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Guido-Torres A, Medina-Esparza L, Cruz-Vázquez C, Cisneros-Guzmán LF, Ramos-Parra M. Epidemiology of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infection in venison from Aguascalientes, Mexico. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100946. [PMID: 38199677 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100946] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The objective of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in venison from Aguascalientes, Mexico, their possible association with some risk factors, and to identify the presence of parasite DNA in blood and tissues. For this study, 5 farms and four species of venison were included, where 43 blood serum samples were obtained and in 37 of these animals a peripheral blood sample was also obtained; from hunted deer, 6 liver and 2 heart samples were obtained. The samples were analyzed by ELISA and PCR tests, respectively. The association between the serological status and the possible risk factors was estimated. The overall seroprevalence in N. caninum was 47% (20/43; CI 95% 31-62), with positive animals in all farms in a range of 18 to 100%, while for T. gondii it was 49% (21/43; CI 95% 33-64), with positive animals in 80% of farms in a range of 18 to 100%. The prevalence of N. caninum DNA detection in blood was 59% (22/37; CI 95% 42-74), with positive animals in all farms, in a range of 45 to 100%, while in T. gondii it was 76% (28/37; CI 95% 58-87), with positive animals in all farms, in a range of 56 to 100%. Age (> 4 years) was identified as associated with seroprevalence in N. caninum (OR 5.2) and in T. gondii (OR 12.7). DNA from both parasites was detected in the liver and heart samples. The results shown that venison populations included in the study are living in an environment highly contaminated with oocysts excreted by the definitive host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adán Guido-Torres
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes - San Luis Potosí, El Llano, Aguascalientes 20330, Mexico
| | - Leticia Medina-Esparza
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes - San Luis Potosí, El Llano, Aguascalientes 20330, Mexico
| | - Carlos Cruz-Vázquez
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes - San Luis Potosí, El Llano, Aguascalientes 20330, Mexico.
| | | | - Miguel Ramos-Parra
- Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico El Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes - San Luis Potosí, El Llano, Aguascalientes 20330, Mexico
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Pekker E, Priskin K, Szabó-Kriston É, Csányi B, Buzás-Bereczki O, Adorján L, Szukacsov V, Pintér L, Rusvai M, Cooper P, Kiss-Tóth E, Haracska L. Development of a Large-Scale Pathogen Screening Test for the Biosafety Evaluation of Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Biol Proced Online 2023; 25:33. [PMID: 38097939 PMCID: PMC10720183 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-023-00226-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The action of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is the subject of intense research in the field of regenerative medicine, including their potential use in companion animals, such as dogs. To ensure the safety of canine MSC batches for their application in regenerative medicine, a quality control test must be conducted in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Based on guidance provided by the European Medicines Agency, this study aimed to develop and validate a highly sensitive and robust, nucleic acid-based test panel for the detection of various canine pathogens. Analytical sensitivity, specificity, amplification efficiency, and linearity were evaluated to ensure robust assessment. Additionally, viable spike-in controls were used to control for optimal nucleic acid extraction. The conventional PCR-based and real-time PCR-based pathogen assays were evaluated in a real-life setting, by direct testing MSC batches. RESULTS The established nucleic acid-based assays displayed remarkable sensitivity, detecting 100-1 copies/reaction of template DNA. They also exhibited high specificity and efficiency. Moreover, highly effective nucleic acid isolation was confirmed by the sensitive detection of spike-in controls. The detection capacity of our optimized and validated methods was determined by direct pathogen testing of nine MSC batches that displayed unusual phenotypes, such as reduced cell division or other deviating characteristics. Among these MCS batches of uncertain purity, only one tested negative for all pathogens. The direct testing of these samples yielded positive results for important canine pathogens, including tick-borne disease-associated species and viral members of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC). Notably, samples positive for the etiological agents responsible for enteritis (CPV), leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans), and neosporosis (Neospora caninum) were also identified. Furthermore, we conducted biosafety evaluation of 12 MSC batches intended for therapeutic application. Eleven MSC batches were found to be free of extraneous agents, and only one tested positive for a specific pathogen, namely, canine parvovirus. CONCLUSION In this study, we established and validated reliable, highly sensitive, and accurate nucleic acid-based testing methods for a broad spectrum of canine pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emese Pekker
- HCEMM-HUN-REN BRC Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Szeged, Korányi fasor 10, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary
- Delta Bio 2000 Ltd., Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Valéria Szukacsov
- HUN-REN BRC Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Endre Kiss-Tóth
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, S10 2RX, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lajos Haracska
- HCEMM-HUN-REN BRC Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis Research Group, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary.
