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Dinon A, Fiorani F, Campero LM, Moore DP, Corva PM. The role of genetic variability of the host on the resistance to Neospora caninum infection in cattle. Anim Genet 2024; 55:304-318. [PMID: 38419150 DOI: 10.1111/age.13410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is one of the most frequently diagnosed abortifacient pathogens in cattle. There is abundant genomic information about the parasite itself, but very little is known about the genetic variability of resistance in the most common intermediate host. The aim of this review was to compile all the available information about the genetic variability associated with the resistance to N. caninum both between and within cattle breeds. We systematically searched for published studies that investigated the influence of genetics of the host on the prevalence of N. caninum and risk of abortion. Beyond the potential confounding effects of feeding systems, management and animal density, some lines of evidence suggest that Holstein, the most popular breed for milk production, has a comparatively higher risk of abortion due to infections by N. caninum, whereas some beef breeds from Continental Europe seem to be more resistant. It is still not clear if different genetic mechanisms of resistance are involved in the two known routes of infection: postnatal ingestion of oocysts or transplacental transmission from the infected dam to the fetus. Genomic information associated with susceptibility to infection and risk of abortion in different cattle breeds is still scarce. The information reported here could be useful to identify new research alternatives and to define novel strategies to deal with this major problem of animal production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabella Dinon
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Franco Fiorani
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Lucía María Campero
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Dadín Prando Moore
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Pablo Marcelo Corva
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
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Gharekhani J, Rafaat Mohammed R, Heidari R, Hajipour N, Trotta M, Villanueva-Saz S. Assessment of Neospora caninum infection in bulls using serological and molecular techniques. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 46:100940. [PMID: 37935541 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100940] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a significant cause of abortion and economic losses in cattle worldwide. The main aim of the present work was to detect the prevalence of N. caninum infection in bulls in Hamedan (Iran) using serology and molecular techniques. All blood samples (n = 792) were screened for detecting the antibodies to N. caninum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then seropositive animals were rechecked using the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Also, blood, epididymis, and spinal cord samples were collected from animals for molecular analysis using nested PCR. In serology, using ELISA, 3.91% of animals were seropositive for N. caninum. Additionally, true prevalence based on the sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA was calculated 1.25% (95% CI: 0.48-2.02%). Neospora-infection in animals, calculated as the number of bulls seropositive and/or one sample positive to nested PCR, was 3.40%; and 19 bulls tested positive by both serology and molecular diagnostic methods. The overlaps between ELISA and molecular results were observed in 74.19% of whole blood samples, 80.64% of the epididymis, and 87.09% of the spinal cord. Using ELISA, the seroprevalence of N. caninum was detected 1.8% in ≤2 and 5.45% in >2 years old group of animals (p = 0.009, PR = 3.1). In addition, the seropositivity in Holstein and native breed animals was calculated 6.57% and 2.93%, respectively (p = 0.019, PR = 2.3). Seven sequences with 94.9-99.3% similarity were detected in multiple alignments of positive PCR products. Our work was the first comprehensive evaluation of Neospora-infection/neosporosis in Iranian bulls. We detected a low prevalence of infection in animals compared to previous reports. The ELISA is a sensitive serological technique for detecting the highest number of positive bulls in the present investigation and, the nested PCR is a reliable technique to identify Neospora-DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Gharekhani
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Iranian Veterinary Organization, Hamedan, Iran.
