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Lepore T, Macrae AI, Cantón GJ, Cantile C, Martineau HM, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Cahalan S, Underwood C, Katzer F, Chianini F. Evaluation of species-specific polyclonal antibodies to detect and differentiate between Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. J Vet Diagn Invest 2024; 36:418-427. [PMID: 38420701 PMCID: PMC11110786 DOI: 10.1177/10406387241234322] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neosporosis and toxoplasmosis are major causes of abortion in livestock worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses. Detection tools are fundamental to the diagnosis and management of those diseases. Current immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests, using sera raised against whole parasite lysates, have not been able to distinguish between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. We used T. gondii and N. caninum recombinant proteins, expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using insoluble conditions, to produce specific polyclonal rabbit antisera. We aimed to develop species-specific sera that could be used in IHC on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections to improve the diagnosis of ruminant abortions caused by protozoa. Two polyclonal rabbit sera, raised against recombinant proteins, anti-Neospora-rNcSRS2 and anti-Toxoplasma-rTgSRS2, had specificity for the parasite they were raised against. We tested the specificity for each polyclonal serum using FFPE tissue sections known to be infected with T. gondii and N. caninum. The anti-Neospora-rNcSRS2 serum labeled specifically only N. caninum-infected tissue blocks, and the anti-Toxoplasma-rTgSRS2 serum was specific to only T. gondii-infected tissues. Moreover, tissues from 52 cattle and 19 sheep previously diagnosed by lesion profiles were tested using IHC with our polyclonal sera and PCR. The overall agreement between IHC and PCR was 90.1% for both polyclonal anti-rNcSRS2 and anti-rTgSRS2 sera. The polyclonal antisera were specific and allowed visual confirmation of protozoan parasites by IHC, but they were not as sensitive as PCR testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alastair I. Macrae
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, Scotland, UK
| | - Germán J. Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Balcarce, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Stephen Cahalan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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Wang L, Li X, Li L, Cao L, Zhao Z, Huang T, Li J, Zhang X, Cao S, Zhang N, Wang X, Gong P. Establishment of an ultrasensitive and visual detection platform for Neospora caninum based-on the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a system. Talanta 2024; 269:125413. [PMID: 38042139 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125413] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes neosporosis in cattle, and leads to a high rate of abortion and severe financial losses. Rapid and accurate detection is particularly important for preventing and controlling neosporosis. In our research, a highly effective diagnostic technique based on the RPA-CRISPR/Cas system was created to successfully identify N. caninum against the Nc5 gene, fluorescent reporter system and the lateral flow strip (LFS) biosensor were exploited to display results. The specificity and sensitivity of the PRA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay were evaluated. We discovered that it was highly specific and did not react with any other pathogens. The limit of detection (LOD) for this technology was as low as one parasite per milliliter when employing the fluorescent reporter system, and was approximately ten parasites per milliliter based on the LFS biosensor and under blue or UV light. Meanwhile, the placental tissue samples were detected by our RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform were completely consistent with that of the nested PCR assay (59.4 %, 19/32). The canine feces were detected by our RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform were completely consistent with that of the nested PCR assay (8.6 %, 6/70). The RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection procedure was successfully finished in within 90 min and offers advantages of high sensitivity and specificity, speed and low cost. The technique was better suitable for extensive neosporosis screening in non-laboratory and resource-constrained locations. This study provided a new strategy for more rapid and portable identification of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Lili Cao
- Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Zhiteng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Taojun Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Jianhua Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Xichen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Songgao Cao
- Pingdu People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266700, China.
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Pengtao Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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Udonsom R, Adisakwattana P, Popruk S, Reamtong O, Jirapattharasate C, Thiangtrongjit T, Rerkyusuke S, Chanlun A, Hasan T, Kotepui M, Siri S, Nishikawa Y, Mahittikorn A. Evaluation of Immunodiagnostic Performances of Neospora caninum Peroxiredoxin 2 (NcPrx2), Microneme 4 (NcMIC4), and Surface Antigen 1 (NcSAG1) Recombinant Proteins for Bovine Neosporosis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:531. [PMID: 38396498 PMCID: PMC10885977 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040531] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis is among the main causes of abortion in cattle worldwide, causing serious economic losses in the beef and dairy industries. A highly sensitive and specific diagnostic method for the assessment of the epidemiology of the disease, as well as it surveillance and management, is imperative, due to the absence of an effective treatment or vaccine against neosporosis. In the present study, the immunodiagnostic performance of Neospora caninum peroxiredoxin 2 (NcPrx2), microneme 4 (NcMIC4), and surface antigen 1 (NcSAG1) to detect IgG antibodies against N. caninum in cattle were evaluated and compared with that of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The results revealed that NcSAG1 had the highest sensitivity and specificity, with values of 88.4% and 80.7%, respectively, followed by NcPrx2, with a high sensitivity of 87.0% but a low specificity of 67.0%, whereas NcMIC4 showed sensitivity and specificity of 84.1% and 78.9%, respectively, when compared with IFAT. A high degree of agreement was observed for NcSAG1 (k = 0.713) recombinant protein, showing the highest diagnostic capability, followed by NcMIC4 (k = 0.64) and NcPrx2 (k = 0.558). The present study demonstrates that NcSAG1 is helpful as an antigen marker and also demonstrates the potential immunodiagnostic capabilities of NcPrx2 and NcMIC4, which could serve as alternative diagnostic markers for detecting N. caninum infection in cattle. These markers may find utility in future treatment management, surveillance, and risk assessment of neosporosis in livestock or other animal host species. Further research should be directed toward understanding the in vivo immune response differences resulting from immunization with both recombinant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruenruetai Udonsom
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (S.P.)
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Supaluk Popruk
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (S.P.)
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (O.R.); (T.T.)
| | - Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| | - Tipparat Thiangtrongjit
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (O.R.); (T.T.)
| | - Sarinya Rerkyusuke
- Division of Livestock Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Aran Chanlun
- Division of Livestock Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Tanjila Hasan
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh;
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand;
| | - Sukhontha Siri
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (S.P.)
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Abdelbaky HH, Rahman MM, Shimoda N, Chen Y, Hasan T, Ushio N, Nishikawa Y. Neospora caninum surface antigen 1 is a major determinant of the pathogenesis of neosporosis in nonpregnant and pregnant mice. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1334447. [PMID: 38260884 PMCID: PMC10800813 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1334447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction NcSAG1 is one of most widely investigated antigens of Neospora caninum in various research fields. Such studies demonstrated the proficiency of NcSAG1 in the regulatory process of parasite adhesion and invasion of host cells. Accordingly, the contribution of NcSAG1 to the pathogenesis of neosporosis can undoubtedly be extrapolated, but direct evidence is lacking. Herein, we provide the first successful attempt at the gene disruption of NcSAG1 and novel data on the invasion and virulence potentials of N. caninum in vitro and in vivo. Methods The disruption of the NcSAG1 gene was applied using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and confirmed by PCR, western blot and indirect fluorescent antibody tests as NcSAG1 knockout parasites (NcSAG1KO). Then, we investigated the role of NcSAG1 in the growth kinetics of the parasite in vitro. Results and discussion The deletion of the NcSAG1 gene significantly decreased the infection rate and reduced the egress rate of the parasite. An in vivo study using nonpregnant female and male BALB/c mice revealed a significantly higher survival rate and lower body weight change in the group infected with the NcSAG1KO parasite than in the parental strain (Nc-1)-infected group. Regarding the vertical transmission model of BALB/c mice, the absence of the NcSAG1 gene significantly enhanced the survival of pups and greatly lowered the parasite burden in the brains of pups. In conclusion, our study suggested NcSAG1 as a key molecule in the pathogenesis of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan H Abdelbaky
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Md Masudur Rahman
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Naomi Shimoda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yu Chen
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tanjila Hasan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Nanako Ushio
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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Fereig RM, El-Alfy ES, Abdelbaky HH, Abdel-Hamid NH, Mazeed AM, Menshawy AMS, Kelany MA, El-Diasty M, Alawfi BS, Frey CF. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Trichinella spp. in Pigs from Cairo, Egypt. Vet Sci 2023; 10:675. [PMID: 38133226 PMCID: PMC10747553 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120675] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pork production is a niche economy in Egypt, and pigs are typically raised as backyard animals with no sanitary control, potentially exposing them to various pathogens. Commercially available ELISAs were used to detect specific antibodies to the food-borne zoonotic parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp., as well as to Neospora caninum, in serum samples of pigs slaughtered at Egypt's only licensed pig abattoir, the El-Bassatin abattoir in Cairo. Among the tested sera (n = 332), seroreactivity for T. gondii was 45.8% (95% confidence interval: 40.4-51.3), N. caninum was 28.0% (95% CI: 23.3-33.2), and Trichinella spp. was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.4-3.3). Mixed infection was only detected for T. gondii and N. caninum (18.7%; 95% CI: 14.7-23.4). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher (p = 0.0003) in animals collected from southern Cairo (15 May city slum) than in eastern Cairo (Ezbet El Nakhl slum). Seroprevalence for N. caninum was higher in western (Manshiyat Naser slum; p = 0.0003) and southern Cairo (15 May city slum; p = 0.0003) than in that of eastern Cairo (Ezbet El Nakhl slum; p = 0.0003). Moreover, female pigs exhibited a higher rate of N. caninum antibodies than male ones (p < 0.0001). This study provides the first seroprevalence data for N. caninum in pigs in Egypt, and updates the prevalence of the zoonotic parasites Trichinella spp. and T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M. Fereig
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Hanan H. Abdelbaky
- Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Clinic, Veterinary Directorate, Qena 83523, Egypt;
| | - Nour H. Abdel-Hamid
- Brucellosis Research Department, Agricultural Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo 12618, Egypt;
| | - Amira M. Mazeed
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Arish University, Arish City 45511, North Sinai, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed M. S. Menshawy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed A. Kelany
- Department of Microbiology, The Central Laboratory of Residual Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Foods, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed El-Diasty
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute-Mansoura Provincial Lab. (AHRI-Mansoura), Giza 12618, Egypt;
| | - Bader S. Alawfi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Bandelj P, Kušar D, Šimenc L, Jamnikar-Ciglenečki U, Vengušt G, Vengušt DŽ. First Molecular Detection of Neospora caninum in Feces of Grey Wolf ( Canis lupus) and Golden Jackal ( Canis aureus) Populations in Slovenia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3089. [PMID: 37835696 PMCID: PMC10571879 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193089] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes reproductive disorders and major economic losses in cattle, and induces neuromuscular disorders in canids. Exogenous infections are becoming increasingly important due to disease outbreaks. The sylvatic life cycle of N. caninum interferes with the domestic dog-ruminant life cycle, but understanding of it is scarce. The population of wild canids may play an important role in parasite dispersion. Feces from 42 grey wolves (Canis lupus) and 39 golden jackals (Canis aureus) were analyzed for the N. caninum Nc5 gene using a novel real-time PCR (qPCR) with a detection limit of 5 targets/µL in clinical samples. Three wolves (3/42; 7.1%) and one golden jackal (1/39; 2.6%) tested positive, which is the first detection of N. caninum in the population of grey wolves in Slovenia and the first detection of N. caninum DNA in the feces of a golden jackal. In addition to the grey wolf, we propose the golden jackal as a potential definitive host with hypothetical epidemiological importance for the sylvatic-domestic life cycle of N. caninum, due to its proximity to human habitats and its rapid expansion throughout Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bandelj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.B.); (D.K.); (L.Š.)