- Delta Bio 2000 Ltd., Szeged, H-6726, Hungary.
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar tudósok krt. 2. H-1117, Budapest, Hungary.
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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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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Daryani A. The Global Prevalence of Neospora caninum Infection in Sheep and Goats That Had an Abortion and Aborted Fetuses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:870904. [PMID: 35558895 PMCID: PMC9090472 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.870904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum (N. caninum) can be a potential factor causing a significant rate of miscarriages in small ruminants (sheep and goats) worldwide. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the global status of N. caninum in sheep and goats that had an abortion and aborted fetuses. Five English databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest) were searched for relevant scientific articles published from their inception until November 4, 2021. Finally, 21 studies conducted on sheep (1,671 aborted fetuses and 935 abortive sheep) and 10 studies on goats (130 aborted fetuses and 80 abortive goats) were included for the final meta-analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Moreover, sensitivity analysis, publication bias test, and quality assessment were performed in this study. The pooled prevalence of N. caninum in aborted fetuses of sheep and goats globally was estimated to be 15% (95% CI: 9-21%) and 7% (95% CI: 2-12%) using molecular methods. Besides, the seroprevalence of N. caninum was estimated to be 17% for aborted fetuses of sheep. The overall prevalence rate of N. caninum infection in sheep that had an abortion was 3%. The present results show a relatively high prevalence of N. caninum infection in sheep that had an abortion and aborted fetuses compared to goats. Therefore, further studies using different diagnostic techniques to more accurately estimate the rate of infection in sheep and goats may help provide adequate control measures and strategies to reduce the rate of abortion in sheep and goats and reduce economic damage to the livestock industry. This study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; code: CRD42020216694).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Chiang SH, Huang HH, Chou CC, Chu CS, Shih WL, Lai JM, Lin HC, Yang WC, Lee HH, Tsai YL, Su YC. Epidemiological survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in dairy goats in Central-Southern Taiwan. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:1537-1544. [PMID: 32893199 PMCID: PMC7653309 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.20-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are intracellular protozoan parasites that cause reproductive disorders in ruminants and humans. Information on the risk factors of T. gondii and N. caninum infections in goats is very limited in Taiwan. The aim of the study was to investigate the epidemiology and identify the risk factors of these two infections in goats. A total of 630 caprine sera were collected from 42 dairy goat farms and the owners were interviewed by a structured questionnaire. The apparent seroprevalences of T. gondii in farm- and individual- levels were respectively 88.1% and 32.22%, while those of N. caninum were 19.05% and 2.54%, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii B1 gene was identified in 7 feed samples and 8 from the water samples whereas N. caninum was not found. Wooden flooring was the main risk factor for T. gondii infection while the frequency of visits by staff to other farms and the breed of goat were risk factors for N. caninum. The improvement of flooring materials or thorough cleaning, periodic disinfection and maintenance of dryness on the floor are highly recommended for the prevention of T. gondii infection in farmed goats. In addition, unnecessary visits to other farms should be limited to prevent the spread of N. caninum. These factors should be highlighted for the prevention of T. gondii and N. caninum in goats, particularly when raised in intensive housing system with flooring on height.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Heng Chiang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, No. 580 Xinmin Rd., Chiayi City 60054, Taiwan
| | - Han Hsiang Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, No. 580 Xinmin Rd., Chiayi City 60054, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chung Chou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, No. 250, Kuo Kuang Rd., Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Shih Chu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceuticals, National Chiayi University, No. 300 Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City 60004, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ling Shih
- >Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No.1, Shuefu Rd., Neipu, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Mirn Lai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, No. 580 Xinmin Rd., Chiayi City 60054, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Ching Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, No. 580 Xinmin Rd., Chiayi City 60054, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Rooservelt Rd, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Hsun Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No.1, Shuefu Rd., Neipu, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lun Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, No.1, Shuefu Rd., Neipu, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chi Su
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, No. 580 Xinmin Rd., Chiayi City 60054, Taiwan