| | - Rebin Rafaat Mohammed
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Director of the Central Clinical Laboratory of Sulaimani, Iraq
| | - Reza Heidari
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Cancer Screening and Epidemiology, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasser Hajipour
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Michele Trotta
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sergio Villanueva-Saz
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain
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Antibody seropositivity for Neospora caninum in Blanco Orejinegro cattle in Colombia and factors associated with the infection. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:391. [PMID: 34224021 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02827-8] [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: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neosporosis is a parasitic disease that causes abortions and economic losses in bovine production systems, but no studies have been found concerning its effect on the Creole cattle breed, Blanco Orejinegro (BON). The aim of this research was to establish the serological status of Colombian BON cattle against Neospora caninum and to determine the factors associated with seropositivity. Blood samples were taken from 363 animals from 13 herds in six states of Colombia, and analyzed by indirect ELISA using a commercial test. Information on sex, herd, generation group, and state was recorded. A survey was carried out with 26 questions related to productive, reproductive, and health factors per herd. A logistic regression analysis was performed and the ORs for significantly associated variables were estimated using the R software. General seropositivity of 73.5% (95% CI 68.6-77.9%) was obtained, and sex, age group, and herd were the variables significantly associated with seropositivity (p < 0.05). For the sex variable, seroprevalence levels of 79.6% (95% CI 74.3-84.1%) were recorded for females and 54.5% (95% CI 43.6-65.1%) for males. Herd seroprevalence varied between 58.3 and 95.8%, and the last generation showed the lowest positivity (51.2%, 95% CI 42.1-60.2%). The inadequate disposal of fetuses was a risk factor, while carrying out serological tests to new animals that enter the herd, the use of new gloves and palpation utensils for each animal, supplementation, and stabling were stated as protective factors. No effect of positivity was found in the last calving interval. The implementation of bovine neosporosis control programs to support breeding and conservation programs of the BON breed in Colombia is recommended.
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Gharekhani J, Yakhchali M, Berahmat R. Neospora caninum infection in Iran (2004-2020): A review. J Parasit Dis 2020; 44:671-686. [PMID: 32929312 PMCID: PMC7481549 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01266-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge on neosporosis and associated risk factors in different species of animals are so important for designing the control programs and reduce the economic losses globally. This literature review targeted for evaluating the infection rate of Neospora caninum in animals in Iran. Until April 2020, all of published documents in the main English and Persian-language databases were searched. A total number of 110 documents (English = 85 and Persian = 25) were extracted. Most of reports were sero-epidemiological studies using ELISA in Iranian cattle population. The range of Neospora infection was 3.8–76.2% in cattle, 0–54.6% in dogs, 0.9–9.9% in sheep, 6.2% in goats, 19.2–55.9% in buffaloes, 20–42.2% in horses, 52% in donkeys, 3.2–27% in camels, 14% and 19% in cats, and 0–20.4% in rodents. This rate in birds was 17.3% in chicken, 9.8% and 30.4% in pigeons, 2.8% and 3.7% in sparrows, and 9.9% in hooded crows. This is a comprehensive literature review on Neospora infection in Iran at the first time. The infection of N. caninum is widespread in Iran especially in dogs and cattle population. This review can provide baseline information for future research. Study on other hosts especially on wild and exotic animals is recommended for exact estimate of neosporosis in Iran. Investigations into molecular diagnosis and genotyping of N. caninum strains are also needed; this will be helpful for developing vaccines and finding the connection among wild and domestic cycles of disease. Education on the risk factors associated with N. caninum infection for is suggested farmers and rural public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Gharekhani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.,Department of Laboratory Sciences, Central Veterinary Laboratory, Iranian Veterinary Organization, Hamedan Veterinary Office, Ayatollah-Rafsanjani Street, Hamedan, 6519611156 Iran
| | - Mohammad Yakhchali
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Reza Berahmat
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum Infection in Dog Population Worldwide: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:273-290. [PMID: 31919799 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes neurological disorders in dogs. This systematic review and meta-analysis targeted at evaluating the worldwide seroprevalence rate of N. caninum in dogs. METHODS Five electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, until December 2018 were thoroughly searched for relevant English language articles. Papers were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data were analyzed in StatsDirect statistical software (version 2.7.9). RESULTS The searching process yielded a total number of 156 papers. The total prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of N. caninum infection in dog population worldwide was measured as 17.14% in data analyses (15.25-19.10). In addition, a significant association was also detected between neosporosis infection in dogs and continent, country, year, WHO regions, sample size and diagnostic method (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Dogs are a matter of concern to public health officials as a source of N. caninum infection. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to provide comprehensive data and systematically analyze the prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs. Accordingly, it is recommended that researchers carry out further studies to prevent and control neosporosis among dog population worldwide.
