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Romero-Salas D, Cruz-Vázquez C, González-Hernández M, Mora-Collado N, Sandoval RMR. PRESENCE OF ANTI-NEOSPORA CANINUM ANTIBODIES IN TEMAZATE DEER (MAZAMA TEMAMA) AND WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS) FROM THE CENTRAL REGION OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO. J Parasitol 2024; 110:218-220. [PMID: 38897604 DOI: 10.1645/23-62] [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] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study documents the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and their association with certain risk factors in 2 deer species from the central region of Veracruz State, Mexico. A total of 90 blood samples, 20 from temazate deer (Mazama temama) and 70 from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), were taken from 3 farms, and serum samples were subjected to ELISA indirect test to detect N. caninum antibodies; the association between the serological status and the possible risk factors was then estimated. The overall presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 57.7% (52/90; 95% CI 46.9-67.9), with positive animals identified on all farms; in white-tailed deer it was 57% and in temazate deer 60%. Prevalence was higher in females than males. Adult animals had a higher prevalence than young ones. The risk analysis identified the age in the adult animal category (odds ratio 5.8) as being associated with the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies. These results provide evidence of the significant contamination of oocysts in the environment and allow us to estimate the contribution of deer to the sylvatic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Romero-Salas
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Laboratorio de Parasitología, Unidad de Diagnóstico, Rancho Torreón del Molino, Carretera Federal Veracruz-Xalapa, Km 14.5, Col. Valente Díaz, 91697, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Carlos Cruz-Vázquez
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes-San Luis Potosí, El Llano, 20330, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Milagros González-Hernández
- Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Km. 14.5 Carretera San Luis Potosí-Matehuala, Ejido Palma de la Cruz, 78321, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Norma Mora-Collado
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias Región Tuxpan, Carretera Tuxpan-Tampico Km 7.5, Tuxpan, 92870, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Raúl Miguel Reyes Sandoval
- Universidad Veracruzana, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Laboratorio de Parasitología, Unidad de Diagnóstico, Rancho Torreón del Molino, Carretera Federal Veracruz-Xalapa, Km 14.5, Col. Valente Díaz, 91697, Veracruz, Mexico
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Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Doyle M, Forsyth DM, Helbig KJ, Carvalho TG. Evidence of Australian wild deer exposure to N. caninum infection and potential implications for the maintenance of N. caninum sylvatic cycle. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:153. [PMID: 37705000 PMCID: PMC10498561 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03712-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with the coccidian parasite Neospora caninum affect domestic and wild animals worldwide. In Australia, N. caninum infections cause considerable losses to the cattle industry with seroprevalence of 8.7% in beef and 10.9% in dairy cattle. Conversely, the role of wild animals, in maintaining the parasite cycle is also unclear. It is possible that native or introduced herbivorous species could be reservoir hosts of N. caninum in Australia, but to date, this has not been investigated. We report here the first large-scale screening of N. caninum antibodies in Australian wild deer, spanning three species (fallow, red and sambar deer). Consequently, we also assessed two commercial cELISA tests validated for detecting N. caninum in cattle for their ability to detect N. caninum antibodies in serum samples of wild deer. N. caninum antibodies were detected in 3.7% (7/189, 95% CI 1.8 - 7.45) of the wild deer serum samples collected in south-eastern Australia (n = 189), including 97 fallow deer (Dama dama), 14 red deer (Cervus elaphus), and 78 sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Overall, our study provides the first detection of N. caninum antibodies in wild deer and quantifies deer's potential role in the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Huaman
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Doyle
- South East Local Land Services, Bega, NSW, Australia
| | - David M Forsyth
- Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW, Orange Agricultural Institute, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Karla J Helbig
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Teresa G Carvalho
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Zanet S, Poncina M, Ferroglio E. Congenital transmission of Neospora caninum in wild ungulates and foxes. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1109986. [PMID: 36814462 PMCID: PMC9939827 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1109986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neospora caninum is one of the main causes of abortion in cattle. In wildlife, the occurrence and relevance of vertical infection have not been yet clearly evaluated. The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of vertical transmission of N. caninum in three wild species extensively distributed in Europe, namely roe deer Capreolus capreolus, wild boar Sus scrofa and red fox Vulpes vulpes. Methods A total of 190 fetuses (72 wild boars, 67 foxes and 51 roe deer) from 61 females were included in the study. All animals, which were either found dead or culled within selective control plans in North-western Italy, were tested, in parallel by PCR on central nervous system, skeletal muscle and kidney. Results and discussion The efficiency of vertical transmission in the three target species was of 87.5% (95% CI 69.00-95.66).
