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Villa L, Allievi C, Di Cerbo AR, Zanzani SA, Sommariva F, Zanini L, Mortarino M, Manfredi MT. Neospora caninum antibodies in bulk tank milk from dairy cattle herds in Italy in relation to reproductive and productive parameters and spatial analysis. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107194. [PMID: 38521123 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107194] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Among the available diagnostic techniques, antibody detection in bulk tank milk (BTM) represents a useful tool to estimate and monitor Neospora caninum herd prevalence. To evaluate the prevalence of N. caninum and the effect of parasite infection on herd performances, BTM samples collected from 586 dairy herds located in one of the largest dairy production areas in Italy (Lombardy) were analyzed by an indirect ELISA to detect anti-N. caninum specific antibodies. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were developed. A purely spatial analysis scanning for clusters with high or low rates for N. caninum using the Bernoulli model was performed. A maximum entropy approach was used to estimate the probability of distribution of the parasite based on occurrence records together with environmental variables. Overall, 180 herds resulted positive for N. caninum antibodies on bulk tank milk (P = 30.7 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was evidenced in the provinces of Milano, Cremona, Brescia, and Bergamo (P = 32-40 %); a lower risk was evidenced in Lodi, Pavia, and Mantova (P = 13-24 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was revealed for small-medium farms (101-300 animals) (O.R.=2.8) and for older animals with more than 4 years (O.R.=4.4). Regarding the effect of N. caninum infection on herd performances, the number of inseminations for conception was higher (> 3 inseminations), and the period from calving to conception was longer (> 150 days) for positive farms (O.R.=2.0 and O.R.=2.3, respectively); besides, lower head daily milk production (<20 kg and 21-25 kg) and mature equivalent milk yield (<11,000), and somatic cell counts higher than 300,000 cells/ml were observed for N. caninum positive herds (O.R.=0.4, O.R.=0.4 and O.R.=1.9 respectively). The geographical distribution of N. caninum positive farms with the highest level of probability covers the central sector of the Po Plain where a significant cluster for high risk of parasite infection was shown by spatial scan statistic and Maximum entropy ecological niche modelling. A further significant cluster of low risk occurred in the southern. The climatic and environmental variables with the highest training gain when used in isolation resulted altitude, land use/land cover, and other variables related to temperature and precipitation. Neosporosis is widely distributed in Italian dairy herds and an impact of the parasite on herd performances could be hypothesized. Even if the role of N. caninum in alterations of reproductive and productive parameters should be further explored, veterinarians and farmers should be aware of neosporosis, and control plans should be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Carolina Allievi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Di Cerbo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Flavio Sommariva
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Lucio Zanini
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy.
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Hu XH, Xie SC, Liang QL, Sun LX, Li Z, Yang JF, Zhu XQ, Zou FC, He JJ. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in black goats in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:975238. [PMID: 36304411 PMCID: PMC9592755 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.975238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that can cause reproductive failure and production losses. To date, there is no data of T. gondii and N. caninum seroprevalence in black goats in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. In the present study, a total of 734 serum samples were collected from black goats in four different counties of Yunnan Province. 734 and 590 serum samples were examined for antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum by using MAT and indirect ELISA, respectively. A total of 123 and 76 samples were T. gondii-positive and N. caninum-positive, respectively. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in black goats was 16.76% (123/734, 95% CI: 14.06-19.46) with the titer ranged from 1:25 to 1:3200. The seroprevalence of N. caninum was 12.88% (76/590, 95% CI: 10.18-15.58). There was significant difference in seroprevalence of N. caninum in different regions (P < 0.01, χ2 = 30.63) and age groups (P < 0.05, χ2 = 11.85). Significant differences in seroprevalence of T. gondii were observed in different regions (P < 0.05, χ2 = 9.21) and different gender groups (P < 0.01, χ2 = 12.29). Results of seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum indicated that T. gondii and N. caninum were prevalent parasites in black goats in Yunnan Province. This is the first report of seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in black goats in Yunnan Province. The results of this study indicated that some measures should be taken to control these two parasites and to reduce economic losses to the livestock industry in Yunnan Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Hu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China,College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shi-Chen Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China,College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China,*Correspondence: Feng-Cai Zou
