1
|
Montiel-González G, Franco-Robles E, García-Munguía CA, Valencia-Posadas M, Martínez-Jaime OA, López-Briones S, Gutiérrez-Chávez AJ. Co-infection by Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Goats Reared in Extensive System of Mexico. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024. [PMID: 38651633 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study was to describe the presence of co-infection by Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in goats reared in extensive systems from Mexico. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the frequency of T. gondii and N. caninum, by detecting antibodies to each parasite by mean commercial ELISA kits. A total of 176 blood samples were randomly collected from mature females reared in extensive system herds from 20 municipalities of state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Results: The general seroprevalence was 23.9 and 21.0% for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively, while co-infection rate was 3.6%. For geographic and environmental variables, no differences were observed among T. gondii and coinfection; however, it was observed that altitude, annual precipitation, annual average temperature, and rainy period showed significant differences with N. caninum seropositive goats. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of both parasites was appreciated in most of the studied herds. The present study is the first report of T. gondii and N. caninum co-infection in goats from extensive herds in Mexico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Montiel-González
- Programa de Doctorado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
| | - Elena Franco-Robles
- Programa de Doctorado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
- Departamento de Veterinaria y Zootecnia, División Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
| | - Carlos A García-Munguía
- Programa de Doctorado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
- Departamento de Veterinaria y Zootecnia, División Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
| | - Mauricio Valencia-Posadas
- Programa de Doctorado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
- Departamento de Veterinaria y Zootecnia, División Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
| | - Oscar A Martínez-Jaime
- Departamento de Agronomía, División Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
| | - Sergio López-Briones
- Programa de Doctorado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
- Departamento de Medicina y Nutrición. División de Ciencias de la Salud. Campus León, Universidad de Guanajuato, San Carlos, Mexico
| | - Abner J Gutiérrez-Chávez
- Programa de Doctorado en Biociencias, División de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
- Departamento de Veterinaria y Zootecnia, División Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Irapuato-Salamanca, Universidad de Guanajuato, Irapuato, México
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Holec-Gąsior L, Sołowińska K. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Small Ruminants: Old Problems, and Current Solutions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2696. [PMID: 37684960 PMCID: PMC10487074 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis of veterinary importance, with implications for public health. Toxoplasma gondii infection causes abortion or congenital disease in small ruminants. Moreover, the consumption of infected meat, cured meat products, or unpasteurized milk and dairy products can facilitate zoonotic transmission. Serological studies conducted in various European countries have shown the high seroprevalence of specific anti-T. gondii antibodies in sheep and goats related to the presence of oocysts in the environment, as well as climatic conditions. This article presents the current status of the detection possibilities for T. gondii infection in small ruminants and their milk. Serological testing is considered the most practical method for diagnosing toxoplasmosis; therefore, many studies have shown that recombinant antigens as single proteins, mixtures of various antigens, or chimeric proteins can be successfully used as an alternative to Toxoplasma lysate antigens (TLA). Several assays based on DNA amplification have been developed as alternative diagnostic methods, which are especially useful when serodiagnosis is not possible, e.g., the detection of intrauterine T. gondii infection when the fetus is not immunocompetent. These techniques employ multicopy sequences highly conserved among different strains of T. gondii in conventional, nested, competitive, and quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Holec-Gąsior
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza Str., 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Basso W, Holenweger F, Schares G, Müller N, Campero LM, Ardüser F, Moore-Jones G, Frey CF, Zanolari P. Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in sheep and goats in Switzerland: Seroprevalence and occurrence in aborted foetuses. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2022; 28:e00176. [PMID: 36039091 PMCID: PMC9418186 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2022.e00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections are important causes of abortion in ruminants. Besides, meat from T. gondii infected animals represent a major infection source for humans. The occurrence of these protozoan parasites in Switzerland was investigated both, in a nationwide cross-sectional serological survey, and by molecular methods in aborted sheep and goat foetuses. A total of 653 sheep from 143 farms and 748 goats from 164 farms were tested by commercial ELISAs and inconclusive results were defined by immunoblot. Besides, a risk factor analysis for seropositivity was performed. The observed seroprevalences for T. gondii in sheep and goats were 66.3% and 50.5% at the animal level, and 90.9% and 81.1% at the farm level, respectively. For N. caninum, the detected seroprevalences in sheep and goats were 0.8% and 0.9% at the animal level, and 2.8% and 1.8% at the farm level, respectively. Older small ruminants, and sheep (vs. goats) had a higher risk of being seropositive to T. gondii. Alpine grazing in summer was identified as a protective factor for seropositivity to T. gondii in both animal species. Toxoplasma gondii and N. caninum DNA were detected in 6.1% and 2.4% (n = 82), and in 6.8% and 1.4% (n = 73) of the tested ovine and caprine foetuses, respectively. These results suggest the involvement of these parasites in abortions and reveal a high prevalence of T. gondii and lower prevalence of N. caninum infections in small ruminants in Switzerland. They also suggest that consumption of undercooked meat from T. gondii infected sheep and goats may represent a risk for public health. Toxoplasma gondii infections are very frequent in Swiss small ruminants. Meat from infected small ruminants represents a source for T. gondii human infection. Sheep have a higher risk of T. gondii seropositivity than goats. Neospora caninum seroprevalences in Swiss sheep and goats are very low. T. gondii and N. caninum were detected in ovine and caprine abortions in Switzerland. T. gondii and N. caninum should be considered in diagnosis of small ruminant abortion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Holenweger
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucía M Campero
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.,Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Flurin Ardüser
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gaia Moore-Jones
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Längassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrik Zanolari