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The global seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in deer: a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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5
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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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Assessment of transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in Neotropical deer: an estimative based on serology. Vet Parasitol 2022; 303:109677. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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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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Sokol-Borrelli SL, Coombs RS, Boyle JP. A Comparison of Stage Conversion in the Coccidian Apicomplexans Toxoplasma gondii, Hammondia hammondi, and Neospora caninum. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:608283. [PMID: 33344268 PMCID: PMC7744739 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.608283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stage conversion is a critical life cycle feature for several Apicomplexan parasites as the ability to switch between life forms is critical for replication, dissemination, pathogenesis and ultimately, transmission to a new host. In order for these developmental transitions to occur, the parasite must first sense changes in their environment, such as the presence of stressors or other environmental signals, and then respond to these signals by initiating global alterations in gene expression. As our understanding of the genetic components required for stage conversion continues to broaden, we can better understand the conserved mechanisms for this process and unique components and their contribution to pathogenesis by comparing stage conversion in multiple closely related species. In this review, we will discuss what is currently known about the mechanisms driving stage conversion in Toxoplasma gondii and its closest relatives Hammondia hammondi and Neospora caninum. Work by us and others has shown that these species have some important differences in the way that they (1) progress through their life cycle and (2) respond to stage conversion initiating stressors. To provide a specific example of species-specific complexities associated with stage conversion, we will discuss our recent published and unpublished work comparing stress responses in T. gondii and H. hammondi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jon P. Boyle
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biological Sciences, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Sun LX, Liang QL, Nie LB, Hu XH, Li Z, Yang JF, Zou FC, Zhu XQ. Serological evidence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in black-boned sheep and goats in southwest China. Parasitol Int 2019; 75:102041. [PMID: 31846740 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two closely related protozoan parasites which can cause abortion and significant economic losses in sheep and goats. However, it is yet to know whether black-bone sheep and goats are infected with T. gondii and N. caninum in China. In the present investigation, the seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii and N. caninum infections in black-boned sheep and goats were investigated in Yunnan Province, subtropical southwest China between July and August of 2017. A total of 481 serum samples were tested for T. gondii antibodies using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT), and 468 serum samples were examined for N. caninum antibodies by indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (iELISA). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in black-boned sheep and goats was 36.80% (177/481, 95% CI 32.49-41.11), and 40 out of 468 serum samples were N. caninum-seropositive (8.55%, 95% CI 6.02-11.08). There was significant difference in the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in different regions (χ2 = 19.869, df = 2, P<0.01). As for the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection, region (χ2 = 8.558, df = 2, P<0.05), age (χ2 = 16.631, df = 3, P < 0.01), gender (χ2 = 11.219, df = 1, P < 0.01) and species (χ2 = 8.673, df = 1, P < 0.01) were the risk factors. In addition, the seroprevalence of coinfection of T. gondii and N. caninum in black-boned sheep and goats was 3.63% (17/468, 95% CI 1.94-5.32). To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii and N. caninum seroprevalence in black-boned sheep and goats in China, which provided base-line data for the execution of control strategies and measures against T. gondii and N. caninum infection in black-boned sheep and goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Xiu Sun
- 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan-Bi Nie
- 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hui Hu
- 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, People's Republic of 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, People's Republic of China.
