Seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora spp. in donkeys from Southern Italy

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Neospora spp. infection in equine in Egypt

Neospora infections in equine are associated with reproductive disorders and neurological diseases. Nevertheless, Egypt has no epidemiological information on this parasite in equine. This study determined the prevalence of Neospora spp. infection in 325 equines from three Egyptian governorates located at Northern Egypt using cELISA. The prevalence of antibodies against Neospora spp. was 19% (95% CI: 14.09-25.05) in horse, 34.1% (95%CI: 24.92-44.69) in donkey and 26.7% (95% CI: 15.97-41.04) in mule. In comparison to horse, donkey had a considerably higher chance of contracting Neospora spp. infection (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.78-4.13; P = 0.016). The risk was also higher in freely grazing animals (OR = 3.49, 95% CI: 0.95-12.78; P = 0.059). Moreover, yearling animals (12-24 months) (OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 1.51-16.80; P = 0.009) and those with natural breeding (OR = 11.80, 95% CI: 3.24-42.99, P < 0.0001) and a history of early abortion (OR = 7.04, 95% CI: 3.01-16.47; P < 0.0001) also showed a greater risk of seropositivity. The risk of Neospora infection increased significantly in equines contacted with dogs (OR = 5.16, 95% CI: 1.76-15.10; P = 0.003). This the first serological study to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora spp. in equine in Egypt. Further studies are necessary to identify the species of Neospora and to understand the role of above-mentioned risk factors in spreading of infection.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Anti-Neospora caninum Antibodies in Urban Traction Equids in Northeast Brazil: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in equids that carry out traction work in Northeastern Brazil, and to establish the potential risk factors associated with seropositivity for these agents. Blood samples were collected from 322 traction equids (horses, donkeys and mules) in urban areas of 16 municipalities in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. The samples were sent for serological diagnosis using the Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT). Epidemiological questionnaires were given to the owners to assess the possible risk factors associated with infections. It was observed that 13.7% (44/322, CI: 10.9-16.5) of the equids tested positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies and 5% (16/322, CI: 2.6-7.4) tested positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies. Conducting traction work for over four years was considered a risk factor associated with T. gondii infection (odds ratio: 6.050; CI: 4.38-8.54, p = 0.025). There were no risk factors associated with N. caninum infection. It was concluded that traction equids have a significant prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in urban areas in the State of Paraíba, with an identified risk factor for seropositivity for anti-T. gondii as conducting traction work for more than four years.

Neospora caninum, a cause of abortion in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Iran

Neospora caninum is an Apicomplexan parasite that can cause enormous economic losses due to abortions in cattle. The present study investigated the role of Neospora spp. infection in equine abortion in Iranian donkeys using molecular and phylogenetic analyses. Twenty-nine-aborted fetuses and 29 blood samples from their dams were collected from six different regions in the West and Northwest of Iran. They were tested for N. caninum by PCR at the Nc5 locus, followed by sequencing of five of the PCR products. The overall molecular prevalence was 34.5% in blood samples and the prevalence by DNA detection in the aborted fetuses was 13.8%. Evidence of transplacental transmission from positive jennies to their fetuses was detected in 40% of aborting jennies. Comparison of the five partial Nc5 sequences (227 bp length) exhibited 98-100% similarity with N. caninum GenBank sequences. This is the first molecular study and genetic characterization of N. caninum in Iranian donkeys suggests that N. caninum may be a significant cause of abortion in donkeys.

Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora spp. in horses, donkeys, and mules from Colombia

Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora spp. are related protozoa that can cause equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). The present study aimed to determine the frequency of antibodies to these parasites in 649 equids (351 horses, 267 donkeys, and 31 mules) from six departments in the North and Northwest of Colombia. For this purpose, the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used for detecting antibodies against S. neurona and Neospora spp. with a cut-off point of 1:20 and 1:50, respectively. A binomial logistic regression model was selected to predict variables associated with exposure. The frequency of anti-S. neurona antibodies was 14.24% (95% CI: 10.84-18.44) for horses, 2.99% (95% CI: 1.39-6.04) for donkeys, and 16.13% (95% CI: 6.09-34.47) for mules. The risk for S. neurona infection was significantly lower in donkeys (OR: 0.18 [0.08-0.38]; p<0.001) than horses and mules, and higher in animals with a poor body condition (OR: 2.82 [1.45-6.05]; p<0.05). Additionally, older animals (>12y) had a higher risk of seropositivity (OR: 5.26 [1.88-19.1]; p<0.05), as well as animals that inhabit climatic conditions associated with tropical very dry forest (OR: 1.85 [1.01-3.51]; p<0.05). Córdoba and Antioquia departments presented the highest seropositivity to S. neurona with 13.01 and 8.3%, respectively. The frequency of anti-Neospora spp. antibodies was 1.42% (95% CI: 0.52-3.48) for horses, 1.12% (95% CI:0.29-3.52) for donkeys and 0% (95%, CI: 0-0) for mules. Atlántico was the state with the highest seropositivity to Neospora spp. (10%). No risks associated with Neospora spp. infection were found. These findings allow us to conclude that equids from these regions of Colombia are exposed to S. neurona, but antibodies to Neospora spp. are uncommon. Further studies are necessary to explore the presence of these two agents in other areas of the country. In addition, we need to prove the importance of the above-mentioned risk factors over the susceptibility of horses to these protozoal agents and the epidemiological impact of these underdiagnosed coccidia.

Apicomplexan Protozoa Responsible for Reproductive Disorders: Occurrence of DNA in Blood and Milk of Donkeys (Equus asinus) and Minireview of the Related Literature

Donkeys may be susceptible to many pathological agents and may act as carriers of pathogens for other animal species and humans. This study evaluated the occurrence of potentially abortifacient apicomplexan protozoa DNA in blood and milk samples collected at different time periods during lactation (1, 6, and 10 months) from 33 healthy dairy jennies. A total of 73 blood and 73 milk samples were used for DNA extraction and analysis. Blood specimens from 11/33 (33%) jennies scored positive for Theileria equi, while milk samples scored negative. Blood and milk of 3/33 jennies yielded DNA of Toxoplasma gondii at 6 months (n. 1) and 10 months (n. 2) after parturition. Neospora caninum DNA was found in four milk and in five blood samples only at one month after parturition. This study is the first report about the presence of N. caninum DNA in milk of naturally infected jennies. Moreover, the excretion of N. caninum DNA in some of these jennies at 30 days from the parturition may suggest a possible occurrence of an endogenous cycle, while the presence of T. gondii DNA in the milk collected at 6 and 10 months after parturition may be suggestive of a discontinuous excretion.

Global seroprevalence of Neospora spp. in horses and donkeys: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Neospora infections due to Neospora caninum and N. hughesi are prevalent among equids of the world. The disease may affect reproductive and neurological consequences. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the global Neospora seroprevalence among horses and donkeys. A number of 57 out of 1575 total retrieved studies were included by searching the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and ProQuest. A total of 25,783 horses and 4377 donkeys were examined serologically, yielding a weighted seroprevalence of 13.46 % (95 % CI: 10.26 %-17.42 %) globally. Subgroup analysis revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the overall prevalence of Neospora spp. in the examined animals according to year, continent, WHO region, country, host, and diagnostic method. Age and sex in horses as well as sex in donkeys were significantly associated with the Neospora seroprevalence (P < 0.001). Our findings showed a relatively high exposure to Neospora spp. in horses and donkeys worldwide. Considering the possible economic impact, as well as the importance in animal health, more studies are needed to clarify the species causing equine neosporosis, correlate serological findings with clinical outcomes and assess the risk factors, in order to define adequate prevention and control strategies.

High Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora Spp. in Donkeys in Israel: Serological Survey and Case Reports

Simple Summary

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. are major pathogenic parasites of animals worldwide, with the first also affecting humans. These parasites have two-host life cycles, with the cat and the dog being the definitive hosts of T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. Both parasites can infect various animal species, as intermediate hosts, in which they form tissue cysts and may cause abortions and neurological disease. Both parasites have been reported in wild and domestic animals in Israel. This study aimed to evaluate the serologic exposure of donkeys to these parasites. A total of 98 donkeys were examined. Half of them (n = 49) were from animal shelters in Israel, and the rest (n = 49) were working donkeys from the Palestinian Authority. Anti-T. gondii antibodies and anti-Neospora spp. antibodies were found in 94% and in 70% of the donkeys, respectively. In addition, two cases of donkeys presenting N. caninum tissue cysts, which were detected during post-mortem examination, were described. This is the first report of the exposure of donkeys to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. in the area. The exposure of donkeys to both parasites was considerably higher than the exposure of other species in the area and may be the result of poor husbandry conditions and higher exposure to infection. These results indicate that donkeys may have an important role in the maintenance and transmission of these parasites.

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. are closely related cyst-forming coccidian parasites, which infect various animal species and have considerable zoonotic and economic implications, respectively. Both parasites are endemic in Israel and have been reported to infect wild and domestic animals. This study was conceived to evaluate the serologic exposure of donkeys to these parasites. Serum samples were collected from 98 donkeys. Half of them (n = 49) were from animal shelters in Israel, and the rest (n = 49) were working donkeys from the Palestinian Authority. The donkeys were screened for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Neospora antibodies by immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs). The seroprevalence of T. gondii and Neospora spp. was 94% and 70%, respectively, and 69% of the donkeys were exposed to both parasites. In addition, N. caninum tissue cysts were documented in two donkeys during post-mortem examination. This is the first report of the exposure of donkeys to T. gondii and Neospora spp. in the area. The high prevalence found in this study suggests that donkeys may have a role in the maintenance of these parasites in the area, thus serving as a source of infection for the definitive hosts.

Seroprevalence and Clinical Outcomes of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia besnoiti Infections in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

One hundred twenty-four water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) originating from 9 farms located in southern Italy were tested to investigate simultaneously, for the first time, the seroprevalence of the protozoa Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia besnoiti by ELISA tests and to evaluate the clinical findings potentially associated to the presence of these aborting parasitic pathogens. Twenty-five of 124 buffaloes (20.2%) were positive for N. caninum, while 17/124 (13.7%) for T. gondii. No buffalo showed specific antibodies for B. besnoiti. Nineteen of 124 animals (15.3%) were found seropositive for both T. gondii and N. caninum. The univariate statistical analysis showed that the seroprevalence of N. caninum is significantly associated with abortion and presence of retained foetal membranes, while the seroprevalence of T. gondii is significantly associated with an increase of days open. The logistic regression models showed that the co-infection by N. caninum and T. gondii strengthened the abortive effects (OR = 7.330) and showed further negative effects on the parameter embryonic death (OR = 2.607). The outcome revealed herein represents a high exposure of N. caninum and T. gondii in water buffaloes with reproduction disorders that deserves attention for both economic reasons, animal health and welfare.

Evaluation of Two Handheld Point-of-Care Blood Gas Analyzers in Healthy Donkeys

There has been increasing interest in blood gas analysis in donkeys. "Point-of-care (POC) testing" is a diagnostic testing performed on or immediately next to the patient. This study assesses the agreement between two POC blood gas analyzers in donkeys. Arterial and venous blood samples were collected from 17 donkeys and analyzed using a fully automated blood gas analyzer (ABL 700 Series Radiometer, Denmark) (RAD) and two POC blood gas analyzers (i-STAT System; VetStat, Idexx). The parameters revealed by all three devices were submitted to a canonical discriminant analysis, to evaluate which parameters differentiated the POC analyzers from the RAD. On the basis of the discriminant analysis, we evaluated the best POC for each parameter registered, in comparison with RAD. The results also changed depending on the type of blood (venous or arterial blood). The agreement between i-STAT and RAD was good for venous samples, but was poor for arterial samples. A poor agreement was found between VetStat and RAD for both venous and arterial samples. The increment of the number of subjects might lead to a better understanding of the potential role of the POCs in clinical setting. Finally, increasing the study population is recommended to set reference values.