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Benavides J, González-Warleta M, Arteche-Villasol N, Pérez V, Mezo M, Gutiérrez-Expósito D. Ovine Neosporosis: The Current Global Situation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162074. [PMID: 36009665 PMCID: PMC9405361 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review summarizes the current global situation of Neospora caninum infection in sheep by referring to all of the available descriptions of natural ovine neosporosis to date, focusing on epidemiology, clinical signs, lesions, and diagnosis. The data suggest that ovine neosporosis is more prevalent than currently thought, that it has increased in the last few decades, and that it should now be considered in the differential diagnosis when investigating abortion in sheep. Abstract In the past 20 years, Neospora caninum infection in sheep has been reported in at least 31 countries worldwide from all sheep-rearing continents (Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania), and its role as an abortifacient agent is becoming more evident. Most studies of ovine neosporosis have focused on its epidemiology, based primarily on serological analysis, with only a few studies investigating the actual presence of the parasite by PCR and/or IHC. Individual seroprevalence rates were highly variable between countries, and even between regions within the same country, ranging from 0.0% to 67.4% positive. Furthermore, most of the studies were not directly comparable due to differences in experimental designs, sample sizes, husbandry systems, ecological factors, and serological tests (e.g., IFAT, ELISA, MAT, Western blot). The latter, along with the scarcity of studies on the relevance of N. caninum as an abortifacient agent, may bias the perception of the importance of this disease. This review summarizes the situation of N. caninum infection in sheep using all available published studies describing natural ovine neosporosis. The epidemiology shows that ovine neosporosis is found worldwide, and it poses a relevant risk to the sustainability of sheep flocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julio Benavides
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-University of Leon, Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
| | - Marta González-Warleta
- Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, Parasitology Laboratory, Axencia Galega da Calidade Alimentaria (AGACAL)-Xunta de Galicia, Ctra, Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Noive Arteche-Villasol
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-University of Leon, Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Valentín Pérez
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-University of Leon, Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mezo
- Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, Parasitology Laboratory, Axencia Galega da Calidade Alimentaria (AGACAL)-Xunta de Galicia, Ctra, Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña, CSIC-University of Leon, Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Leon, Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
de Barros RAM, Torrecilhas AC, Marciano MAM, Mazuz ML, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Fux B. Toxoplasmosis in Human and Animals Around the World. Diagnosis and Perspectives in the One Health Approach. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106432. [PMID: 35390311 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a unique health disease that significantly affects the health of humans, domestic animals, wildlife and is present in ecosystems, including water, soil and food. Toxoplasma gondii is one of the best-adapted parasites in the word. This parasite is able to persist for long periods in its hosts, in different geographic regions of the word. This review summarizes the current literature of these themes, focusing on: (1) toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic infection; (2) One health approach and toxoplasmosis; (3) human toxoplasmosis; (4) animal toxoplasmosis; (5) toxoplasmosis diagnosis, as immunological, parasitological and molecular diagnosis; (6) T. gondii outbreaks caused by infected meat, milk and dairy products, as well as, vegetables and water consume; (7) studies in experimental models; (8) genetic characterization of T. gondii strains; (9) extracellular vesicles and miRNA; and (10) future perspectives on T. gondii and toxoplasmosis. The vast prevalence of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals and the dispersion and resistence of T. gondii parasites in environment highlight the importance of the one health approach in diagnostic and control of the disease. Here the different aspects of the one health approach are presented and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Aparecida Müller de Barros
- Unidade de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.; Programa em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil..
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Diadema, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil..
| | | | - Monica Leszkowicz Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Israeli Veterinary Service and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Beit Dagan, 5025000, Israel..
| | | | - Blima Fux
- Unidade de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.; Programa em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil..
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mendoza-Morales LF, Lagorio V, Corigliano MG, Sánchez-López E, Ramos-Duarte VA, Clemente M, Sander VA. Neosporosis in sheep: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global seroprevalence and related risk factors. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106569. [PMID: 35752203 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is recognized as the main cause of abortions in cattle worldwide and there is an increasing concern about its role in ovine reproductive losses; however, epidemiological studies regarding neosporosis in sheep are still limited. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global pooled seroprevalence and associated risk factors of ovine neosporosis. In the current report, a comprehensive strategy of search and data collection from 7 worldwide databases was performed. A final set of 73 studies (80 datasets) published from 2000 to 2021 were selected based on inclusion criteria, comprising data on 35,740 sheep (corresponding to 37,565 evaluated samples) from 30 countries worldwide. The global pooled seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in sheep estimated by the random-effects model was 13% (95% CI, 10-15) and showed high heterogeneity (Q = 5147.15, I2 = 98%, p< 0.001). Furthermore, by meta-analyses of subgroups it was demonstrated for the first time that seroprevalence significantly varied between continents (highest in Africa; 20%, 95% CI, 4-44), WHO regions (highest in African Region; 42%, 95% CI, 36-48), countries (highest in Colombia; 79%, 95% CI, 61-92%) and diagnostic methods (highest by IFAT; 17%, 95% CI, 12-23). Meta-regression indicated significant increasing trends in the prevalence of ovine neosporosis with decrease in geographical latitude (coefficient = -0.013; p<0.001), whereas longitude did not influence it (coefficient = -0.001; p=0.365). Regarding associated risk factors, older sheep were more likely to be infected with N. caninum than younger ones (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.08-1.87), and sheep bred under intensive or semi-intensive systems resulted less susceptible to be seropositive than those bred under extensive system (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.42-0.99 and OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.62-0.89, respectively). Conversely, no apparent association was found between seroprevalence and other variables, such as sex (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.9-1.24), the presence of dogs on the farm (OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.63-2.12) or the presence of abortion (OR 1.80; 95% CI 0.87-3.74). In conclusion, the seroprevalence of ovine neosporosis is widely and heterogeneously distributed throughout the world, and it is negatively associated with increasing geographical latitude. In addition, age and extensive production system represent risk factors, which suggest that the horizontal transmission route is relevant for this host species. It is recommended to pay more attention to this disease and emphasize the global need for more indexed studies concerning the seroprevalence and risk factors of ovine neosporosis to better understand the epidemiology of this coccidian infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F Mendoza-Morales