| | - Darja Kušar
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.B.); (D.K.); (L.Š.)
| | - Laura Šimenc
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.B.); (D.K.); (L.Š.)
| | - Urška Jamnikar-Ciglenečki
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gorazd Vengušt
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Diana Žele Vengušt
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Udonsom R, Mahittikorn A, Prachasuphap A, Jongpitisub K, Dhepakson P, Jirapattharasate C. Recombinant Dense Granule Protein (NcGRA4) Is a Novel Serological Marker for Neospora caninum Infection in Goats. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1879. [PMID: 37889832 PMCID: PMC10251823 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111879] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is widely recognised as one of the most significant causes of abortion in cattle, with infections also occurring in sheep and goats. To prevent and control animal neosporosis, it is crucial to develop sensitive and specific methods for detecting N. caninum infection. Recently, several recombinant proteins have been utilised in serological assays for the diagnosis of neosporosis. In this study, we used commercial gene synthesis to produce dense granular antigen 4 (NcGRA4) recombinant protein. NcGRA4 plasmids were expressed in the Escherichia coli system and then purified. The purified recombinant protein was analysed using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. To evaluate the diagnostic potential of recombinant NcGRA4 protein, we tested 214 serum samples from goat farms via indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and compared the results to those from the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Western blotting analysis revealed a single NcGRA4 band with an expected molecular weight of 32 kDa. The specific IgG against N. caninum was detected in 34.1% and 35% of samples evaluated by NcGRA4 iELISA and IFAT, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the NcGRA4 iELISA were 71.6% and 86.3%, respectively, when compared with the results from IFAT. Our results demonstrate that a recombinant protein that can be used to detect animal neosporosis can be produced using a synthetic NcGRA4 gene. Overall, recombinant NcGRA4 shows promise as a sensitive and specific serological marker for identifying target IgG in goat samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruenruetai Udonsom
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (A.M.)
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (A.M.)
| | - Apichai Prachasuphap
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (A.P.); (K.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Kodcharad Jongpitisub
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (A.P.); (K.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Panadda Dhepakson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (A.P.); (K.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuthamonthon Sai 4 Rd, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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Seroepidemiology revealed neosporosis as an under-realised entity in dairy cattle reared in South India. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:410. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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9
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Qi T, Ai J, Yang J, Zhu H, Zhou Y, Zhu Y, Zhang H, Qin Q, Kang M, Sun Y, Li J. Seroepidemiology of Neosporosis in Various Animals in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:953380. [PMID: 35928116 PMCID: PMC9343756 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.953380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neosporosis is a worldwide infectious disease caused by intracellular parasite Neospora caninum that is a major pathogen of abortion in cattle and neurological disorders in other hosts. However, limited data are available on animals exposed to N. caninum in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA), and little is known about whether animals in the plateau area play an important role in the epidemiology of N. caninum. Therefore, indirect ELISAs based on a combination of NcSAG1 and NcGRA7 antigens were developed to examine both N. caninum-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in Tibetan sheep, yak, cow, pig, cattle, horse, chicken, camel, and donkey from the QTPA in this study. The results showed that all current species present- IgG and IgM-positive animals, and that the overall seroprevalence of N. caninum were 18.6 (703/3,782) and 48.1% (1,820/3,782) for the IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Further analysis found significant differences from different altitudes in IgG in Tibetan sheep and IgM in the yak. Hence, the present serological results indicate that the tested animal populations in the QTPA are suffering from N. caninum infections or have become carriers of N. caninum antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on current N. caninum-infected animals in the QTPA, the first epidemiology of neosporosis in cow and camel in China, and the first record of N. caninum IgM antibodies in all the surveyed animals in China. This study provides the latest valuable data on the epidemiology of neosporosis in China and in plateau areas of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jingkai Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jinfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Heng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yuyu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yulu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Heming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Qi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- *Correspondence: Jixu Li
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10
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Thomas KM, Kibona T, Claxton JR, de Glanville WA, Lankester F, Amani N, Buza JJ, Carter RW, Chapman GE, Crump JA, Dagleish MP, Halliday JEB, Hamilton CM, Innes EA, Katzer F, Livingstone M, Longbottom D, Millins C, Mmbaga BT, Mosha V, Nyarobi J, Nyasebwa OM, Russell GC, Sanka PN, Semango G, Wheelhouse N, Willett BJ, Cleaveland S, Allan KJ. Prospective cohort study reveals unexpected aetiologies of livestock abortion in northern Tanzania. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11669. [PMID: 35803982 PMCID: PMC9270399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15517-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock abortion is an important cause of productivity losses worldwide and many infectious causes of abortion are zoonotic pathogens that impact on human health. Little is known about the relative importance of infectious causes of livestock abortion in Africa, including in subsistence farming communities that are critically dependent on livestock for food, income, and wellbeing. We conducted a prospective cohort study of livestock abortion, supported by cross-sectional serosurveillance, to determine aetiologies of livestock abortions in livestock in Tanzania. This approach generated several important findings including detection of a Rift Valley fever virus outbreak in cattle; high prevalence of C. burnetii infection in livestock; and the first report of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and pestiviruses associated with livestock abortion in Tanzania. Our approach provides a model for abortion surveillance in resource-limited settings. Our findings add substantially to current knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, providing important evidence from which to prioritise disease interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Thomas
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Food Safety, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Tito Kibona
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - John R Claxton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William A de Glanville
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Felix Lankester
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
- Global Animal Health Tanzania, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Nelson Amani
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Joram J Buza
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Ryan W Carter
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gail E Chapman
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - John A Crump
- Centre for International Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Jo E B Halliday
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Caroline Millins
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Victor Mosha
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Good Samaritan Foundation, Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - James Nyarobi
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Obed M Nyasebwa
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Zonal Veterinary Centre-Arusha, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Paul N Sanka
- Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - George Semango
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian J Willett
- Medical Research Council, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sarah Cleaveland
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kathryn J Allan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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11
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Kemel C, Salamone M, Van Loo H, Latour C, Vandeputte S, Callens J, Hostens M, Opsomer G. Unaffected semen quality parameters in Neospora caninum seropositive Belgian Blue bulls. Theriogenology 2022; 191:10-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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12
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Towards the First Multiepitope Vaccine Candidate against Neospora caninum in Mouse Model: Immunoinformatic Standpoint. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2644667. [PMID: 35722460 PMCID: PMC9204498 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2644667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an economically significant parasite among livestock, particularly in dairy cattle herds, causing storm abortions. Vaccination seems necessary to limit the infection and its harsh consequences. This is the first steps towards developing a multiepitope vaccine candidate against N. caninum using in silico approaches. High-ranked mouse MHC-binding and shared linear B-cell epitopes from six proteins (SRS2, MIC3, MIC6, GRA1, IMP-1, and profilin) as well as IFN-γ-inducing epitopes (from SAG1) were predicted, screened, and connected together through appropriate linkers. Finally, RS-09 protein (TLR4 agonist) and histidine tag were added to N- and C-terminal of the vaccine sequence, yielding 486 residues in length. Physicochemical properties showed a stable (instability index: 27.23), highly soluble, antigenic (VaxiJen score: 0.9554), and nonallergenic candidate. Secondary structure of the multiepitope protein included 58.85% random coil, 20.99% extended strand, and 20.16% alpha helix. Also, the tertiary structure was predicted, and further analyses validated a stable interaction between the vaccine model and mouse TLR4 (binding score: -1261.6). Virtual simulation of immune profile demonstrated potently stimulated humoral (IgG+IgM) and cell-mediated (IFN-γ) responses upon multiepitope vaccine injection. Altogether, a potentially immunogenic vaccine candidate was developed using several N. caninum proteins, with the capability to elicit IFN-γ upsurge and other components of cellular immunity, and can be used in prophylactic purposes against neosporosis.