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Gharekhani J, Yakhchali M. Neospora caninum infection in dairy farms with history of abortion in West of Iran. Vet Anim Sci 2019; 8:100071. [PMID: 32734088 PMCID: PMC7386725 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2019.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a major cause of abortion and economic losses among dairy farms in Iran and other countries. The main goal of current investigation was to evaluate the presence of antibodies against N. caninum and associated risk factors in dairy herds with history of abortion in Hamedan province of West Iran. A total numbers of 476 and 185 blood samples of pregnant cattle and farm dogs from 10 dairy farms with history of abortion were randomly collected. Bulk milk sample was taken from each farm. All samples were subjected for detection of IgG antibody against N. caninum using ELISA technique. Of all examined animals, 24.8% of cattle and 8.65% of dogs were seropositive to N. caninum. The seroprevalence had significant differences with abortion, stillbirth, metritis, breed, close contact to dogs, wild carnivores, rodents, poultry, and pregnancy using artificial insemination method. There were no significant differences among seroprevalence and different age groups, number and stage of gestation, and herd population. In all investigated farms, bulk milk examination was positive. In examined dogs, there was significant difference between seroprevalence and sex. It was concluded that N. caninum infection may be responsible for abortion and economic losses in dairy farms of the region. This was also the first comprehensive report on associated risk factors to N. caninum infection in dairy farms in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Gharekhani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Nazlu campus, Sero road, 5756151818, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yakhchali
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Nazlu campus, Sero road, 5756151818, Urmia, Iran
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Abdoli A, Arbabi M, Pirestani M, Mirzaghavami M, Ghaffarifar F, Dalimi A, Sadraei J. Molecular assessment of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in hooded crows ( Corvus cornix ) in Tehran, Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 57:69-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ramos AE, Muñoz M, Cortés-Vecino JA, Barato P, Patarroyo MA. A novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based test for detecting Neospora caninum DNA. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:590. [PMID: 29187255 PMCID: PMC5707868 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2549-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neospora caninum is a cyst-forming, coccidian parasite which is known to cause neurological disorders in dogs and abortion and neonatal mortality in cows and other livestock. This study reports the development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay based on the Neospora caninum Nc-5 gene and compares its efficacy for detecting DNA to that of a semi-nested PCR test. RESULTS Six primers were designed based on the Nc-5 repeat region of N. caninum. Specific LAMP primers led to successful amplification of N. caninum DNA at 63 °C in 30 min. The LAMP assay was highly specific (i.e. it did not reveal cross-reactivity with other parasite species) and had a low N. caninum plasmid DNA limit of detection (1 fg), which is ten times higher than that for the semi-nested PCR. LAMP applicability was evaluated using a set of naturally-infected samples (59 from canine faeces and five from bovine abortions). Thirty-nine percent (25/64) of the naturally-infected samples were positive for N. caninum DNA by LAMP and 36% (23/64) by semi-nested PCR. However, the LAMP assay is much faster to perform than semi-nested PCR and provides results in 30 min. CONCLUSION The optimized reaction conditions described in this study resulted in a sensitive, specific and rapid technique for detecting N. caninum DNA. Considering the advantages of LAMP for detecting N. caninum DNA, further assays aimed at testing its usefulness on a wider range of field samples are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Estefanía Ramos
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Paola Barato
- Corporación Patología Veterinaria (Corpavet), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia. .,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Wang S, Yao Z, Zhang N, Wang D, Ma J, Liu S, Zheng B, Zhang B, Liu K, Zhang H. Serological study of Neospora caninum infection in dogs in central China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:25. [PMID: 27317461 PMCID: PMC4912684 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2016025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion in cattle as well as reproduction problems and neurological disorders in dogs. Dogs are important in the epidemiology of N. caninum because they act as definitive hosts, shedding oocysts in the environment. To investigate the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs in central China, 1176 serum samples were collected from domestic dogs in Henan province, central China between March 2015 and February 2016 and tested for IgG antibody against N. caninum, using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum was nearly 15% (172/1176). No significant difference was observed between this seroprevalence according to sex and breed of dogs (p > 0.05). The infection rate in rural dogs (18%) was higher (p < 0.05) than in urban dogs (11%). The prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs increased (p < 0.05) with age. The results of the present study indicate the high prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in dogs in Henan province, central China. Sanitary conditions and animal health must be improved to prevent the transmission risk of N. caninum by dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Zhijun Yao