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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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11
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Patel KK, Burrows E, Heuer C, Asher GW, Wilson PR, Howe L. Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii and association with early pregnancy and abortion rates in New Zealand farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2065-2077. [PMID: 31187222 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06355-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study tested for association between Toxoplasma gondii and pregnancy and abortion to investigate sub-optimal reproduction in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Sera from a sub-sample (n = 2304) of pregnant and non-pregnant hinds in early gestation at first pregnancy scan (scan 1) and approximately at the end of second trimester at second pregnancy scan (scan 2) were tested for T. gondii antibodies using a validated ELISA. Foetuses and/or uteri from pregnant, non-pregnant, and aborting hinds at scan 1, scan 2, or weaning were tested for T. gondii DNA by nested PCR. At scan 1, 31.1% of 861 rising two-year-old (R2) and 28.3% of 357 mixed-aged (MA, ≥ 2 years) hinds were sero-positive. There was no association between scan 1 serology and non-pregnancy at animal (R2, p = 0.05 and MA, p = 0.43) or herd level (R2, p = 0.37). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 3/18 placenta and 4/18 foetal brains from aborting R2 hinds and 15/157 R2 and 3/21 MA uteri from non-pregnant hinds at scan 1. At scan 2, sero-prevalence was higher (odds ratio = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.04-2.48) in aborted (34.3% of 268) than in non-aborted (23.5% of 446) R2 hinds (p = 0.03) and 7.9% of abortions between scans were attributable to T. gondii exposure. Within-herd sero-prevalence at scan 2 was positively associated with daily abortion rate in R2 herds with aborted hinds (p < 0.001) but not in MA herds (p = 0.07). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 27/169 uteri, 2/20 cotyledons, and 1/5 foetal brains from aborted hinds at scan 2 and in uteri from 5/33 hinds not rearing a calf to weaning. Toxoplasma gondii RFLP genotyping of five loci revealed a unique type I/III genotype pattern, TgRDNZ1, in a foetal brain sample, not been previously reported in deer. These findings provide serological and molecular evidence that T. gondii infection is associated with abortion in red deer, possibly in all three trimesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandarp Khodidas Patel
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand. .,School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Burrows
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Cord Heuer
- EpiCentre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | | | - Peter Raymond Wilson
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - Laryssa Howe
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
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Ballash GA, Jenkins MC, Kwok OCH, Dubey JP, Shoben AB, Robison TL, Kraft T, Shaffer EE, Dennis PM. Effect of Urbanization on Neospora caninum Seroprevalence in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus). ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:109-115. [PMID: 30627981 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The protozoan Neospora caninum is transmitted between domestic and wildlife species. Urbanized environments and deer density may facilitate this transmission and play a critical role in the spillover of N. caninum from domestic animals to wildlife. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; WTD) are an important intermediate host for maintaining the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum in the USA. Here, we assayed serum samples from 444 WTD from a nature reservation across a suburban to urban gradient in Ohio, USA. Antibodies to N. caninum were found by using a recombinant NcGRA6 ELISA in 23.6% (105/444). Significant risk factors for seropositivity were age class and urbanization. Deer from urbanized environments were at greater odds of being seropositive (89/323, 27.6%) than those from suburban habitats (16/121, 13.2%), and this difference persisted when adjusting for age and sex. Age was also a significant risk factor with adults at greater odds to be seropositive than fawns and yearlings. We speculate the main route of exposure in WTD is ingestion of N. caninum oocysts from contaminated environments and urbanized habitats facilitate this exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Ballash
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Mark C Jenkins
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - J P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Abigail B Shoben
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, 1841 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Terry L Robison
- Department of Planning, Design, and Natural Resources, Cleveland Metroparks, 4500 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park, OH, 44126, USA
| | - Tom Kraft
- Department of Planning, Design, and Natural Resources, Cleveland Metroparks, 4500 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park, OH, 44126, USA
| | - Erik E Shaffer
- Department of Planning, Design, and Natural Resources, Cleveland Metroparks, 4500 Valley Parkway, Fairview Park, OH, 44126, USA
| | - Patricia M Dennis
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Rd., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 4200 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH, 44109, USA.