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13
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Yang J, Ai J, Qi T, Ni X, Xu Z, Guo L, Sun Y, Li Y, Kang M, Li J. Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Infections in Stray Cats and Dogs in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area, China. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111390. [PMID: 35681854 PMCID: PMC9179287 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Diseases caused by parasites have introduced serious threats to human health and the development of animal husbandry in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA), such as toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii and neosporosis caused by Neospora caninum. However, information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in stray cats and dogs which are the definitive hosts of T. gondii and N. caninum in the QTPA is limited. The aim of this study was to establish a detailed record of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in serum samples and the molecular epidemiology in feces from stray cats and dogs in the plateau area. The results revealed that stray cats and dogs in the QTPA, China present both T. gondii and N. caninum infection through the antibodies and antigen detection of the indirect ELISA tests and qPCRs. The present study suggests the prevalence of acute neosporosis and chronic re-emergence of toxoplasmosis in stray cats and dogs in the testing area. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii and N. caninum infection in cats and dogs in the QTPA, and the first determination of N. caninum infection in cats in China. In conclusion, stray cats and dogs play key roles in the transmission and prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in the plateau area. Abstract Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum belong to the Apicomplexan protozoa which is an obligate intracellular parasite, causing toxoplasmosis and neosporosis throughout the world. Cats and dogs are the definitive hosts of these two parasites. However, information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in stray cats and dogs in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) is limited, and little is known about the diversity of the diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform indirect ELISA tests based on recombinant TgSAG1, TgGRA1, NcSAG1 and NcGRA7 proteins to establish a detailed record of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in serum samples and to develop qPCR amplification based on TgB1 and NcNc5 genes to conduct molecular epidemiology in feces from stray cats and dogs in the QTPA. In the current study, a total of 128 cat serum samples were analyzed through serological tests in which 53 (41.4%) and 57 (44.5%) samples were found positive for T. gondii specific-IgG and IgM antibodies, and 2 (1.6%) and 74 (57.8%) samples were confirmed positive for N. caninum specific-IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Out of 224 stray dog sera, 59.8% and 58.9% were recorded as positive against anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, 17.9% and 64.7% were detected positive against Neospora IgG and IgM. On the other hand, 1 of 18 cat fecal samples was successfully amplified within the Ct value of 10 to 30 while no cat was positive for neosporosis. Moreover, a higher prevalence of toxoplasmosis in stray dogs (14.5%, 16/110) than of neosporosis (5.5%, 6/110) with different parasite numbers were found. Further analysis showed that no significant sex differences were found nor between the overall infection rates of T. gondii and N. caninum in this study. This study suggests that stray cats and dogs play key roles in the transmission and prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in the plateau area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jingkai Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Tongsheng Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Xiaomin Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Zichun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Liangting Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Yali Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Ming Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
| | - Jixu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China; (J.Y.); (J.A.); (T.Q.); (X.N.); (Z.X.); (L.G.); (Y.S.); (Y.L.); (M.K.)
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogen Diagnosis for Animal Diseases and Green Technical Research for Prevention and Control, Qinghai University, Xining 810016, China
- Correspondence:
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14
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Nayeri T, Moosazadeh M, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Neospora caninum infection in aborting bovines and lost fetuses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268903. [PMID: 35604902 PMCID: PMC9126370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Neospora caninum (N. caninum) is known to be a major cause of reproductive failure in cattle herds around the world. Therefore, the current comprehensive study was performed to estimate the global prevalence of N. caninum infection in bovines that had an abortion and aborted fetuses.
Methods
In this study, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were systematically searched for relevant studies up until November 4, 2021. Pooled prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random effect model. Other analyzes performed on the data of this study include sensitivity analysis, publication bias test, and quality assessment.
Results
The final analyses included 71 studies conducted on 2965 abortive cattle and 4805 aborted fetuses. The overall prevalence rates of N. caninum infection in bovines that had an abortion were 47% and 1% using serological and molecular methods. Furthermore, overall prevalence rates of N. caninum infection in bovine aborted fetuses globally were 35% (95% CI: 8%–62%) and 43% (95% CI: 35%–52%) using serological and molecular methods.
Conclusions
The results of this study showed the high prevalence of N. caninum infection in bovines that had an abortion and aborted fetuses. It is hoped that the results of this study will help prevent abortion in bovines around the world and encourage further studies to determine the impact of this parasite on the occurrence of abortion that may help reduce the economic damage caused by abortion worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- * E-mail:
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15
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Determination of B and T Cell Epitopes in Neospora caninum Immune Mapped Protein-1 (IMP-1): Implications in Vaccine Design against Neosporosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2508050. [PMID: 35434130 PMCID: PMC9010208 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2508050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Prevention of neosporosis is advantageous for cattle health and productivity. Previously, several vaccine candidates were nominated for vaccination against Neospora caninum. This study was premised on in silico evaluation of N. caninum IMP-1 in order to determine its physicochemical features and immunogenic epitopes. We employed a wide array of network-based tools for the prediction of antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, posttranslational modification (PTM) sites, physicochemical properties, transmembrane domains and signal peptide, secondary and tertiary structures, and intrinsically disordered regions. Also, prediction and screening of potential continuous B cell peptides and those epitopes having stringent affinity to couple with mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) receptors were accomplished. The protein had 393 residues with a molecular weight of 42.71 kDa, representing aliphatic index of 85.83 (thermotolerant) and GRAVY score of -0.447 (hydrophilic). There were 47 PTM sites without a signal peptide in the sequence. Secondary structure comprised mostly of extended strand and helices, followed by coils. The Ramachandran plot of the refined model showed 90.1%, 9.9%, 0.0%, and 0.0% residues in the favored, additional allowed, generously allowed, and disallowed regions, correspondingly. Additionally, various potential B cell (linear and conformational), CTL, and MHC binding epitopes were predicted for N. caninum IMP-1. The findings of the present study could be further directed for next-generation vaccine design against neosporosis.
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16
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Neospora caninum SRS2 Protein: Essential Vaccination Targets and Biochemical Features for Next-Generation Vaccine Design. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7070144. [PMID: 35434127 PMCID: PMC9007667 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7070144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination is a standout preventive measure to combat neosporosis among cattle herds. The present in silico study was done to evaluate the physicochemical properties and potent immunogenic epitopes of N. caninum SRS2 protein as a possible vaccine candidate. Web-based tools were used to predict physicochemical properties, antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, posttranslational modification (PTM) sites, transmembrane domains and signal peptide, and secondary and tertiary structures as well as intrinsically disordered regions, followed by identification and screening of potential linear and conformational B-cell epitopes and those peptides having affinity to bind mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). The protein had 401 residues with a molecular weight of 42 kDa, representing aliphatic index of 69.35 (thermotolerant) and GRAVY score of -0.294 (hydrophilic). There were 53 PTM sites without a signal peptide in the sequence. Secondary structure comprised mostly by extended strand, followed by helices and coils. The Ramachandran plot of the refined model showed 90.2%, 8.8%, 0.5%, and 0.5% residues in the favored, additional allowed, generously allowed, and disallowed regions, correspondingly. Additionally, various potential B-cell (linear and conformational), CTL, and MHC-binding epitopes were predicted for N. caninum SRS2. These epitopes could be further utilized in the multiepitope vaccine constructs directed against neosporosis.
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17
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Soler JP, Moré G, Urtizbiría F, Hecker YP, Cirone KM, Scioli MV, Paolicchi FA, Fiorentino MA, Uriarte ELL, Cantón GJ, Verna AE, Morrell EL, Moore DP. Epidemic abortions due to Neospora caninum infection in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1475-1485. [PMID: 35304629 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07488-6] [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: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study describes for the first time an abortion outbreak caused by Neospora caninum in farmed red deer. During a 5-year period, farmed hinds, naturally mated, were regularly ultrasound monitored to detect reproductive losses over their gestation. During the 4 years previous to the outbreak, abortion rates ranged from 4.7 to 8.6% (average 6.5%), and serology for indirect diagnosis of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis was performed. At the fifth year, the abortion rate increased to 25.3%. During this outbreak, three aborted foetuses and their placentas were recovered and submitted to laboratory for etiological diagnosis. Blood samples were collected from the 81 hinds at the end of the gestational period and the seropositivity rate for N. caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella abortus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 was 66.7%, 67.9%, 0.0%, 8.6% and 0.0%, respectively. Neospora caninum-seropositive hinds (OR = 5.7, P = 0.0271) and hinds with high antibody titres to N. caninum (OR = 7.4, P = 0.0130) were more likely to abort than seronegative hinds. In addition, N. caninum seropositivity rate in the aborted hinds was higher (OR = 5.4, P = 0.033) than the non-aborted hinds. No association was found between T. gondii nor BVDV-seropositivity and abortions. Typical protozoal histopathologic findings (necrotizing non suppurative encephalitis, meningitis, myocarditis, hepatitis, among others) were observed in all foetuses. Neospora caninum was immunolabelled by immunohistochemistry in several tissues from two foetuses, and infection was also confirmed in the three foetuses by serology and/or DNA detection. No other abortifacient agent was detected in the foetuses. Their dams showed high N. caninum antibody titres (≥ 6400). Serologic evidence and epidemiological data recorded suggested a point-source of N. caninum infection before the occurrence of the outbreak, probably related with contaminated feedstuff with oocysts. Moreover, the intensive production system with a high stocking rate could be also considered a factor which might have increased the risk of horizontal N. caninum infection in this herd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900, La Plata, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Facundo Urtizbiría
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yanina Paola Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karina Mariela Cirone
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Valeria Scioli
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Alberto Paolicchi
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Andrea Fiorentino
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Germán José Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Elizabeth Verna
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eleonora Lidia Morrell
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dadin Prando Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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18
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Role of dense granule antigen 7 in vertical transmission of Neospora caninum in C57BL/6 mice infected during early pregnancy. Parasitol Int 2022; 89:102576. [PMID: 35301119 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is a parasitic disease affecting the health of dogs and cattle worldwide. It is caused by Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite. Dogs are its definitive host, it mostly infects livestock animals, especially cattle that acts as intermediate host. It is necessary to have well-established models of abortion and vertical transmission in experimental animals, in order to determine basic control measures for the N. caninum infection. We evaluated the role of N. caninum dense granule antigen 7 (NcGRA7) in the vertical transmission of N. caninum using the C57BL/6 pregnant mouse model. We inoculated mice on day 3.5 of pregnancy with parental Nc-1 or NcGRA7-deficient parasites (NcGRA7KO). Post-mortem analyses were performed on day 30 after birth and the surviving pups were kept until day 30 postpartum. The number of parasites in the brain tissues of offspring from NcGRA7KO-infected dams was significantly lower than that of the Nc-1-infected dams under two infection doses (1 × 106 and 1 × 105 tachyzoites/mouse). The vertical transmission rates in the NcGRA7KO-infected group were significantly lower than those of the Nc1-infected group. To understand the mechanism by which the lack of NcGRA7 decreases the vertical transmission, pregnant mice were sacrificed on day 13.5 of pregnancy (10 days after infection), although parasite DNA was detected in the placentas, no significant difference was found between the two parasite lines. Histopathological analysis revealed a greater inflammatory response in the placentas from NcGRA7KO-infected dams than in those from the parental strain. This finding correlates with upregulated chemokine mRNA expression for CCL2, CCL8, and CXCL9 in the placentas from the NcGRA7KO-infected mice. In conclusion, these results suggest that loss of NcGRA7 triggers an inflammatory response in the placenta, resulting in decreased vertical transmission of N. caninum.
