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Karimi S, Nasiri V, Jameie F, Shemshadi B, Paykari H. Molecular detection and phylogenic characterization of Neospora caninum in naturally infected sheep in Alborz and Qazvin provinces, the north of the central region of Iran. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2907-2915. [PMID: 37740054 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07980-7] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan coccidian parasite that can act as a cause of abortion in sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of this parasitic agent and its role in causing abortion in sheep of Iran. Between June 2019 and February 2022, 100 samples [brain (n = 39), placenta (n = 8), embryonic membrane (n = 7), cotyledon (n = 7), umbilical cord (n = 2), homogenate mixture of tissues (heart, liver, spleen and digestive track) (n = 37)] that were collected following the necropsies of 39 aborted ovine fetuses from different parts of the Alborz and Qazvin provinces, the north of the central region of Iran were employed for DNA extraction. Nc-5 was selected as the target gene sequence for amplification of DNA by using four pairs of primers in two semi-nested PCR. Samples considered positive for the presence of the NC-5 gene were examined to further confirm the presence of the ITS1 gene. Sequence of NC-5 gene was detected from the 27 tissue samples of 23 aborted ovine fetuses. The ITS1 gene sequence was detected in all of the 27 tissue samples that were positive for the NC-5 gene analysis. Brain tissue was the most studied tissue, and the highest number of positive cases was observed in this tissue. The present study updated the situation of ovine neosporosis in the central region of Iran and confirmed the presence of the N. caninum among sheep flocks' abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Karimi
- Protozoology Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Nasiri
- Protozoology Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
| | - Farnoosh Jameie
- Protozoology Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Bahar Shemshadi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Habibullah Paykari
- Protozoology Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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2
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Novoa MB, Aguirre N, Ormaechea N, Palmero S, Valentini B, Vanzini V, Molineri AI. Evaluation of frequency of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella melitensis, risk factors and spatial distribution of infection in goat and sheep flocks from Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 46:100939. [PMID: 37935540 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100939] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella melitensis are pathogens that cause abortion in small ruminants. Besides, B. melitensis and T. gondii are zoonotic pathogens. The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of antibodies against N. caninum, T. gondii and B. melitensis in sheep and goats from three provinces of the center region of Argentina. In addition, the spatial distribution of the infected flocks/herds and risk factors were evaluated. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2015 through 2016. Serum samples from 4783 goats and 1524 sheep from 186 goat, 51 sheep and 38 mixed flocks/herds were analyzed. Competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ciELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) were performed for detection of antibodies against N. caninum and IFAT for T. gondii. The buffered plate antigen test and complement fixation test were performed for detection of antibodies against B. melitensis. The frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 41.2% and 29.7% for sheep and goats, respectively. The frequency of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 17.2% and 14% for sheep and goats, respectively. About 97.1% of the sheep flocks, 79.4% of the goat herds and the 91.3% of the mixed flocks had seropositive animals to T. gondii. About 61.8% of the sheep flocks, 58% of the goat herds and the 82.6% of the mixed flocks had seropositive animals to N. caninum. All the analyzed animals were negative to anti-B. melitensis antibodies. For T. gondii, a significant cluster of high risk of seropositive flocks/herds was detected in the littoral of the Parana River. The province of origin of the flock/herd was the only variable associated to T. gondii positivity (p = 0.003). Animals from Santiago del Estero and Santa Fe Provinces had 3.48 and 1.77 times more risk to be positive to T. gondii than animals from Entre Ríos Province, respectively. For N. caninum, a cluster of high risk of seropositive flocks/herds was detected in the north of Santa Fe Province. The only explanatory variable associated to N. caninum positivity was animal species (p = 0.003). Sheep had 1.73 times more risk to be positive to N. caninum than goats. The absence of antibodies against B. melitensis in all the analyzed animals is an important finding for the public health of the region. Since bordering provinces have infected flocks/herds, brucellosis in small ruminants should be under epidemiologic surveillance in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Belen Novoa
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA-CONICET), Ruta 34, km 227, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Nerina Aguirre
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA-CONICET), Ruta 34, km 227, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nadia Ormaechea
- Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Kreder 2805, CP 3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sebastian Palmero
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Kreder 2805, CP 3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Beatriz Valentini
