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Rodriguez-Pazmiño AS, Brito CM, Salas-Rueda M, Orlando SA, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. A first insight into seropositivity of Neospora caninum and associated risk factors in free-roaming dogs from Ecuador. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107245. [PMID: 38761834 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107245] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Neosporosis is a worldwide parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum. It can cause economic losses to farmers due to its relationship with abortions and neonatal mortality in cows. Dogs play a key role in its spread as they are considered definitive hosts. In this study, we determined for the first time the seropositivity of N. caninum infection in dogs from Ecuador and evaluated potential risk factors. A total number of 339 free-roaming dogs from the three main regions of Ecuador (Coastal, Andean, and Amazonian regions) were included in the study and classified either as urban or rural dogs. Serum samples were collected from November 2018 to May 2019, and analyzed with a commercial ELISA test. An overall seropositivity of 6.8 % (CI: 95 %, 2.8 % - 11.7 %) was found in N. caninum infection with no statistical differences among regions or urban/rural dogs. This is the first surveillance of N. caninum in Ecuador, confirming a country-wide distribution of this pathogen. Considering the large populations of free-roaming dogs in Ecuador, a One Health approach for surveillance and managing N. caninum in dogs is needed to protect either livestock or wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla M Brito
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador; Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí, Ecuador
| | | | - Solon Alberto Orlando
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública e Investigación, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Doyle M, Forsyth DM, Helbig KJ, Carvalho TG. Evidence of Australian wild deer exposure to N. caninum infection and potential implications for the maintenance of N. caninum sylvatic cycle. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:153. [PMID: 37705000 PMCID: PMC10498561 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with the coccidian parasite Neospora caninum affect domestic and wild animals worldwide. In Australia, N. caninum infections cause considerable losses to the cattle industry with seroprevalence of 8.7% in beef and 10.9% in dairy cattle. Conversely, the role of wild animals, in maintaining the parasite cycle is also unclear. It is possible that native or introduced herbivorous species could be reservoir hosts of N. caninum in Australia, but to date, this has not been investigated. We report here the first large-scale screening of N. caninum antibodies in Australian wild deer, spanning three species (fallow, red and sambar deer). Consequently, we also assessed two commercial cELISA tests validated for detecting N. caninum in cattle for their ability to detect N. caninum antibodies in serum samples of wild deer. N. caninum antibodies were detected in 3.7% (7/189, 95% CI 1.8 - 7.45) of the wild deer serum samples collected in south-eastern Australia (n = 189), including 97 fallow deer (Dama dama), 14 red deer (Cervus elaphus), and 78 sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Overall, our study provides the first detection of N. caninum antibodies in wild deer and quantifies deer's potential role in the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Huaman
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Doyle
- South East Local Land Services, Bega, NSW, Australia
| | - David M Forsyth
- Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW, Orange Agricultural Institute, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Karla J Helbig
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Teresa G Carvalho
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Barratclough A, Ferguson SH, Lydersen C, Thomas PO, Kovacs KM. A Review of Circumpolar Arctic Marine Mammal Health-A Call to Action in a Time of Rapid Environmental Change. Pathogens 2023; 12:937. [PMID: 37513784 PMCID: PMC10385039 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of climate change on the health of marine mammals are increasingly being recognised. Given the rapid rate of environmental change in the Arctic, the potential ramifications on the health of marine mammals in this region are a particular concern. There are eleven endemic Arctic marine mammal species (AMMs) comprising three cetaceans, seven pinnipeds, and the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). All of these species are dependent on sea ice for survival, particularly those requiring ice for breeding. As air and water temperatures increase, additional species previously non-resident in Arctic waters are extending their ranges northward, leading to greater species overlaps and a concomitant increased risk of disease transmission. In this study, we review the literature documenting disease presence in Arctic marine mammals to understand the current causes of morbidity and mortality in these species and forecast future disease issues. Our review highlights potential pathogen occurrence in a changing Arctic environment, discussing surveillance methods for 35 specific pathogens, identifying risk factors associated with these diseases, as well as making recommendations for future monitoring for emerging pathogens. Several of the pathogens discussed have the potential to cause unusual mortality events in AMMs. Brucella, morbillivirus, influenza A virus, and Toxoplasma gondii are all of concern, particularly with the relative naivety of the immune systems of endemic Arctic species. There is a clear need for increased surveillance to understand baseline disease levels and address the gravity of the predicted impacts of climate change on marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Barratclough
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Steven H. Ferguson
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada;
| | - Christian Lydersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
| | - Peter O. Thomas
- Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Kit M. Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
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Silva ALP, Lima EF, Silva Filho GM, Ferreira LC, Campos BDA, Bison I, Brasil AWDL, Parentoni RN, Feitosa TF, Vilela VLR. Seroepidemiological Survey of Anti- Toxoplasma gondii and Anti- Neospora caninum Antibodies in Domestic Cats ( Felis catus) in Rolim de Moura, State of Rondônia, North Brazil. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:220. [PMID: 37104346 PMCID: PMC10146584 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8040220] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies on infections by Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in cats in the North Region of Brazil are scarce. We intended to assess the seroprevalence in cats of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies, as well as the associated risk factors that may lead them to contract these infections in Rolim de Moura, state of Rondônia, North Brazil. For this, blood serum samples of 100 cats from different regions of the city were evaluated. To assess possible factors associated with infections, epidemiological questionnaires were applied to tutors. The Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) was performed for anti-T. gondii (cutoff 1:16) and anti-N. caninum (cutoff 1:50) antibodies. After identifying the positive samples, antibody titration was performed. The results showed the prevalence of 26% (26/100) of anti-T. gondii antibodies, with titration varying between 1:16 to 1:8192. There were no factors associated with the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the multivariate analysis in this study. There was no occurrence of seropositive cats for anti-N. caninum. It was concluded that there was a high prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in cats in Rolim de Moura, state of Rondônia, North Brazil. However, the evaluated animals did not present anti-N. caninum antibodies. Therefore, knowing that T. gondii has different transmission forms, we emphasize the importance of spreading more information to the population about cat's relevance in the T. gondii life cycle and how to avoid the parasite transmission and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luzia Peixoto Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Federal da Paraíba-IFPB, Sousa 58807-630, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Estefany Ferreira Lima
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Federal da Paraíba-IFPB, Sousa 58807-630, Paraíba, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Claudino Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande-UFCG, Patos 58708-110, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Beatriz de Andrade Campos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Rondônia-UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76940-000, Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Ividy Bison
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Rondônia-UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76940-000, Rondônia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thais Ferreira Feitosa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Federal da Paraíba-IFPB, Sousa 58807-630, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Federal da Paraíba-IFPB, Sousa 58807-630, Paraíba, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande-UFCG, Patos 58708-110, Paraíba, Brazil
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Zanet S, Poncina M, Ferroglio E. Congenital transmission of Neospora caninum in wild ungulates and foxes. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1109986. [PMID: 36814462 PMCID: PMC9939827 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1109986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neospora caninum is one of the main causes of abortion in cattle. In wildlife, the occurrence and relevance of vertical infection have not been yet clearly evaluated. The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of vertical transmission of N. caninum in three wild species extensively distributed in Europe, namely roe deer Capreolus capreolus, wild boar Sus scrofa and red fox Vulpes vulpes. Methods A total of 190 fetuses (72 wild boars, 67 foxes and 51 roe deer) from 61 females were included in the study. All animals, which were either found dead or culled within selective control plans in North-western Italy, were tested, in parallel by PCR on central nervous system, skeletal muscle and kidney. Results and discussion The efficiency of vertical transmission in the three target species was of 87.5% (95% CI 69.00-95.66).