| | - Jun-Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China,Jun-Jun He
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Daryani A. The Global Prevalence of Neospora caninum Infection in Sheep and Goats That Had an Abortion and Aborted Fetuses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:870904. [PMID: 35558895 PMCID: PMC9090472 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.870904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum (N. caninum) can be a potential factor causing a significant rate of miscarriages in small ruminants (sheep and goats) worldwide. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the global status of N. caninum in sheep and goats that had an abortion and aborted fetuses. Five English databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest) were searched for relevant scientific articles published from their inception until November 4, 2021. Finally, 21 studies conducted on sheep (1,671 aborted fetuses and 935 abortive sheep) and 10 studies on goats (130 aborted fetuses and 80 abortive goats) were included for the final meta-analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, sensitivity analysis, publication bias test, and quality assessment were performed in this study. The pooled prevalence of N. caninum in aborted fetuses of sheep and goats globally was estimated to be 15% (95% CI: 9-21%) and 7% (95% CI: 2-12%) using molecular methods. Besides, the seroprevalence of N. caninum was estimated to be 17% for aborted fetuses of sheep. The overall prevalence rate of N. caninum infection in sheep that had an abortion was 3%. The present results show a relatively high prevalence of N. caninum infection in sheep that had an abortion and aborted fetuses compared to goats. Therefore, further studies using different diagnostic techniques to more accurately estimate the rate of infection in sheep and goats may help provide adequate control measures and strategies to reduce the rate of abortion in sheep and goats and reduce economic damage to the livestock industry. This study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; code: CRD42020216694).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Tayyub M, Ali S, Javid A, Imran M. Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in rock pigeons (Columba livia) in Punjab, Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1499-1505. [PMID: 35320837 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07494-8] [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: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Rock pigeons are synanthropic birds and live in close association within human settlements. Synanthropic birds are considered potential carriers of diseases and pose a subsequent risk of their transmission to humans. Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are intracellular protozoans infecting a wide range of hosts, as well as birds. Data related to the incidence of these protozoans in rock pigeons in Pakistan are scant. The aims of the study were to detect T. gondii and N. caninum DNA in tissue samples from rock pigeons (Columba livia) and to identify possible risk factors associated with infection. To accomplish this, pectoral muscle and brain samples were carefully collected from rock pigeons (n = 120) belonging to three zones located in ten districts of Punjab during a 4-month sampling span (July 2018 to October 2018). Data related to sex, age, sampling site, districts, seasonality, and ecological zones were recorded. DNA from brain and pectoral muscle samples was screened for both T. gondii and N. caninum by PCR assays. Chi-square analysis was used to check the association between positive samples and risk factors. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05. T. gondii was detected in 46 (38.3%) brain samples, while 24 pectoral muscle samples (20%) were positive for N. caninum. Agroecological zones were statistically associated with the detection of N. caninum DNA. The outcomes of this study provide an understanding of the epidemiological pattern of N. caninum and T. gondii infection in rock pigeons in different regions of Punjab, Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Tayyub
- Wildlife Epidemiology and Molecular Microbiology Laboratory (One Health Research Group), Discipline of Zoology, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan.,Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Ali
- Wildlife Epidemiology and Molecular Microbiology Laboratory (One Health Research Group), Discipline of Zoology, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan. .,Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan.