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA-CONICET), Ruta 34, km 227, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Victor Vanzini
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA-CONICET), Ruta 34, km 227, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Ana Ines Molineri
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA-CONICET), Ruta 34, km 227, CP 2300, Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
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Campero LM, Basso W, Moré G, Fiorani F, Hecker YP, Echaide I, Cantón GJ, Cirone KM, Campero CM, Venturini MC, Moore DP. Neosporosis in Argentina: Past, present and future perspectives. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 41:100882. [PMID: 37208088 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100882] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Neosporosis, caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, was first diagnosed in Argentinean cattle in the 90's. With a national bovine stock of approximately 53 million head, the cattle industry is socially and economically relevant. Severe economic losses have been estimated at US$ 33 and 12 million annually in dairy and beef cattle, respectively. Approximately 9% of bovine abortions in the Buenos Aires province are caused by N. caninum. In 2001, the first isolation of N. caninum oocysts from feces of a naturally infected dog was performed in Argentina and named as NC-6 Argentina. Further strains were isolated from cattle (NC-Argentina LP1, NC-Argentina LP2) and axis deer (Axis axis, NC-Axis). Epidemiological studies revealed a high distribution of Neospora-infections not only in dairy but also in beef cattle, with seroprevalence rates of 16.6-88.8% and 0-73%, respectively. Several experimental infection studies in cattle have been carried out, as well as attempts to develop effective vaccines to avoid Neospora-abortions and transmission. However, no vaccine has proven successful for its use in daily practice. Reduction of seroprevalence, vertical transmission and Neospora-related abortions have been achieved in dairy farms by the use of selective breeding strategies and embryo transfer. Neospora-infections have been also detected in goats, sheep, deer, water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and gray foxes (Lycalopex griseus). Moreover, Neospora-related reproductive losses were reported in small ruminants and deer species and could be more frequent than previously thought. Even though diagnostic methods have been improved during the last decades, control of neosporosis is still not optimal. The development of new strategies including new antiprotozoal drugs and vaccines is highly needed. This paper reviews the information from the previous 28 years of research of N. caninum in Argentina, including seroprevalence and epidemiological studies, available diagnostic techniques, experimental reproduction, immunization strategies, isolations and control measures in domestic and non-domestic animals from Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Campero
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - W Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Moré
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - F Fiorani
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Y P Hecker
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - I Echaide
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology, INTA E.E.A, Rafaela, Argentina
| | - G J Cantón
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology, INTA E.E.A Balcarce, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - K M Cirone
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; National Institute of Agricultural Technology, INTA E.E.A Balcarce, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - C M Campero
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology, INTA E.E.A Balcarce, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118 s/n, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - D P Moore
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina.
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Tirosh-Levy S, Wolkomirski R, Savitsky I, Kenigswald G, Fridgut O, Bardenstein S, Blum S, Mazuz ML. Neospora-related abortions in sheep in Israel - A serological diagnostic challenge in an endemic area. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100809. [PMID: 36436896 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abortions in sheep flocks is a common multifactorial problem, which affects animal productivity and welfare. Israel is endemic to several infectious abortifacient pathogens, with neosporosis identified as a prominent cause. High seroprevalence of N. caninum is present in the general sheep population, making complicate to associate it as the causative agent of abortion in sheep. Here we describe two investigations of abortion storms in sheep flocks with high seroprevalence of neosporosis. In flock A, higher anti-Neospora antibody titers were demonstrated in aborting versus non-aborting ewes, suggesting that it may be the cause of abortions. In flock B, several infectious abortifacients were identified, but only the seroprevalence of border disease differed statistically between aborting and non-aborting ewes. These reports highlight the difficulty of diagnosing the cause of abortion in a multifactorial situation, and confirm the necessity to assess paired samples from aborting and non-aborting ewes, for reliable interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tirosh-Levy
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Ricardo Wolkomirski
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Igor Savitsky
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | | | - Orly Fridgut
- Virology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | | | - Shlomo Blum
- Bacteriology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel
| | - Monica L Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan 50250, Israel.