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Cao H, Zheng WB, Wang Y, Gao WW, Liu Q, Zhu XQ, Lei YP, Tumen B, Song HY. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection and associated risk factors in cattle in Shanxi Province, north China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1053270. [PMID: 36524222 PMCID: PMC9744922 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1053270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that can cause abortions in cattle and pose considerable economic losses to the cattle industry. As a major livestock province, little is known of N. caninum infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, north China. In order to investigate the seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle in Shanxi Province, 978 cattle serum samples were collected from 11 cities in three representative geographical locations in Shanxi Province, and the N. caninum-specific IgG antibodies were examined using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit commercially available. The results showed that 133 of the 978 examined cattle serum samples (13.60%, 95% CI = 11.45-15.75) were positive for N. caninum antibodies, and the seroprevalence in different cities ranged from 0 to 78.89%. The geographical location and management mode were the risk factors associated with N. caninum infection in cattle herds in Shanxi Province. Cattle in Northern and Central Shanxi Province as well as cattle whose management mode is that of large-scale cattle farming companies are more susceptible to N. caninum infection. This was the first large-scale survey of N. caninum seroprevalence and assessment of associated risk factors in cattle in Shanxi Province, which provided baseline information for the prevention and control of N. caninum infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, north China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wen-Wei Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu-Ping Lei
- Veterinary Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Taiyuan, China
| | - Bayaer Tumen
- Veterinary Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hong-Yu Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
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Dos Santos EO, Klain VF, Manrique SB, Roman IJ, Dos Santos HF, Sangioni LA, Vogel FSF, Reck J, Webster A, Padilha TC, de Almeida MAB, Dos Santos E, Born LC, Botton SA. The Influence of Landscape Structure on the Occurrence of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Sarcocystis spp. in Free-Living Neotropical Primates. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1680-1696. [PMID: 36178615 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00623-4] [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: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Habitat fragmentation is the main threat to primate survival in the world. Additionally, changes in the environments in which they live can also contribute to exposure to pathogens. To investigate some pathogens that free-living primates may be exposed to in Rio Grande do Sul State (RS; southern Brazil) and characterize the forest remnants in which they live, we investigated anti-Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Sarcocystis spp. antibodies in the serum of the animals. METHODS We analyzed 105 serum samples from 63 black howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya), 39 southern brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans), and 03 capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus cucullatus), which were captured in forest fragments of RS. Indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) were used to detect antibodies to the agents. We then characterized the landscapes in a multiscale approach in radii from 200 to 1400 m to investigate the relationship of the presence of the agents with landscape elements. RESULTS In the IFAT-IgG, 13.3% (14/105) of the samples were seropositive for N. caninum, 4.8% (5/105) for T. gondii, and 5.7% (6/105) for Sarcocystis spp. In the IHA-IgM/IgG, 24.8% (26/105) were seropositive for T. gondii. The metrics that best explained exposure to agents were edge and patch density, forest cover, urban cover, and average Euclidean distance to the nearest patch. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that the primates were exposed to the agents studied, demonstrating that some landscape features are associated with exposures to the investigated pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisandro O Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Vinícius F Klain
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida da Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 6681 - Partenon, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Sebastián B Manrique
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida da Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 6681 - Partenon, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Helton F Dos Santos
- Núcleo de Estudos E Pesquisas Em Animais Silvestres, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório Central de Diagnóstico de Patologias Aviárias, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Luís Antônio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S F Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - José Reck
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Do Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Secretaria Estadual de Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Eldorado Do Sul, Rio Grande Do Sul, Estrada Do Conde, 6000 - Sans Souci, Eldorado Do Sul, RS, 92990-000, Brazil
| | - Anelise Webster
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Do Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Secretaria Estadual de Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Eldorado Do Sul, Rio Grande Do Sul, Estrada Do Conde, 6000 - Sans Souci, Eldorado Do Sul, RS, 92990-000, Brazil
| | - Thamiris C Padilha
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Do Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Secretaria Estadual de Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Eldorado Do Sul, Rio Grande Do Sul, Estrada Do Conde, 6000 - Sans Souci, Eldorado Do Sul, RS, 92990-000, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio B de Almeida
- Divisão de Vigilância Ambiental Em Saúde, Centro Estadual de Vigilância Em Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 5400 - Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90450-190, Brazil
| | - Edmilson Dos Santos
- Divisão de Vigilância Ambiental Em Saúde, Centro Estadual de Vigilância Em Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 5400 - Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90450-190, Brazil
| | - Lucas C Born
- Divisão de Vigilância Ambiental Em Saúde, Centro Estadual de Vigilância Em Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 5400 - Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90450-190, Brazil
| | - Sônia A Botton
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
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Hinton JW, Hurst JE, Kramer DW, Stickles JH, Frair JL. A model-based estimate of winter distribution and abundance of white-tailed deer in the Adirondack Park. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273707. [PMID: 36040913 PMCID: PMC9426880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Adirondack Park region of northern New York, USA, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and moose (Alces alces) co-occur along a temperate-boreal forest ecotone. In this region, moose exist as a small and vulnerable low-density population and over-browsing by white-tailed deer is known to reduce regeneration, sustainability, and health of forests. Here, we assess the distribution and abundance of white-tailed deer at a broad spatial scale relevant for deer and moose management in northern New York. We used density surface modeling (DSM) under a conventional distance sampling framework, tied to a winter aerial survey, to create a spatially explicit estimate of white-tailed deer abundance and density across a vast, northern forest region. We estimated 16,352 white-tailed deer (95% CI 11,762–22,734) throughout the Adirondack Park with local density ranging between 0.00–5.73 deer/km2. Most of the Adirondack Park (91.2%) supported white-tailed deer densities of ≤2 individuals/km2. White-tailed deer density increased with increasing proximity to anthropogenic land cover such as timber cuts, roads, and agriculture and decreased in areas with increasing elevation and days with snow cover. We conclude that climate change will be more favorable for white-tailed deer than for moose because milder winters and increased growing seasons will likely have a pronounced influence on deer abundance and distribution across the Adirondack Park. Therefore, identifying specific environmental conditions facilitating the expansion of white-tailed deer into areas with low-density moose populations can assist managers in anticipating potential changes in ungulate distribution and abundance and to develop appropriate management actions to mitigate negative consequences such as disease spread and increased competition for limiting resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W. Hinton
- Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeremy E. Hurst
- Division of Fish and Wildlife, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - David W. Kramer
- Division of Fish and Wildlife, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - James H. Stickles
- Division of Fish and Wildlife, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline L. Frair
- Roosevelt Wild Life Station, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
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EROL U, DANYER E, ÜTÜK AE. Türkiye’de kızıl tilki beyin (Vulpes vulpes) örneğinde Neospora caninum’un ilk moleküler tespiti. ANKARA ÜNIVERSITESI VETERINER FAKÜLTESI DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.33988/auvfd.1121661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Kızıl tilki dünyada en geniş yayılım alanına sahip yabani karnivordur. Kızıl tilkiler besin zincirinin tepesinde yer almakta ve bu nedenle de birçok parazit türüne ara konaklık veya son konaklık yapmaktadır. Neospora caninum sığır, koyun ve keçilerde atıklara neden olan en önemli protozoal etkenlerden birisidir. N. caninum’un son konakları evcil köpekler ile kurt ve çakal gibi yabani karnivorlar iken ara konakları ise evcil ruminantlar ile kızıl tilki gibi çeşitli sıcakkanlı hayvanlardır. Bu çalışmanın amacı yaban hayatından elde edilen üç kızıl tilkinin beyin örneklerinde N. caninum’un PCR ile araştırılmasıdır. Çalışma ile üç kızıl tilkinin birinde N. caninum DNA’sı tespit edilmiştir. Bu çalışma ile Türkiye’de ilk kez kızıl tilki beyin örneğinde N. caninum DNA’sı tespit edilmiştir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ufuk EROL
- SİVAS CUMHURİYET ÜNİVERSİTESİ, VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ
| | | | - Armağan Erdem ÜTÜK
- ÇUKUROVA ÜNİVERSİTESİ, CEYHAN VETERİNER FAKÜLTESİ, KLİNİK ÖNCESİ BİLİMLERİ BÖLÜMÜ
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Abo-Shehada MN, Khalil R, Abu-Halaweh M, Sweis K, Amr Z, Billeh L. Seroprevalences of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in Jordanian women who had a recent spontaneous abortion. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e008821. [PMID: 34586175 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigates Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum among 445 recently spontaneously aborted (RSA) Jordanian women using ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody (at a cut-off value of 1/200) tests, respectively. The type of hospital, age, cat and dog contacts, raw and barbecued meat and wild plant consumption, number of abortions, and stillbirths were tested as independent variables using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The true seroprevalences were 22.1% for T. gondii-IgG, 22.7% for N. caninum-IgG, 2.6% for T. gondii-IgM, 10.6% for N. caninum-IgM, 0% for T. gondii-IgG and IgM, 6.7% for N. caninum-IgG and IgM, and 4.6% and 0% for both parasite IgG and IgM, respectively. T. gondii-IgM-seropositivity was associated with the number of abortions with odds ratios (OR) of 2.4 and eating barbecued meat (OR = 0.12). N. caninum-IgG-seropositivity was associated with having a dog in the house (OR = 2.6), and with stillbirth (OR = 0.1). N. caninum-IgM was associated with visiting a private-hospital (OR = 2.7). RSA Jordanian women are equally exposed to both parasites with significantly (p < 0.05) higher seroprevalence of N. caninum-IgM compared to T. gondii-IgM suggestive of active infections among RSA women in Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud N Abo-Shehada
- Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.,Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, UK
| | - Raida Khalil
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Philadelphia University, Jerash, Jordan
| | - Marwan Abu-Halaweh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Science, Philadelphia University, Jerash, Jordan
| | - Kanar Sweis
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Zuhair Amr
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Lena Billeh
- Department of Basic Medical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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11
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Molecular detection of coccidian Apicomplexa Parasites isolated from wild crab-eating and pampas foxes through novel TaqMan™ probes: a contribution to their molecular epidemiology. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:5013-5021. [PMID: 34164751 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06492-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Hammondia spp. are coccidian parasites similar in morphology. Molecular techniques are necessary to detect parasite DNA isolated from stool samples in wild canids because they were reported as definitive hosts of N. caninum life cycle. The objective of this study was to develop a highly sensitive and accurate molecular method for the identification of coccidian Apicomplexa parasites in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus). Tissue samples from road-killed animals (pampas fox = 46, crab-eating fox = 55) and feces (pampas fox = 84, crab-eating fox = 2) were collected, and species were diagnosed through molecular assay. PCR was used for the amplification of a fragment of the coccidian Apicomplexa nss-rRNA gene. Additionally, we developed a novel real-time PCR TaqMan™ probe approach to detect T. gondii- Hammondia spp. and N. caninum. This is the first report of N. caninum DNA in pampas fox feces (n = 1), thus it was also detected from pampas fox tissues (n = 1). Meanwhile, T. gondii was found in tissues of pampas (n = 1) and crab-eating (n = 1) foxes and H. triffittae in one crab-eating fox tissue. Despite the low percentage (2.5%) of positive samples, the molecular method developed in this study proved to be highly sensitive and accurate allowing to conduct an extensive monitoring analysis for these parasites in wildlife.