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valentina Lagorio
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana G Corigliano
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Edwin Sánchez-López
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Víctor A Ramos-Duarte
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Clemente
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria A Sander
- Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-Universidad Nacional de General San Martín, Intendente Marino Km 8,2; CC 164 (B7130IWA), Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ode S, Jarikre T, Jubril AJ, Emikpe B. Immunohistochemical detection and pathology of toxoplasmosis in Nigerian wild rats. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2022; 43:665-677. [PMID: 35306970 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2022.2053989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease of economic importance found worldwide, and it is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which affects a wide range of hosts. High prevalence of toxoplasmosis has been reported in rodents, and they are considered very important in the circulation and maintenance of the disease. However, epidemiologic studies of the disease in rodents are generally scarce in the Tropics. This study utilized the immunohistochemical (IHC) technique to detect Toxoplasma gondii in wild rats sampled from across the North Central Nigeria. The brain, intestine, diaphragm, lungs and kidney tissue samples from 227 wild rats (Zyzomys pedunculatus) were routinely processed for histopathology, out of which 86 were further selected for IHC detection of T. gondii antigens using the streptavidin-peroxidase method. The histologic lesions observed were mild to moderate in severity, including meningitis, focal gliosis, neuronal degeneration and necrosis, villous atrophy and denudation, enteritis, diaphragmatic myositis, broncho-interstitial pneumonia and interstitial nephritis. Toxoplasma gondii was detected in 82.6% of the selected samples showing various degrees of immunoreaction intensity. We conclude that IHC is a useful tool in the detection of T. gondii in wild rats, and lungs and kidney may be the organ of choice for the detection of T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ode
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
| | - Theophilus Jarikre
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Afusat Jagun Jubril
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Emikpe
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Huertas-López A, Sánchez-Sánchez R, Diezma-Díaz C, Álvarez-García G, Martínez-Carrasco C, Martínez-Subiela S, Cerón JJ. Detection of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep's full-cream milk by a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay. Vet Parasitol 2022; 301:109641. [PMID: 34979475 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109641] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovine neosporosis, caused by the Apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum, leads to reproductive failure worldwide. Nowadays, there is a trend to develop diagnostic techniques using non-invasive samples, such as milk, in order to reduce animal stress, sample collection effort, and costs. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a highly sensitive and specific serological technique, based on a time resolved-fluorescence immunoassay using a N. caninum GRA7 antigen (GRA7-TRFIA), for the detection of anti-N. caninum immunoglobulins G on sheep' full-cream milk samples. An analytical validation was performed, including intra- and inter-assay precision, analytical sensitivity and accuracy. The diagnostic performance of the assay was evaluated by studying the positive-negative discrimination by Mann Whitney U tests. In additon optimal cut-offs, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, and areas under the curve were calculated by three Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analyses, using GRA7-TRFIA and a N. caninum tachyzoite soluble extract-based ELISA (NcSALUVET-ELISA) in blood sera, and the coinciding results of both techniques, as reference techniques. Moreover, Spearman's correlation of GRA7-TRFIA in milk with the techniques in sera and agreement (kappa values) were also estimated. GRA7-TRFIA for milk samples showed an adequate precision, with high analytical sensitivity and accuracy. Regarding ROC analyses, at the optimal cut-offs, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were more than 90 % in all cases. In addition, GRA7-TRFIA values in milk were more positively correlated to GRA7-TRFIA values in blood sera than in the case of values obtained with NcSALUVET-ELISA. GRA7-TRFIA in milk showed an almost perfect agreement with GRA7-TRFIA in blood sera (kappa = 0.98) and with the coinciding results of GRA7-TRFIA and NcSALUVET in blood sera (kappa = 1.00), while it has a substantial agreement with NcSALUVET-ELISA (kappa = 0.69). In the light of these results, GRA7-TRFIA in full-cream milk samples is a highly sensitive technique that could be used for screening anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep flocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Huertas-López
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET group, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET group, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Animal Health Department, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
A recent update about seroprevalence of ovine neosporosis in Northern Egypt and its associated risk factors. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14043. [PMID: 34234210 PMCID: PMC8263615 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93596-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum (Family: Sarcocystidae) is an obligate intracellular protozoan. It is one of the most critical abortifacients in ruminants. The seroprevalence of antibodies against N. caninum and its risk factors was investigated among 430 sheep from four North Egyptian governorates, Alexandria, Gharbia, Menofia, and Qalyubia, during the period from 2017 to 2018. Generally, the overall prevalence rate of N. caninum among sheep was 8.6%. The logistic regression analysis for the obtained data revealed that N. caninum increased significantly with age (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 8.4-18.7) of the ewe (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 7.6-14.9), particularly among sheep in contact with dogs (OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 7.5-14.3). Besides, locality, season, and pregnancy status of examined sheep had no significant effect on the appearance of N. caninum infection. the present findings confirm the presence of N. caninum among sheep in Egypt which probably play a role in reproductive failure in sheep. Therefore, sanitary measures and monitoring of the infection should be implemented to reduce the spreading of the infection.