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First Report of Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Neospora caninum Infection in Tibetan Sheep in China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2098908. [PMID: 30003091 PMCID: PMC5996427 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2098908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular protozoan parasite which can cause abortion and stillbirth in ruminants. However, there is no information on Tibetan sheep N. caninum infection in China. A total of 2187 serum samples were collected from Tibetan sheep in the major production areas of Luqu, Maqu, and Tianzhu in Gansu province, and Nyingchi in southeast Tibet, China. All samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to N. caninum using a competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunoassay. Of the 2187 serum samples, 184 (8.4%, 95% CI 7.3-9.6) were tested N. caninum seropositive. The N. caninum seroprevalence ranged from 4.4% (95% CI 1.4–7.4) to 11.3% (95% CI 8.2–14.4) among different regions, seasons, ages, and pregnancies, and there was no statistical significance among those groups (P > 0.05). Seroprevalence in male (10.8% 69/638) (95% CI 8.4–13.2) was significantly higher than in female (7.4% 115/1549) (OR =1.51, 95% CI 6.1–8.7) (P < 0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. caninum seroprevalence in Tibetan sheep in China, which provides baseline data for the prevention and control of N. caninum infection in Tibetan sheep.
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Experimental Neospora caninum infection in chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) with oocysts and tachyzoites of two recent isolates reveals resistance to infection. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:117-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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15
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Potential impact of Neospora caninum infection on farm productivity of fallow deer ( Dama dama ). Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Sinnott FA, Monte LG, Collares TF, Silveira RM, Borsuk S. Review on the immunological and molecular diagnosis of neosporosis (years 2011–2016). Vet Parasitol 2017; 239:19-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
We tested serum samples from 387 free-ranging wolves ( Canis lupus ) from 2007 to 2013 for exposure to eight canid pathogens to establish baseline data on disease prevalence and spatial distribution in Minnesota's wolf population. We found high exposure to canine adenoviruses 1 and 2 (88% adults, 45% pups), canine parvovirus (82% adults, 24% pups), and Lyme disease (76% adults, 39% pups). Sixty-six percent of adults and 36% of pups exhibited exposure to the protozoan parasite Neospora caninum . Exposure to arboviruses was confirmed, including West Nile virus (37% adults, 18% pups) and eastern equine encephalitis (3% adults). Exposure rates were lower for canine distemper (19% adults, 5% pups) and heartworm (7% adults, 3% pups). Significant spatial trends were observed in wolves exposed to canine parvovirus and Lyme disease. Serologic data do not confirm clinical disease, but better understanding of disease ecology of wolves can provide valuable insight into wildlife population dynamics and improve management of these species.
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18
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Zimpel CK, Grazziotin AL, Barros Filho IRD, Guimaraes AMDS, Santos LCD, Moraes WD, Cubas ZS, Oliveira MJD, Pituco EM, Lara MDCCDSH, Villalobos EMC, Silva LMP, Cunha EMS, Castro V, Biondo AW. Occurrence of antibodies anti -Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leptospira interrogans in a captive deer herd in Southern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2015; 24:482-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract A large number of Brazilian zoos keep many endangered species of deer, however, very few disease surveillance studies have been conducted among captive cervids. Blood samples from 32 Brazilian deer (Blastocerus dichotomus, Mazama nana and Mazama americana) kept in captivity at Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil) were investigated for 10 ruminant pathogens, with the aims of monitoring deer health status and evaluating any potential zoonotic risk. Deer serum samples were tested for Brucella abortus, Leptospira (23 serovars), Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, western equine encephalitis virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies against T. gondii (15.6%), N. caninum (6.2%) and L. interrogans serogroup Serjoe (3.1%) were detected. The serological results for all other infectious agents were negative. The deer were considered to be clinically healthy and asymptomatic regarding any disease. Compared with studies on free-ranging deer, the prevalences of the same agents tested among the captive deer kept at the Sanctuary were lower, thus indicating good sanitary conditions and high-quality management practices at the zoo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Wanderlei de Moraes
- Universidade Federal do Paraná, Brasil; Usina Hidrelétrica de Itaipu Binacional, Brasil
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Meng QF, Li Y, Zhou Y, Bai YD, Wang WL, Wang WL, Cong W. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in farmed sika deer (Cervus nippon) in China. Vet Parasitol 2015; 211:289-92. [PMID: 26073107 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a worldwide protozoan that can induce neuromuscular disease in dogs and reproductive failure in domestic and wild ruminants. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in farmed sika deer in China as little is known of this host-parasite relationship. A total of 1800 serum samples were collected during 2013 and 2014 from farmed sika deer in the major production areas of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces.Assay by ELISA for N. caninum antibodies indicated a seroprevalence of 13.6% in 2013 and 15.8% in 2014, varying in different regions from 9.5% to 27.5%. Statistical analysis revealed that prevalence in animals aged >4 years (20.4%) was significantly higher than in the age ranges <2 years (9.6%) and 2-4 years (11.4%) (P<0.01). Moreover, sika deer in herds with a history of miscarriage (41.9%) had a significantly higher seroprevalence than in those without (12.6%) (P<0.01). The present survey confirms that N. caninum does occur in farmed sika deer in China and provides base-line data for the design and evaluation of measures for its control and prevention in this host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Feng Meng
- Jilin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, ChangChun, Jilin Province 130000, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Huizhou Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Huizhou, Guangdong Province 516006, PR China
| | - Ya-Duo Bai
- Beijing Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Beijing 100026, PR China
| | - Wei-Lin Wang
- Jilin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, ChangChun, Jilin Province 130000, PR China
| | - Wei-Li Wang
- Jilin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, ChangChun, Jilin Province 130000, PR China.