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12
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Davidson MJ, Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Stephens D, Hitchen Y, Carvalho TG. Active shedding of Neospora caninum detected in Australian wild canids in a nonexperimental context. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1862-1871. [PMID: 34043877 PMCID: PMC9542884 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Infection with Neospora caninum parasites is a leading cause of reproduction losses in cattle worldwide. In Australia, this loss is estimated to total AU$110 million every year. However, despite this considerable economic impact, the transmission cycle and the host(s) responsible for the sylvatic transmission of the parasite remain to be defined. Dingoes (Canis familiaris) have been suggested to be a wildlife host of N. caninum in Australia, but this is yet to be proven in a nonexperimental setting. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of natural N. caninum shedding in Australian wild dogs (defined as dingoes, dingo-domestic dog hybrids and feral dogs) by performing molecular analysis of faecal samples collected in wild dog populations in south-east Australia. Molecular analysis allowed host species identification and dingo purity testing, while genetic analysis of Coccidia and Neospora conserved genes allowed for parasite identification. Among the 115 samples collected and determined to belong to dingoes, dingo-domestic dog hybrids and foxes, Coccidian parasites were detected in 41 samples and N. caninum was identified in one sample of canine origin from South East Australia (Mansfield). Across all samples collected in Mansfield only 15 individuals were successfully identified by genotype. Thereby our study determined that 6.7% (1/15, 95% confidence intervals 1.2-29.9) of wild dogs were actively shedding N. caninum oocysts at this site. Further, only four individuals were identified at a second site (Swift Creek), and none were positive. This study conclusively confirms the role of wild dogs in the horizontal transmission of N. caninum parasites in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaeylah J Davidson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jose L Huaman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.,Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | | | - Yvette Hitchen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Helix Molecular Solutions, WA, Australia
| | - Teresa G Carvalho
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Izadi L, Sarvi S, Hosseini SA, Amouei A, Sharif M, Rahimi MT, Nayeri T, Daryani A. Copro-molecular diagnosis of the Toxoplasmatinae subfamily in dog and cat populations in northern Iran. Epidemiol Health 2020; 42:e2020074. [PMID: 33285057 PMCID: PMC8137368 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2020074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The oocysts of the Toxoplasmatinae subfamily (Neospora caninum, Hammondia hammondi and H. heydorni, and Besnoitia besnoiti) are morphologically similar to Toxoplasma gondii, and indistinguishable from each other. This study investigated the prevalence of the Toxoplasmatinae subfamily in dog and cat fecal samples using a nested polymerase chain reaction method. METHODS Overall, 200 fecal samples from domestic dogs (n=120) and cats (n=80) were collected from 15 farms in northern Iran. The samples were homogenized in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and subsequently concentrated with sucrose solution. DNA was extracted from samples using a genomic DNA kit. Specific primers and the 18S rDNA gene were used to screen and detect all Toxoplasmatinae oocysts. RESULTS Overall, 2.5% (3 of 120) and 22.5% (18 of 80) of the fecal samples collected from dogs and cats were infected with Toxoplasmatinae. In dogs, 2 samples were positive for N. caninum and 1 sample was positive for T. gondii. In cats, all 18 positive samples belonged to T. gondii. No contamination with H. heydorni was observed in dog fecal samples or H. hammondi and B. besnoiti in cat fecal samples. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the T. gondii (cat) and N. caninum (dog) found had similarities with parasites reported from other regions of the world. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to provide data on the epidemiology of Toxoplasmatinae oocysts in Iran. The findings suggest that public-health monitoring for the effective control of feces from cats and dogs and improved pet hygiene habits are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Izadi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Amouei
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
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14
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Alves ME, Fernandes FD, Monteiro FL, Braunig P, Cargnelutti JF, Flores EF, Weiblen R, Vogel FS. Co-infection by Neopora caninum and bovine viral diarrhea virus in cattle from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, destined to exportation. PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-6468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Reproductive tests in cattle are of great economic importance, given the impact it can have on the production system and may be caused by agents. Neospora caninum and Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus (BVDV) are considered of great importance as reproductive and should be considered responsible for keeping animals persistently infected. The present study included 479 calf serum samples for export in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). All samples were screened for BVDV by an ELISA antigen. BVDV antigen-positive ELISA samples were isolated from BVDV in cell culture. An indirect immunofluorescence (IFT) technique was used to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies. Of the 479 export-treated serum samples, 361 were positive for BVDV antigens by ELISA and/or viral isolation test (361/479-75.36%), and 109 IFT-positive samples for N. caninum (109/479-22.75%). Despite detection of antibodies anti-N. caninum did not differ statistically between naturally infected BVDV and non-BVDV infected animals suggesting that there is no interference of BVDV infection on infection or detection rate of animals with N. caninum, positive animals in viral isolation and high DO in BVDV-Ag ELISA. may present active disease and consequent immunosuppression, contributing to a potential reactivation of N. caninum.
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15
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Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum Infection in Dog Population Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:273-290. [PMID: 31919799 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes neurological disorders in dogs. This systematic review and meta-analysis targeted at evaluating the worldwide seroprevalence rate of N. caninum in dogs. METHODS Five electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, until December 2018 were thoroughly searched for relevant English language articles. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed in StatsDirect statistical software (version 2.7.9). RESULTS The searching process yielded a total number of 156 papers. The total prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of N. caninum infection in dog population worldwide was measured as 17.14% in data analyses (15.25-19.10). In addition, a significant association was also detected between neosporosis infection in dogs and continent, country, year, WHO regions, sample size and diagnostic method (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Dogs are a matter of concern to public health officials as a source of N. caninum infection. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to provide comprehensive data and systematically analyze the prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs. Accordingly, it is recommended that researchers carry out further studies to prevent and control neosporosis among dog population worldwide.