| | - Arshad Javid
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Ravi Campus, Pattoki, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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Al-Shaeli SJJ, Ethaeb AM, Gharban HAJ. Molecular and histopathological identification of ovine neosporosis ( Neospora caninum) in aborted ewes in Iraq. Vet World 2020; 13:597-603. [PMID: 32367970 PMCID: PMC7183467 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.597-603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The objective of the present study was to detect Neospora caninum DNA in the placenta of sheep and evaluate the association of risk factors to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive and histopathological analysis of the placenta and fetal tissue samples of aborted fetuses. Materials and Methods: Fresh placenta from 51 aborted ewes was collected for PCR assay. Placental and fetal tissues of aborted fetuses, including brain, heart, liver, lung, and thymus, were collected for histopathological analysis, besides the risk factor data were obtained during the time of sampling. Results: From 51 placentas examined by PCR, 13.73% appeared positive to N. caninum DNA. The relationship between PCR positive and the risk factors revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in age of the dam, fetal age, feed source, water source, and the presence of other animals at farm, whereas the type of birth, stillbirth, and size of flock showed insignificant difference (p>0.05). Histopathological investigation of placental and fetal tissues of positive samples showed tissue cyst-like structure, necrotic foci, and infiltration of mononuclear cells. Other lesions were thickening in chorionic plate in placenta, severe vacuolization and death of neurons, microgliosis, demyelination, edema, and proliferation of astrocytes in brain. In addition, fibrous and fat deposition with stenosis in the heart, parenchymal necrosis, severe atrophy, vacuolization and hyalinization of hepatocytes, megakaryocyte, portal fibrosis in the liver, and interlobular septal thickening in lung without obvious lesions is seen in the thymus tissue samples. Conclusion: This is a unique study that confirmed N. caninum DNA in the placenta of aborted ewes in Iraq using PCR assay. Histopathological analysis of some aborted fetuses organs could provide a more confirmatory and reliable data for a significant role of neosporosis in increasing the rate of abortion in sheep, while the clinical data of risk factors could be used to control the transmission of N. caninum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sattar J J Al-Shaeli
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq
| | - Ali M Ethaeb
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq
| | - Hasanain A J Gharban
- Internal and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq
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Dahourou LD, Gbati OB, Savadogo M, Yougbare B, Dicko A, Combari AHB, Kamga-Waladjo AR. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in households sheep "Elevage en case" in Dakar, Senegal. Vet World 2019; 12:1028-1032. [PMID: 31528028 PMCID: PMC6702564 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1028-1032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep breeding in a particular husbandry system called “Elevage en case” in Dakar, Senegal. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 278 sheep. Serum was harvested and used for analysis. For the detection of T. gondii antibodies, 278 sera were analyzed using the modified agglutination test, while the enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay was used on 174 sheep sera to look for N. caninum antibodies. Results: This study showed that 29.4±6.8% of sheep carried both T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies. The overall prevalence was 60.1±5.7% and 41.9±7.3% for toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, respectively. For toxoplasmosis, the prevalence was higher in Gueule Tapée (63.3%) than in Medina (58.9%), but the variation was not significant (p=0.45). Regarding the age of animals, the prevalence was significantly higher in animals over 2 years old compared to those under 2 years old (p=0.002). For neosporosis, the prevalence was significantly higher in Medina (48.67%) than Gueule Tapée (16.7%) (p=0.001), but non-significant variation was noted according to animal age. Conclusion: The study showed that sheep reared in households have carried antibodies of T. gondii and N. caninum. The prevalence was high and it means that consumption of meat from these animals is risky if the meat is eaten undercooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laibané Dieudonné Dahourou
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Environmental Sciences and Rural Development Institute, University of Dedougou, P.O. Box 174, Dedougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Oubri Bassa Gbati
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Interstate school of Veterinary Science and Medicine, P.O Box 5077, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Madi Savadogo
- Department of Biological Sciences and Animal Production, Interstate School of Veterinary Sciences and Medicine, P.O Box 5077, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Bernadette Yougbare
- Department of Animal Production, Environment and Agricultural Research Institute, P.O. Box 8645, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Amadou Dicko
- Centre Muraz, P.O Box 390, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Alima Hadjia Banyala Combari
- Department of Animal Production, Environment and Agricultural Research Institute, P.O Box 910, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Alain Richi Kamga-Waladjo
- Department of Biological Sciences and Animal Production, Interstate School of Veterinary Sciences and Medicine, P.O Box 5077, Dakar, Senegal
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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.