Collapse
|
10
|
Gutiérrez-Expósito D, González-Warleta M, Espinosa J, Vallejo-García R, Castro-Hermida JA, Calvo C, Ferreras MC, Pérez V, Benavides J, Mezo M. Maternal immune response in the placenta of sheep during recrudescence of natural congenital infection of Neospora caninum. Vet Parasitol 2020; 285:109204. [PMID: 32916458 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In order to gain further insight into the pathogenesis and transmission of ovine neosporosis, the serological response of 13 naturally infected pregnant sheep was monitored. All sheep were euthanized upon the detection of a sharp increase in the level of specific antibodies against N. caninum in order to study the maternal immune response after the recrudescence of a chronic infection. Ten sheep were euthanized between 84 and 118 days of gestation, whereas the three remaining and three control not infected, pregnant sheep were euthanized at 135 days of gestation after no sharp increase in antibodies was detected. Vertical transmission was confirmed in 11 sheep by detection of N. caninum-DNA in at least one fetus, confirming recrudescence. Not all of fetuses showed pathologic microscopic lesions, however, multifocal non-purulent encephalitis was the main finding. Furthermore, nine out of the 11 vertical transmission positive sheep had lesions in placentomes (mainly multifocal necrotic foci), and the parasite was detected in eight out of 11 placentas by PCR and/or immunohistochemestry. The placentomes from sheep that suffered recrudescence showed an increased number of T lymphocytes CD3+ (CD4/CD8 < 1) and macrophages (MHC-II+), assessed by immunohistochemestry, together with an up-regulation of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4, TNFα, IL-2 and IL-18. IL-17 was only upregulated in the three infected sheep that did not have a sharp increase in antibody levels. In the sheep that showed fetal death at the time of euthanasia (n = 3) the placental microscopic lesions were more severe, the inflammatory infiltrate was higher, and the upregulation of cytokines was greater than in those sheep carrying viable fetuses. This study suggests that, similarly to bovine neosporosis, the time of gestation when recrudescence occurs determines the viability of the fetuses and, thus, seems to be related to the severity of lesions and immune response in the placenta. These results suggest that there might be a correlation, either as cause or as a consequence, between protection against vertical transmission of the parasite and a milder maternal serological response together with a high level of transcription of IL-17 in the placenta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain; Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña. (CSIC-Universidad de León). Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain.
| | - Marta González-Warleta
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jose Espinosa
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Raquel Vallejo-García
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Castro-Hermida
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Carmen Calvo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| | - María C Ferreras
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Valentín Pérez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Julio Benavides
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña. (CSIC-Universidad de León). Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mezo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Su C. Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 286:109195. [PMID: 32979682 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, control, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in sheep in the past decade. There is debate and uncertainty concerning repeat congenital infection as evidenced by finding T. gondii DNA in progeny of chronically infected sheep. However, there is no concrete evidence that T. gondii is the cause of repeated abortions in sheep. Recent data concerning pathogenesis of abortion in acutely infected sheep are reviewed. PCR-RFLP typing of T. gondii DNA derived from viable T. gondii isolates or tissues of infected sheep revealed low genetic diversity in sheep in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America but high diversity in South America. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dubey J, Murata F, Cerqueira-Cézar C, Kwok O, Su C. WITHDRAWN: Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: the last decade. Vet Parasitol X 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vpoa.2020.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
|
13
|
Ai K, Huang CQ, Guo JJ, Cong H, He SY, Zhou CX, Cong W. Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the Slaughter Sheep and Goats from Shandong Province, Eastern China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 20:193-196. [PMID: 31545151 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally recognized that sheep are susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii and play a very important role in the transmission of toxoplasmosis to humans. In China, sheep toxoplasmosis has been reported in some regions based on serological investigations. However, little is known about sheep toxoplasmosis in Shandong province, eastern China. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in the slaughter sheep and goats from three cities (Weihai, Yantai, and Rizhao) of Shandong province, eastern China. From November 2016 to March 2018, a total of 692 meat samples (438 sheep and 254 goats) were collected and detected by a seminested PCR-targeted T. gondii B1 gene. The overall prevalence of T. gondii in sheep and goats were 9.84% and 10.73%, respectively. Meat collected from rural markets (16.04%) had a significantly higher T. gondii prevalence than those collected from supermarkets (6.84%) (p < 0.001). Moreover, sheep and goats raised in backyard were more easily to be infected by T. gondii compared with those raised in farms (p < 0.001). This is the first report of the molecular prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats in Shandong province, eastern China, which would provide effective data for prevention and control of sheep and human toxoplasmosis in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Ai
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Cui-Qin Huang
- Longyan University & Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Animal Infectious Diseases and Biotechnology, Longyan, P.R. China
| | - Jing-Jing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Shen-Yi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Xue Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Cong
- College of Marine Science, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zanatto DCS, Gatto IRH, Labruna MB, Jusi MMG, Samara SI, Machado RZ, André MR. Coxiella burnetii associated with BVDV (Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus), BoHV (Bovine Herpesvirus), Leptospira spp., Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma vivax in reproductive disorders in cattle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 28:245-257. [PMID: 31215610 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This is a cross-sectional study to assess the presence of antibodies in ruminants against selected pathogens associated with reproductive disorders in cattle in four Brazilian states, including the zoonotic agent Coxiella burnetii. The used tests were Virus Neutralization Assay for IBR and BVD, Microscopic Agglutination Test for Leptospira spp., Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) for C. burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Neospora caninum and Trypanosoma vivax. Seropositivity for C. burnetii was 13.7% with titers from 128 to 131,072; 57.8% for BoHV-1, with titers between 2 and 1,024; 47.1% for BVDV-1a, with titers from 10 to 5,120; 89.2% for N. caninum; 50% for T. vivax; and 52.0% for Leptospira spp., with titers between 100 to 800 (the following serovars were found: Tarassovi, Grippotyphosa, Canicola, Copenhageni, Wolffi, Hardjo, Pomona and Icterohaemorrhagiae); 19.6% for T. gondii with titer of 40. This is the first study that has identified C. burnetii in cattle associated with BoHV and BVDV, N. caninum, Leptospira spp., T. gondii and T. vivax. Thus, future studies should be conducted to investigate how widespread this pathogen is in Brazilian cattle herds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Carlos Souza Zanatto