| | - Wei Cong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China.
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A review of neosporosis and pathologic findings of Neospora caninum infection in wildlife. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2015; 4:216-38. [PMID: 25973393 PMCID: PMC4427759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that is the etiologic agent of neosporosis, a devastating infectious disease regarded as a major cause of reproductive loss in cattle and neuromuscular disease in dogs worldwide. This protozoan pathogen is maintained in the environment by a heteroxenous life cycle that involves a definitive canid host and a wide range of intermediate hosts. In recent years, a number of wildlife species have been investigated for their possible involvement in the N. caninum life cycle and many have been implicated as intermediate hosts. However, in many instances these studies have utilized serological and molecular techniques to detect infection in clinically normal animals, and investigation of possible associated morbidity, mortality, and pathology has been neglected. As such, the occurrence and importance of Neospora-associated disease in wildlife species are unknown. In order to improve our understanding of the significance of N. caninum infection in nondomestic species, the present review provides an up-to-date summary of clinical neosporosis and N. caninum-associated pathologic lesions in naturally and experimentally infected wildlife species. We provide a list of all free-ranging and captive wildlife species identified with N. caninum infection to date using currently available diagnostic tools. The advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic methods in wildlife are addressed in order to recommend optimal diagnosis of confirming N. caninum infection and neosporosis in nondomestic species. Although current data would suggest that N. caninum infection does not adversely impact wildlife populations, there is a need for greater international uniformity in the diagnosis of N. caninum infection and neosporosis in nondomestic species in order to assess the true consequences of parasite infection.
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21
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Sinnott FA, Monte LG, Collares TF, De Matos BM, Pacheco DB, Borsuk S, Andreotti R, Hartleben CP. Blocking ELISA using recombinant NcSRS2 protein for diagnosing bovine neosporosis. Curr Microbiol 2014; 70:429-32. [PMID: 25432863 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-014-0737-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is the etiologic agent of neosporosis, which leads to economic impacts on cattle industry. The reference method for serodiagnosis of neosporosis is the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). However, IFAT is laborious, expensive, and is not practicable in high throughput screening. In order to facilitate the serological diagnosis of neosporosis, we developed a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (b-ELISA) based on NcSRS2 recombinant protein (rNcSRS2) and polyclonal antibodies against rNcSRS2 (b-ELISA/rNcSRS2). Compared to IFAT, b-ELISA/rNcSRS2 showed 93.7 % accuracy (98.7 % sensitivity and 88.7 % specificity), suggesting its potential as diagnostic assay to detect N. caninum antibodies in cattle sera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine A Sinnott
- Laboratório de Imunodiagnóstico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, P.O. Box 354, Brazil
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22
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Dubey J, Dennis P, Verma S, Choudhary S, Ferreira L, Oliveira S, Kwok O, Butler E, Carstensen M, Su C. Epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in white tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus): Occurrence, congenital transmission, correlates of infection, isolation, and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:270-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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23
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Dubey JP, Jenkins MC, Ferreira LR, Choudhary S, Verma SK, Kwok OCH, Fetterer R, Butler E, Carstensen M. Isolation of viable Neospora caninum from brains of wild gray wolves (Canis lupus). Vet Parasitol 2014; 201:150-3. [PMID: 24522164 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a common cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. Canids, including the dog and the dingo (Canis familiaris), the coyote (Canis latrans), and the gray wolf (Canis lupus) are its definitive hosts that can excrete environmentally resistant oocysts in the environment, but also can act as intermediate hosts, harboring tissue stages of the parasite. In an attempt to isolate viable N. caninum from tissues of naturally infected wolves, brain and heart tissue from 109 wolves from Minnesota were bioassayed in mice. Viable N. caninum (NcWolfMn1, NcWolfMn2) was isolated from the brains of two wolves by bioassays in interferon gamma gene knockout mice. DNA obtained from culture-derived N. caninum tachyzoites of the two isolates were analyzed by N. caninum-specific Nc5 polymerase chain reaction and confirmed diagnosis. This is the first report of isolation of N. caninum from tissues of any wild canid host.