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Detection of Anti-Neospora caninum Antibodies on Dairy Cattle Farms in Southern Italy. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020087. [PMID: 35202340 PMCID: PMC8876793 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neosporosis is recognized as one of the major causes of bovine abortion worldwide. Canids are the main definitive host for this parasite and the presence of dogs in the farm is an important factor for the Neospora caninum infection in bovines. Since, in the province of Lecce, located in the Apulia region of Southern Italy, there are no studies showing the presence of the infection in farm animals, the objective was to perform a serological evaluation for anti-N. caninum antibodiesin serum from 706 dairy cattle and 21 farm dogs located in 40 farms uniformlydistributed over the territory.The presence of N. caninum infection was confirmed in 90.0% (36/40) of the 40 farms examined. The results obtained on all serum samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ID Screen®Neospora caninum competition ELISA kit) for anti-N. caninum antibodies showed a seropositivity rate of 21.1% (149/706) among dairy cows, with a statistically significant higher percentage of positive subjects in the animals over two years old and a positivity rate of 42.9% (9/21) in tested dogs. The obtained data confirmed the presence of neosporosis even in the Lecce area, where it could therefore represent an important cause of abortion and economic losses.
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Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) of the Argentine Pampas as intermediate host for Neospora caninum. Parasitol Int 2022; 88:102549. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Jones BS, Harcourt-Brown T. Comparison of serum creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity in dogs with Neospora meningoencephalitis and noninfectious meningoencephalitis. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 36:141-145. [PMID: 34859908 PMCID: PMC8783338 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity can be increased with myositis associated with Toxoplasma and Neospora infection in dogs. Hypothesis/Objectives Serum activity of CK and AST can be used as a rapid screen for predicting positive serology in meningoencephalitis caused by Toxoplasma gondii or Neospora caninum in dogs compared to dogs with noninfectious meningoencephalitis. Animals Eighty dogs with meningoencephalitis based on magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Methods Retrospective case‐control study. Serological cutoffs (≥1:800 immunofluorescence for Neospora and ≥1:400 IgG or ≥1:64 IgM or both for Toxoplasma) categorized dogs as infected (n = 21, all neosporosis) or noninfected (n = 59). Activities of CK and AST between infected and noninfected groups were compared using a Mann‐Whitney U test and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results No dogs were diagnosed with toxoplasmosis. Serum CK and AST activities were significantly increased (P < .001) in dogs with positive serology for Neospora (CK: median, 1334 U/L; range, 281‐3633 U/L and AST: median, 124 U/L; range, 59‐333 U/L) compared to noninfectious cases (CK: median, 215 U/L; range, 69‐683 U/L and AST: median, 36 U/L; range, 19‐139 U/L). A CK cutoff of 485 U/L had 95.24% sensitivity and 96.61% specificity with a negative predicative value of >99%. An AST cutoff of 57 U/L had 94.44% sensitivity and 85.71% specificity with an estimated negative predicative value of 99%. Conclusions and Clinical Importance High serum CK and AST activity can increase suspicion for neosporosis while awaiting serological tests for dogs with meningoencephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan S Jones
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Langford Vets Small Animal Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Harcourt-Brown
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Langford Vets Small Animal Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
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22
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Dorsch MA, Cantón GJ, Driemeier D, Anderson ML, Moeller RB, Giannitti F. Bacterial, protozoal and viral abortions in sheep and goats in South America: A review. Small Rumin Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2021.106547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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23
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Köse O, Adanır R, Kocamüftüoğlu M, Çetin Y. Investigation of Neospora caninum Seroprevalence and Association with Reproductive Problems in Cows in Burdur Province of Turkey. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:386-393. [PMID: 34630583 PMCID: PMC8476726 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i3.7091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background: An apicomplexan protozoon Neospora caninum, causative agent of neosporosis, is recognized as one of the most common and important cause of sporadic and endemic bovine abortion and reduced reproductivity in dairy and beef cattle worldwide. The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between N. caninum seroprevalence and infertility problems in 400 cows in Burdur, city, Turkey. Methods: Blood samples were collected from vena jugularis into sterile serum tubes from 49 aborted, 58 infertil, 48 pregnant and 245 healthy cows for the findings of reproductive anamnesis during a period of March 2010 to March 2011. Sera samples were analyzed by competitive ELISA kit. Results: The seroprevalences were 7.7%, 6.4% and 4.2% in 2–4, ≤2 and ≥4 age groups respectively and no statistically significance observed between age groups. Seropositivity rates were 5.7%, 5.1%, 4.5%, 3.6% in Holstein, Montofon, cross-breeds and Simental breeds respectively. Seroprevalence differences was not statistically significant among cattle breeds. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in rates of 16.3%, 6.9%, 6.3%, 2.4% in aborted, infertile, pregnant and healthy cows respectively and there was a significant difference (P<0.01) between aborted and healthy animals. Seroprevalences were Yeşilova 10%, Gölhisar and Ağlasun 8%, Bucak, Çavdır and Kemer 4%, Karamanlı and Burdur Centrum 2%, according to districts. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of N. caninum was revealed in Burdur region. It was emphasized that N. caninum infection should not be ignored in reproductive problems, especially in abortion cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Köse
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Adanır
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Mesih Kocamüftüoğlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Yunus Çetin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
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Fereig RM, Abdelbaky HH, Nishikawa Y. Comparative Evaluation of Four Potent Neospora caninum Diagnostic Antigens Using Immunochromatographic Assay for Detection of Specific Antibody in Cattle. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102133. [PMID: 34683454 PMCID: PMC8541029 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102133] [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: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for numerous abortion outbreaks and neonatal abnormalities in cattle. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical for N. caninum control owing to the lack of vaccine or drug-based control strategies. Herein, we evaluated the performance of four frequently used antigens in the diagnosis of N. caninum infection using immunochromatographic tests (ICTs) as a rapid, affordable, and field applicable tool. These antigens included recombinant proteins of N. caninum surface antigen 1 (NcSAG1), dense granule proteins 7 (NcGRA7) and 6 (NcGRA6), in addition to native Neospora lysate antigen (NLA). Our study revealed the utility of all antigen-based ICTs for detection of specific antibodies to N. caninum. However, the NcSAG1-based ICT was the best for detection of all control N. caninum-infected mouse or cattle sera, while NcGRA7 and NcGRA6-based ICTs exhibited specific ability to detect samples from acute and sub-acute infection in mice and cattle, respectively. Analyses of the NcSAG1-based ICT against enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) of the same antigen revealed its efficiency in detection of field cattle samples as observed in high sensitivity (84.2%), specificity (93.5%), agreement (90%), and kappa value (0.78). The current knowledge provides an efficient platform for N. caninum control through on-site diagnosis of infected cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M. Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (R.M.F.); (H.H.A.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Hanan H. Abdelbaky
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (R.M.F.); (H.H.A.)
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (R.M.F.); (H.H.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Morphometric study of encephalic lesions in aborted bovine fetuses naturally infected by two subpopulations of Neospora caninum. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2995-3000. [PMID: 34292375 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07248-y] [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: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a major reproductive disease in cattle worldwide. In the Argentinian Humid Pampa, the seroprevalence, incidence of abortions, and economic losses due to neosporosis are considerably higher in dairy than in beef cattle. Despite this, we recently demonstrated that N. caninum subpopulations are indistinctly distributed in both dairy and beef production systems. The association between genotypic characteristics defined by microsatellite analysis and the virulence of the different strains-particularly with regard to the severity and extension of histological lesions-is largely unknown. Herein, we used a morphometric approach to analyze encephalic lesions in 62 bovine fetuses spontaneously infected by N. caninum. Morphometric parameters (average size of focal lesions, number of foci/cm2 and the percentage of the section affected by lesions) were compared according to the N. caninum subpopulations found in our previous microsatellite genotyping analysis, animal biotype (beef versus dairy), and fetal age (second stage of gestation versus third stage). The average size of the lesions differed significantly among fetuses with different gestational ages; however, no significant differences among animal biotypes or genotypic patterns were found. Further research into the genetic, molecular, and husbandry factors that could account for this greater impact in Argentinian dairy herds is needed.