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Romo-Gallegos JM, Cruz-Vázquez C, Medina-Esparza L, Ramos-Parra M, Romero-Salas D. Prevalence and risk factors of Neospora caninum infection in ovine flocks of central-western Mexico. Acta Vet Hung 2019; 67:51-59. [PMID: 30922091 DOI: 10.1556/004.2019.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study, carried out in 13 sheep flocks of central-western Mexico, aimed to identify the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies, to develop a risk analysis of the infection and to estimate the prevalence of parasite DNA in blood. A total of 368 serum and blood samples were subjected to ELISA and PCR tests, respectively, and the association between the prevalence of antibodies and some management factors was estimated. The overall prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was 13.5% [50/368; 95% confidence interval (CI) 10-17], ranging from 2.7 to 90% per flock, and 92% of the farms had seropositive animals. In ewes the prevalence was 14% (48/348, 95% CI 10-17) and in rams 10% (2/20; 95% CI 1- 33). The mean prevalence of Neospora DNA in blood was 27% (99/368, 95% CI 22-31), implying a range between 16 and 82%. In rams, the prevalence was 5% (1/20 95% CI 2-26), while in ewes it was 28% (98/348, 95% CI 23-33). The agreement between the tests was k = 0.19. The presence of other domestic animal species in the farms [odds ratio (OR) 4.4] and the consumption of placental debris, fetuses and stillborn lambs by dogs living in the farms (OR 5.8) were demonstrated to be risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Manuel Romo-Gallegos
- 1 Technological Institute of the Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, El Llano, 20330 Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Carlos Cruz-Vázquez
- 1 Technological Institute of the Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, El Llano, 20330 Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Leticia Medina-Esparza
- 1 Technological Institute of the Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, El Llano, 20330 Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ramos-Parra
- 1 Technological Institute of the Llano Aguascalientes, Km. 18 carretera Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, El Llano, 20330 Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Dora Romero-Salas
- 2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico
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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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Masala G, Porcu R, Daga C, Denti S, Canu G, Patta C, Tola S. Detection of Pathogens in Ovine and Caprine Abortion Samples from Sardinia, Italy, by PCR. J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 19:96-8. [PMID: 17459840 DOI: 10.1177/104063870701900116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During 2003–2005, 399 abortion samples (315 fetuses and 84 placentae) were collected from 107 ovine and caprine farms in northern Sardinia. Tissues from aborted fetuses and placentae were examined by PCR assay to detect DNA from Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydophila abortus, Salmonella enterica Serovar abortusovis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum. The DNA from at least 1 of these 5 infectious agents was amplified in 41% of ovine fetuses, while only 17% of the caprine fetuses yielded a positive amplification result for at least 1 of the 5 agents. Out of a total of 366 ovine aborted samples, T. gondii DNA was detected most frequently (18.1% of fetuses and 13.1% of placentae), followed by S. abortusovis (13% of fetuses and 14.4% of placentae), C. burnetii (10.9% of fetuses, of 9.2% placentae), C. abortus (2.4% of fetuses, 6.5% of placentae), and N. caninum (2% of placentae). In 33 fetuses and 9 placentae, the simultaneous presence of pathogens with different associations was detected. Out of a total of 31 caprine aborted samples, T. gondii was detected most frequently (13% of fetuses and 25% of placentae), followed by C. abortus (12.5% of placentae), C. burnetii (12.5% of placentae), and N. caninum (8.6%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Masala
- Istituto Zooprofilattico, Via Duca degli Abruzzi 8, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Syed-Hussain SS, Howe L, Pomroy WE, West DM, Hardcastle M, Williamson NB. Vertical transmission in experimentally infected sheep despite previous inoculation with Neospora caninum NcNZ1 isolate. Vet Parasitol 2015; 208:150-8. [PMID: 25638717 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports indicate N. caninum has a possible role in causing abortions in sheep in New Zealand. Knowledge about the mode of transmission of neosporosis in sheep in New Zealand is limited. This study aimed to determine the rate of vertical transmission that would occur in lambs born from experimentally inoculated ewes and to determine if previous inoculation would protect the lambs from N. caninum infection. A group of 50 ewes was divided into 2 groups with one group being inoculated with 5×10(6) N. caninum tachyzoites prior to pregnancy in Year 1. In Year 2, each of these groups was subdivided into 2 groups with one from each original group being inoculated with 1×10(7) N. caninum tachyzoites on Day 120 of gestation. Inoculation of N. caninum tachyzoites into ewes prior to mating resulted in no congenital transmission in lambs born in Year 1 but without further inoculation, 7 out of 11 lambs in Year 2 were positive for N. caninum infection. Ewes that were inoculated in both years resulted in all 12 lambs born in Year 2 being positive for N. caninum infection. This indicates that previous inoculation in Year 1 did not result in any vertical transmission in that year but did not provide any protection against vertical transmission in Year 2. These results suggest that vertical transmission occurs readily once the ewe is infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Syed-Hussain
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - W E Pomroy
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand.