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16
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Sánchez Romano J, Grund L, Obiegala A, Nymo IH, Ancin-Murguzur FJ, Li H, Król N, Pfeffer M, Tryland M. A Multi-Pathogen Screening of Captive Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus) in Germany Based on Serological and Molecular Assays. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:461. [PMID: 31921918 PMCID: PMC6933772 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Captive reindeer in German zoos and wildlife parks live outside their natural geographic range and are exposed to a variety of viral, bacterial and protozoan pathogens, some host-specific and some which they are not exposed to in their native habitat. Reindeer blood samples and ticks collected in 2013 from 123 reindeer at 16 different zoological facilities were available from a previous study. The aims of this study were to assess the serological status of these animals with regards to various microorganisms as well as to test ticks (Ixodes ricinus) and blood samples for the presence of Anaplasma spp. DNA in order to evaluate the exposure of captive reindeer in Germany to a variety of pathogens. A total of 119 or 118 serum samples were screened (ELISA) and antibodies were detected (seropositive/tested, prevalence, confidence interval) against alphaherpesvirus (24/119, 20.3%, CI: 13.9–28.3), bluetongue virus (BTV; 4/119, 3.4%, CI: 1.0–8.7), malignant catarrhal fever related gammaherpesvirus (MCFV-related gammaherpesvirus; 7/119, 5.9%, CI: 2.7–11.9), pestivirus (5/118, 4.2%, CI: 1.6–9.8), Schmallenberg virus (SBV; 70/118, 59.3%, CI: 50.3–67.8), smooth Brucella spp. (1/118; 0.9%, CI: 0–5.1), Neospora caninum (5/118, 4.2%, CI: 1.6–9.8), and Toxoplasma gondii (62/119, 52.1%, CI: 43.2–60.9). These results suggested the exposure of reindeer to all tested pathogens. Moreover, real-time PCR for Anaplasma phagocytophilum targeting the partial msp2 gene was performed on DNA extracted from whole blood samples from reindeer (n = 123) and from ticks (n = 49) collected from 22 reindeer in seven different facilities. In addition to the real-time PCR, a semi-nested PCR for the partial groEL gene, and a nested PCR targeting the partial 16S rRNA gene were performed. DNA of A. phagocytophilum was detected in 17 reindeer (13.8%) and 15 ticks (30.6%). Three of the five reindeer with ticks having A. phagocytophilum DNA also had such DNA in blood. These results indicate that captive reindeer can be exposed to several ruminant pathogens that they hitherto had no known exposure to through their natural geographical distribution and habitats as shown for Culicoides-borne BTV and SBV. Further, captive reindeer may serve as reservoir hosts for pathogens circulating in local domestic, captive, and wild ruminant species and populations and arthropod vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sánchez Romano
- Arctic Infection Biology, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Anna Obiegala
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Francisco Javier Ancin-Murguzur
- Northern Populations and Ecosystems, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Hong Li
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service and Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Nina Król
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Pfeffer
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Morten Tryland
- Arctic Infection Biology, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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17
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Almeida JCD, Kim PDCP, Melo RPBD, Nogueira JF, Martins FDC, Garcia JL, Freire RL, Mota RA. Neospora caninum DNA in feces of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous - Linnaeus, 1776) from northeastern Brazil. Acta Trop 2019; 197:105068. [PMID: 31226252 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular tissue cyst-forming coccidian parasite and it was first described in dogs. Despite the relevance of wild canids in the transmission chain of N. caninum, there are few studies in Brazil. The aim of the present study was to detect N. caninum DNA in feces of free-range and captive crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) from different states of northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples of eighteen crab-eating foxes (fifteen individually and three pools) were collected in sterile containers and were kept cool at -20 °C until further processing. All fecal samples were subjected to DNA extraction. A nested PCR targeting the ITS-1 gene was performed for N. caninum. All the positive bands were extracted from the gel and purified. Forward and reverse strands were sequenced and the nucleotide sequences obtained were compared with N. caninum sequences deposited in Genbank. The alignment was edited and phylogenetic reconstruction was based on the ITS1 gene sequences. Thirteen stool samples were PCR-positive for N. caninum DNA. Nine out of thirteen positive samples showed similarity between 99%-100% for N. caninum in relation to the sequence U25044.1 stored at GenBank. The crab-eating fox could have an important role in the sylvatic cycle of Neospora caninum in Brazil. Experimental infections studies involving these wild canids may confirm if the crab-eating foxes are definitive hosts of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatas Campos de Almeida
- Laboratory of Infectious-Contagious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros S/N, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil; Multidisciplinary Center of Barra, Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Avenida 23 de Agosto S/N, 47100-000, Barra, BA, Brazil.
| | - Pomy de Cássia Peixoto Kim
- Laboratory of Infectious-Contagious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros S/N, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Renata Pimentel Bandeira de Melo
- Laboratory of Infectious-Contagious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros S/N, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Joel Fonseca Nogueira
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Imunology, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Rodovia BR-407 - Km12, 56300-000, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Felippe Danyel Cardoso Martins
- Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR445 - Km380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR445 - Km380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Roberta Lemos Freire
- Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR445 - Km380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- Laboratory of Infectious-Contagious Diseases of Domestic Animals, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Rua Dom Manoel de Medeiros S/N, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil
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18
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Neospora caninum DNA in Coyote Fecal Samples Collected in an Urban Environment. J Wildl Dis 2019; 55:196-199. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-02-027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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19
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Mazuz ML, Alvarez-García G, King R, Savisky I, Shkap V, Ortega-Mora LM, Gutiérrez-Expósito D. Exposure to Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in wildlife from Israel. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:317-321. [PMID: 30175044 PMCID: PMC6115540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis and besnoitiosis, caused by cyst-forming protozoa Neospora caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti, respectively, are parasitic infestations of livestock in Israel. These parasites cause significant economic losses in cattle due to reproductive and productive disorders. Both parasites have been detected in several wild ruminant species throughout other regions of the world, while the existence of a sylvatic life cycle in Israel remains uncertain. Thus, a wide panel of 871 sera from two wild carnivores and nine wild ruminant species were tested. All sera were first analysed by MAT for an initial screening and positive samples were confirmed a posteriori by Western blot. Additionally, a complementary IFAT was used for the detection of antibodies against N. caninum. Neospora antibodies were present in six out of the 11 species investigated, whereas Besnoitia antibodies were undetected. Golden jackal, red fox, addax, Arabian oryx, Persian fallow deer, mouflon, mountain gazelle, Nubian ibex, scimitar horned oryx and water buffalo were seropositive against N. caninum infection by IFAT and/or MAT. Moreover, the presence of Neospora spp.-specific antibodies was confirmed by Western blot in golden jackal (6/189; 3.2%), red fox (1/75; 1.3%), Persian fallow deer (13/232; 5.6%), mouflon (1/15; 16.7%), Nubian ibex (22/55; 40%) and water buffalo (12/18; 66.7%). Addax (1/49) and water buffalo (1/18) were MAT-seropositive against B. besnoiti but were seronegative by Western blot. Hence, Neospora sylvatic cycle is present in Israel and may cross over to a domestic life cycle. In contrast, wildlife species investigated are unlikely to present a risk of transmitting Besnoitia to livestock in Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Gema Alvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roni King
- Science Division, Israel Nature & Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve´Olamo St, Jerusalem, 9546303, Israel
| | - Igor Savisky
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Varda Shkap
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, PO Box 12, Bet Dagan, 50250, Israel
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Bovine macrophage-derived extracellular traps act as early effectors against the abortive parasite Neospora caninum. Vet Parasitol 2018; 258:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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21
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Wang X, Li J, Gong P, Li X, Zhang L, He B, Xu L, Yang Z, Liu Q, Zhang X. Detection of Neospora caninum DNA by polymerase chain reaction in bats from Southern China. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:389-391. [PMID: 29581030 PMCID: PMC7108381 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan that infects many domestic and wild animals. Domestic dogs and other canids function as definitive hosts, while other mammals serve as natural intermediate hosts. In the present study, the brain tissues of bats collected in Yunnan Province, Southern China were tested by N. caninum specific-nested PCR, targeting the Nc-5 gene and the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of the ribosomal DNA to determine whether bats could be infected with N. caninum. N. caninum DNA was detected in 1.8% (4/227) of bats, i.e., 1.7% (1/60) in Rousettus leschenaultia, 1.7% (1/58) in Hipposideros pomona, 2.9% (2/69) in Rhinolophus pusillus, and none (0/40) in Myotis daubentoniid. The findings of the present study are only the first indication that bats could serve as an intermediate host, and further studies are necessary to confirm whether bats are involved in the transmission of N. caninum infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin Province, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xianhe Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun 130118, Jilin Province, China
| | - Biao He
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, Jilin Province, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhengtao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin Province, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Military Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun 130122, Jilin Province, China; College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528225, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Xichen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, Jilin Province, China.
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Environmental and behavioral changes may influence the exposure of an Arctic apex predator to pathogens and contaminants. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13193. [PMID: 29038498 PMCID: PMC5643432 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent decline of sea ice habitat has coincided with increased use of land by polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the southern Beaufort Sea (SB), which may alter the risks of exposure to pathogens and contaminants. We assayed blood samples from SB polar bears to assess prior exposure to the pathogens Brucella spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, and Neospora caninum, estimate concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and evaluate risk factors associated with exposure to pathogens and POPs. We found that seroprevalence of Brucella spp. and T. gondii antibodies likely increased through time, and provide the first evidence of exposure of polar bears to C. burnetii, N. caninum, and F. tularensis. Additionally, the odds of exposure to T. gondii were greater for bears that used land than for bears that remained on the sea ice during summer and fall, while mean concentrations of the POP chlordane (ΣCHL) were lower for land-based bears. Changes in polar bear behavior brought about by climate-induced modifications to the Arctic marine ecosystem may increase exposure risk to certain pathogens and alter contaminant exposure pathways.