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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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7
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Soler JP, Moré G, Urtizbiría F, Hecker YP, Cirone KM, Scioli MV, Paolicchi FA, Fiorentino MA, Uriarte ELL, Cantón GJ, Verna AE, Morrell EL, Moore DP. Epidemic abortions due to Neospora caninum infection in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1475-1485. [PMID: 35304629 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07488-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study describes for the first time an abortion outbreak caused by Neospora caninum in farmed red deer. During a 5-year period, farmed hinds, naturally mated, were regularly ultrasound monitored to detect reproductive losses over their gestation. During the 4 years previous to the outbreak, abortion rates ranged from 4.7 to 8.6% (average 6.5%), and serology for indirect diagnosis of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis was performed. At the fifth year, the abortion rate increased to 25.3%. During this outbreak, three aborted foetuses and their placentas were recovered and submitted to laboratory for etiological diagnosis. Blood samples were collected from the 81 hinds at the end of the gestational period and the seropositivity rate for N. caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella abortus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 was 66.7%, 67.9%, 0.0%, 8.6% and 0.0%, respectively. Neospora caninum-seropositive hinds (OR = 5.7, P = 0.0271) and hinds with high antibody titres to N. caninum (OR = 7.4, P = 0.0130) were more likely to abort than seronegative hinds. In addition, N. caninum seropositivity rate in the aborted hinds was higher (OR = 5.4, P = 0.033) than the non-aborted hinds. No association was found between T. gondii nor BVDV-seropositivity and abortions. Typical protozoal histopathologic findings (necrotizing non suppurative encephalitis, meningitis, myocarditis, hepatitis, among others) were observed in all foetuses. Neospora caninum was immunolabelled by immunohistochemistry in several tissues from two foetuses, and infection was also confirmed in the three foetuses by serology and/or DNA detection. No other abortifacient agent was detected in the foetuses. Their dams showed high N. caninum antibody titres (≥ 6400). Serologic evidence and epidemiological data recorded suggested a point-source of N. caninum infection before the occurrence of the outbreak, probably related with contaminated feedstuff with oocysts. Moreover, the intensive production system with a high stocking rate could be also considered a factor which might have increased the risk of horizontal N. caninum infection in this herd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900, La Plata, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Facundo Urtizbiría
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yanina Paola Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karina Mariela Cirone
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Valeria Scioli
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Alberto Paolicchi
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Andrea Fiorentino
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Germán José Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Elizabeth Verna
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eleonora Lidia Morrell
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dadin Prando Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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8
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Della Rosa P, Fiorentino MA, Morrell EL, Scioli MV, Paolicchi FA, Moore DP, Cantón GJ, Hecker YP. Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii as causes of reproductive losses in commercial sheep flocks from Argentina. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 1:100057. [PMID: 35284874 PMCID: PMC8906136 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide preliminary data about the occurrence of Neospora caninum- and Toxoplasma gondii-related abortions and perinatal deaths in sheep from Argentina. Thirty ovine aborted foetuses and 33 perinatal deaths were submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Service at INTA EEA Balcarce (Argentina) during 2017–2019. A complete necropsy was performed on all specimens submitted, and foetal and placental tissues were examined. Foetal cavity fluids were collected for assessment of antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii by indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT). Placental and foetal tissue samples were collected for DNA extraction and histopathological analysis. The differential diagnosis with other causes of abortion was carried out. Of the sampled specimens, 20.63% (13/63) displayed evidence for N. caninum infection by IFAT and PCR, and in 61.5% (8/13) of the positive specimens the parasite was confirmed as the cause of abortion/perinatal death based on the presence of compatible histological lesions and/or positive immunohistochemistry test, positive PCR and/or positive IFAT, and no other infectious agents diagnosed. In contrast, T. gondii infection was confirmed in 9.52% (6/63) of the analysed specimens, but only in 2 lambs T. gondii was determined as the death cause. Neosporacaninum and T. gondii co-infections were confirmed in 4 analysed specimens (2 aborted foetuses and 2 perinatal deaths). These results demonstrated that N. caninum is efficiently transmitted and a frequent cause of ovine reproductive failure in the commercial analysed flocks compared with T. gondii. Despite T. gondii congenital infection was detected in some specimens (6/63), it was confirmed as the cause of death in only two of them. Thus, and considering the limited availability of confirmed samples, we could not determine whether toxoplasmosis is a major problem in Argentinian sheep flocks or not. More studies on a greater number of specimens from different ovine production systems under different management conditions are necessary to assess the real impact of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis in Argentina. Neospora caninum congenital infection was found in 13 of the 63 analysed specimens. In 8 of these 13 cases, N. caninum was confirmed as the cause of abortion/perinatal death. Toxoplasma gondii was determined as the perinatal death cause in 2 lambs. Co-infections with N. caninum + T. gondii were only confirmed in 4 analysed specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Della Rosa