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26
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Perotta JH, Freitas BBD, Marcom NN, Pescador CA, Pereira CC, Locatelli-Dittrich R, Brum JS, Barros Filho IRD. An abortion storm in dairy cattle associated with neosporosis in southern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e001821. [PMID: 34076048 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Between December 2016 and April 2017, a spate of abortions occurred in a closed dairy herd from the central eastern region of Paraná, Brazil, in which 75 cows aborted. To identify its cause, organ fragments were collected from an aborted fetus for histopathology, and the blood samples from a stillborn, 4 aborted fetuses, and 9 farm dogs for indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT). These tests found multifocal non-suppurative encephalitis, periportal hepatitis, and multifocal lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis, and detected anti-Neospora antibodies in all aborted fetuses, and in 5 of the 9 dogs. DNA of Neospora caninum was detected in the brain tissue of an aborted fetus. Blood samples of 340 cows and 146 heifers showed 33.5% and 30.8% seropositivity, respectively. In this closed herd, the parasite was probably introduced by infected domesticated or wild carnivores inhabiting the farm, through the infective oocysts present in their stool.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Henrique Perotta
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Bárbara Barbi de Freitas
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Nicoly Nayana Marcom
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Caroline Argenta Pescador
- Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso - UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil
| | | | - Rosângela Locatelli-Dittrich
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Juliana Sperotto Brum
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
| | - Ivan Roque de Barros Filho
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Setor de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brasil
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Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections and their relationship with reproductive losses in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1851-1860. [PMID: 33682048 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07104-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to determine the Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity rates in farmed red deer hinds from Argentina and their relationship with reproductive losses. Over a 2-year period, 449 hinds from 4 commercial farms were serologically tested at late gestation for N. caninum and T. gondii by IFAT. During the first year, a sequential serological analysis was carried out at 3 different time points to analyze antibody dynamics from mating until the end of the gestation period. Fetal and postnatal mortality rates were estimated by 3 successive ultrasound scannings (us) annually and a breeding control carried out after the calving period. Ultrasound fetal measurements were used to estimate conception date and gestational age of abortions. The seropositivity rate for N. caninum was 25.5% (37/145) for the yearlings and 34.2% (104/304) for the adults, while for T. gondii was 64.3% (93/145) and 78.3% (238/304), respectively. Abortions detected at us1 and us2 were 13/21 (61.9%) with a range of gestational age of 30-87 days, while abortions detected at us3 were 8/21 (38.1%) with a range of gestational age of 49-209 days. The fetal mortality rate was 4% and 5.8%, while the postnatal mortality rate was 18.8% and 4.1% of 101 yearlings and 294 adult pregnant hinds, respectively. Most seropositive hinds to both protozoans showed a stable antibody titer pattern from mating to the end of gestation, and a lower proportion developed an increase in titers suggesting infection recrudescence. Seroconversion during the gestational period was demonstrated in 6 and 50 hinds for N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively. Hinds with fetal mortality were more likely to be seropositive to N. caninum (OR = 3.1) or have N. caninum titers ≥400 (OR = 27.4) than hinds that weaned a fawn. No statistical associations were detected for T. gondii seropositivity and reproductive losses. The pregnancy rate was not affected by N. caninum or T. gondii infection, while the serological evidence of N. caninum causing postnatal mortality was marginal. Based on serological evidence, N. caninum would be a potential abortigenic agent in red deer hinds.
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Villa L, Maksimov P, Luttermann C, Tuschy M, Gazzonis AL, Zanzani SA, Mortarino M, Conraths FJ, Manfredi MT, Schares G. Spatial distance between sites of sampling associated with genetic variation among Neospora caninum in aborted bovine foetuses from northern Italy. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:47. [PMID: 33441141 PMCID: PMC7805081 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04557-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neospora caninum, a coccidian protozoan, represents an important cause of bovine abortion. Available N. caninum strains show considerable variation in vitro and in vivo, including different virulence in cattle. To which extent sexual recombination, which is possible in the intestines of domestic dogs and closely related carnivores as definitive hosts, contributes to this variation is not clear yet. METHODS Aborted bovine foetuses were collected between 2015 and early 2019 from Italian Holstein Friesian dairy herds suffering from reproductive problems. A total of 198 samples were collected from 165 intensive farms located in Lombardy, northern Italy. N. caninum samples were subjected to multilocus-microsatellite genotyping using ten previously established microsatellite markers. In addition to our own data, those from a recent study providing data on five markers from other northern Italian regions were included and analysed. RESULTS Of the 55 samples finally subjected to genotyping, 35 were typed at all or 9 out of 10 loci and their individual multilocus-microsatellite genotype (MLMG) determined. Linear regression revealed a statistically significant association between the spatial distance of the sampling sites with the genetic distance of N. caninum MLMGs (P < 0.001). Including data from this and a previous North Italian study into eBURST analysis revealed that several of N. caninum MLMGs from northern Italy separate into four groups; most of the samples from Lombardy clustered in one of these groups. Principle component analysis revealed similar clusters and confirmed MLMG groups identified by eBURST. Variations observed between MLMGs were not equally distributed over all loci, but predominantly observed in MS7, MS6A, or MS10. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the concept of local N. caninum subpopulations. The geographic distance of sampling was associated with the genetic distance as determined by microsatellite typing. Results suggest that multi-parental recombination in N. caninum is a rare event, but does not exclude uniparental mating. More comprehensive studies on microsatellites in N. caninum and related species like Toxoplasma gondii should be undertaken, not only to improve genotyping capabilities, but also to understand possible functions of these regions in the genomes of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Pavlo Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Luttermann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute for Immunology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Mareen Tuschy
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Alessia L Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sergio A Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Franz J Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Shedding light on biochemical features and potential immunogenic epitopes of Neospora caninum SAG1: In silico study. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Gaia V, Grillo G, Mello M, Palhano H, Silva A. Association between Neospora caninum seropositivity and reproductive disorders in girolando cows. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-12057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in Girolando cows, in order to evaluate the association between seropositivity and reproductive disorders. Blood samples were collected from 40 dairy cows in their reproductive phase from the cranial superficial epigastric vein. The blood samples were tested using the Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) to detect anti-N.caninum antibodies. The serological results were used to verify whether there was any association with the manifestation of reproductive disorders based on data from the records of reproductive history from 2017 to 2018 as well as the clinical observations of the herd throughout this study. The Fisher exact test was used to verify the existence of an association between the serology and reproductive disorders, adopting a 95% confidence level. The serological results showed a 27.5% seroprevalence in the herd for N. caninum, however, after statistical analysis, no association between seropositivity and reproductive disorders was found in the evaluated herd. Although the studied population is infected with Neospora caninum, we can infer that anti-Neospora caninum antibodies present in Girolando dairy cows at the UFRRJ Dairy Cattle Facility are not associated with the occurrence of reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- V.G. Gaia
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G.F. Grillo
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M.R.B. Mello
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - H.B. Palhano
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A.F. Silva
- Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Calarco L, Ellis J. Species diversity and genome evolution of the pathogenic protozoan parasite, Neospora caninum. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 84:104444. [PMID: 32619639 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a cyst-forming coccidian parasite of veterinary and economical significance, affecting dairy and beef cattle industries on a global scale. Comparative studies suggest that N. caninum consists of a globally dispersed, diverse population of lineages, distinguished by their geographical origin, broad host range, and phenotypic features. This viewpoint is however changing. While intraspecies diversity, and more specifically pathogenic variability, has been experimentally demonstrated in a myriad of studies, the underlying contributors and sources responsible for such diversity have remained nebulous. However, recent large-scale sequence and bioinformatics studies have aided in revealing intrinsic genetic differences distinguishing isolates of this species, that await further characterisation as causative links to virulence and pathogenicity. Furthermore, progress on N. caninum research as a non-model organism is hindered by a lack of robust, annotated genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data for the species, especially compared to other thoroughly studied Apicomplexa such as Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium species. This review explores the current body of knowledge on intra-species diversity within N. caninum. This includes the contribution of sequence variants in both coding and non-coding regions, the presence of genome polymorphic hotspots, and the identification of non-synonymous mutations. The implications of such diversity on important parasite phenotypes such as pathogenicity and population structure are also discussed. Lastly, the identification of potential virulence factors from both in-silico and next generation sequencing studies is examined, offering new insights into potential avenues for future research on neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Calarco
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - John Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
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Fereig RM, Nishikawa Y. Urological detection of specific antibodies against Neospora caninum infection in mice: A prospect for novel diagnostic approach of Neospora. Exp Parasitol 2020; 216:107942. [PMID: 32598889 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107942] [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: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular protozoan parasite Neospora caninum is incriminated to induce drastic economic losses in both livestock and pet animal industries. Neosporosis is primarily characterized by abortion in cattle and paralytic symptoms in dogs. Because there are no effective treatments or vaccines, diagnosis is critical for Neospora control. Thus, diversification of laboratory tests and specimens used for diagnosis of N. caninum is an essential scientific endeavor to judge and select the most appropriate diagnostic tool. Herein, we provide the first evidence for the utility of urine samples for demonstration of specific antibodies against N. caninum employing an experimentally infected murine model. Specific antibodies to recombinant N. caninum dense granule 7, surface antigen 1, and lysate antigen were assayed using different antibodies-based ELISAs. Urine based IgG ELISA efficiently discriminated between infected mice (acute or chronic infection), and those of non-infected mice. This effect was also noticed for IgG1 and IgG2a suggesting the utility of urine for assessment of T-helper 2- and T-helper 1-mediated immunities, respectively. In addition, reactivity of specific antibody in urine was also confirmed against parasites when indirect fluorescent antibody test was employed. Usefulness of urine as an additional clinical sample for Neospora diagnosis was confirmed via comparison with the relevant control non-infected and infected mouse sera as reference samples. Because of minimum invasiveness and ease of urine collection, this approach might offer new diagnostic opportunities for N. caninum either for the field or research purposes. However, further studies are required to extrapolate this preliminary study and results in the animal species of interest particularly in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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Chimeric Protein Designed by Genome-Scale Immunoinformatics Enhances Serodiagnosis of Bovine Neosporosis. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01343-19. [PMID: 32404479 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01343-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neosporosis has become a concern since it is associated with abortion in cattle. Currently, in situ diagnosis is determined through anamnesis, evaluation of the history, and perception of the clinical signs of the herd. There is no practical and noninvasive test adapted to a large number of samples, which represents a gap for the use of new approaches that provide information about infections and the risks of herds. Here, we performed a search in the Neospora caninum genome by linear B-cell epitopes using immunoinformatic tools aiming to develop a chimeric protein with high potential to bind specifically to antibodies from infected cattle samples. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the new chimeric antigen was developed and tested with sera from natural field N. caninum-infected bovines. The cross-reactivity of the new antigen was also evaluated using sera from bovines infected by other abortive pathogens, including Trypanosoma vivax, Leptospira sp., Mycobacterium bovis, and Brucella abortus, and enzootic bovine leucosis caused by bovine leukemia virus, as well as with samples of animals infected with Toxoplasma gondii The assay using the chimeric protein showed 96.6% ± 3.4% of sensitivity in comparison to healthy animal sera. Meanwhile, in relation to false-positive results provided by cross-reactivity with others pathogens, the specificity value was 97.0% ± 2.9%. In conclusion, immunoinformatic tools provide an efficient platform to build an accurate protein to diagnose bovine neosporosis based on serum samples.