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Moreno-Torres KI, Pomeroy LW, Moritz M, Saville W, Wolfe B, Garabed R. Host species heterogeneity in the epidemiology of Nesopora caninum. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183900. [PMID: 28850580 PMCID: PMC5574622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen transmission across species drives disease emergence; however, mechanisms by which multi-host pathogens cross species boundaries are not well identified. This knowledge gap prevents integrated and targeted control in an epidemiologically continuous ecosystem. Our goal is to describe the impact of host species heterogeneity on the epidemiology of Neospora caninum circulating between livestock and wildlife in southeastern Ohio. We collected biological samples from Père David’s deer (Elaphurus davidianus) located at an outdoor wildlife conservation center; from cattle raised at farms adjacent to the center; and from wild white-tailed deer that roamed across farm and center boundaries. We designed nested infectious disease models of competing hypotheses about transmission and used collected data to fit the models, thereby estimating important immunological and transmission quantities which describe the species-specific contribution to the persistence of this pathogen in the community. We applied these data and models to suggest appropriate species-specific disease control methods. Results show that immunity in cattle and Pére David’s deer wanes over time, while in white-tailed deer immunity appears to be lifelong. Transmission quantities for cattle were estimated at values below the threshold for an outbreak (Rt < 1), meaning that chains of transmission are not maintained within this population and infections must occur due to reintroduction from an outside source. Pére David’s deer and white-tailed deer both could maintain continuous chains of transmission within their group (Rt > 1). Therefore, we propose that control of contact with outside sources will be useful for disease control in cattle; boosting immunity with vaccines might be an avenue to prevent infection in cattle and Père David’s deer. White-tailed deer are a potential maintenance host for infection and require further study to determine optimal control methods. Community-level investigations like this allow us to better evaluate heterogeneities in transmission processes that ultimately guide targeted control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla I. Moreno-Torres
- The Ohio State University, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Laura W. Pomeroy
- The Ohio State University, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mark Moritz
- The Ohio State University, Department of Anthropology, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - William Saville
- The Ohio State University, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Barbara Wolfe
- Morris Animal Foundation, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Garabed
- The Ohio State University, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- The Ohio State University, Public Health Preparedness for Infectious Diseases Program, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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Immune response in bovine neosporosis: Protection or contribution to the pathogenesis of abortion. Microb Pathog 2017; 109:177-182. [PMID: 28578088 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite with a preference for cattle and dogs as hosts. When N. caninum infection occurs in cattle it induces abortion, bovine neosporosis being a main cause of abortion worldwide. In dairy cattle, the economic burden of neosporosis-associated abortion is so great that it might results in closure of a farm. However, not all infected cows abort and it is not yet understood why this occurs. At present there is no effective treatment or vaccine. This review provides insights on how immune response against the parasite determines protection or contribution to abortion. Aspects on markers of risk of abortion are also discussed. Humoral immune responses are not protective against N. caninum but seropositivity and antibody level can be good markers for a diagnosis of bovine neosporosis and its associated abortion risk. In addition, humoral mechanisms against N. caninum infection and abortion differ in pure-breed and cross-breed pregnant dairy and beef cattle. Concentrations of Pregnancy Associated glycoprotein -2 (PAG-2) can also be used to predict abortion. A partially protective immune response encompasses increased IFN-γ expression, which has to be counterbalanced by other cytokines such as IL-12 and IL-10, especially towards the end of pregnancy. Although IFN-γ is required to limit parasite proliferation a critical threshold of the IFN-γ response is also required to limit adverse effects on pregnancy. In clinical terms, it may be stated that IFN-γ production and cross-breed pregnancy can protect Neospora-infected dairy cows against abortion.
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25
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Transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum in moose (Alces alces). VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 9:41-46. [PMID: 31014840 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
A 5-years-old moose (Alces alces) cow kept in a zoo in the German Federal State of Brandenburg aborted a female foetus of 44cm crown rump length (CRL). Pathohistological analysis revealed several Neospora (N.) caninum infected cells and cysts, as well as multifocal gliosis, necrosis, haemorrhages, dystrophic mineralisation and haemosiderosis in the brain, predominantly in cerebrum and brainstem. In addition, mild lymphocytic meningitis was present. Together with the fresh foetus, a mummified foetus of 16cm CRL was expelled. Neither focal necrosis, nor inflammation was detected in the brain of the mummified foetus. By two polymerase chain reactions (PCR) targeting the pNc5 gene of N. caninum (i.e. an end point PCR and a real-time PCR), by two serological methods (immunofluorescence test and immunoblot), by histological and immunohistochemical analyses, transplacental N. caninum infection was confirmed in the fresh foetus and interpreted as possible cause of abortion. Infection with other agents causing abortion including Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BHV1), Bluetongue Virus (BTV), Bovine Virus Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV), Brucella spp., Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii were excluded. Our findings show that control measures may be necessary to protect captive moose against accidental N. caninum infection. Further studies are needed to explore the importance of neosporosis in wild and captive moose.
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Abstract
We tested serum samples from 387 free-ranging wolves ( Canis lupus ) from 2007 to 2013 for exposure to eight canid pathogens to establish baseline data on disease prevalence and spatial distribution in Minnesota's wolf population. We found high exposure to canine adenoviruses 1 and 2 (88% adults, 45% pups), canine parvovirus (82% adults, 24% pups), and Lyme disease (76% adults, 39% pups). Sixty-six percent of adults and 36% of pups exhibited exposure to the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum . Exposure to arboviruses was confirmed, including West Nile virus (37% adults, 18% pups) and eastern equine encephalitis (3% adults). Exposure rates were lower for canine distemper (19% adults, 5% pups) and heartworm (7% adults, 3% pups). Significant spatial trends were observed in wolves exposed to canine parvovirus and Lyme disease. Serologic data do not confirm clinical disease, but better understanding of disease ecology of wolves can provide valuable insight into wildlife population dynamics and improve management of these species.