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Microbiologia Agropecuária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil.,Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Igor Renan Honorato Gatto
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Bahia Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | - Samir Issa Samara
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Villagra-Blanco R, Barrantes-Granados O, Montero-Caballero D, Romero-Zúñiga JJ, Dolz G. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections and associated factors in sheep from Costa Rica. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2019; 4:e00085. [PMID: 30666319 PMCID: PMC6330264 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2019.e00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum were analyzed in 392 sheep sera from ten Costa Rican ovine flocks using indirect immuno-enzymatic assays. Additionally, general information about sheep management, environment, and clinical reproductive disorders was assessed through a questionnaire to inquire factors related to these apicomplexan parasites. A total of 161 (41.1%) serum samples reacted positive to T. gondii, 43 (10.9%) to N. caninum and 26 (6.63%) to both parasites. Toxoplasma gondii serorreactors were detected in all the analyzed flocks (100.0%), meanwhile N. caninum antibodies were found in nine flocks (90%), from the six Costa Rican regions. Factors associated with T. gondii were the co-presence of cattle (OR = 5.06; C.I.95%; 2.08-12.30; p: <0.001), grey foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) (OR = 2.44; C.I.95%; 1.50-3.95; p: <0.001) inside or around the farms, and the presence of peccaries (Tayassu sp.) (OR = 0.35; C.I.95%; 0.16-0.74; p: 0.0058) was a variable associated with N. caninum seropositivity. The obtained results of T. gondii and N. caninum infections in sheep flocks from Costa Rica should be considered for the proper prevention and control strategies against these apicomplexan abortive parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Villagra-Blanco
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
- Programa de Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional (UNA), P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | | | | | - Juan José Romero-Zúñiga
- Programa de Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional (UNA), P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Gaby Dolz
- Programa de Investigación en Medicina Poblacional, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional (UNA), P.O. Box 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection among Domestic Ruminants in East Hararghe Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Vet Med Int 2018; 2018:4263470. [PMID: 29887984 PMCID: PMC5985087 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4263470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2011 to September 2013 to assess the seroprevalence and identify risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic ruminants of East Hararghe zone of Oromia region, Ethiopia. Sera of 1360 domestic ruminants were analyzed for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies using the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Additionally, the owners were also interviewed using a structured questionnaire to identify the potential risk factors of T. gondii infection. Overall, the prevalence of T. gondii infection in domestic ruminants was 22.2% (302/1360). The seroprevalence in sheep, goats, cattle, and camels was 33.7%, 27.6%, 10.7%, and 14.4%, respectively. District, species, sex, age, and water source were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Increased seropositivity was observed in females (OR = 2.63) and also with the use of pond (OR = 4.25) and pipe (OR = 9.57) water sources in sheep; age >1 year old (OR = 3.45) and with drinking from pond (OR = 6.03) and pipe (OR = 11.61) water sources in goats; with the use of pond (OR = 5.60) and pipe (OR = 10.68) water sources in cattle; and in >4-year-old camels (OR = 2.49). In conclusion, T. gondii infection is common and widespread among the domestic ruminants of the study area, indicating the potential transmission to humans from these animals when they are used as a source of food. Hence, it is crucial to raise awareness of the people about T. gondii infection and conduct further study to explore the impact of the disease on food animal production.
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang S, Li L, Lu Y, Zhang H, Xie Q, Zhang Z. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora caninum infection among domestic sheep in Henan province, central China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:15. [PMID: 29557776 PMCID: PMC5859823 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2018019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the frequency of antibodies to Neospora caninum in domestic sheep raised in Henan province, central China. Serum samples from 779 domestic sheep were collected from March 2015 to May 2016, and antibodies to N. caninum were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed an overall IgG positive rate of 7.32% (57/779). The risk factors significantly related to seropositivity to N. caninum in sheep were the age, the presence of dogs, and the rearing system. This is the first report of N. caninum infection and associated risk factors in domestic sheep in central China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Lingjuan Li
- Henan Muxiang Veterinary Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, PR China
| | - Yi Lu
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center of Xinxiang City, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Haizhu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Qing Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Prevalence and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in cats of southwest of Iran. Infect Dis Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
19
|
Arraes-Santos AI, Araújo AC, Guimarães MF, Santos JR, Pena HF, Gennari SM, Azevedo SS, Labruna MB, Horta MC. Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in domestic mammals from two distinct regions in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2016; 5:14-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
20
|
Zhou M, Cao S, Sevinc F, Sevinc M, Ceylan O, Liu M, Wang G, Moumouni PFA, Jirapattharasate C, Suzuki H, Nishikawa Y, Xuan X. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using recombinant TgSAG2 and NcSAG1 to detect Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum-specific antibodies in domestic animals in Turkey. J Vet Med Sci 2016; 78:1877-1881. [PMID: 27523504 PMCID: PMC5240768 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.16-0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the scarce information on occurrences of Toxoplasma gondii
and Neospora caninum in domestic animals from Turkey, the aim of this
study was to investigate the seroprevalence of these parasite infections in cattle,
horses, sheep, goats and dogs in Turkey. The specific antibodies against T.