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Nian Zhang
- Xinxiang Assegal Medical Examination Institute, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Jingbo Ma
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Shiguo Liu
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Kuo Liu
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Haizhu Zhang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
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Sharifdini M, Mohebali M, Keshavarz H, Hosseininejad M, Hajjaran H, Akhoundi B, Rahimi Foroushani A, Zarei Z. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic dogs in an area from northwest of Iran: a cross-sectional study using immunodominant surface antigen 1 (SAG1). J Parasit Dis 2015; 40:1278-1282. [PMID: 27876930 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-015-0667-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects humans and animals. T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) is an appropriate antigen with high specificity and sensitivity for the detection of T. gondii infection in humans and animal hosts. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection using SAG1 antigen (P30) in ownership dogs in Meshkin-Shahr district in the northwestern Iran. The sera samples were collected from 171 domestic dogs and tested using indirect ELISA (SAG1 antigen). The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 13. From a total of 171 dogs, 82 (48 %) of them were sero-positive. No statistical significant difference was seen between T. gondii infection and gender (P = 0.995). The highest sero-prevalence of rate was observed in >5 years animals; but no statistical significant difference was seen between T. gondii infection and age (P = 0.589). Our findings indicate that Toxoplasma seropositivity rate is high in ownership dogs in northwest of Iran. This is probably due to high exposure to contaminated food, soil, or water sources with sporulated Toxoplasma oocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sharifdini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - M Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran ; Research Center for Zoonoses, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran ; Research Center for Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Hosseininejad
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Zoonotic Diseases, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - H Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran
| | - B Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Rahimi Foroushani
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Z Zarei
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 14155-6446, Tehran, Iran
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Tavalla M, Sabaghan M, Abdizadeh R, Khademvatan S, Rafiei A, Razavi Piranshahi A. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. Infections in Arab Horses, Southwest of Iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e14939. [PMID: 25834714 PMCID: PMC4377174 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.14939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the economic importance of the Arab race horses and also the role of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. in abortion and reproductive failure of these animals, we decided to perform this study. OBJECTIVES We designed this study to investigate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora spp. antibodies in Arab horses from 12 cities of Khuzestan province in southwest of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS From October 2009 to March 2011, a total of 235 blood samples were collected from jugular veins of Arab horses of different ages and genders from 12 cities of Khuzestan province. All the sera were tested for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT) and the existence of anti-Neospora antibodies were tested using N-MAT for Neospora spp. RESULTS According to the MAT results, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 114 (48.5%) of 235 sera with titers of 1:20 in 84, 1:40 in 19, 1:80 in four, 1:160 in four, and 1:320 in three horses. According to the N-MAT results, antibodies to Neospora spp. were found in 47 (20%) of 235 sera with titers of 1:40 in 39, 1:80 in five, and 1:160 in three horses. We did not observe any statistically significant differences regarding age groups and genders between seropositive and seronegative horses for Neospora spp. using chi-square (χ(2)) test, but it seemed that anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were more prevalent in older horses (≥ 10 years old). CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that Arab horses are exposed to these parasites in southwest of Iran. Further research is required to determine the genomic structures of these parasites in Arab horses in southwest of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Tavalla
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mehdi Tavalla, Department of Medical Parasitology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran. P. O. Box: 61357-33118, Tel: +98-6113367543, Fax: +98-6113367545, E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Sabaghan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Rahman Abdizadeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, IR Iran
| | - Shahram Khademvatan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, IR Iran
| | - Abdollah Rafiei
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Anahita Razavi Piranshahi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
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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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