| | - D M West
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - M Hardcastle
- Gribbles Veterinary Pathology, PO Box 12049, Penrose, Auckland 1642, New Zealand
| | - N B Williamson
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
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Castañeda-Hernández A, Cruz-Vázquez C, Medina-Esparza L. Neospora caninum: Seroprevalence and DNA detection in blood of sheep from Aguascalientes, Mexico. Small Rumin Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Frequency of infection by Neospora caninum in wild rodents associated with dairy farms in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Vet Parasitol 2013; 191:11-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Asadpour R, Jafari-Joozani R, Salehi N. Detection of Neospora caninum in ovine abortion in Iran. J Parasit Dis 2012; 37:105-9. [PMID: 24431549 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to assess the importance of ovine neosporosis in abortion of Iraninan sheep. Seventy aborted foetuses and dams from ovine dairy farms in northwest of Iran were analyzed to investigate the role of Neospora caninum (N. caninum) in ovine abortion. Diagnosis of the infection was determined by serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 70 aborted dairy ovine were blood sampled and used to evaluate serological status for N. caninum infection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and extracted DNA from the same aborted foetuses were subjected to PCR. Data were compared using Kruscal-Wallis test. From A total of the 70 sheeps, four (5.7 %) of the dams were seropositive. DNA from aborted foetuses was extracted primarily from placenta and CNS tissues. Extracted DNA from foetuses were analyzed using PCR with primers Np21(+) and Np6(+). Out of the 70 ovine fetuses 8.5 % were considered to be infected by PCR. This study confirms the importance of N. caninum as an important cause of ovine abortion in northwest of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Asadpour
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - R Jafari-Joozani
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - N Salehi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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Potential involvement of Neospora caninum in naturally occurring ovine abortions in New Zealand. Vet Parasitol 2011; 185:64-71. [PMID: 22112976 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite and is recognised as the leading cause of bovine abortion worldwide. Natural infection with N. caninum has been described in sheep but it has generally not been regarded as a significant cause of abortion. Recently, there have been several New Zealand cases of foetal abortions where N. caninum was detected which strongly suggested the involvement of Neospora in these abortions. However, there is minimal information about the prevalence of N. caninum infection naturally occurring in New Zealand sheep flocks and particularly its impact on reproduction success. Thus, this present study provides preliminary data on the role that Neospora is playing in ovine reproductive failure by establishing the prevalence of N. caninum antibodies and DNA in ewe blood and foetal material present in 21 New Zealand sheep farms with ongoing unexplained abortion problems and 10 farms with consistently high fertility levels. The results of this study demonstrated an overall seroprevalence of 1.4% which varied between Aborting/non-pregnant (1.8%), age-matched pregnant controls (0.6%) and high fertility (2.1%) ewes. However, despite the variation observed, there was no statistical difference between the three groups. In addition, Neospora DNA was detected by PCR in 13% of submitted foetal brains and in ewe blood from aborting/non-pregnant (6.9%), age-matched pregnant controls (3.6%) and high fertility pregnant (2.1%) ewes. When the PCR results were considered with the IFAT and IDEXX ELISA results, there was no correlation between serology positive and PCR positive blood samples. Taken together, these results reveal that reliance on ELISA-based serology or PCR alone may underestimate the involvement of Neospora. Furthermore, determining the involvement of Neospora appears to require a multi-facetted approach where diagnostic methods and serological cut-off values may need to be adjusted as further information about the effect of natural infections with N. caninum in the ovine host is elucidated.
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14
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Abstract
Since 1977, >2000 research papers described attempts to detect, identify and/or quantify parasites, or disease organisms carried by ecto-parasites, using DNA-based tests and 148 reviews of the topic were published. Despite this, only a few DNA-based tests for parasitic diseases are routinely available, and most of these are optional tests used occasionally in disease diagnosis. Malaria, trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis and cryptosporidiosis diagnosis may be assisted by DNA-based testing in some countries, but there are very few cases where the detection of veterinary parasites is assisted by DNA-based tests. The diagnoses of some bacterial (e.g. lyme disease) and viral diseases (e.g. tick borne encephalitis) which are transmitted by ecto-parasites more commonly use DNA-based tests, and research developing tests for these species makes up almost 20% of the literature. Other important uses of DNA-based tests are for epidemiological and risk assessment, quality control for food and water, forensic diagnosis and in parasite biology research. Some DNA-based tests for water-borne parasites, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are used in routine checks of water treatment, but forensic and food-testing applications have not been adopted in routine practice. Biological research, including epidemiological research, makes the widest use of DNA-based diagnostics, delivering enhanced understanding of parasites and guidelines for managing parasitic diseases. Despite the limited uptake of DNA-based tests to date, there is little doubt that they offer great potential to not only detect, identify and quantify parasites, but also to provide further information important for the implementation of parasite control strategies. For example, variant sequences within species of parasites and other organisms can be differentiated by tests in a manner similar to genetic testing in medicine or livestock breeding. If an association between DNA sequence and phenotype has been demonstrated, then qualities such as drug resistance, strain divergence, virulence, and origin of isolates could be inferred by DNA-based tests. No such tests are in clinical or commercial use in parasitology and few tests are available for other organisms. Why have DNA-based tests not had a bigger impact in veterinary and human medicine? To explore this question, technological, biological, economic and sociological factors must be considered. Additionally, a realistic expectation of research progress is needed. DNA-based tests could enhance parasite management in many ways, but patience, persistence and dedication will be needed to achieve this goal.
