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Pandit PS, Smith WA, Finno CJ, Aleman M, Conrad PA, Packham A, Plancarte M, Woolard K, Marsh A, Pusterla N. A fresh look at the SarcoFluor antibody test for the detection of specific antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona for the diagnosis of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis. Vet Parasitol 2024; 330:110219. [PMID: 38897057 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a challenging disease to diagnose in horses with neurological signs. To optimize contemporary diagnostic testing, including the use of serum:CSF antibody ratios, the SarcoFluor antibody test for Sarcocystis neurona requires revalidation. The SarcoFluor, a previously validated immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for the detection of antibodies specific to S. neurona in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of naturally infected horses was analyzed using recent data and considering a serum:CSF antibody ratio threshold. Utilization of serum and CSF phosphorylated neurofilament heavy protein (pNfH) concentrations in support of an EPM diagnosis was also evaluated. 172 horses were divided into three groups: EPM-positive horses (EPM+, n=42), neurological non-EPM horses (n=74) confirmed with non-EPM neurological diseases (cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy, equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy), and control horses (control, n=56) without neurological signs and neurological abnormalities on histology. Logistic regression was used to compare EPM diagnostic regimens. Specifically, EPM+ horses were compared with neurological non-EPM horses showing neurological signs. To consider diagnostic utility, post-test probabilities were calculated by titer. When differentiating between EPM and other neurological diseases, the combination of serum and CSF SarcoFluor testing added more information to the model accuracy than either test alone. Using serum and CSF for pNfH in support of an EPM diagnosis did not identify cutoffs with statistically significant odds ratios but increased the overall model accuracy when used with the IFAT. Utilization of IFAT titers against S. neurona in serum and CSF result in a high post-test probability of detecting EPM+ horses in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav S Pandit
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Woutrina A Smith
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, VM3B, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tupper Hall 2108, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Patricia A Conrad
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Andrea Packham
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, VM3B, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Magdalena Plancarte
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, VM3B, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kevin Woolard
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Antoinette Marsh
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1920 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Tupper Hall 2108, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Johns O, Pearl DL, Foster RA, Barta J, Chenier T. The seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure to Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi in Ontario broodmares. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101002. [PMID: 38644034 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101002] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The seroprevalence and risk factors for exposure to Neospora caninum and Neospora hughesi in broodmares in Ontario were investigated. Sixty of the 219 (27.4%) study broodmares were seropositive for N. caninum and 65/219 (29.7%) for N. hughesi with cut-offs of ≥1:40 and ≥1:160, respectively. Thirty-one of 63 participating farms (49.2%) had at least 1 broodmare seropositive for N. caninum. Thirty-three of the 63 (52.4%) participating farms had at least 1 broodmare positive for N. hughesi. Risk factors for N. caninum included presence of farm dogs (OR = 6.70; 95% CI = 2.14-20.97; p = 0.001), and high stocking density (OR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.27-6.30; p = 0.011). Presence of livestock, excluding cattle, was associated with reduced risk of exposure (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.06-0.53; p = 0.002). The only risk factor for exposure to N. hughesi was feeding hay on the ground in the paddock (OR = 4.31; 95% CI = 1.65-11.22; p = 0.003). This study demonstrated widespread exposure to Neospora spp. in broodmares in Ontario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Johns
- University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - David L Pearl
- University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Robert A Foster
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - John Barta
- University of Guelph, Department of Pathobiology, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Tracey Chenier
- University of Guelph, Department of Population Medicine, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Abstract
Advances in the understanding of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) are reviewed. It is now apparent that EPM can be caused by either of 2 related protozoan parasites, Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi, although S neurona is the most common etiologic pathogen. Horses are commonly infected, but clinical disease occurs only infrequently; the factors influencing disease occurrence are not well understood. Epidemiologic studies have identified risk factors for the development of EPM, including the presence of opossums and prior stressful health-related events. Attempts to reproduce EPM experimentally have reliably induced antibody responses in challenged horses, but have not consistently produced neurologic disease. Diagnosis of EPM has improved by detecting intrathecal antibody production against the parasite. Sulfadiazine/pyrimethamine (ReBalance) and the triazine compounds diclazuril (Protazil) and ponazuril (Marquis) are effective anticoccidial drugs that are now available as FDA-approved treatments for EPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J MacKay
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 Southwest 16th Avenue, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610-0125, USA
| | - Daniel K Howe
- Department of Veterinary Science, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, 108 Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, KY 40546-0099, USA.