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27
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Diseases Primarily Affecting the Reproductive System. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7150237 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00018-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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28
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Abdoli A, Arbabi M, Dalimi A, Pirestani M. Molecular detection of Neospora caninum in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Iran. Avian Pathol 2016; 44:319-22. [PMID: 25971651 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2015.1050583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan parasite with a wide range of intermediate bird hosts. There is little information describing the prevalence and genetic characterization of N. caninum in bird hosts worldwide and in Iran. In this study, a total of 217 brain samples of house sparrow (Passer domesticus) were examined for N. caninum presence by nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the Nc-5 gene. N. caninum DNA was detected in 3.68% (8/217) of sparrows. Sequencing of the Nc5 genomic DNA revealed 97-99% of similarity with N. caninum sequences deposited in Genbank. To our knowledge, this study is the first molecular evidence of N. caninum DNA in bird hosts in Iran. The results of this study highlight the role of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) in maintaining and spreading N. caninum infection to canines in the feral and domestic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- a Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences , Kashan University of Medical Science , Kashan , Iran
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29
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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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30
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Morikawa VM, Zimpel CK, Paploski IAD, Lara MDCCDSH, Villalobos EMC, Romaldini AHDCN, Okuda LH, Biondo AW, Barros Filho IRD. Occurrences of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in Barbary sheep at Curitiba zoo, southern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:255-9. [PMID: 25054509 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612014034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) have the potential to act as hosts of important infectious diseases, particularly zoonoses. Blood samples from 17 Barbary sheep at the Curitiba zoo were collected to evaluate occurrences of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies, tested using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected in 4/17 (23.5%) and 4/17 (23.5%) samples, respectively. The present study has shown that Barbary sheep at Curitiba zoo were exposed to T. gondii and N. caninum and therefore may act as intermediate hosts, spreading toxoplasmosis and neosporosis within and between species in shared areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Midori Morikawa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná ? UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Cristina Kraemer Zimpel
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná ? UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Liria Hiromi Okuda
- Instituto Biológico, Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Sanidade Animal, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Paraná ? UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
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31
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Moreno‐Torres K, Wolfe B, Saville W, Garabed R. Estimating Neospora caninum prevalence in wildlife populations using Bayesian inference. Ecol Evol 2016; 6:2216-25. [PMID: 27099713 PMCID: PMC4831453 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of disease in wildlife populations, which is necessary for developing disease models and conducting epidemiologic analyses, is often understudied. Laboratory tests used to screen for diseases in wildlife populations often are validated only for domestic animals. Consequently, the use of these tests for wildlife populations may lead to inaccurate estimates of disease prevalence. We demonstrate the use of Bayesian latent class analysis (LCA) in determining the specificity and sensitivity of a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA; VMRD (®), Inc.) serologic test used to identify exposure to Neospora caninum (hereafter N. caninum) in three wildlife populations in southeastern Ohio, USA. True prevalence of N. caninum exposure in these populations was estimated to range from 0.1% to 3.1% in American bison (Bison bison), 51.0% to 53.8% in Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), and 40.0% to 45.9% in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The accuracy of the cELISA in American bison and Père David's deer was estimated to be close to the 96% sensitivity and 99% specificity reported by the manufacturer. Sensitivity in white-tailed deer, however, ranged from 78.9% to 99.9%. Apparent prevalence of N. caninum from the test results is not equal to the true prevalence in white-tailed deer and Père David's deer populations. Even when these species inhabit the same community, the true prevalence in the two deer populations differed from the true prevalence in the American bison population. Variances in prevalence for some species suggest differences in the epidemiology of N. caninum for these colocated populations. Bayesian LCA methods could be used as in this example to overcome some of the constraints on validating tests in wildlife species. The ability to accurately evaluate disease status and prevalence in a population improves our understanding of the epidemiology of multihost pathogen systems at the community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Moreno‐Torres
- Department of Veterinary Preventive MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhio
| | - Barbara Wolfe
- Department of Veterinary Preventive MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhio
- Morris Animal Foundation720 S. Colorado Blvd.Suite 174ADenverColorado
| | - William Saville
- Department of Veterinary Preventive MedicineThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhio
| | - Rebecca Garabed
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Public Health Preparedness for Infectious Diseases ProgramThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhio
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32
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Approaches for the vaccination and treatment of Neospora caninum infections in mice and ruminant models. Parasitology 2015; 143:245-59. [PMID: 26626124 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015001596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a leading cause of abortion in cattle, and is thus an important veterinary health problem of high economic significance. Vaccination has been considered a viable strategy to prevent bovine neosporosis. Different approaches have been investigated, and to date the most promising results have been achieved with live-attenuated vaccines. Subunit vaccines have also been studied, and most of them represented components that are functionally involved in (i) the physical interaction between the parasite and its host cell during invasion or (ii) tachyzoite-to-bradyzoite stage conversion. Drugs have been considered as an option to limit the effects of vertical transmission of N. caninum. Promising results with a small panel of compounds in small laboratory animal models indicate the potential value of a chemotherapeutical approach for the prevention of neosporosis in ruminants. For both, vaccines and drugs, the key for success in preventing vertical transmission lies in the application of bioactive compounds that limit parasite proliferation and dissemination, without endangering the developing fetus not only during an exogenous acute infection but also during recrudescence of a chronic infection. In this review, the current status of vaccine and drug development is presented and novel strategies against neosporosis are discussed.
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33
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Detection of Neospora caninum-DNA in brain tissues from pigeons in Changchun, Jilin (China). Vet Parasitol 2015; 214:171-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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34
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Camillo G, Cadore GC, Ferreira MST, Braünig P, Maciel JF, Pivoto FL, Sangioni LA, Vogel FSF. Toxoplasma Gondii and Neospora Caninum Antibodies in Backyard Chickens in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/1516-635x1702263-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G Camillo
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - GC Cadore
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | - P Braünig
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - JF Maciel
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - FL Pivoto
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | - FSF Vogel
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
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35
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Neverauskas CE, Nasir A, Reichel MP. Prevalence and distribution of Neospora caninum in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle in the Northern Territory of Australia. Parasitol Int 2015; 64:392-6. [PMID: 25992666 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and domestic cattle in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia has never been determined. A total of 480 serum samples from water buffalo and 192 serum samples from cattle, collected by the NT Government from 1993 through to 2001, at 18 different survey sites throughout the Northern Territory were tested by commercial ELISA for anti-N. caninum antibodies. The water buffalo samples demonstrated a seroprevalence of 88.3% (95% CI ± 2.9%), while 31.8% (±6.1%) of the cattle sera tested positive for N. caninum antibodies. Individual buffalo from the same herd, sampled over years, showed considerable fluctuations in S/P ratios. Overall, seropositivity was consistent across buffalo herds, and showed a slight decline over the years. The study presents evidence for the first time that N. caninum infection in water buffalo in the Northern Territory is a highly endemic and that infection rates are higher than those for cattle. This is important for an understanding of any potential sylvatic life cycle of N. caninum in Northern Australia. This survey also tests cattle from that territory for the first time for evidence of N. caninum infection and makes an important contribution to the understanding of disease management issues for the beef industry in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia E Neverauskas
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia 5371, Australia
| | - Amar Nasir
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Subcampus University of Veterinary &Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Michael P Reichel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia 5371, Australia.
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A review of neosporosis and pathologic findings of Neospora caninum infection in wildlife. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:216-38. [PMID: 25973393 PMCID: PMC4427759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that is the etiologic agent of neosporosis, a devastating infectious disease regarded as a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle and neuromuscular disease in dogs worldwide. This protozoan pathogen is maintained in the environment by a heteroxenous life cycle that involves a definitive canid host and a wide range of intermediate hosts. In recent years, a number of wildlife species have been investigated for their possible involvement in the N. caninum life cycle and many have been implicated as intermediate hosts. However, in many instances these studies have utilized serological and molecular techniques to detect infection in clinically normal animals, and investigation of possible associated morbidity, mortality, and pathology has been neglected. As such, the occurrence and importance of Neospora-associated disease in wildlife species are unknown. In order to improve our understanding of the significance of N. caninum infection in nondomestic species, the present review provides an up-to-date summary of clinical neosporosis and N. caninum-associated pathologic lesions in naturally and experimentally infected wildlife species. We provide a list of all free-ranging and captive wildlife species identified with N. caninum infection to date using currently available diagnostic tools. The advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic methods in wildlife are addressed in order to recommend optimal diagnosis of confirming N. caninum infection and neosporosis in nondomestic species. Although current data would suggest that N. caninum infection does not adversely impact wildlife populations, there is a need for greater international uniformity in the diagnosis of N. caninum infection and neosporosis in nondomestic species in order to assess the true consequences of parasite infection.
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Müller J, Aguado-Martinez A, Manser V, Balmer V, Winzer P, Ritler D, Hostettler I, Arranz-Solís D, Ortega-Mora L, Hemphill A. Buparvaquone is active against Neospora caninum in vitro and in experimentally infected mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2015; 5:16-25. [PMID: 25941626 PMCID: PMC4412913 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Buparvaquone inhibits proliferation of Neospora caninum at nanomolar concentrations. In vitro, the drug acts mainly parasitostatic. Parasiticidal effects occur at µmolar concentrations after extended periods of time. Buparvaquone acts slowly as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. Buparvaquone prevents clinical signs of acute neosporosis in mice.