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Schares G, Maksimov A, Basso W, Moré G, Dubey JP, Rosenthal B, Majzoub M, Rostaher A, Selmair J, Langenmayer MC, Scharr JC, Conraths FJ, Gollnick NS. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction assays for the sensitive detection of Besnoitia besnoiti infection in cattle. Vet Parasitol 2011; 178:208-16. [PMID: 21324596 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2010] [Revised: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Bovine besnoitiosis, an economically important disease in cattle in some countries of Africa and Asia, is emerging in Europe. The definitive host of Besnoitia besnoiti, the causative agent of bovine besnoitiosis, is unknown and the transmission of the parasite is not completely understood. Sensitive and quantitative DNA detection methods are needed to determine whether serologically positive animals are infectious and to examine the role of vectors (e.g. haematophagous insects) in the transmission of the parasite. To this end, we established two different 5'-nuclease quantitative assays to detect B. besnoiti infection in cattle and to estimate the parasite load in samples (BbRT1 and BbRT2). These PCRs are based on the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS-1) of the ribosomal RNA gene. Tests with serial dilutions of B. besnoiti genomic DNA in a buffer containing 100 ng/μl bovine DNA revealed a detection limit of 0.01 pg genomic B. besnoiti DNA. Reliable quantification was possible in samples containing ≥1 pg B. besnoiti genomic DNA with a coefficient of variation of ≤ 2%. To estimate the diagnostic sensitivity of the tests, skin biopsies and scrapings from the mucous membrane of the vestibulum vaginae (vaginal scrapings) were taken from cattle with clinical signs of chronic besnoitiosis. Regardless of the real time PCR assay used, 90.7% (39/43) of these animals were positive in at least one of two samples (skin or vaginal scrapings). Antibody titers, as determined by an immunofluorescent antibody test, and the threshold cycle values of the real time PCR obtained for skin samples and vaginal scrapings, were significantly correlated. The specificity of the PCRs was confirmed using genomic DNA from related parasites, including genomic DNA of Besnoitia spp., Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Hammondia hammondi, Hammondia heydorni, Isospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Eimeria bovis, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Since the sequence of the ITS-1 region of B. besnoiti is identical with that of Besnoitia species isolated from donkeys (Besnoitia bennetti), and reindeer (Besnoitia tarandi), both real time PCRs detected also DNA of these parasites. One of the B. besnoiti real time PCRs, BbRT1, but not BbRT2, cross-reacted with Besnoitia darlingi, Besnoitia oryctofelisi, and Besnoitia neotomofelis when large amounts of genomic DNA (10 ng) were used. The other B. besnoiti real time PCR assay (BbRT2) was specific for B. besnoiti, B. bennetti and B. tarandi, but did not react when 10 ng DNA of other related parasite species from the genus Besnoitia or other genera were subjected to analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Wusterhausen, Germany.