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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
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10
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Amdouni Y, Rjeibi MR, Awadi S, Rekik M, Gharbi M. First detection and molecular identification of Neospora caninum
from naturally infected cattle and sheep in North Africa. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65:976-982. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Amdouni
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie; Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles; École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet; Univ. Manouba; Ariana Tunisia
| | - M. R. Rjeibi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie; Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles; École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet; Univ. Manouba; Ariana Tunisia
| | - S. Awadi
- Regional Slaughterhouse of Béja; Béja Tunisia
| | - M. Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA); Amman Jordan
| | - M. Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie; Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles; École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet; Univ. Manouba; Ariana Tunisia
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11
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Braz B, Valente J, Villalobos E, Lara M, Machado C, Barbosa I, Melo V, Stipp D, Barros-Filho I, Biondo A, Vieira T, Vieira R. Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum among goats (Capra hircus) in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although goat dairy farms in Brazil may have a higher risk of infection by Neospora caninum than beef farms, risk factor evaluation on a representative population remains to be fully established in Brazil. Accordingly, this study aimed to establish the occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies and factors associated with exposure in 406 blood samples from five dairy and three beef goat farms in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), with samples considered positive when reacting with dilution ≥ 1:50. A total of 106/406 goats (26.11%; 95% CI: 21.96-30.72%) were seroreactive comprising 2/61 (3.28%), 10/45 (22.22%), 13/50 (26.00%), 17/51 (33.33%) to 29/46 (63.04%) in dairy farms, and from 3/54 (5.56%), 12/50 (24.00%) to 20/49 (40.82%) on the beef farms. No significant associations were found in relation to age, gender, dairy versus beef farms, occurrence of abortions or mummified fetuses, and seroreactivity to N. caninum (P>0.05). In conclusion, goat farms in the state of Paraíba showed the highest occurrence of anti-N. caninum antibodies to date in Brazil.
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12
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Maganga GD, Abessolo AL, Mikala Okouyi CS, Labouba I, Mbeang Beyeme AM, Mavoungou JF, Agossou E, Cossic B, Akue JP. Seroprevalence and risk factors of two abortive diseases, toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, in small ruminants of the Mongo County, southern Gabon. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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13
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Arbabi M, Abdoli A, Dalimi A, Pirestani M. Identification of latent neosporosis in sheep in Tehran, Iran by polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for the <i>Nc-5</i> gene. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 83:e1-7. [PMID: 27543149 PMCID: PMC6238813 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v83i1.1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about latent infection and molecular characterisation of Neospora caninum in sheep (Ovis aries). In this study, 330 sheep samples (180 hearts and 150 brains) were analysed for N. caninum DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Nc-5 gene. Neospora caninum DNA was detected in 3.9% (13/330) of sheep samples. The parasite's DNA was detected in 6.7% of heart samples (12/180) and 0.7% (1/150) of brain samples. No clinical signs were recorded from infected or uninfected animals. Sequencing of the genomic DNA revealed 96% - 99% similarity with each other and 95.15% - 100% similarity with N. caninum sequences deposited in GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of PCR to identify latent neosporosis in sheep in Iran. The results of this study have the potential to contribute to our understanding of the role of N. caninum-infected sheep in the epidemiology of neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Department of Parasitology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences.