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Llano HAB, Soares RM, Acevedo-Gutierrez LY, Rodas JD, Polo G, Borges-Silva W, Jesus RF, Gondim LFP. Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora spp. in horses, donkeys, and mules from Colombia. Acta Trop 2021; 220:105970. [PMID: 34033805 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105970] [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: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horwald A B Llano
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo -USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Grupo de Investigación GINVER, Corporación Universitaria Remington, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Rodrigo Martins Soares
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo -USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leidy Y Acevedo-Gutierrez
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias Centauro, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan David Rodas
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias Centauro, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gina Polo
- Grupo de Investigación en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Universidad de La Salle, D.C., Colombia
| | - Waléria Borges-Silva
- Departamento de Anatomia, Patologia e Clínicas, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-UFBA, Salvador-BA, Brazil
| | - Rogério F Jesus
- Departamento de Anatomia, Patologia e Clínicas, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-UFBA, Salvador-BA, Brazil
| | - Luís F P Gondim
- Departamento de Anatomia, Patologia e Clínicas, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-UFBA, Salvador-BA, Brazil
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Javanmardi E, Majidiani H, Shariatzadeh SA, Anvari D, Shamsinia S, Ghasemi E, Kordi B, Shams M, Asghari A. Global seroprevalence of Neospora spp. in horses and donkeys: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109299. [PMID: 33227673 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Javanmardi
- Clinical Research Development Center, "The Persian Gulf Martyrs" Hospital of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Seyyed Ali Shariatzadeh
- Department of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Sadegh Shamsinia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ezatollah Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kordi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Ali Asghari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Serologic reactivity of canine sera to Sarcocystis neurona and Sarcocystis cruzi antigens. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100439. [PMID: 32862892 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystis neurona, a coccidian parasite shed by opossums (Didelphis spp.) in the Americas, is the major cause of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) and induces disease in other domestic and wild animal species, including domestic dogs. Sarcocystis cruzi, despite its low pathogenicity for cattle (intermediate hosts), is worldwide distributed and uses mostly dogs as definitive hosts. The aims of this study were to test serological reactivities of dog sera to S. neurona and S. cruzi antigens, and to investigate potential serological cross-reactivity to these parasites. Sera from 353 Brazilian dogs were obtained from rural areas in the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia, and examined by immunofluorescent antibody tests (IFAT). Antigens used in serological reactions consisted of S. neurona merozoites from a North American strain (SN138), and bradyzoites of S. cruzi obtained from Brazilian bovine hearts, with parasite species identity confirmed by PCR and sequencing of the 18S gene of the rDNA. Seropositivity to S. neurona and to S. cruzi were detected in 3.39% (12/353) and 4.81% (17/353) of the dogs, respectively. Ten canine sera reacted solely to S. neurona and 15 serum samples reacted only to S. cruzi. Two serum samples were simultaneously positive for both parasites. Sera from 14 dogs that tested positive by IFAT (9 for S. neurona and 3 for S. cruzi) and from two dogs that were negative by IFAT for the two parasites, were examined by Western blot using S. neurona as antigen; these sera reacted to a great number of protein bands, including antigens on the 16 and 30 KDa positions, which encompass immunodominant antigens for S. neurona in horses. Western blot did not show any specific pattern for S. neurona infection/exposure using canine sera. Dogs act as definitive hosts for several Sarcocystis spp. that infect farm animals, including horses, sheep, goats, water buffaloes and pigs, and for this reason, should contain antibodies to a broad repertoire of Sarcocystis spp. antigens. In conclusion, low percentages of dogs from rural areas of Ilhéus, Bahia, were reactive to both S. neurona and S. cruzi antigens. It is possible that other Sarcocystis species, besides S. neurona and S. cruzi, might have contributed for the seropositivity observed in this study. IFAT was more specific than Western blot to differentiate canine serological reactions to S. neurona and S. cruzi antigens.
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Boorman S, Scherrer NM, Stefanovski D, Johnson AL. Facial nerve paralysis in 64 equids: Clinical variables, diagnosis, and outcome. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1308-1320. [PMID: 32249997 PMCID: PMC7255662 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Facial nerve paralysis (FNP) in equids is not well described in the veterinary literature. OBJECTIVE To investigate the causes of FNP and associations among clinical variables, diagnosis, and outcome. ANIMALS Sixty-four equids presenting with FNP between July 2000 and April 2019. Cases of postanesthetic FNP were excluded. METHODS Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Variables were evaluated for associations with outcomes (diagnosis and case outcome) using logistic regression. RESULTS The most common cause of FNP was trauma (n = 20). Additional diagnoses included central nervous system (CNS) disease (n = 16), idiopathic (n = 12, 4 of which had adequate diagnostic investigation and were considered "true" idiopathic, and 8 of which were considered "not investigated" idiopathic), temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (n = 10), otitis media-interna (n = 3), lymphoma (n = 1), iatrogenic as a consequence of infiltration of local anesthetic (n = 1), and clostridial myositis (n = 1). Follow-up was available for 55 (86%) cases. Twenty-nine (53%) equids had full resolution of FNP, 14 (25%) were euthanized, 6 (11%) partially improved, and 6 (11%) were unchanged or worse. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE If FNP is the consequence of CNS disease, successful treatment of the primary disease likely leads to resolution of FNP. Most cases of FNP in equids are traumatic in origin. True idiopathic cases are uncommon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Boorman
- Department of Clinical SciencesJ. T. Vaughan Teaching Hospital, Auburn University College of Veterinary MedicineAuburnAlabamaUSA
| | - Nicole M. Scherrer
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton CenterUniversity of PennsylvaniaKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Darko Stefanovski