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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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Lindsay DS, Dubey JP. Neosporosis, Toxoplasmosis, and Sarcocystosis in Ruminants: An Update. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2020; 36:205-222. [PMID: 32029185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Sarcocystis spp. are related Apicomplexan parasites that have 2 hosts in their life cycles. The definitive hosts excrete unsporulated (Neospora caninum, T gondii) or sporulated (Sarcocystis spp.) oocysts in their feces after ingesting tissue cysts from the tissues of ruminant intermediate hosts. These coccidians can cause abortion and neonatal mortality in ruminants. T gondii and Sarcocystis hominis (from cattle) are zoonotic. This article reviews information on the etiology, life cycle, diagnosis, control and prevention of these parasites and the diseases they cause in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Lindsay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for One Health Research, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, 1410 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0342, USA.
| | - J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
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Wolf-Jäckel GA, Hansen MS, Larsen G, Holm E, Agerholm JS, Jensen TK. Diagnostic studies of abortion in Danish cattle 2015-2017. Acta Vet Scand 2020; 62:1. [PMID: 31900210 PMCID: PMC6942357 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-019-0499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Abortion is a major source of economic losses in cattle breeding. Abortion occurs due to a wide range of causes, but infections are the most frequently diagnosed. However, establishing an aetiological diagnosis remains challenging due to the large variety of bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and fungi that have been associated with abortion in cattle. Economic restraints limit the range of diagnostic methods available for routine diagnostics, and decomposition of the conceptus or lack of proper fetal and/or maternal samples further restrict the diagnostic success. In this study, we report recent diagnostic findings from bovine abortions in Denmark, a country that has a large dairy sector and is free from most infectious agents causing epizootic abortion in cattle. The aims of the study were: (i) to identify infectious causes of bovine abortion in Denmark, (ii) to categorise the diagnostic findings based on the level of diagnostic certainty, and (iii) to assess the diagnostic rate. Due to economic restraints, only a limited panel of routine diagnostic methods were available. Placentas and/or fetuses from mid- to late-term abortions and stillbirths (n = 162) were submitted to the Danish National Veterinary Institute between January 2015 and June 2017. The aborted materials were examined macroscopically, histologically, and by bacterial culture. Maternal blood samples were tested for bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) antibodies. Results The likely aetiology of the abortion was diagnosed in 52 cases, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 33%. The most common cause was protozoal infection (19%) followed by infection with Trueperella pyogenes (3%), Staphylococcus aureus (2%), and non-haemolytic Escherichia coli (2%). Lesions in fetuses with a protozoal infection were consistent with neosporosis. In many cases (38%), inflammatory changes were found in the placenta and/or fetal organs but no specific aetiology was identified. Neither infection with Brucella spp. nor maternal BVDV antibodies were detected. The majority of submitting herds (92%) were each represented by fewer than three abortion cases over the study period. Conclusions Protozoal infection, most likely neosporosis, was the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion and the only one associated with potential epizootic abortion events. Despite using a reduced number of diagnostic methods in comparison to other abortion studies, the diagnostic rate of this study was within the range reported in an earlier Danish study, as well as in recent international studies. The low number of submitted cases per herd and the sparse anamnestic information provided at submission hampered conclusions on the potential epizootic character of the abortion events in question.
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Abdelbaky HH, Nishimura M, Shimoda N, Hiasa J, Fereig RM, Tokimitsu H, Inokuma H, Nishikawa Y. Evaluation of Neospora caninum serodiagnostic antigens for bovine neosporosis. Parasitol Int 2019; 75:102045. [PMID: 31881363 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Abortion and reproductive failure caused by Neospora caninum infection has a dramatic negative economic impact on the cattle industry. To date, no definitive serodiagnostic tool for assessing N. caninum abortion has been reported. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of numerous N. caninum antigens in relation to abortion in cattle. Five recombinant proteins with potential as diagnostic antigens (NcGRA6, NcGRA7, NcGRA14, NcCyP, and NcSAG1) were compared by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) using sera from mice and cattle experimentally infected with N. caninum. The best-performing three antigens (NcSAG1, NcGRA7, and NcGRA6) were evaluated by IgG-iELISAs to assess their utility in diagnosing Neospora abortion using sera from confirmed N. caninum-aborted dams based on immunohistochemical assays (IHC). Additionally, all samples were tested using a commercial N. caninum antibody competitive ELISA (cELISA). The iELISAs against both NcSAG1 and NcGRA7 could efficiently distinguish IHC positive and negative samples compared with iELISAs against NcGRA6 and the cELISA. Furthermore, antibody levels against NcSAG1 and NcGRA7 were significantly higher in aborting cows comparing with infected but non-aborted dams in a herd experiencing a Neospora abortion outbreak. Tracking the dynamics of antibody levels during pregnancy revealed a marked increase in NcSAG1- and NcGRA7-specific antibodies at the last trimester of pregnancy. In contrast, no marked differences in antibody levels against either antigen were noted in neurologically symptomatic calves compared with non-symptomatic infected calves. Our data suggests NcSAG1 and NcGRA7 as indicators for Neospora abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan H Abdelbaky
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Maki Nishimura
- Shihoro Agricultural Cooperative Association, Hokkaido 080-1200, Japan
| | - Naomi Shimoda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Jun Hiasa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Shihoro Agricultural Cooperative Association, Hokkaido 080-1200, Japan
| | - Ragab M Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Hiromi Tokimitsu
- Shihoro Agricultural Cooperative Association, Hokkaido 080-1200, Japan
| | - Hisashi Inokuma
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Diezma-Díaz C, Ferre I, Saldias B, Blanco-Murcia J, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G. Added value of IgM detection and low avidity index as markers of acute bovine besnoitiosis. Vet Parasitol 2019; 277:109012. [PMID: 31884316 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.109012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Early in vivo diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis is crucial for the success of control programmes. However, diagnosis in acutely infected animals is hindered by the low sensitivity of the available serological tools. In this study, a novel ELISA to detect specific anti-Besnoitia besnoiti IgM antibodies was developed. The usefulness of this tool together with an avidity ELISA were studied with a well-coded sera panel from experimentally and naturally infected cattle. First, the kinetics of specific IgM levels were determined in experimentally infected calves during the acute and chronic infection. Next, IgM levels were determined in naturally infected cattle with either acute or chronic infection. Finally, the IgG avidity index was monitored in both experimentally and naturally infected cattle. Specific IgM antibodies were detected prior to specific IgG antibodies (7-19 days vs. 17-26 days post-infection). A prompt IgM response was associated with the end of the febrile stage in experimentally infected calves. Naturally and experimentally infected animals with acute clinical signs tested IgM-positive but IgG-negative, followed by IgG seroconversion 2-3 weeks later. Chronically infected cattle developed both IgM and IgG specific antibodies. Moreover, a progressive increase in the avidity index (AI) was observed in all experimentally infected calves during the course of the experimental trials. However, a low AI coincided with visible tissue cysts. Low avidity values were also detected when naturally infected cattle with acute clinical signs seroconverted, in contrast to a high AI detected in chronically infected cattle. In summary, IgM and avidity ELISAs improved the early in vivo diagnosis of bovine besnoitiosis. IgM-positive but IgG-negative results were indicative of an acute infection, whereas IgG positive results accompanied by low avidity values confirmed a recent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Begonia Saldias
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Blanco-Murcia
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Lefkaditis M, Mpairamoglou R, Sossidou A, Spanoudis K, Tsakiroglou M. Neospora caninum, A potential cause of reproductive failure in dairy cows from Northern Greece. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2019; 19:100365. [PMID: 32057391 PMCID: PMC7103951 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum infection has been reported in a large number of intermediate hosts, such as ruminants, rabbits, mice, etc. but neosporosis has emerged as a serious disease in cattle and dogs worldwide. Abortions and other infertility issues have been reported in the infected cows, leading to great economic losses in farmers. The aim of our study was to assess N. caninum seroprevalence in dairy cattle from Northern Greece (region of Xanthi) by using the indirect fluorescent antibody technique. Blood samples were collected from 875 Holstein – Friesian dairy cows and tested for Neospora caninum antibodies. Among the cows that were studied, 184 (21.03%) were positive for N. caninum antibodies and concurrently their farms had a known previous history of infertility problems, such as abortions, increased number of artificial inseminations needed for conception, increased rate of returning to estrus and retention of fetal membranes. Neosporis is a common parasitosis in dairy cows. The number of abortions was significantly higher in seropositive cows. In seropositive cows the number of artificial inseminations was increased. The birth interval was much more longer in the N. caninum seropositive cows. Significant economic loss was observed in the infected farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lefkaditis
- Veterinary Faculty, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece.