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), W3470, Mercedes, Argentina
| | - María A Fiorentino
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Eleonora L Morrell
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - María V Scioli
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | | | - Dadín P Moore
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.,Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, 7620, Argentina
| | - Germán J Cantón
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Yanina P Hecker
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.,Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), INTA-CONICET, Balcarce, 7620, Argentina
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9
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Dessì G, Tamponi C, Pasini C, Porcu F, Meloni L, Cavallo L, Sini MF, Knoll S, Scala A, Varcasia A. A survey on Apicomplexa protozoa in sheep slaughtered for human consumption. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1437-1445. [PMID: 35192068 PMCID: PMC8993733 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Infections with the Apicomplexa Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis spp. are common causes of reproductive disorders in sheep. However, few epidemiological studies regarding co-infections with these three protozoa are reported in sheep in Italy. For this reason, this study aims to evaluate possible co-infections with T. gondii, N. caninum, and Sarcocystis spp. in sheep slaughtered for human consumption. From April to July 2019, individual blood, brain, heart, and diaphragm samples were collected from 138 sheep after slaughtering. The presence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma in serum samples was evaluated through ELISA. DNA of the three protozoa was investigated using specific PCRs. Co-infection with T. gondii, N. caninum and Sarcocystis spp. was found in 66.7% of the examined sheep. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in the 36.2% of serum samples. The presence of T. gondii DNA was detected in the 67.4%, 77.5%, and 21.7% of the brain, heart, and diaphragm samples, respectively. Neospora caninum DNA was found in 72.5% of the examined brain samples. Sarcocystis spp. DNA was detected in 92% and 52.2% of the heart and diaphragm samples, respectively. Sequence analysis of the Sarcocystis spp. revealed the sole presence of Sarcocystis tenella. The present study demonstrates that sheep have a high risk of infection with the three Apicomplexa investigated, suggesting the need to adopt adequate measures to prevent the spread of these parasitic infections considering their clinical and economic impact on ovine production. Furthermore, the possible role sheep play in the zoonotic transmission of toxoplasmosis to humans was highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Dessì
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Pasini
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesca Porcu
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Luisa Meloni
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Lia Cavallo
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Sini
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Stephane Knoll
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scala
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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10
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Huertas-López A, Sánchez-Sánchez R, Diezma-Díaz C, Álvarez-García G, Martínez-Carrasco C, Martínez-Subiela S, Cerón JJ. Detection of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep's full-cream milk by a time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay. Vet Parasitol 2022; 301:109641. [PMID: 34979475 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovine neosporosis, caused by the Apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum, leads to reproductive failure worldwide. Nowadays, there is a trend to develop diagnostic techniques using non-invasive samples, such as milk, in order to reduce animal stress, sample collection effort, and costs. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a highly sensitive and specific serological technique, based on a time resolved-fluorescence immunoassay using a N. caninum GRA7 antigen (GRA7-TRFIA), for the detection of anti-N. caninum immunoglobulins G on sheep' full-cream milk samples. An analytical validation was performed, including intra- and inter-assay precision, analytical sensitivity and accuracy. The diagnostic performance of the assay was evaluated by studying the positive-negative discrimination by Mann Whitney U tests. In additon optimal cut-offs, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, and areas under the curve were calculated by three Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analyses, using GRA7-TRFIA and a N. caninum tachyzoite soluble extract-based ELISA (NcSALUVET-ELISA) in blood sera, and the coinciding results of both techniques, as reference techniques. Moreover, Spearman's correlation of GRA7-TRFIA in milk with the techniques in sera and agreement (kappa values) were also estimated. GRA7-TRFIA for milk samples showed an adequate precision, with high analytical sensitivity and accuracy. Regarding ROC analyses, at the optimal cut-offs, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were more than 90 % in all cases. In addition, GRA7-TRFIA values in milk were more positively correlated to GRA7-TRFIA values in blood sera than in the case of values obtained with NcSALUVET-ELISA. GRA7-TRFIA in milk showed an almost perfect agreement with GRA7-TRFIA in blood sera (kappa = 0.98) and with the coinciding results of GRA7-TRFIA and NcSALUVET in blood sera (kappa = 1.00), while it has a substantial agreement with NcSALUVET-ELISA (kappa = 0.69). In the light of these results, GRA7-TRFIA in full-cream milk samples is a highly sensitive technique that could be used for screening anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Huertas-López