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16
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Flint M, Patterson-Kane JC, Limpus CJ, Work TM, Blair D, Mills PC. Postmortem diagnostic investigation of disease in free-ranging marine turtle populations: a review of common pathologic findings and protocols. J Vet Diagn Invest 2010; 21:733-59. [PMID: 19901275 DOI: 10.1177/104063870902100601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there have been increasing numbers of reports of diseases in marine turtles. Furthermore, in recent years, there have been documented instances of apparently new diseases emerging in these species of which the etiology and/or pathogenesis remain unknown. These instances i) raise concern for the survival of marine turtles, and ii) question the health and stability of the benthic marine environments in which turtles live. Knowledge of common disease processes and pathologic changes in lesions, along with a standardized approach to postmortem and sample collection are required to document and understand the host-agent-environment interactions in marine turtle health. This review combines, for the first time, a standardized approach to the postmortem of marine turtles for veterinary clinicians, with a concurrent descriptive review of the gross and microscopic pathologic changes in lesions commonly seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Flint
- Vet-MARTI, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
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17
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Weston J, Howe L, Collett M, Pattison R, Williamson N, West D, Pomroy W, Syed-Hussain S, Morris S, Kenyon P. Dose-titration challenge of young pregnant sheep with Neospora caninum tachyzoites. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:183-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2008] [Revised: 05/04/2009] [Accepted: 05/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Detection of multiple infections by Monocystis strains in a single earthworm host using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequence variation. Parasitology 2009; 137:45-51. [PMID: 19691863 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182009990722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Monocystis sp. are sporocyst-forming apicomplexan parasites common in seminal vesicles of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris where they may account for temporary castration. This study describes the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal cistron of Monocystis sp. This region, including ITS-1, the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene, and ITS-2, was PCR amplified, cloned, and sequenced for Monocystis sp. isolated from the seminal vesicles of several wild-caught L. terrestris. Our analysis revealed substantial polymorphisms, also within single host organisms, indicating intra-host diversity of parasites. These genetic markers are the first that allow distinction of Monocystis sp. genotypes, opening new avenues for the study of parasite diversity within and between hosts.
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Sánchez GFD, Banda RVM, Sahagun RA, Ledesma MN, Morales SE. Comparison between immunohistochemistry and two PCR methods for detection of Neospora caninum in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded brain tissue of bovine fetuses. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:328-32. [PMID: 19515495 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 05/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify the presence of the parasite by comparing immunohistochemistry (IHC) with two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for the detection of the pNc5 gene and the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of N. caninum in brain tissue of bovine fetuses that had previously been fixed in formalin and paraffin-embedded. In 29 out of 48 brains (60.4%), microscopic lesions consistent with Neospora infection were observed, and 21 of the 29 cases (72.41%) were positive for IHC. Fifteen of the 29 cases positive for IHC (51.72%) were also positive on the ITS1 PCR, and 12 cases were also positive on the pNc5 PCR (41.37%). The sensitivity of the PCR assays was 71.42% and 57.14%, respectively, and the specificity was 100% for both. The concordance between histopathology and IHC and the ITS1 PCR was 85%, and in the case of the pNc5 PCR it was 77.5%. When the number of fetuses positive by IHC and both PCR tests was compared, no statistically significant difference was found (P>0.05). It is concluded that the use of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded bovine fetal tissues allows the detection of N. caninum by IHC or PCR. Nevertheless, it is recommended that more than one technique is used to increase the diagnostic sensitivity, and preferably tests that show better performance in the individual laboratory should be selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- G F D Sánchez
- Departamento de Producción Animal Aves, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Avenida Universidad 3000, México, D.F., C.P. 04510, Mexico
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20
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Detection of Hammondia heydorni and related coccidia (Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii) in goats slaughtered in Bahia, Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2009; 162:156-9. [PMID: 19278786 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Revised: 01/26/2009] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hammondia heydorni is a coccidian parasite with an obligatory two host life cycle, with dogs and foxes as definitive hosts, and a number of intermediate hosts, including goats. While infection by this parasite seems to be unassociated with any clinical signs, infection by the closely related parasites Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii can result in abortion, stillbirths and low yielding in caprine herds. The aim of this work was to investigate the frequency of goats infected with H. heydorni using a nested PCR, specific to Toxoplasmatinae internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of the rDNA, followed by sequencing of the purified PCR fragments. The same molecular techniques were used to determine the frequencies of N. caninum and T. gondii-infected animals. A total frequency of 13.72% (14/102) was obtained for Toxoplasmatinae DNA in goat tissues. After sequencing the PCR products from all positive tissues, a frequency of 3.92% (4/102), 1.96% (2/102) and 7.84% (8/102) were obtained for H. heydorni, N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively. All sequences shared 98-100% identity with sequences from other strains of these coccidia present in GenBank. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of H. heydorni DNA in tissues from naturally infected intermediate hosts.