| | - R Mpairamoglou
- Veterinary Faculty, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece
| | - A Sossidou
- Veterinary Faculty, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece
| | - K Spanoudis
- Veterinary Faculty, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece.
| | - M Tsakiroglou
- Veterinary Faculty, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Greece
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A time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for the detection of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep. Vet Parasitol 2019; 276:108994. [PMID: 31778941 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.108994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite (Phylum Apicomplexa) that has been recently suggested as a relevant cause of reproductive disorders in small ruminants. The aim of the present study is to develop and validate a new serological test based on time resolved fluorescency using N. caninum GRA7 recombinant antigen (GRA7-TRFIA) for the detection of N. caninum antibodies in sheep. A total of 346 serum samples (208 from experimentally infected sheep, 117 from a dairy farm with a previous history of Neospora-associated abortion, and 21 negative sera) were used. The validation of the new assay was performed by the evaluation of assay precision, analytical sensitivity (Se), accuracy and cross reactivity. In the experimentally infected sheep, antibody kinetics was compared between GRA7-TRFIA and an in house N. caninum tachyzoite soluble extract-based ELISA (NcSALUVET ELISA) by Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. The cut-off and diagnostic Se and specificity (Sp) of GRA7-TRFIA was estimated by ROC analysis with field samples. In addition, concordance and correlation between GRA7-TRFIA and a commercial ELISA and NcSALUVET ELISA were assessed by kappa value and Spearman correlation coefficient, respectively. Overall, GRA7-TRFIA showed an adequate precision, analytical Se and accuracy to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies in ovine serum, and no cross reactivity with the closely related protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In naturally infected sheep, 100% Se and 95.35% Sp were obtained for a cut-off point of 62.68 Units of Fluorometry for N. caninum (UFN). Moreover, GRA7-TRFIA allowed earlier detection of N. caninum infection than NcSALUVET ELISA in experimentally infected sheep.
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Vázquez P, Osoro K, Fernández M, Román-Trufero A, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Jiménez-Pelayo L, García-Sánchez M, Rojo-Montejo S, Benavides J, Horcajo P, Ortega-Mora LM. Effects of challenge dose and inoculation route of the virulent Neospora caninum Nc-Spain7 isolate in pregnant cattle at mid-gestation. Vet Res 2019; 50:68. [PMID: 31547877 PMCID: PMC6755697 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-019-0686-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parameters such as pathogen dose and inoculation route are paramount in animal models when studying disease pathogenesis. Here, clinical findings, including foetal mortality, parasite transmission rates and lesion severity, and immune responses were evaluated in Asturiana pregnant heifers at day 110 of gestation challenged with a virulent (Nc-Spain7) Neospora caninum isolate. Four different doses of parasite tachyzoites were inoculated intravenously (IV1, 107 parasites, n = 6; IV2, 105, n = 6; IV3, 103, n = 6; and IV4, 102, n = 5), and the subcutaneous (SC) inoculation route was also assessed for the dose of 105 tachyzoites (SC, n = 6). In addition, a control group (n = 4 pregnant heifers) was evaluated. Foetal death was observed in all infected groups from 25 to 62 days post-infection, varying with the dose (IV1:4/6, IV2:3/6; IV4:2/5, IV3:1/6), and was three times less frequently associated with the SC route than IV inoculation (1/6 vs. 3/6). A dose-dependent effect for parasite loads in placental and foetal brain tissues was also detected. After SC challenge, a reduced number of tachyzoites were able to reach foetal brain tissues, and no lesions were observed. In calves, specific IgG responses in precolostral sera were mainly associated with high-dose groups (IV1 [100.0%] and IV2 [66.7%]), and cerebral parasite DNA detection was scarce (3/18). In dams, IFN-γ production and the dynamics of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies varied with the dose, and the cell-mediated immune response was also found to be route-dependent. Our results confirm the influence of parasite dose and inoculation route on the outcome and dynamics of bovine neosporosis at mid-gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Vázquez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Koldo Osoro
- Regional Service for Research and Agri-Food Development (SERIDA), 33300, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Miguel Fernández
- Mountain Livestock Institute, Animal Health Department, University of León CSIC-ULE, 24346, Grulleros, León, Spain
| | - Alicia Román-Trufero
- Regional Service for Research and Agri-Food Development (SERIDA), 33300, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET-Innova S.L., Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Jiménez-Pelayo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta García-Sánchez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Rojo-Montejo
- Regional Service for Research and Agri-Food Development (SERIDA), 33300, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
| | - Julio Benavides
- Mountain Livestock Institute, Animal Health Department, University of León CSIC-ULE, 24346, Grulleros, León, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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Cruz-Estupiñan S, Diaz-Anaya A, Bulla-Castañeda D, Garcia-Corredor D, Pulido-Medellín M. Diagnóstico Serológico de Neospora caninum en vacas del municipio de Tuta, Boyacá. REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y DE ZOOTECNIA 2019. [DOI: 10.15446/rfmvz.v66n3.84256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
N. caninum es un parásito protozoario del filo Apicomplexa , y ha sido reconocido como una causa importante de aborto y falla reproductiva en el ganado de todo el mundo. Aunque en Colombia existen algunos estudios sobre la seroprevalencia de esta enfermedad, la información sigue siendo limitada. Objetivo. Establecer la seroprevalencia de N. caninum en vacas lecheras del municipio de Tuta (Boyacá, Colombia). Materiales y Métodos. Se muestrearon 375 animales. Las muestras se procesaron bajo la técnica de ELISA indirecta, se realizó un análisis estadístico con la prueba de Chi-cuadrada de asociación-independencia para determinar si existía relación entre la presencia de anticuerpos contra N. caninum y las diferentes variables reproductivas. Resultados. Se observó que el 52% de los individuos fueron positivos a anticuerpos contra N. caninum, la única variable reproductiva que presentó relación estadística con la presencia del protozoo fue repetición de celo, no existió relación entre edad y raza de los bovinos y la presentación de N. caninum. Conclusión. La seroprevalencia es elevada si se tienen en cuenta los datos de seroprevalencia reportados con anterioridad en otras regiones del país, no obstante, estos resultados no demostraron la presencia de enfermedad en los animales analizados, pero si la evidencia antigénica, lo que sugiere que en algún momento de la vida se infectaron con el agente y promovieron la formación de anticuerpos específicos.
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Tarazona-Manrique LE, Villate-Hernández JR, Andrade-Becerra RJ. Bacterial and fungal infectious etiology causing mastitis in dairy cows in the highlands of Boyacá (Colombia). REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y DE ZOOTECNIA 2019. [DOI: 10.15446/rfmvz.v66n3.84258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mastitis is one of the most important diseases for the dairy industry worldwide due to the great economic losses it causes, and the bacterial agents that it causes variation from one herd to another. The objective of the investigation was determined the infectious agents involved in the development of mastitis in specialized dairies herds in the Highlands of Boyacá, Colombia. Was performed CMT tests in 4432 teats to determine the positive results for inflammation (CMT + 2), sampling in aseptic material of positives quarters, identification and differentiation of through microbiological cultures, Gram staining, and biochemical tests of bacterial and fungal agents presents in milk samples. It was determined that prevalence´s varied between the years of the study, in 2016 there was a total prevalence of 45.19%, in 2017: 51.06% and in 2018: 39.76%. The months of April, May, and September, October presented the highest number of teats affected with mastitis during the three years of study. Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus were the most prevalent microorganisms that cause mastitis in the three study years. There was an increase in the prevalence of infected teats corresponding to the months (April, May, September, and October) due to rainfall increases. The contagious pathogens were most prevalent that environmental pathogens.