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez
- SALUVET group, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET group, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Animal Health Department, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", 30100, Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
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11
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Dorsch MA, Cantón GJ, Driemeier D, Anderson ML, Moeller RB, Giannitti F. Bacterial, protozoal and viral abortions in sheep and goats in South America: A review. Small Rumin Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2021.106547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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Dynamics of Neospora caninum-Associated Abortions in a Dairy Sheep Flock and Results of a Test-and-Cull Control Programme. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111518. [PMID: 34832673 PMCID: PMC8625302 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that can cause abortions and perinatal mortality in sheep. Although ovine neosporosis has been described worldwide, there is a lack of information about the relationship between N. caninum serostatus and the reproductive performance. In this study, we described the infection dynamics in a dairy sheep flock with an abortion rate up to 25% and a N. caninum seroprevalence of 32%. Abortions were recorded in 36% and 9% of seropositive and seronegative sheep, respectively. Seropositive sheep were more likely to abort twice (OR = 4.44) or three or more times (OR = 10.13) than seronegative sheep. Endogenous transplacental transmission was the main route of transmission since 86% of seropositive sheep had seropositive offspring. Within dams that had any abortion, seropositive sheep were more likely than seronegative ones to have female descendants that aborted (OR = 8.12). The slight increase in seropositivity with the age, the low percentage of animals with postnatal seroconversion or with low avidity antibodies, and the seropositivity of one flock dog, indicated that horizontal transmission might have some relevance in this flock. A control programme based on selective culling of seropositive sheep and replacement with seronegative animals was effective in reducing the abortion rate to 7.2%.
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13
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Gutiérrez-Expósito D, González-Warleta M, Espinosa J, Vallejo-García R, Castro-Hermida JA, Calvo C, Ferreras MC, Pérez V, Benavides J, Mezo M. Maternal immune response in the placenta of sheep during recrudescence of natural congenital infection of Neospora caninum. Vet Parasitol 2020; 285:109204. [PMID: 32916458 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In order to gain further insight into the pathogenesis and transmission of ovine neosporosis, the serological response of 13 naturally infected pregnant sheep was monitored. All sheep were euthanized upon the detection of a sharp increase in the level of specific antibodies against N. caninum in order to study the maternal immune response after the recrudescence of a chronic infection. Ten sheep were euthanized between 84 and 118 days of gestation, whereas the three remaining and three control not infected, pregnant sheep were euthanized at 135 days of gestation after no sharp increase in antibodies was detected. Vertical transmission was confirmed in 11 sheep by detection of N. caninum-DNA in at least one fetus, confirming recrudescence. Not all of fetuses showed pathologic microscopic lesions, however, multifocal non-purulent encephalitis was the main finding. Furthermore, nine out of the 11 vertical transmission positive sheep had lesions in placentomes (mainly multifocal necrotic foci), and the parasite was detected in eight out of 11 placentas by PCR and/or immunohistochemestry. The placentomes from sheep that suffered recrudescence showed an increased number of T lymphocytes CD3+ (CD4/CD8 < 1) and macrophages (MHC-II+), assessed by immunohistochemestry, together with an up-regulation of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4, TNFα, IL-2 and IL-18. IL-17 was only upregulated in the three infected sheep that did not have a sharp increase in antibody levels. In the sheep that showed fetal death at the time of euthanasia (n = 3) the placental microscopic lesions were more severe, the inflammatory infiltrate was higher, and the upregulation of cytokines was greater than in those sheep carrying viable fetuses. This study suggests that, similarly to bovine neosporosis, the time of gestation when recrudescence occurs determines the viability of the fetuses and, thus, seems to be related to the severity of lesions and immune response in the placenta. These results suggest that there might be a correlation, either as cause or as a consequence, between protection against vertical transmission of the parasite and a milder maternal serological response together with a high level of transcription of IL-17 in the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gutiérrez-Expósito
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain; Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña. (CSIC-Universidad de León). Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain.