Selenium and Vitamin E Concentrations in a Healthy Donkey Population in Central Italy

Selenium and vitamin E protect the body against oxidative stress. Clinical manifestations of their deficiency in equids include neurologic and muscular symptoms. Despite the importance of donkeys as working and production animals, there is a dearth of scientific data on selenium and vitamin E normal values. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the plasma concentrations of selenium and vitamin E in healthy donkeys belonging to different ages, sexes, and productive phases. Animals were divided into five groups including foals (group A: n = 7, n = 4 males and n = 3 females), weanlings and yearlings (group B: n = 7, n = 2 males and n = 5 females), nonpregnant nonlactating jennies (group C: n = 5), pregnant nonlactating jennies (group D: n = 9), and adult males (group E: n = 9). Plasma samples obtained from each animal were tested for vitamin E and selenium concentration. One-way analysis of variance showed significant differences in selenium concentrations (P = .001) between group A and group E. In this study, we found the selenium range for donkeys to be 0.02-0.14 μg/mL, which is lower than the recommended range for horses. The results suggest that donkeys may have a lower selenium requirement than horses. Plasma vitamin E levels were 3.29-12.99 μmol/L, with foals having lower concentrations than adults. Knowing specific reference ranges for vitamin E and selenium in healthy donkeys can help improve our understanding of how to prevent deficiencies that could compromise their overall health and well-being.

Prevalence and risk factors for IgG antibodies to Neospora spp. in three types of equids from Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Equine hosts suffer from neurological disease, congenital infection, and reproductive problems associated with Neospora spp. infection. We conducted a cross sectional study using sera from 631 equids (324 horses, 218 donkeys and 89 mules) from the southern region of Punjab province, Pakistan to determine the prevalence of antibodies against Neospora spp. in this diverse group of equines. Fisk factors associated with seropositivity were evaluated statistically based on equine type, breed, age, husbandry, breeding methods, and reproductive history. Prevalence of antibodies to Neospora spp. was detected using a commercially available competitive ELISA kit. We detected IgG antibodies to Neospora spp. in 23.3% of the equids with prevalence by host being 16.0% in horses, 32.6% in donkeys and 26.9% in 89 mules. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) differences in prevalence were observed among these hosts. Prevalence ranged in breeds of horses from 3.7% in the Morna breed, 12.4% in breeding stock, 26.8% in draughting stock, to 31.4% in unknown breeds. No significant (P > 0.05) difference in prevalence was noted among age groups. Prevalence was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in female equines with a history of abortion than those with no history of abortion. This is the first report documenting Neospora spp. in equines from Pakistan and it provides evidence that Neospora spp. is associated with abortions in female equines in Pakistan.

First detection of anti-Besnoitia spp. specific antibodies in horses and donkeys in Italy

Among Apicomplexa protozoa infecting equids, Besnoitia spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. represent important issues from a sanitary and zootechnical viewpoint. However, only scarce epidemiological data are available on the spread of the infections in horses and donkeys in Europe. Therefore, a serosurvey was planned to estimate the prevalence of these Sarcocystidae species in Italian equids. Serum samples from 268 horses and 18 donkeys raised in Italy were collected and serologically analyzed to detect anti-Besnoitia spp., anti-T. gondii and anti-Neospora spp. antibodies: an approach based on an initial screening by in-house ELISA followed by a confirmatory WB was used. Two horses (0.7%) and four donkeys (22.2%), showed antibodies anti-Besnoitia spp. Ten horses (3.7%) resulted positive to T. gondii and one of these (0.4%) was seropositive also to Neospora spp. This is the first detection of anti-Besnoitia spp. specific antibodies in Italian horses and donkeys. The study confirmed the circulation of Besnoitia spp. among equids in Europe. Low prevalence of T. gondii and Neospora spp. in horses raised in Italy was reported. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy to consider that consumption of horse meat could represent a source for human toxoplasmosis.