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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.
| | - M C Jenkins
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - L R Ferreira
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - S Choudhary
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - S K Verma
- 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
| | - R Fetterer
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - E Butler
- Division of Wildlife, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 5463-C West Broadway, Forest Lake, MN 55025, USA
| | - M Carstensen
- Division of Wildlife, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 5463-C West Broadway, Forest Lake, MN 55025, USA
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Basso W, Moré G, Quiroga MA, Balducchi D, Schares G, Venturini MC. Neospora caninum is a cause of perinatal mortality in axis deer (Axis axis). Vet Parasitol 2013; 199:255-8. [PMID: 24295954 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a worldwide distributed protozoan that may cause neuromuscular disease in dogs and reproductive failure in domestic and wild ruminants. One axis fawn (Axis axis) and four neonates from the same deer herd died at a zoo in Argentina within a four-month period. The fawn presented with dilatation of the anal sphincter at birth and incontinence, developed weakness and ataxia and died at 14 days of age. At necropsy, a mega formation of the distal large intestine was observed. Microscopically, non-suppurative encephalitis, suppurative bronchopneumonia, fibrin necrotic enteritis and degenerative changes in the liver were observed in hematoxilin and eosin-stained tissue sections, and thick-walled N. caninum-like cysts were observed in fresh brain samples. Serologic studies for N. caninum revealed an IFAT titer of 1:6400 in the fawn and 1:25, 1:400, 1:3200 and 1:6400 in the neonates. N. caninum DNA was detected in brain samples from the fawn and from one neonate by PCR, and the parasite was isolated in vitro from the fawn' brain after passage through gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and gamma-interferon knock-out mice. N. caninum DNA obtained from the fawn, neonate and isolated parasites showed the same microsatellite pattern. This suggests a common infection source for both animals. The diagnosis of N. caninum infection was confirmed, suggesting its association with perinatal mortality in captive axis deer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of clinical disease associated to N. caninum infection in axis deer and of isolation of the parasite from this wild ruminant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratory of Immunparasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Alejandra Quiroga
- Department of Special Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | | | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maria Cecilia Venturini
- Laboratory of Immunparasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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Almería S. Neospora caninum and Wildlife. ISRN PARASITOLOGY 2013; 2013:947347. [PMID: 27335866 PMCID: PMC4890850 DOI: 10.5402/2013/947347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis caused by Neospora caninum is among the main causes of abortion in cattle nowadays. At present there is no effective treatment or vaccine. Serological evidence in domestic, wild, and zoo animals indicates that many species have been exposed to this parasite. However, many aspects of the life cycle of N. caninum are unknown and the role of wildlife in the life cycle of N. caninum is still not completely elucidated. In North America, there are data consistent with a sylvatic cycle involving white tailed-deer and canids and in Australia a plausible sylvatic cycle could be occurring between wild dogs and their macropod preys. In Europe, a similar sylvatic cycle has not been established but is very likely. The present review is a comprehensive and up to date summary of the current knowledge on the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum, species affected and their geographical distribution. These findings could have important implications in both sylvatic and domestic cycles since infected wildlife may influence the prevalence of infection in cattle farms in the same areas. Wildlife will need to be taken into account in the control measures to reduce the economical losses associated with this important disease in cattle farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Almería
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals and Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CreSA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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