| | - Marta González-Warleta
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jose Espinosa
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Raquel Vallejo-García
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Jose Antonio Castro-Hermida
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Carmen Calvo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
| | - María C Ferreras
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Valentín Pérez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal. Facultad de Veterinaria. Universidad de León. Campus De Vegazana s/n, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Julio Benavides
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña. (CSIC-Universidad de León). Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Mezo
- Laboratorio de Parasitología. Centro de Investigaciones Agrarias de Mabegondo, AGACAL-Xunta de Galicia. Ctra. Betanzos a Mesón do Vento km 7, Abegondo, 15318, A Coruña, Spain
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14
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Novoa MB, Aguirre NP, Ormaechea N, Palmero S, Rouzic L, Valentini BS, Sarli M, Orcellet VM, Marengo R, Vanzini VR, Primo ME. Validation and field evaluation of a competitive inhibition ELISA based on the recombinant protein tSAG1 to detect anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep and goats. Vet Parasitol 2020; 284:109201. [PMID: 32801057 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109201] [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: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion and reproductive failure in small ruminants. We validated and evaluated under field conditions a competitive inhibition ELISA based on the truncated SAG1 protein (tSAG1) from N. caninum for the detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep and goat flocks. The assay was validated using 80 positive and 142 negative serum samples from sheep and goats analyzed by IFAT and immunoblot (IB). ciELISAtSAG1 was then used to evaluate the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in 1449 goats from 143 flocks and 385 sheep from 40 flocks and compared to IFAT. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was evaluated by IFAT. The ciELISAtSAG1 cut-off was ≥ 36 percent inhibition, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 100.0 % (95 % CI = 95.4-100.0 %) and a diagnostic specificity of 98.6 % (95 % CI = 95.0-99.8 %) relative to the agreement between IFAT and IB. The field evaluation revealed a concordance between ciELISAtSAG1 and IFAT of 97.4 %, with an agreement (κ) of 0.90 for sheep sera, and a concordance of 96.5 % with κ = 0.85 for goat sera. The overall prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep was 14.3 % by IFAT and 15.8 % by ciELISAtSAG1. In goats, prevalence was 12.9 % by IFAT and 14.6 % by ciELISAtSAG1. The overall prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 28.8 % in goats and 43.8 % in sheep. The ciELISAtSAG1 could be useful for large-scale detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep and goats, and for seroepidemiological investigations due to its appropriate sensitivity and specificity, and the simplicity of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Novoa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Nerina Patricia Aguirre
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nadia Ormaechea
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Palmero
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lisandro Rouzic
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Beatriz Susana Valentini
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Macarena Sarli
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Viviana Mercedes Orcellet
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rafael Marengo
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of the Littoral (UNL), Kreder 2805 (S3080HOF), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Victor René Vanzini
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Evangelina Primo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Parasitology, National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Rafaela Agricultural Experimental Station, National Route 34, Km 227 (2300), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
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15
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Duarte PO, Oshiro LM, Zimmermann NP, Csordas BG, Dourado DM, Barros JC, Andreotti R. Serological and molecular detection of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in human umbilical cord blood and placental tissue samples. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9043. [PMID: 32493968 PMCID: PMC7271125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65991-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neosporosis primarily affects cattle and dogs and is not currently considered a zoonotic disease. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution that is asymptomatic in most cases, but when acquired during pregnancy, it can have serious consequences. The seropositivity rates determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Neospora caninum (N. caninum) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were 24.3% (49 samples) and 26.8% (54 samples), respectively. PCR positivity for N. caninum was observed in two samples of cord blood (1%) using the Nc5 and ITS1 gene, positivity for T. gondii was observed in 16 samples using the primer for the B1 gene (5.5% positivity in cord blood and 2.5% positivity in placental tissue). None of the samples showed structures characteristic of tissue cysts or inflammatory infiltrate on histopathology. Significant associations were observed only between N. caninum seropositivity and the presence of domestic animals (p = 0.039) and presence of dogs (p = 0.038) and between T. gondii seropositivity and basic sanitation (p = 0.04). This study obtained important findings regarding the seroprevalence and molecular detection of N. caninum and T. gondii in pregnant women; however, more studies are necessary to establish a correlation between risk factors and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmella Oliveira Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Leandra Marla Oshiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Carrapato, Departamento de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Namor Pinheiro Zimmermann
- Professor do Curso de Medicina Veterinária do Centro Universitário da Grande Dourados-UNIGRAN, Dourados, Brasil
| | - Bárbara Guimarães Csordas
- Bolsista de Pós-Doutorado- FUNDAPAM, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular do Carrapato, Departamento de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | | | | | - Renato Andreotti
- Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil.
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