seroprevalence was 0.16% (95% confidence interval 0.03%, 0.5%) in primiparous ewes, with seropositivity identified in two ewes from farms located in South Australia and Victoria. There was no evidence of seropositivity in mature ewes with apparent seroprevalence 0% (0%, 0.45%). These findings suggest that N. caninum infection was not widespread in primiparous ewes or mature multiparous ewes on these farms, and exposure to N. caninum infection was unlikely to explain abortion and perinatal mortalities observed for primiparous ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Clune
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Amy Lockwood
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Serina Hancock
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Mieghan Bruce
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Andrew N Thompson
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Sue Beetson
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Angus J Campbell
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Mackinnon Project, Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - Elsa Glanville
- Mackinnon Project, Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - Daniel Brookes
- Mackinnon Project, Faculty of Veterinary & Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - Colin Trengove
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - Caroline Jacobson
- Centre for Animal Production and Health, Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
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Romanelli PR, Matos AMRND, Pinto-Ferreira F, Caldart ET, Carmo JLMD, Santos NGD, Silva NRD, Loeffler BB, Sanches JFZ, Francisquini LS, Romanelli MS, Minho AP, Cavalcante ACR, Pierre EJ, Sobezak CC, Freire RL, Mitsuka-Breganó R, Navarro IT. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from Paraná state, South Brazil: prevalence and associated factors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e023220. [PMID: 33909837 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence and factors associated with the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from Paraná state. The detection of antibodies for T. gondii and N. caninum was performed by homemade and commercial indirect ELISA, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to verify the factors associated with the seroprevalence. Antibodies anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum were observed in 42.7% and in 17.6% of the animals, respectively. The protective factors associated to seropositive were "some level of confinement" (full or semi-extensive confinement) (OR=0.53) for T. gondii and "use of skilled labor" (OR=0.64) for N. caninum. The risk factors were "presence of cats" (OR=1.75) for T. gondii and "feeding of dogs with sheep placental remains" (OR=1.79) for N. caninum. In addition, to presenting a significant and simultaneous seroprevalence for both agents (9.9% of the animals), the results also indicate that deficiencies in management and environmental sanitation, the presence of reservoirs, and types of exploitation enhance the seropositivity. Thus, studies like this might support sanitary programs and public policies for the prevention of T. gondii and N. caninum in the sheep herds of Paraná state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Roberto Romanelli
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Fernanda Pinto-Ferreira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, PR, Brasil
| | - Eloiza Teles Caldart
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, PR, Brasil
| | - João Lucas Moura do Carmo
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, PR, Brasil
| | - Nathalia Gomes Dos Santos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, PR, Brasil
| | - Natalia Ribeiro da Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, PR, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberta Lemos Freire
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, PR, Brasil
| | - Regina Mitsuka-Breganó
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, PR, Brasil
| | - Italmar Teodorico Navarro
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, PR, Brasil
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8
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Maia MO, Maia MO, Silva ARSD, Gomes AAD, Aguiar DMD, Pacheco RDC, Costa AJD, Santos-Doni TRD. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, Western Brazilian Amazon. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 74:101599. [PMID: 33260021 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to carry out a seroepidemiological study of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in serum samples from sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, in the Western Brazilian Amazon, and identify possible risk factors associated with seropositivity. The analysis of the 616 sheep serum samples revealed animal-level seroprevalence of T. gondii in the order of 52.4 % and of N. caninum of 60.6 %. Prevalence of co-infections was 33.4 %. The herd-level seroprevalence was 100 % for both the parasites. Applying of multivariate logistic regression analysis, test of the association between seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the potential predictors showed that feed, fetal malformation, abortion, neurological problems (lambs), presence of rodents were the significant (P < 0.05) predictors. The variables presence of rodents, cats, wild animals and main activity showed statistical association (P < 0.05) with the seroprevalence of N. caninum. Due to the high prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum found in this study, the absence of specific slaughterhouses for sheep and raw or undercooked sheep meat for human consumption we concluded that sheep can represent an important source of infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maerle Oliveira Maia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FAVET) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FAVET) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Richard de Campos Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FAVET) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | | | - Thaís Rabelo Dos Santos-Doni
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí, MG, Brazil.