Donkey Internal Medicine—Part II: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Neurologic, Urinary, Ophthalmic, Dermatology, and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Cardiovascular diseases are scarcely reported in donkeys, probably linked to their limited athletic attitude and low frequency of poor performance-related examinations. Reports on treatments for cardiovascular pathologies are anecdotal in donkeys. Respiratory tract anatomy shows important differences between horses and donkeys. Donkeys and mules can act as reservoirs spreading many viral, bacterial, and parasitic infectious respiratory diseases. Mosquito and tick-borne encephalitis have been reported in these species in the later years, and even donkeys are being used as sentinels in some areas to detect these emerging diseases. Management and treatment of lithiases can be transferable from horses; however, the same assumption must still be demonstrated for acute and chronic renal diseases. Ocular pathologies are similar to horses, with corneal ulcers frequently observed. Lameness is a common problem in donkeys, with laminitis as the most reported cause followed by pedal abscess.

•

Donkeys are different to horses.

•

Numerous physiological and clinicopathologic idiosyncrasies are reported in horses.

•

Data published for horses should not be extrapolated for donkeys.

•

Specific reference ranges, doses, and protocols have to be used for donkeys.

Prevalence of Neospora spp. in donkeys in China

This study was conducted to detect specific anti-Neospora antibodies using a commercial competitive-inhibition ELISA kit, and to evaluate the risk factors for Neospora spp. infection. Out of a total of 2,228 donkey sera collected in three provinces in China, 211 (9.5%) were found to be positive for anti-Neospora antibodies. Statistical analysis revealed that age (p = 0.019, OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.08-2.44), feeding status (p < 0.001, OR = 3.79, 95%CI: 2.65-5.43), miscarriage history (p = 0.006, OR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.27-4.01), and contact with dogs (p < 0.001, OR = 2.69, 95%CI: 1.86-3.88) were significant risk factors for Neospora spp. infection. This is the first evidence of Neospora infection in donkeys in China.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii infections among horses and donkeys in Nigeria, West Africa

Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are considered to be a globally distributed parasites affecting wide range of warm-blooded animals. Neosporosis has caused clinical illness in horses and consumption of horse meat has been epidemiologically linked to clinical toxoplasmosis in humans. This study was conducted to determine Neospora spp. and T. gondii antibodies and risk factors of infection in horses and donkeys from three states of Nigeria. A total of 144 samples were collected from clinically healthy animals (120 horses and 24 donkeys). The sera were tested for antibodies to Neospora spp. and T. gondii by indirect fluorescence antibody test, a titer ≥ 50 was considered positive. Seroprevalence data were statistically analyzed, considering the variables of gender, age, use, state, origin of breed and type of management. Antibodies to Neospora spp. and T. gondii were detected in 8% horses with titers 50 and in 24% horses with titers 50-800, respectively. Co-infection of both parasites was proved in three horses (3%). Statistical differences were found only for T. gondii seroprevalence in horses with different use, locality, origin and management (p-value ≤ 0.05). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in four (17%) of 24 donkeys with statistical difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) in animals of different use; antibodies to Neospora spp. were not proved in any of the donkeys. This is the first seroprevalence study of Neospora spp. and T. gondii in equids from Nigeria.