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21
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Webster JD, Miller MA, Vemulapalli R. Encephalitozoon cuniculi-associated placentitis and perinatal death in an alpaca (Lama pacos). Vet Pathol 2008; 45:255-8. [PMID: 18424843 DOI: 10.1354/vp.45-2-255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Placentitis, premature birth, and perinatal death were associated with Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in an alpaca. Histologically, chorionic trophoblasts contained many Gram-positive, period acid-Schiff positive, variably acid-fast spores. Multifocal necrosis and infiltration by lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils were scattered throughout the chorionic membrane. Spores in trophoblasts were approximately 1 microm x 2 microm, thick-walled, and contained polar filaments and polar vacuoles consistent with microsporidia. The presence of E. cuniculi DNA was confirmed by sequencing the polymerase chain reaction amplicon from frozen placental tissue. A few glial nodules were scattered throughout the cerebrum, and mild lymphocytic inflammation was present in the heart, liver, and lung. No organisms were detected in tissues other than the placenta. This is the first reported case of E. cuniculi infection in an alpaca.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Webster
- Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University, 406 S. University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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22
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Howe L, West D, Collett M, Tattersfield G, Pattison R, Pomroy W, Kenyon P, Morris S, Williamson N. The role of Neospora caninum in three cases of unexplained ewe abortions in the southern North Island of New Zealand. Small Rumin Res 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2007.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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23
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Dubey JP, Schares G. Diagnosis of bovine neosporosis. Vet Parasitol 2006; 140:1-34. [PMID: 16730126 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2006] [Revised: 03/17/2006] [Accepted: 03/22/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum is a major cause of abortion in cattle. The diagnosis of neosporosis-associated mortality and abortion in cattle is difficult. In the present paper we review histologic, serologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular methods for dignosis of bovine neosporosis. Although not a routine method of diagnosis, methods to isolate viable N. caninum from bovine tissues are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agricultural, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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Medina L, Cruz-Vázquez C, Quezada T, Morales E, García-Vázquez Z. Survey of Neospora caninum infection by nested PCR in aborted fetuses from dairy farms in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Vet Parasitol 2006; 136:187-91. [PMID: 16332413 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2005] [Revised: 11/02/2005] [Accepted: 11/02/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine by nested PCR probe the presence of Neospora caninum in fetal brain tissue from aborted dairy fetuses in Aguascalientes, a state in the central part of Mexico. Forty-four fetal brains from eight dairy farms were analyzed using single tube nested PCR probe with primers NF1, NS2, NR1 and SR1, with histopathology as the reference technique. From the 44 bovine fetuses studied, 35 (80%) were diagnosed as being infected by N. caninum using PCR probe and 20 (45%) were considered positive by histopathology, because they had lesions suggestive of bovine neosporosis. Fair agreement was observed (31%) between both probes. The age of aborting cows ranged from 1.6 to 2.9-year-old in 17 (49%) of the positive cases diagnosed by PCR. Gestational ages of aborted fetuses ranged from <3 to 9 months, with average of 5.6 months, and no statistical significant difference was observed when ages of infected and no infected fetuses were compared (P > 0.05). The frequency of N. caninum positive cases observed could be considered to be higher than other areas of Mexico and other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Medina
- Instituto Tecnológico Agropecuario de Aguascalientes, Ags, Mexico.
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25
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Abel J, Schares G, Orzeszko K, Gasser RB, Ellis JT. Hammondia isolated from dogs and foxes are genetically distinct. Parasitology 2005; 132:187-92. [PMID: 16188045 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182005008814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2005] [Revised: 07/26/2005] [Accepted: 07/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Hammondia heydorni is regarded as a protozoan parasite that uses canids, e.g. dogs and foxes, as definitive hosts, but clinical signs of infection are rare. This study therefore took advantage of the opportunity to study an oocyst population from the faeces of a dog suffering from intermittent bouts of diarrhoea. Oocysts from the naturally infected dog were shown to be H. heydorni by using the polymerase chain reaction combined with DNA sequencing as a diagnostic tool. The nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper are available from GenBank under the following Accession numbers DQ183058, DQ183059 and DQ022687. A comparison of the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) sequence of ribosomal DNA obtained with those from other dog and fox oocysts, previously regarded as H. heydorni, showed these oocysts contained identical ITS1 sequences. However, the oocyst DNA from the fox and dog differed by the presence/absence of a 9 bp insertion/deletion within intron 1 of the alpha tubulin gene, and this difference was conserved across a number of different oocyst populations from the 2 species of host. A PCR assay was established that takes advantage of this insertion/deletion and is able to differentiate between the 2 oocyst populations. This study therefore provides evidence that H. heydorni oocysts from dogs and foxes represent 2 distinct genetic lineages that can be differentiated using a PCR, which targets the alpha tubulin locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Abel