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14
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Gazzonis AL, Alvarez Garcia G, Zanzani SA, Ortega Mora LM, Invernizzi A, Manfredi MT. Neospora caninum infection in sheep and goats from north-eastern Italy and associated risk factors. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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15
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Silva RC, Machado GP. Canine neosporosis: perspectives on pathogenesis and management. VETERINARY MEDICINE-RESEARCH AND REPORTS 2016; 7:59-70. [PMID: 30050838 PMCID: PMC6055790 DOI: 10.2147/vmrr.s76969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Canine neosporosis is a worldwide disease caused by the obligate intracellular parasite protozoan Neospora caninum, manifesting mainly neurological symptoms. N. caninum has a heteroxenous life cycle and affects a wide range of warm-blooded animals. The domestic and wild canids are the definitive host of the parasite. They shed oocysts after ingestion of tissue cysts from infected intermediate hosts (ovine, equine, bovine, canine, and many other species), containing bradyzoites, or oocyst-contaminated water and food. The presence of dogs in farms is considered a risk factor for production animals. A wide range of diagnostic methods are currently available, but the most used is serology, ie, indirect fluorescent antibody test specific to the antibody detection in blood serum samples. No vaccine is available, but control strategies should be focused on the vertical and horizontal transmission of the parasite, ie, avoid feeding dogs with raw or undercooked meat, and taking care with water for human and animal consumption. No medicines to control the transplacental transmission are available yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo C Silva
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, USA,
| | - Gustavo P Machado
- Department of Internal Medicine and Surgery of Small Animals, Dr Munhoz Veterinary Hospital, Itápolis, Brazil
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16
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Liu ZK, Li JY, Pan H. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in small ruminants in China. Prev Vet Med 2015; 118:488-92. [PMID: 25591976 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Little information is available about the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in sheep and goats in China. In the present investigation, the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum infections in sheep and goats were investigated in Qinghai province, China between January 2012 and June 2013. A total of 1250 serum samples (600 sheep and 650 goats) collected from 8 administrative regions of Qinghai province, China were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of specific antibodies, and sera positive were subsequently confirmed with indirect fluorescent antibody test. Specific IgG against T. gondii were detected in 21.33% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.06-24.61%) (128/600) and 29.54% (95% CI: 26.03-33.05%) (192/650) and against N. caninum in 10.33% (95% CI: 7.9-12.77%) (62/600) and 7.23% (95% CI: 5.24-9.22%) (47/650) of the sheep and goats, respectively. The risk factors significantly associated with T. gondii and N. caninum seroprevalence were the presence of cats and dogs, the pasturing system, the herd size, the hygiene in the farms. The results of the present survey indicate that T. gondii and N. caninum infections are highly prevalent in sheep and goats in Qinghai province, China. This is the first time that antibodies to N. caninum have been detected in sheep and goats in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Kui Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410128, China; National and Provincial Union Engineering Research Center for the Veterinary Herbal medicine resources and initiative, Changsha, Hunan Province 410128, China; Hunan Agricultural University Animal Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Liuyang 410311, China.
| | - Jian-Yong Li
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of CAAS, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Hu Pan
- Lanzhou Institute of Animal Sciences and Pharmaceutics of CAAS, Lanzhou 730050, China
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17
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Mota CM, Ferreira MD, Costa LF, Barros PSC, Silva MV, Santiago FM, Mineo JR, Mineo TWP. Fluorescent ester dye-based assays for the in vitro measurement of Neospora caninum proliferation. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:14-9. [PMID: 25095733 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Techniques for the measurement of parasite loads in different experimental models have evolved throughout the years. The quantification of stained slides using regular cytological stains is currently the most common technique. However, this modality of evaluation is labor-intensive, and the interpretation of the results is subjective because the successes of the assays mainly rely on the abilities of the professionals involved. Moreover, the novel genetic manipulation techniques that are commonly applied for closely related Toxoplasma gondii have not yet been developed for Neospora caninum. Thus, we aimed to develop a simple protocol for parasite quantification using pre-stained N. caninum tachyzoites and fluorescent probes based on ester compounds (i.e., CFSE and DDAO). For this purpose, we employed a quantification procedure based on flow cytometry analysis. Pre-stained parasites were also examined with a fluorescent microscope, which revealed that both dyes were detectable. Direct comparison of the numbers of CFSE+ and DDAO+ cells to the values obtained with classical cytology techniques yielded statistically comparable results that also accorded with genomic DNA amplification results. Although the fluorescence emitted by DDAO was more intense and provided better discrimination between the populations of parasitized cells, CFSE+ tachyzoites were detected for several days. In conclusion, this study describes a simple, fast, low-cost and reproducible protocol for N. caninum quantification that is based on parasite pre-staining with fluorescent ester-based probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Mota