Brazilian donkeys (Equus asinus) have a low exposure to Neospora spp

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are closely related to horses and are known to be infected by several equine pathogens. Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi are protozoan parasites that infect horses, but they were not confirmed in donkeys up to this date. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of donkeys (Equus asinus) to Neospora spp. using tachyzoites of N. caninum as antigen and employing two common serologic methods, IFAT and immunoblot. Sera from 500 donkeys were obtained from 30 municipalities in Bahia state and tested by IFAT. Two of 500 sera were positive for Neospora spp. by IFAT with antibody titers of 100, and recognized a 37kDa antigen in immunoblot. Approximately 22% of the samples showed strong apical reactions and/or incomplete fluorescence, what may cause confusion in the interpretation of IFAT. We concluded that Neospora spp. are possibly of minor importance for Brazilian donkeys. Future studies are necessary to prove that Neospora spp. can naturally infect donkeys.

Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi infections in domestic donkeys (Equus asinus) in Durango, Mexico

There is currently no information regarding Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi infections in donkeys in Mexico. Here, we determined the presence of antibodies against S. neurona and N. hughesi in donkeys in the northern Mexican state of Durango. Serum samples of 239 domestic donkeys (Equus asinus) were assayed for S. neurona and N. hughesi antibodies using home-made enzyme-linked immunoassays; six (2.5%) of the 239 donkeys tested seropositive for S. neurona. The seroprevalence of S. neurona infection was comparable among donkeys regardless of their origin, health status, or sex. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity to S. neurona was associated with increased age (OR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.11–7.82; p = 0.02). Antibodies to N. hughesi were found in two (0.8%) of the 239 donkeys. Both exposed donkeys were healthy, 3- and 6-year-old females. This is the first evidence of S. neurona and N. hughesi infections in donkeys in Mexico.

Prevalence of antibodies against Neospora spp. and Sarcocystis neurona in donkeys from northeastern Brazil

Abstract Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi are coccidian protozoa that can cause neurological illness in horses in America. In this study we report seroprevalence of Neospora spp. andS. neurona in sera of 333 donkeys from the northeastern region of Brazil. Antibodies to Neospora spp. were detected in 2% (7 donkeys) of 333 sera tested by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) with a cut-off dilution of 1:40. Antibodies to S. neurona were found in 3% (10 donkeys) of the samples tested by IFAT (cut-off ≥50) and 21% (69 donkeys) by the direct agglutination test (SAT ≥50). The SAT and IFAT results for S. neurona showed a poor concordance (value of Kappa=0.051). This is the first report ofNeospora spp. antibodies in Brazilian donkeys and the first detection of antibodies against S. neurona in this animal species.

Herd-level seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle in central and northeastern Poland

A serosurvey was carried out to estimate the herd-level seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in cattle in central and northeastern Poland. Ninety seven dairy cattle herds from 2 provinces of Poland (Podlaskie, 47 herds and Łodzkie, 50 herds) were randomly enrolled in the study using two-stage cluster method. A simple random selection was applied within each herd to select a sample of adult cows (≥18 month-old). A total number of 734 cows were enrolled in the study. The animals were screened with a commercial competitive ELISA (Bio-X Diagnostics, Belgium). To calculate true herd-level seroprevalence test sensitivity and specificity were adjusted from an individual- to a herd-level using FreeCalc method. The true overall herd-level seroprevalence of N. caninum infection was 56.7% (95% CI: 47.5%, 65.9%). The true herd-level seroprevalence in Podlaskie was 63.3% (95% CI: 43.0%, 83.6%) and 50.5% (95% CI: 32.8%, 68.2%) in Łodzkie province and these figures did not differ significantly between the two provinces (chi2 test p = 0.238). One hundred forty three of 734 cows (19.5%) were seropositive which gave the true overall individual-level seroprevalence of 20.1% (95% CI: 17.4%, 23.2%). Percentage of seropositive cows in each herd varied from 6% to 80%. This study is the first epidemiological investigation of herd-level seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in Polish dairy cattle population. In conclusion, the result of the study confirmed previous data that N. caninum infection is widespread in the Polish cattle population and thus should be considered as a potential cause of spontaneous abortions.