gondii and N. caninum were detected by iELISAs based on the
recombinant TgSAG2 or NcSAG1 in a total of 2,039 serum samples from eleven provinces. The
seroprevalence of T. gondii infections was 46.3%, 4.0%, 20.0%, 12.9% and
19.8%, that of N. caninum infections was 0.3%, 7.4%, 2.1%, 3.2% and 16.6%
in the horses, cattle, sheep, goats and dogs, respectively. These results indicated that
T. gondii and N. caninum infections are prevalent in
Turkish domestic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mo Zhou
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
English ED, Adomako-Ankomah Y, Boyle JP. Secreted effectors in Toxoplasma gondii and related species: determinants of host range and pathogenesis? Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:127-40. [PMID: 25655311 PMCID: PMC4359005 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the discovery of a number of secreted proteins in Toxoplasma gondii that play important roles in host-pathogen interactions and parasite virulence, particularly in the mouse model. However, the role that these proteins play in driving the unique features of T. gondii compared to some of its nearest apicomplexan relatives (Hammondia hammondi and Neospora caninum) is unknown. These unique features include distinct dissemination characteristics in vivo and a vast host range. In this review we comprehensively survey what is known about disease outcome, the host response and host range for T. gondii, H. hammondi, and N. caninum. We then review what is presently known about recently identified secreted virulence effectors in these three genetically related, but phenotypically distinct, species. Finally we exploit the existence of genome sequences for these three organisms and discuss what is known about the presence, and functionality, of key T. gondii effectors in these three species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E D English
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Guo M, Dubey JP, Hill D, Buchanan RL, Gamble HR, Jones JL, Pradhan AK. Prevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in meat animals and meat products destined for human consumption. J Food Prot 2015; 78:457-76. [PMID: 25710166 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-14-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is responsible for approximately 24% of all estimated deaths attributed to foodborne pathogens in the United States. Human infection results from accidental ingestion of oocysts from the environment, in water, or on insufficiently washed produce or from consumption of raw or undercooked meat products that contain T. gondii tissue cysts. This review focused on studies of T. gondii in meat because many human T. gondii infections are acquired through consumption of raw or undercooked meat. Prevalence of T. gondii is higher in conventionally reared pigs, sheep, and poultry than in cattle and is greater in meat products from organic than from conventionally reared meat animals because of outdoor access, which poses substantially greater opportunities for exposure to infected rodents, wildlife, and oocyst-contaminated feed, water, or environmental surfaces. Risk factors related to T. gondii exposure for livestock include farm type, feed source, presence of cats, methods of rodent and bird control, methods of carcass handling, and water quality. This review serves as a useful resource and information repository for informing quantitative risk assessment studies for T. gondii infection in humans through meat consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miao Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA
| | - Dolores Hill
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA
| | - Robert L Buchanan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Center for Food Safety and Security Systems, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - H Ray Gamble
- Fellowships Office, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Jones
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA
| | - Abani K Pradhan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Center for Food Safety and Security Systems, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sharma RN, Bush J, Tiwari K, Chikweto A, Bhaiyat MI. Seroprevalence of <i>Neospora caninum</i> in Sheep and Goats from Grenada, West Indies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ojvm.2015.511029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
24
|
Schlüter D, Däubener W, Schares G, Groß U, Pleyer U, Lüder C. Animals are key to human toxoplasmosis. Int J Med Microbiol 2014; 304:917-29. [PMID: 25240467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely sucessfull protozoal parasite which infects almost all mamalian species including humans. Approximately 30% of the human population worldwide is chronically infected with T. gondii. In general, human infection is asymptomatic but the parasite may induce severe disease in fetuses and immunocompromised patients. In addition, T. gondii may cause sight-threatening posterior uveitis in immunocompetent patients. Apart from few exceptions, humans acquire T. gondii from animals. Both, the oral uptake of T. gondii oocysts released by specific hosts, i.e. felidae, and of cysts persisting in muscle cells of animals result in human toxoplasmosis. In the present review, we discuss recent new data on the cell biology of T. gondii and parasite diversity in animals. In addition, we focus on the impact of these various parasite strains and their different virulence on the clinical outcome of human congenital toxoplasmosis and T. gondii uveitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schlüter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Walter Däubener
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Uwe Groß
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Eye Clinic, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
González-Warleta M, Castro-Hermida JA, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Benavides J, Álvarez-García G, Fuertes M, Ortega-Mora LM, Mezo M. Neospora caninum infection as a cause of reproductive failure in a sheep flock. Vet Res 2014; 45:88. [PMID: 25158756 PMCID: PMC4153895 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-014-0088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum has been detected only sporadically in cases of ovine abortion, and it has therefore traditionally been considered as an unimportant parasite in small ruminants. This study was carried out with the aim of identifying the pathogen causing serious reproductive problems on a commercial sheep farm. Sera from all rams and ewes tested negative for antibodies against Border disease virus, Schmallenberg virus and Coxiella burnetii, and infections by these agents were therefore ruled out. Nevertheless, seropositivity to N. caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii was detected, although the seroprevalence was higher in the case of N. caninum. The percentage of lambings and the number of lambs per dam were significantly lower in ewes that were seropositive to N. caninum while no effect on these parameters was detected in ewes that were seropositive to T. gondii. There was also no evidence of infection by T. gondii in the foetal/lamb tissues analyzed by PCR and/or immunohistopathological techniques. On the contrary, the DNA of N. caninum was detected in 13 out of 14 foetuses/lambs descendant from dams seropositive to this parasite. Characteristic lesions caused by N. caninum and/or its antigen were also detected. Genotyping of the N. caninum DNA revealed only two closely related microsatellite multilocus genotypes. The results clearly demonstrate that infection by N. caninum was the cause of the low reproductive performance of this sheep flock.