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton CenterUniversity of PennsylvaniaKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Amy L. Johnson
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton CenterUniversity of PennsylvaniaKennett SquarePennsylvaniaUSA
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Waap H, Volkart de Oliveira U, Nunes T, Gomes J, Gomes T, Bärwald A, Dias Munhoz A, Schares G. Serological survey of Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. in horses in Portugal. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 20:100391. [PMID: 32448546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Equine neosporosis is regarded to be caused either by Neospora hughesi or Neospora caninum and equine besnoitiosis is caused by Besnoitia bennetti, both of which are apicomplexan parasites. N. caninum is the only known Neospora species in Europe, where equine N. caninum infections have been reported as being associated to abortion and reproductive failure. N. hughesi is prevalent in North America and was predominantly linked to neurological disorders. B. bennetti is considered an emergent disease in donkeys in North America and evidence for B. bennetti infection was recently reported in Europe. Though N. caninum and Besnoitia besnoiti are prevalent in cattle in Portugal, little is known about neosporosis in horses and, to the best of our knowledge, no information was hitherto available for Besnoitia spp. The aim of this study was thus to carry out a serological survey to determine the seroprevalence of these parasites in naturally exposed horses in Portugal. A total of 385 animals were screened by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test at the cut-off value 1:50 and positive results were confirmed by Western blot. Exposure to Neospora spp. and Besnoitia spp. was confirmed in 9.1% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 6.6-12.4%) and 0.3% (95% CI: 0.0-1.5%) of horses, respectively. Considering the putative economic and animal health impact of neosporosis in horses and the consequences of a possible spread of equine besnoitiosis in Europe and elsewhere, more comprehensive studies are needed to characterize the species detected in serological surveys, evaluate the geographical distribution and assess possible risk factors that could favor transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Waap
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal; CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Uillians Volkart de Oliveira
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, 45662-900 Ilhéus, BA, Brazil; Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Aplicadas, Santo Antônio Monte, Itamaraju 45836-000, BA, Brazil
| | - Telmo Nunes
- CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Jacinto Gomes
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Av. da República, Quinta do Marquês 2780-157, Oeiras, Portugal; CIISA, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica 1300-477, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Gomes
- Escola Profissional de Desenvolvimento Rural de Serpa, Herdade da Bemposta 7830-909, Serpa, Portugal
| | - Andrea Bärwald
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Epidemiology, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Alexandre Dias Munhoz
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, 45662-900 Ilhéus, BA, Brazil.
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Institute of Epidemiology, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
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Schale S, Howe D, Yeargan M, Morrow JK, Graves A, Johnson AL. Protozoal coinfection in horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis in the eastern United States. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1210-1214. [PMID: 29633348 PMCID: PMC5980325 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infection by 2 or more protozoa is linked with increased severity of disease in marine mammals with protozoan encephalitis. Hypothesis/Objectives To assess whether horses with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona also have evidence of infection with Neospora hughesi or Toxoplasma gondii. We hypothesized that horses with EPM would be more likely than horses with cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVSM) to be positive for antibodies to multiple protozoan parasites. Animals One hundred one horses with neurologic disease: 49 with EPM and 52 with CVSM. Methods Case review. Archived serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 101 horses were examined. Inclusion criteria included neurologic disease, antemortem or postmortem diagnosis of EPM or CVSM, and availability of serological results or archived samples for testing. Additional testing for antibodies was performed on serum for T. gondii, as well as serum and CSF for N. hughesi. Results Horses with EPM were more likely than horses with CVSM to have positive immunologic results for S. neurona on serum (95.9% versus 76.9%, P = .0058), CSF (98.0% versus 44.2%, P < .00001), and serum : CSF titer ratio (91.8% versus 0%, P < .00001). Positive results for Neospora and Toxoplasma were uncommon, with total seroprevalence rates of 12.9% and 14.9%, respectively. The proportions of EPM cases testing positive for Neospora and Toxoplasma (16% and 12%) were not different from the proportions of CVSM cases testing positive (10% and 17%, P = .31 and .47, respectively). Conclusion Results do not indicate an important role for protozoal coinfection in EPM in the eastern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schale
- Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Daniel Howe
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Michelle Yeargan
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Amy Graves
- Equine Diagnostic Solutions, LLC, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Amy L Johnson
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Howe DK, Yeargan MR, Alvarado-Esquivel D, Alfredo Zamarripa-Barboza J, Dubey JP. Seroepidemiology of Sarcocystis neurona and Neospora hughesi infections in domestic donkeys (Equus asinus) in Durango, Mexico. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 24:27. [PMID: 28730993 PMCID: PMC5520387 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2017030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State. Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | - Daniel K Howe
- Department of Veterinary Science, M. H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0099, USA
| | - Michelle R Yeargan
- Department of Veterinary Science, M. H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0099, USA
| | - Domingo Alvarado-Esquivel
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State. Avenida Universidad S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | - José Alfredo Zamarripa-Barboza
- Healthcare Center No. 1 "Dr. Carlos León de la Peña". Secretary of Health, Boulevard de la Juventud S/N, 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA
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Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence and association with equine protozoal myeloencephalitis: A case–control study of Californian horses. Vet J 2017; 224:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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