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Serrano-Martínez ME, Cisterna CAB, Romero RCE, Huacho MAQ, Bermabé AM, Albornoz LAL. Evaluation of abortions spontaneously induced by Neospora caninum and risk factors in dairy cattle from Lima, Peru. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 28:215-220. [PMID: 31215607 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to identify the direct and indirect presence of Neospora caninum in dairy cattle and their aborted fetuses from Lima, Peru. A total 219 blood samples obtained from dairy cattle with records of spontaneous abortion were collected to detect antibodies against N. caninum in serum with indirect ELISA and search for risk-factor associations. 68 fetal aborted tissue samples of these cows were analyzed by PCR, indirect ELISA and histopathology assay to detect N. caninum presence. The prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Univariate analysis was performed using the chi-squared test. Among the 68 aborted fetuses collected, 10 (15%) were positive in at least two diagnostic tests. Among 219 serum samples, 46.6% (95% CI: 40.0%-53.3%) were positive. Cows with 4 years or older (PR: 7.10; 95% CI: 4.89-10.67) and multiparous (PR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.11-2.80) were found to be more likely to possess N. caninum antibodies. This study detects presence of N. caninum in dairy cattle and their aborted fetus from Lima valley, suggesting biosecurity management improve to neosporosis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Enrique Serrano-Martínez
- Grupo SANIVET: Sanidad Vaterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia - UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Cesar Abel Burga Cisterna
- Grupo SANIVET: Sanidad Vaterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia - UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Marco Antonio Quispe Huacho
- Grupo SANIVET: Sanidad Vaterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia - UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Alessandra Matienzo Bermabé
- Grupo SANIVET: Sanidad Vaterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia - UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis Antonio Llanco Albornoz
- Grupo SANIVET: Sanidad Vaterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia - UPCH, Lima, Peru
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Okumu TA, John NM, Wabacha JK, Tsuma V, VanLeeuwen J. Seroprevalence of antibodies for bovine viral diarrhoea virus, Brucella abortus and Neospora caninum, and their roles in the incidence of abortion/foetal loss in dairy cattle herds in Nakuru District, Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:95. [PMID: 30885192 PMCID: PMC6423779 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-1842-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background No comprehensive studies have been carried out on the infectious causes of abortion in Kenyan dairy cattle herds. A survey was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV), Brucella abortus (BA) and Neospora caninum (NC) among dairy cattle herds in Nakuru County, a major dairying area in Kenya. A prospective sero-epidemiological study was also undertaken to investigate the effects of BVDV, BA and NC on the occurrence of bovine abortion in dairy cattle herds, where monthly rectal palpations for pregnancy were performed, and monthly serum samples were tested for antibodies to the 3 pathogens. Results In the 398 randomly selected cattle on 64 dairy herds, the seroprevalences of antibodies to BVDV, NC and BA were 79.1, 25.6 and 16.8%, respectively. Of the cattle seropositive to NC, 83.3% were also seropositive to BVDV and 13.7% to BA. Of the cattle seropositive to BVDV, 17.1% were also seropositive to BA. Among 260 monitored pregnant dairy cattle on the same 64 dairy farms, an incidence risk for abortion of 10.8% (28/260) was identified, while the incidence of other foetal losses was 1.1% (3/260). The incidence rates of sero-conversion for NC, BVD and BA were 1.1, 0.06 and 0.5 new infections/100 cow-months at risk, respectively. The foetal losses were mainly observed in animals less than 96 months old and occurred in mid-gestation. Neospora caninum was associated with most cases (29.0%) of foetal losses, followed by mixed infections of NC and BVDV (12.9%), BVDV (9.9%) and co-infections of BA and NC (6.5%). Conclusions This is the first study to document the substantial incidence risk of BVDV and NC abortions in dairy cattle in Kenya, and demonstrates the relative importance of BA, BVDV and NC infections in dairy cattle in Kenya. Kenya laboratories should offer diagnostic tests for BVDV and NC to help farmers determine their roles in abortions on their farms. A comprehensive policy on the control of these important diseases should also be put in place by government with the involvement of all stakeholders in the dairy cattle industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tequiero Abuom Okumu
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | | | - James K Wabacha
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,African Union Inter Africa Bureau of Animal Resources, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Victor Tsuma
- Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John VanLeeuwen
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
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Prevalence of vertically transmitted Neospora caninum amongst beef cattle in Phayao, Thailand. Parasitol Int 2019; 70:98-101. [PMID: 30822533 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum, the causative agent of neosporosis, is recognised as a significant trigger of abortion and productivity losses in cattle worldwide. Current information regarding to the prevalence of N. caninum in Thailand is limited due to the limitations of detection methods and the difficulty of recovering of viable parasite. Vertical transmission is the main route of N. caninum infection in cattle. Therefore, detection of N. caninum DNA in placental tissue could be a possible means of laboratory diagnosis of neosporosis in live animals, particularly in the context of transplacental transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of transplacentally transmitted N. caninum infection in female beef cattle in the northern Thai province of Phayao by detection of N. caninum DNA in bovine placenta by PCR. A total of 96 bovine placentas were collected from 7 districts of Phayao. Our result indicated that overall PCR prevalence of N. caninum in cattle in this area was 36.5% varying from 16.7-50.0% between districts. The districts with the highest prevalence of infection were Muang (50.0%) and Mae Chai (44.7%). The proportion of N. caninum infection was quite high suggesting that newborn calves were at risk of congenital infection. This study provides a current snapshot of the status of bovine neosporosis in Phayao which could lead to the development of effective strategies for prevention and control this disease.
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Vidal S, Brandt BW, Dettwiler M, Abril C, Bressan J, Greub G, Frey CF, Perreten V, Rodriguez-Campos S. Limited added value of fungal ITS amplicon sequencing in the study of bovine abortion. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00915. [PMID: 30426108 PMCID: PMC6222074 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine mycotic abortion is sporadic and caused by different ubiquitous and opportunistic fungi. Recently, a broad spectrum of bacterial opportunists involved in bovine abortion was revealed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We hypothesized that fungal organisms potentially involved in bovine abortion also might remain undetected by conventional culture. In this retrospective study, we therefore applied fungal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region amplicon sequencing to 74 cases of bovine abortion submitted to our diagnostic service. The investigation was complemented by fungal culture and, retrospectively, by data from bacteriological, virological and parasitological analyses and histopathological examination of placentas. Fungal DNA was found in both the placentas and abomasal contents, with 92 fungal genera identified. In 18 cases, >75% of the reads belonged to one specific fungal genus: Candida (n = 7), Malassezia (n = 4), Cryptococcus (n = 3), unidentified Capnodiales (n = 3), Actinomucor (n = 1), Cystofilobasidium (n = 1), Penicillium (n = 1), Verticillum (n = 1) and Zymoseptoria (n = 1) with one case harboring two different genera. By culture, in contrast, fungal agents were detected in only 6 cases. Inflammatory and/or necrotizing lesions were found in 27/40 histologically assessed placentas. However, no lesion-associated fungal structures were detected in HE- and PAS-stained specimens. Complementary data revealed the presence of one or more non-fungal possible abortifacient: Chlamydiales, Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira spp., Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, Streptococcus uberis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pluranimalium, Bacillus licheniformis, Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus, Serratia marcescens, Trueperella pyogenes, Schmallenbergvirus, Neospora caninum. The mycobiota revealed by sequencing did not differ between cases with or without a possible infectious etiology. Our study suggests that amplicon sequencing of the ITS2 region from DNA isolated from bovine abortion does not provide additional information or new insight into mycotic abortion and without complementary analyses may easily lead to a false interpretation of the role of fungal organisms in bovine abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Vidal
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bernd W. Brandt
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martina Dettwiler
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlos Abril
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jenny Bressan
- Department of Neurology, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Bugnon 48, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Perreten
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sabrina Rodriguez-Campos
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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NEOSPORA CANINUM–SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES INFREE-RANGINGWHITE-LIPPED PECCARIES (TAYASSU PECARI) FROM THE PERUVIAN AMAZON: DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES IN SERUM AND EVALUATION OF INDIRECT FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY TEST WITH HETEROLOGOUS SECONDARY ANTIBODY. J Zoo Wildl Med 2018; 49:656-661. [DOI: 10.1638/2017-0084.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Tian AL, Elsheikha HM, Zhou DH, Wu YD, Chen MX, Wang M, Chen D, Zhang XC, Zhu XQ. A novel recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay for the rapid isothermal detection of Neospora caninum in aborted bovine fetuses. Vet Parasitol 2018; 258:24-29. [PMID: 30105974 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of a method to rapidly diagnose Neospora caninum infection is highly desirable. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), combined with lateral flow (LF) strips, is a novel approach to rapidly amplify and visualize DNA. We have developed a prototype LF-RPA assay, using primers and a probe that targeted a specific sequence in the N. caninum NC-5 gene. The N. caninum-specific LF-RPA assay was first tested on purified DNA from oocysts and amplified N. caninum DNA to detectable levels in 10 min, at a constant temperature and without the need for an expensive thermocycler. The designed RPA primers and probe displayed 100% specificity for detecting N. caninum without any cross-reaction with DNA from nine related protozoan spp. (eg Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis gigantean, Sarcocystis zuoi, Hammondia hammondi, Hammondia heydorni, Eimeria cylindrica, Plasmodium falciparum, Theileria annulata and Babesia bigemina). Although, LF-RPA assay detected amounts as low as 50 fg of N. caninum DNA, it was nearly 5-fold less sensitive than previously published qPCR and nested PCR assays. We tested the diagnostic performance of the LF-RPA assay for the detection of N. caninum DNA in aborted bovine fetal tissue samples, and compared the results with those obtained from nested PCR. Out of the 75 samples examined, 18 (24%) and 17 (22.6%) tested positive using LF-RPA and nested PCR, respectively. Our results indicate that LF-RPA is a suitable assay for the rapid and reliable detection of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ling Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Dong-Hui Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350002, PR China.
| | - Yao-Dong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Mu-Xin Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200025, PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Dan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Xi-Chen Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130062, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China.
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Villagra-Blanco R, Angelova L, Conze T, Schares G, Bärwald A, Taubert A, Hermosilla C, Wehrend A. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum-specific antibodies in German breeding bitches. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:96. [PMID: 29454376 PMCID: PMC5816543 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2683-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neospora caninum is an intracellular obligate apicomplexan parasite responsible for multisystemic lesions in dogs. Being definitive hosts and reservoirs, dogs excrete environmentally resistant oocysts. Breeding bitches represent a susceptible dog group and infected bitches may spread this parasite through transplacental transmission. RESULTS A total of 218 serum samples of German breeding bitches were collected to determine the presence of N. caninum. Antibodies were detected in 16 (7.33%) bitches using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunoblotting analysis confirmed all seropositive samples detected by ELISA, proving that the animals were infected with N. caninum. The owners were interviewed regarding breed, age, environment, type, vaccine status, feeding habits and the presence of reproductive disorders. Seropositive animals were between the ages of two to seven years; three of them were kept in kennels while the others were household dogs, one of which was additionally a hunting dog. Owners of four seropositive bitches reported one gestation, while multiple pregnancies had been recorded for the other twelve bitches. Fourteen bitches were regularly vaccinated and six were fed with fresh raw meat. CONCLUSIONS Although the results confirmed a low incidence of N. caninum seropositive German breeding bitches, further epidemiological and surveillance studies are required to complement our findings regarding the current situation of neosporosis in this specific canine population of Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Villagra-Blanco
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals with Veterinary Ambulance, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Lora Angelova
- Veterinarian Health Center Wiesbaden-Bierstadt, 65191 Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Theresa Conze
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals with Veterinary Ambulance, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Andrea Bärwald
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Axel Wehrend
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals with Veterinary Ambulance, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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