Collapse
|
26
|
Castañeda-Hernández A, Cruz-Vázquez C, Medina-Esparza L. Neospora caninum: Seroprevalence and DNA detection in blood of sheep from Aguascalientes, Mexico. Small Rumin Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
27
|
Witola WH, Bauman B, McHugh M, Matthews K. Silencing of GRA10 protein expression inhibits Toxoplasma gondii intracellular growth and development. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:651-8. [PMID: 24832208 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii dense granule proteins (GRAs) are secreted abundantly in both the tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages of the parasite and are known to localize to various compartments of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) that interfaces with the host cell milieu. Thus, GRAs may play significant roles in the biogenesis of the PV that is important for survival of intracellular T. gondii. GRA10 is a dense granule protein whose role in T. gondii has not yet been characterized. Therefore, in this study, we endeavored to determine the role of GRA10 in the growth and survival of intracellular T. gondii by using phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) antisense knockdown approach to disrupt the translation of GRA10 mRNA in the parasites. We expressed and purified a truncated recombinant GRA10 protein to generate anti-GRA10 polyclonal antibodies that we used to characterize GRA10 in T. gondii. We found that GRA10 is a soluble, dense granule-associated protein that is secreted into the parasite cytosol and the parasitophorous vacuole milieu. Using in vitro cultures, we found that knockdown of GRA10 results in severe inhibition of T. gondii growth in human fibroblasts and in ovine monocytic cells. Together, our findings define GRA10 as a dense granule protein that plays a significant role in the growth and propagation of intracellular T. gondii in human fibroblasts and in ovine monocytic cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William H Witola
- Room 312 Milbank Hall, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA.
| | - Bretta Bauman
- Room 312 Milbank Hall, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Mark McHugh
- Room 312 Milbank Hall, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Kwame Matthews
- Room 312 Milbank Hall, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum seroprevalence in dairy sheep and goats mixed stock farming. Vet Parasitol 2013; 198:387-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
29
|
Andrade MMC, Carneiro M, Medeiros AD, Neto VA, Vitor RW. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with ovine toxoplasmosis in Northeast Brazil. Parasite 2013; 20:20. [PMID: 23707895 PMCID: PMC3718521 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2013019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum samples of 930 sheep were tested by ELISA to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and to identify risk factors associated with the presence of toxoplasmosis in two regions of Rio Grande do Norte (Northeast Brazil), with different climatic conditions. The overall estimated prevalence was 22.1%, with 26.3% and 17.8% positive sheep in Leste Potiguar and Central Potiguar regions, respectively. Among the positive sheep, 18.1% had low-avidity IgG antibodies, suggesting the occurrence of recent toxoplasmosis. The risk factors for toxoplasmosis in sheep were: presence of cats (odds ratio (OR) = 1.55; confidence interval (CI) 95% = 1.11-2.16), age of the animals, with adults presenting a greater chance of infection (OR = 2.44; CI 95% = 1.58-3.75), and the use of running water (OR = 1.61; CI 95% = 1.25-2.09), characterizing the existence of transmission by sporulated oocysts of T. gondii in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milena M. Clementino Andrade
-
Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte MG Brazil
-
Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Biociências, UFRN Natal RN Brazil
| | - Mariangela Carneiro
-
Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte MG Brazil
| | - Andrea D. Medeiros
-
Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Biociências, UFRN Natal RN Brazil
| | - Valter Andrade Neto
-
Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Centro de Biociências, UFRN Natal RN Brazil
| | - Ricardo W.A. Vitor
-
Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, UFMG, Belo Horizonte MG Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Asadpour R, Jafari-Joozani R, Salehi N. Detection of Neospora caninum in ovine abortion in Iran. J Parasit Dis 2012; 37:105-9. [PMID: 24431549 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to assess the importance of ovine neosporosis in abortion of Iraninan sheep. Seventy aborted foetuses and dams from ovine dairy farms in northwest of Iran were analyzed to investigate the role of Neospora caninum (N. caninum) in ovine abortion. Diagnosis of the infection was determined by serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 70 aborted dairy ovine were blood sampled and used to evaluate serological status for N. caninum infection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and extracted DNA from the same aborted foetuses were subjected to PCR. Data were compared using Kruscal-Wallis test. From A total of the 70 sheeps, four (5.7 %) of the dams were seropositive. DNA from aborted foetuses was extracted primarily from placenta and CNS tissues. Extracted DNA from foetuses were analyzed using PCR with primers Np21(+) and Np6(+). Out of the 70 ovine fetuses 8.5 % were considered to be infected by PCR. This study confirms the importance of N. caninum as an important cause of ovine abortion in northwest of Iran.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Asadpour
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - R Jafari-Joozani
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - N Salehi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Qiu JH, Wang CR, Zhang X, Sheng ZH, Chang QC, Zhao Q, Wu SM, Zou FC, Zhu XQ. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Beef Cattle and Dairy Cattle in Northeast China. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2012; 9:579-82. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2011.1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Qiu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Ren Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Hua Sheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao-Chen Chang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Song-Ming 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
- 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, People's Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Occurrence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections in ovine and caprine abortions. Vet Parasitol 2012; 187:312-8. [PMID: 22260901 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Revised: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are closely related cyst-forming apicomplexan parasites identified as important causes of reproductive failure in cattle and small ruminants, respectively. Protozoan abortion in small ruminants is traditionally associated with T. gondii, but the importance of N. caninum remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of N. caninum and T. gondii infections in abortion cases in small ruminants submitted for diagnosis. For this purpose, 74 ovine and 26 caprine aborted foetuses were recovered from different areas in Spain. Foetal histopathology was used to detect the presence of protozoal-associated lesions in brain. The presence of N. caninum and T. gondii was confirmed by PCR. Protozoal infection was detected in 17 out of 100 (17%) foetuses examined by at least one of the diagnostic techniques used. Lesions suggestive of protozoal infection were observed in 10.8% (8/74) and 15.4% (4/26) of the ovine and caprine abortions respectively. N. caninum and T. gondii infection was detected by PCR in 6.8% (5/74) and 5.4% (4/74) of sheep foetuses, respectively, of which five showed protozoal-associated lesions. N. caninum DNA was detected in 11.5% (3/26) of goat foetuses, of which two showed protozoal-associated lesions, whereas T. gondii DNA was detected in one goat foetus with no lesions. The simultaneous presence of N. caninum and T. gondii DNA was detected in one sheep foetus with severe lesions. This study demonstrates that N. caninum plays a significant role in abortion in small ruminants in the studied population. In addition, our results highlight the importance of differentiating between protozoa whenever characteristic lesions are observed.