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9
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, González-Warleta M, Espinosa J, Vallejo-García R, Castro-Hermida JA, Calvo C, Ferreras MC, Pérez V, Benavides J, Mezo M. Maternal immune response in the placenta of sheep during recrudescence of natural congenital infection of Neospora caninum. Vet Parasitol 2020; 285:109204. [PMID: 32916458 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In order to gain further insight into the pathogenesis and transmission of ovine neosporosis, the serological response of 13 naturally infected pregnant sheep was monitored. All sheep were euthanized upon the detection of a sharp increase in the level of specific antibodies against N. caninum in order to study the maternal immune response after the recrudescence of a chronic infection. Ten sheep were euthanized between 84 and 118 days of gestation, whereas the three remaining and three control not infected, pregnant sheep were euthanized at 135 days of gestation after no sharp increase in antibodies was detected. Vertical transmission was confirmed in 11 sheep by detection of N. caninum-DNA in at least one fetus, confirming recrudescence. Not all of fetuses showed pathologic microscopic lesions, however, multifocal non-purulent encephalitis was the main finding. Furthermore, nine out of the 11 vertical transmission positive sheep had lesions in placentomes (mainly multifocal necrotic foci), and the parasite was detected in eight out of 11 placentas by PCR and/or immunohistochemestry. The placentomes from sheep that suffered recrudescence showed an increased number of T lymphocytes CD3+ (CD4/CD8 < 1) and macrophages (MHC-II+), assessed by immunohistochemestry, together with an up-regulation of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4, TNFα, IL-2 and IL-18. IL-17 was only upregulated in the three infected sheep that did not have a sharp increase in antibody levels. In the sheep that showed fetal death at the time of euthanasia (n = 3) the placental microscopic lesions were more severe, the inflammatory infiltrate was higher, and the upregulation of cytokines was greater than in those sheep carrying viable fetuses. This study suggests that, similarly to bovine neosporosis, the time of gestation when recrudescence occurs determines the viability of the fetuses and, thus, seems to be related to the severity of lesions and immune response in the placenta. These results suggest that there might be a correlation, either as cause or as a consequence, between protection against vertical transmission of the parasite and a milder maternal serological response together with a high level of transcription of IL-17 in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain; Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña. (CSIC-Universidad de León). Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain.
| | - Marta González-Warleta
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jose Espinosa
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Raquel Vallejo-García
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Castro-Hermida
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Carmen Calvo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| | - María C Ferreras
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Valentín Pérez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Julio Benavides
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña. (CSIC-Universidad de León). Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mezo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
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Simon L, Fillaux J, Guigon A, Lavergne RA, Villard O, Villena I, Marty P, Pomares C. Serological diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii: analysis of false-positive IgG results and implications. Parasite 2020; 27:7. [PMID: 32031519 PMCID: PMC7006501 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary infection by Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women can result in serious outcomes for the foetus. A false-positive IgG result during pregnancy can lead to a misdiagnosis of past infection and to stopping preventive measures. We collected 189 sera with positive Architect® Toxo IgG assay (Abbott Laboratories) and negative IgG results with at least two other serological tests, in order to find an explanation for the suspected false-positive IgG results. We used the recomLine Toxoplasma IgG® immunoblot (Mikrogen Diagnostik) to search for specific antigenic reactivities of the sera, and the LDBio Toxo II IgG® immunoblot (LDBio Diagnostics) as a confirmatory test. RESULTS The bands GRA8 and/or GRA7 were positive for 148 samples (78.3%). GRA8 was the most frequent band, appearing in 133 patterns (70.4%), whereas GRA7 was present for 49 samples (25.9%). Of the 81 samples tested with LDBio®, 23 (28.4%) turned out to be positive. Of the 58 negative LDBio® tests (71.6%) (real false-positive Architect® IgG), 23 samples (39.6%) did not show either a GRA8 or p30 band by recomLine®. Their false positivity with Architect® remains unexplained since Abbott uses these two recombinant antigens for their assay. CONCLUSIONS The Architect® IgG false positivity for T. gondii seems to be due to reactivity against GRA8 for the majority of the sera and GRA7 to a lesser extent. The hypothesis of past contact with parasites genetically close to T. gondii such as Hammondia hammondi or Neospora caninum seems promising and should be assessed further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Simon
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Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur 06202 Nice France
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Inserm U1065, C3M 06204 Nice France
| | - Judith Fillaux
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Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Toulouse 31300 Toulouse France
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PharmaDev, IRD UMR 152, Université de Toulouse 31062 Toulouse France
| | - Aurélie Guigon
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Service de Microbiologie, Hôpital La Source, CHR d’Orléans 45100 Orléans France
| | - Rose-Anne Lavergne
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Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Nantes 44093 Nantes France
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Université de Nantes, Nantes Atlantique Universités, EA1155-IICiMed, Institut de Recherche en Santé 2 44200 Nantes France
| | - Odile Villard
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Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg 67000 Strasbourg France
| | - Isabelle Villena
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EA7510, ESCAPE, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, SFR Cap Santé FED 4231 51096 Reims France
| | - Pierre Marty
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Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur 06202 Nice France
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Inserm U1065, C3M 06204 Nice France
| | - Christelle Pomares
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Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Nice, Université Côte d’Azur 06202 Nice France
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Inserm U1065, C3M 06204 Nice France
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