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcela D Ferreira
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lourenço F Costa
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Patrício S C Barros
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Murilo V Silva
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M Santiago
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José R Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago W P Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mário Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Amazonas s/n, Bloco 4C, Sala 4C01, Campus Umuarama, 38405-320 Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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18
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Control options for Neospora caninum--is there anything new or are we going backwards? Parasitology 2014; 141:1455-70. [PMID: 24667014 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Recent work has highlighted and enumerated the economic annual losses due to Neospora caninum abortions worldwide, which should provide strong motivation for the control of bovine neosporosis. However, with the recent withdrawal from sale of the only commercially available vaccine, control options for N. caninum have become more restricted. While researchers continue to work on developing alternative efficacious vaccines, what are the control options presently available for the cattle industries? At the practical level, recommendations for 'Test-and-cull', or 'not breeding from seropositive dams' stand diametrically opposed to alternative options put forward that suggest a primary producer is better advised to keep those cows in the herd that are already seropositive, i.e., assumed to be chronically infected, and indeed those that have already aborted once. Treatment with a coccidiostat has been recommended as the only economically viable option, yet no such treatment has gained official, regulatory approval. Dogs are central to the life cycle of N. caninum and have repeatedly been associated with infection and abortions in cattle by epidemiological studies. Knowledge and understanding of that pivotal role should be able to be put to use in control programmes. The present review canvasses the relevant literature for evidence for control options for N. caninum (some of them proven, many not) and assesses them in the light of the authors' knowledge and experience with control of N. caninum.
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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]
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20
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The first report of Neospora caninum prevalence in aborted and healthy sheep from west of Iran. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-013-1846-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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21
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Jiménez-Ruiz E, Álvarez-García G, Aguado-Martínez A, Ortega-Mora LM. Mice congenitally infected with low-to-moderate virulence Neospora caninum isolates exhibited clinical reactivation during the mating period without transmission to the next generation. Exp Parasitol 2013; 134:244-8. [PMID: 23501806 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous transplacental transmission (EnTT) is the major transmission route of Neospora caninum in cattle. Thus, the development of a standardised experimental model of EnTT is needed for more appropriate testing of parasite biology and control strategies. A recent study reported up to 40-50% EnTT rates in chronically infected dams with either high or low-to-moderate virulence isolates, although low fertility rates were observed in dams inoculated with the high virulence isolate. Therefore, low-to-moderate virulence N. caninum isolates (Nc-Spain 3H; G1 and Nc-Spain 8; G2) that previously showed high TT rates versus low mortality and morbidity rates in a congenital mouse model were inoculated into BALB/c dams (first generation). The new approach followed in the present study aimed to start with a high number of congenitally infected mice (second generation), which allowed a more efficient EnTT from congenitally infected dams to their progeny (third generation). Interestingly, a reactivation of infection occurred in several congenitally infected non-pregnant females (second generation) from both infected groups. This fact was evidenced by neosporosis-associated clinical signs after mating accompanied by an increase of specific antibody levels (IgG1, IgG2a and specific antibodies against rNcGRA7) (P<0.0001; one-way ANOVA). Moreover, a higher number of PCR-positive mice compared to pregnant females were observed (P<0.05; Fisher's exact test). These results support the hypothesis that only mice without clinical signs and with a low parasite burden in the brain became pregnant, which may explain the posterior failure in inducing EnTT from the second to the third generation. These findings confirm that this mouse model is not a suitable experimental EnTT model for testing the efficacy of drugs and vaccine candidates against EnTT. The employment of other putative suitable species with a similar placenta structure, such as small ruminants, should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Jiménez-Ruiz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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