The naphthoquinone buparvaquone is currently the only drug used against theileriosis. Here, the effects of buparvaquone were investigated in vitro and in an experimental mouse model for Neospora caninum infection. In 4-day proliferation assays, buparvaquone efficiently inhibited N. caninum tachyzoite replication (IC50 = 4.9 nM; IC100 = 100 nM). However, in the long term tachyzoites adapted and resumed proliferation in the presence of 100 nM buparvaquone after 20 days of cultivation. Parasiticidal activity was noted after 9 days of culture in 0.5 µM or 6 days in 1 µM buparvaquone. TEM of N. caninum infected fibroblasts treated with 1 µM buparvaquone showed that the drug acted rather slowly, and ultrastructural changes were evident only after 3–5 days of treatment, including severe alterations in the parasite cytoplasm, changes in the composition of the parasitophorous vacuole matrix and a diminished integrity of the vacuole membrane. Treatment of N. caninum infected mice with buparvaquone (100 mg/kg) either by intraperitoneal injection or gavage prevented neosporosis symptoms in 4 out of 6 mice in the intraperitoneally treated group, and in 6 out of 7 mice in the group receiving oral treatment. In the corresponding controls, all 6 mice injected intraperitoneally with corn oil alone died of acute neosporosis, and 4 out of 6 mice died in the orally treated control group. Assessment of infection intensities in the treatment groups showed that, compared to the drug treated groups, the controls showed a significantly higher parasite load in the lungs while cerebral parasite load was higher in the buparvaquone-treated groups. Thus, although buparvaquone did not eliminate the parasites infecting the CNS, the drug represents an interesting lead with the potential to eliminate, or at least diminish, fetal infection during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Adriana Aguado-Martinez
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Vera Manser
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Vreni Balmer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Winzer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Ritler
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Hostettler
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| | - David Arranz-Solís
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Luis Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland
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Quevedo PS, Avila LF, Saggin A, Silveira TR, Feijó LS, Frey Jr F, Curcio BR, Farias NAR. Verificação da transmissão vertical de Neospora spp. em equinos. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2015. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2015000100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
O gênero protozoário Neospora é reconhecido como causador de desordens reprodutivas e abortos em bovinos. Entre os equinos pouco se sabe sobre os efeitos da infecção por estes protozoários. Atualmente é admitido que os efeitos da infecção por Neospora hughesi em equinos possam ocorrer no sistema nervoso central e, os efeitos provocados pela infecção por Neospora caninum recaiam sobre o sistema reprodutor de éguas. O presente trabalho verificou a presença de imunoglobulinas da classe G no soro sanguíneo de uma população de éguas de cria e, em seus respectivos potros antes da ingestão do colostro. Para execução deste trabalho foi empregada técnica de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), utilizando como antígeno taquizoítos de Neospora caninum, a diluição inicial dos soros das éguas foi de 1:50 e a diluição do soro dos potros empregada foi de 1:16. Foram assistidos 78 partos e todos os potros tiveram seu soro sanguíneo coletado imediatamente após o nascimento. A pesquisa de anticorpos contra Neospora spp. apontou que 50 (64%) éguas e 32 (41%) potros foram positivos. Das 50 éguas que apresentaram anticorpos contra Neospora spp. 24 geraram potros positivos. Entre as 28 éguas que não reagiram, oito deram a luz a potros positivos. De posse dos resultados encontrados podemos concluir que ocorreu a transmissão vertical de Neospora spp. nos equinos pesquisados.
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Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Romania are Carriers of Toxoplasma gondii but not Neospora caninum. J Wildl Dis 2014; 50:713-6. [DOI: 10.7589/2013-07-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Blanco R, Patarroyo J, Vargas M, Cardona J, Araújo L, Gomez V. Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Neospora spp. em jumentos (Equus asinus) no estado de Sucre - Colômbia. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-41627002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A neosporose tem grande importância em bovinos, e sua patogênese neste hospedeiro, em termos gerais, está esclarecida, porém, em equídeos é pobremente conhecida. Na Colômbia ainda não foram reportados anticorpos Anti-Neospora spp. em equídeos, sendo assim objetivou-se no presente estudo avaliar a ocorrência do parasito em jumentos (Equus asinus) de fazendas que apresentavam risco da doença nestes animais. Foram utilizados 56 animais no estado de Sucre (Colômbia), escolhidos aleatoriamente dentro das fazendas selecionadas. Utilizou-se um peptídeo recombinante originado de Neospora caninum (NcGRA1) para o diagnóstico por Dot-ELISA, e o soro foi diluído em 1:200. Este estudo reporta, pela primeira vez no estado de Sucre e na Colômbia, a presença de anticorpos anti-Neospora spp. na espécie Equus asinus, com uma ocorrência de 19,7% (11/56) dos animais amostrados.
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Control options for Neospora caninum--is there anything new or are we going backwards? Parasitology 2014; 141:1455-70. [PMID: 24667014 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Recent work has highlighted and enumerated the economic annual losses due to Neospora caninum abortions worldwide, which should provide strong motivation for the control of bovine neosporosis. However, with the recent withdrawal from sale of the only commercially available vaccine, control options for N. caninum have become more restricted. While researchers continue to work on developing alternative efficacious vaccines, what are the control options presently available for the cattle industries? At the practical level, recommendations for 'Test-and-cull', or 'not breeding from seropositive dams' stand diametrically opposed to alternative options put forward that suggest a primary producer is better advised to keep those cows in the herd that are already seropositive, i.e., assumed to be chronically infected, and indeed those that have already aborted once. Treatment with a coccidiostat has been recommended as the only economically viable option, yet no such treatment has gained official, regulatory approval. Dogs are central to the life cycle of N. caninum and have repeatedly been associated with infection and abortions in cattle by epidemiological studies. Knowledge and understanding of that pivotal role should be able to be put to use in control programmes. The present review canvasses the relevant literature for evidence for control options for N. caninum (some of them proven, many not) and assesses them in the light of the authors' knowledge and experience with control of N. caninum.
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Monney T, Hemphill A. Vaccines against neosporosis: what can we learn from the past studies? Exp Parasitol 2014; 140:52-70. [PMID: 24602874 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite, which is a leading cause of abortion in cattle; thus neosporosis represents an important veterinary health problem and is of high economic significance. The parasite can infect cattle via trans-placental transmission from an infected cow to its fetus (vertical transmission), or through the oral route via ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts that were previously shed with the feces of a canid definitive host (horizontal transmission). Although vaccination was considered a rational strategy to prevent bovine neosporosis, the only commercialized vaccine (Neoguard®) produced ambiguous results with relatively low efficacy, and was recently removed from the market. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient vaccine capable of preventing both, the horizontal transmission through infected food or water to a naïve animal as well as the vertical transmission from infected but clinically asymptomatic dams to the fetus. Different vaccine strategies have been investigated, including the use of live attenuated vaccines, killed parasite lysates, total antigens or antigen fractions from killed parasites, and subunit vaccines. The vast majority of experimental studies were performed in mice, and to a certain extent in gerbils, but there is also a large number of investigations that were conducted in cattle and sheep. However, it is difficult to directly compare these studies due to the high variability of the parameters employed. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances made in vaccine development against N. caninum in cattle and in mice and highlight the most important factors, which are likely to influence the degree of protection mediated by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Monney
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
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Pruvot M, Kutz S, van der Meer F, Musiani M, Barkema HW, Orsel K. Pathogens at the livestock-wildlife interface in Western Alberta: does transmission route matter? Vet Res 2014; 45:18. [PMID: 24517283 PMCID: PMC3937035 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-45-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In southwestern Alberta, interactions between beef cattle and free-ranging elk (Cervus elaphus) may provide opportunities for pathogen transmission. To assess the importance of the transmission route on the potential for interspecies transmission, we conducted a cross-sectional study on four endemic livestock pathogens with three different transmission routes: Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus and Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (predominantly direct transmission), Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) (indirect fecal-oral transmission), Neospora caninum (indirect transmission with definitive host). We assessed the occurrence of these pathogens in 28 cow-calf operations exposed or non-exposed to elk, and in 10 elk herds exposed or not to cattle. We characterized the effect of species commingling as a risk factor of pathogen exposure and documented the perceived risk of pathogen transmission at this wildlife-livestock interface in the rural community. Herpesviruses found in elk were elk-specific gamma-herpesviruses unrelated to cattle viruses. Pestivirus exposure in elk could not be ascertained to be of livestock origin. Evidence of MAP circulation was found in both elk and cattle, but there was no statistical effect of the species commingling. Finally, N. caninum was more frequently detected in elk exposed to cattle and this association was still significant after adjustment for herd and sampling year clustering, and individual elk age and sex. Only indirectly transmitted pathogens co-occurred in cattle and elk, indicating the potential importance of the transmission route in assessing the risk of pathogen transmission in multi-species grazing systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Pruvot
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, NW, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Susan Kutz
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, NW, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Frank van der Meer
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, NW, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Marco Musiani
- Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, NW, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Karin Orsel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, NW, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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Basso W, Moré G, Quiroga MA, Balducchi D, Schares G, Venturini MC. Neospora caninum is a cause of perinatal mortality in axis deer (Axis axis). Vet Parasitol 2013; 199:255-8. [PMID: 24295954 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a worldwide distributed protozoan that may cause neuromuscular disease in dogs and reproductive failure in domestic and wild ruminants. One axis fawn (Axis axis) and four neonates from the same deer herd died at a zoo in Argentina within a four-month period. The fawn presented with dilatation of the anal sphincter at birth and incontinence, developed weakness and ataxia and died at 14 days of age. At necropsy, a mega formation of the distal large intestine was observed. Microscopically, non-suppurative encephalitis, suppurative bronchopneumonia, fibrin necrotic enteritis and degenerative changes in the liver were observed in hematoxilin and eosin-stained tissue sections, and thick-walled N. caninum-like cysts were observed in fresh brain samples. Serologic studies for N. caninum revealed an IFAT titer of 1:6400 in the fawn and 1:25, 1:400, 1:3200 and 1:6400 in the neonates. N. caninum DNA was detected in brain samples from the fawn and from one neonate by PCR, and the parasite was isolated in vitro from the fawn' brain after passage through gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and gamma-interferon knock-out mice. N. caninum DNA obtained from the fawn, neonate and isolated parasites showed the same microsatellite pattern. This suggests a common infection source for both animals. The diagnosis of N. caninum infection was confirmed, suggesting its association with perinatal mortality in captive axis deer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of clinical disease associated to N. caninum infection in axis deer and of isolation of the parasite from this wild ruminant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratory of Immunparasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Alejandra Quiroga
- Department of Special Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maria Cecilia Venturini
- Laboratory of Immunparasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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Regidor-Cerrillo J, Díez-Fuertes F, García-Culebras A, Moore DP, González-Warleta M, Cuevas C, Schares G, Katzer F, Pedraza-Díaz S, Mezo M, Ortega-Mora LM. Genetic diversity and geographic population structure of bovine Neospora caninum determined by microsatellite genotyping analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72678. [PMID: 23940816 PMCID: PMC3735528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cyst-forming protozoan parasite Neosporacaninum is one of the main causes of bovine abortion worldwide and is of great economic importance in the cattle industry. Recent studies have revealed extensive genetic variation among N. caninum isolates based on microsatellite sequences (MSs). MSs may be suitable molecular markers for inferring the diversity of parasite populations, molecular epidemiology and the basis for phenotypic variations in N. caninum, which have been poorly defined. In this study, we evaluated nine MS markers using a panel of 11 N. caninum-derived reference isolates from around the world and 96 N. caninum bovine clinical samples and one ovine clinical sample collected from four countries on two continents, including Spain, Argentina, Germany and Scotland, over a 10-year period. These markers were used as molecular tools to investigate the genetic diversity, geographic distribution and population structure of N. caninum. Multilocus microsatellite genotyping based on 7 loci demonstrated high levels of genetic diversity in the samples from all of the different countries, with 96 microsatellite multilocus genotypes (MLGs) identified from 108 N. caninum samples. Geographic sub-structuring was present in the country populations according to pairwise FST. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Neighbor Joining tree topologies also suggested MLG segregation partially associated with geographical origin. An analysis of the MLG relationships, using eBURST, confirmed that the close genetic relationship observed between the Spanish and Argentinean populations may be the result of parasite migration (i.e., the introduction of novel MLGs from Spain to South America) due to cattle movement. The eBURST relationships also revealed genetically different clusters associated with the abortion. The presence of linkage disequilibrium, the co-existence of specific MLGs to individual farms and eBURST MLG relationships suggest a predominant clonal propagation for Spanish N. caninum MLGs in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Almería S. Neospora caninum and Wildlife. ISRN PARASITOLOGY 2013; 2013:947347. [PMID: 27335866 PMCID: PMC4890850 DOI: 10.5402/2013/947347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis caused by Neospora caninum is among the main causes of abortion in cattle nowadays. At present there is no effective treatment or vaccine. Serological evidence in domestic, wild, and zoo animals indicates that many species have been exposed to this parasite. However, many aspects of the life cycle of N. caninum are unknown and the role of wildlife in the life cycle of N. caninum is still not completely elucidated. In North America, there are data consistent with a sylvatic cycle involving white tailed-deer and canids and in Australia a plausible sylvatic cycle could be occurring between wild dogs and their macropod preys. In Europe, a similar sylvatic cycle has not been established but is very likely. The present review is a comprehensive and up to date summary of the current knowledge on the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum, species affected and their geographical distribution. These findings could have important implications in both sylvatic and domestic cycles since infected wildlife may influence the prevalence of infection in cattle farms in the same areas. Wildlife will need to be taken into account in the control measures to reduce the economical losses associated with this important disease in cattle farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Almería
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals and Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CreSA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, Ortega-Mora LM, Marco I, Boadella M, Gortázar C, San Miguel-Ayanz JM, García-Lunar P, Lavín S, Alvarez-García G. First serosurvey of Besnoitia spp. infection in wild European ruminants in Spain. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:557-64. [PMID: 23790546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti has been reported to affect cattle, wildebeest, kudu and impala, and B. tarandi other wild ruminants (caribou, reindeer, mule deer and musk ox), causing similar characteristic clinical signs and lesions. However, both Besnoitia species have been reported in different geographical areas and the link between the sylvatic and domestic life cycles of Besnoita spp. in wild ruminants and cattle remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies against Besnoitia spp. in wild ruminants in Spain. A wide panel of sera from red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n=734), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (n=124), chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) (n=170) and mouflon (Ovis musimon) (n=20) collected from different locations of Spain was analyzed. Beef cattle were present in all sampled areas and, interestingly, bovine besnoitiosis has been widely reported in some of them (e.g., Pyrenees and Central Spain). Sera samples were first examined with an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). For red deer and roe deer, the ELISA was standardized with positive and negative control sera from several Cervidae species (100% Se and 98% Sp). Chamois and mouflon sera samples were tested with a previously reported ELISA validated for bovine sera (97% Se and 95% Sp) using protein G as a conjugate. Positive results by ELISA were confirmed a posteriori with a tachyzoite-based Western blot. Sixty-one sera samples from red deer and 17 sera samples from roe-deer were seropositive or doubtful by ELISA. All samples from mouflon were seronegative and 15 sera samples from chamois were considered doubtful. B. besnoiti exposure was only confirmed clearly by Western blot in one red deer and one roe deer from the Spanish Pyrenees where the disease is traditionally endemic. This is the first serological report of Besnoitia spp. infection carried out in European wild ruminants and the results show that specific antibodies are present at least in red deer and roe-deer. Thus, wild ruminants from endemic regions of bovine besnoitiosis should be further studied because they may be putative reservoirs of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Almería S, López-Gatius F. Bovine neosporosis: clinical and practical aspects. Res Vet Sci 2013; 95:303-9. [PMID: 23659742 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 03/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite with a wide host range but with a preference for cattle and dogs. Since the description of N. caninum as a new genus and species in 1988, bovine neosporosis has become a disease of international concern as it is among the main causes of abortion in cattle. At present there is no effective treatment or vaccine. This review focuses on the epidemiology of the disease and on prospects for its control in cattle. Finally, based on the implications of clinical findings reported to date, a set of recommendations is provided for veterinarians and cattle farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Almería
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals and Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CreSA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona-IRTA, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Frequency of infection by Neospora caninum in wild rodents associated with dairy farms in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Vet Parasitol 2013; 191:11-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Asmare K, Regassa F, Robertson LJ, Skjerve E. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and associated risk factors in intensive or semi-intensively managed dairy and breeding cattle of Ethiopia. Vet Parasitol 2012; 193:85-94. [PMID: 23261087 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study of Neospora caninum infection was conducted in major milksheds of Ethiopia. Cattle (n=2334) from 273 farms were bled and the sera screened for antibodies against N. caninum using a commercial ELISA kit. Herd and individual animal level data were collected from farm records and a semi-structured questionnaire format. The overall animal level seroprevalence was 13.3%, while the prevalence at farm level was 39.6%. In urban and peri-urban smallholder dairy farms, the seroprevalence was 14.9%, while 12.9% and 9.8% reactors were found among commercial dairy farms and breeding cattle, respectively. At farm level, 35.7% of urban and peri-urban farms, 47.5% of the commercial farms and five of the breeding farms were found to have at least one infected animal. Purchased cows (OR: 2.3) and cows with history of maternal reproductive disorders (OR: 2.1) were associated with seropositivity at the individual animal level. Crossbred cattle (Holstein-Friesian crossed with indigenous zebu) were associated with lower risk than pure breeds (OR: 0.6). A trend of prevalence increment was observed for large herd sizes (OR: 1.8). Other factors that were associated with seropositivity were: presence of farm dogs for more than 5 years (OR: 1.9), access to farm by wild carnivores (OR: 3.1) and compromised farm hygienic status (OR: 3.4). Abortion, retention of foetal membrane and metritis were the most frequently reported clinical reproductive disorders among seropositive cattle. Together, these finding indicate that N. caninum infection is highly prevalent, widely distributed and clinically important in dairy and breeding cattle of Ethiopia. N. caninum should be considered an important infectious cause of reproductive disorders in Ethiopian cattle, and the risk factors for exposure identified here should be used as basis for implementing control measures that could limit the transmission of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Asmare
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O Box, 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
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