Collapse
|
33
|
|
34
|
Wang C, Qiu J, Gao J, Liu L, Wang C, Liu Q, Yan C, Zhu X. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats in northeastern China. Small Rumin Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
35
|
Langoni H, Greca H, Guimarães FF, Ullmann LS, Gaio FC, Uehara RS, Rosa EP, Amorim RM, Da Silva RC. Serological profile of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in commercial sheep from São Paulo State, Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2011; 177:50-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2009] [Revised: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
36
|
Salaberry SRS, Okuda LH, Nassar AFDC, Castro JRD, Lima-Ribeiro AMC. Prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep flocks of Uberlândia county, MG. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2010; 19:148-51. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612010000300004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Accepted: 04/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is a parasitic disease that occurs in sheep and is associated with reproductive failure. The aim of this study was to verify seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in 12 sheep flocks in Uberlândia county, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). A total of 334 sheep blood samples were analyzed and an epidemiologic questionnaire was applied for each farm in order to correlate with risk factors of neosporosis: gender, age, breed, abortion problems, contact with cattle and dogs, and presence of wild canids. The prevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep was 8.1%, with titers ranging from 50 to 3200 and 83.3% of farms detected at least one ovine reactive. There was statistically significant difference in flocks with abortion problems associated with the presence of Neospora caninum antibodies (p < 0.05).
Collapse
|
37
|
Bishop S, King J, Windsor P, Reichel MP, Ellis J, Slapeta J. The first report of ovine cerebral neosporosis and evaluation of Neospora caninum prevalence in sheep in New South Wales. Vet Parasitol 2010; 170:137-42. [PMID: 20189309 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Presence of Neospora caninum DNA was detected in the brain and spinal cord of an adult Merino sheep suspected of dying with acute non-suppurative meningoencephalitis and mild to moderate non-suppurative myelitis. The most severe neurological lesions were found in the midbrain at the rostral coliculi with moderate to severe multifocal vasculitis and gliosis. As this was the first known occurrence of cerebral disease in sheep in Australia caused by N. caninum, we surveyed sera from five sheep properties in New South Wales (NSW) to obtain information on the likely prevalence of N. caninum infection in NSW sheep flocks. Serology using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed no N. caninum antibody-positive sheep (n=184). However an observed prevalence for N. caninum antibodies using a commercially available competitive ELISA was 2.2% (5/232). We conclude that although the diagnosis of fatal ovine cerebral neosporosis is of importance to our surveillance program for transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) exclusion, sheep in NSW are not commonly infected with N. caninum and this species likely plays only a minor role in the life cycle of this parasite in Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Bishop
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Toxoplasmosis in sheep—The last 20 years. Vet Parasitol 2009; 163:1-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2008] [Revised: 02/23/2009] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
39
|
Spilovská S, Reiterová K, Kovácová D, Bobáková M, Dubinský P. The first finding of Neospora caninum and the occurrence of other abortifacient agents in sheep in Slovakia. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:320-3. [PMID: 19540672 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Revised: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 05/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is an infection of animals caused by an intracellular coccidian parasite, Neospora caninum, closely related to Toxoplasma gondii. The parasite is one of important abortifacient agents of bovine abortions worldwide. The aim of the study was to detect the prevalence of anti-Neospora antibodies in dairy aborting sheep from two eastern Slovak regions and to compare it with the occurrence of other potential abortifacient agents. Sera of 382 sheep, mainly the Improved Valachian and Merino breed, were tested for the presence of anti-Neospora and anti-Toxoplasma antibodies by ELISA, anti-Leptospira sp. by micro-agglutination-assay and anti-Chlamydophila antibodies using the complement fixation test. The mean seroprevalence of N. caninum was 3.7% and of T. gondii, 24.3%. This phenomenon of higher susceptibility of sheep to T. gondii is in the opposite of N. caninum infection in cattle. Anti-Leptospira antibodies were observed in 2.9% of serum samples with titres from 800 to 1600, whereas IgG antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus were found in 13.6% with titres from 64 to 1024. Half of N. caninum positive sera were simultaneously positive for T. gondii and one sample for C. abortus. From examined abortifacient agents the most important, from the frequency point of view, were toxoplasmosis (24.3%) and chlamydiosis (13.6%). No significant association between the frequencies of the abortions and mean seroprevalence of the abortifacient agents in Kosice region was determined. Likewise, no significant differences between the mean seroprevalence of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis in the two regions were detected. The first survey of neosporosis in aborting sheep from eastern Slovakia revealed a low prevalence resulting in a lower impact on reproduction losses in these small ruminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Spilovská
- Parasitological Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 04001 Kosice, Slovak Republic.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|