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Technology, Sydney, Westbourne Street, Gore Hill, NSW 2065, Australia
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26
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Paula VSO, Rodrigues AAR, Richtzenhain LJ, Cortez A, Soares RM, Gennari SM. Evaluation of a PCR based on primers to Nc5 gene for the detection of Neospora caninum in brain tissues of bovine aborted fetuses. Vet Res Commun 2005; 28:581-5. [PMID: 15563105 DOI: 10.1023/b:verc.0000042877.07684.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V S O Paula
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, Rua Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, CEP 05508-000 Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brasil
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27
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McGarry JW, Stockton CM, Williams DJL, Trees AJ. Protracted shedding of oocysts of Neospora caninum by a naturally infected foxhound. J Parasitol 2003; 89:628-30. [PMID: 12880273 DOI: 10.1645/0022-3395(2003)089[0628:psooon]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Feces from 15 dogs at 2 different foxhound kennels in the U.K. were examined microscopically for the presence of oocysts of Neospora caninum. One sample containing approximately 400 candidate oocysts per gram was positive in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using N. caninum-specific primers. In a sample taken 4 mo later from the same hound. N. caninum oocysts were again detected visually and by PCR. This is the third reported case of a dog naturally excreting oocysts of N. caninum and suggests that oocyst excretion can occur over a relatively long period of time in some circumstances or that reshedding may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W McGarry
- Veterinary Parasitology Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
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Pereira-Bueno J, Quintanilla-Gozalo A, Pérez-Pérez V, Espi-Felgueroso A, Alvarez-García G, Collantes-Fernández E, Ortega-Mora LM. Evaluation by different diagnostic techniques of bovine abortion associated with Neospora caninum in Spain. Vet Parasitol 2003; 111:143-52. [PMID: 12531290 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Eighty foetuses from some of the main cattle-producing regions in Spain were analysed to investigate the participation of Neospora caninum in cases of bovine abortion. Diagnosis of the infection was determined by histopathological analysis complemented with immunohistochemistry, serology (IFAT and ELISA) and PCR tests. A total of 38.8% of the bovine foetuses analysed were considered to be infected by at least one of the diagnostic techniques used. Microscopic lesions consistent with Neospora infection in brain were identified in 31.3% of the samples, whereas only 10.7 and 15.3% were positive using serological and PCR analysis, respectively. Perfect agreement was shown between IFAT and ELISA, although there was little agreement among results of the other diagnostic techniques. Gestational age of aborted foetuses checked ranged from <3 to 9 months, with a mean of 5.9 months, and no difference in age was found between infected and non-infected foetuses (P>0.05). This study confirms the importance of N. caninum as a cause of abortion in Spain and underlines the need to use different diagnostic techniques to increase the chance to detect the infection in aborted foetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Pereira-Bueno
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24007 León, Spain
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Abstract
AIMS To identify oocysts found in faecal material of a greyhound. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were used to study genomic DNA isolated from oocysts purified from faeces of a greyhound. RESULTS Database searches with the DNA sequences obtained showed they were derived from Hammondia heydorni. A species-specific PCR was developed to detect H. heydorni DNA. CONCLUSIONS Light microscopy in conjunction with PCR and DNA sequencing definitively identified the presence of H. heydorni oocysts in faeces of a greyhound. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study confirms the presence of H. heydorni in New Zealand and indicates the need to correctly identify similar oocysts from dogs, rather than assume they are Neospora caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Ellis
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Technology, Sydney NSW 2065, Australia
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Quinn HE, Miller CMD, Ryce C, Windsor PA, Ellis JT. Characterization of an outbred pregnant mouse model of Neospora caninum infection. J Parasitol 2002; 88:691-6. [PMID: 12197115 DOI: 10.1645/0022-3395(2002)088[0691:coaopm]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal loss and vertical transmission of Neospora caninum were evaluated in outbred Quackenbush (Qs) mice with respect to dose of parasites, N. caninum isolate, and route of injection. Mice were infected with NC-Liverpool or NC-SweB1 at day 5 or 8 of pregnancy with doses of 10(4), 10(6), or 10(7) parasites, through either a subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect N. caninum in the brains of offspring, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the maternal immune response. Vertical transmission occurred in mice given 10(6) NC-Liverpool at day 5 during gestation, and a significant (P < 0.05) maternal antibody response was observed in mice infected with NC-Liverpool or NC-SweB1 at days 5 and 8 of gestation. This study shows that outbred Qs mice are a useful model for the study of vertical transmission associated with N. caninum, as they display less clinical disease and pathogenesis than inbred mice and have large litters, which is advantageous when studying maternal transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Quinn
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Technology Sydney, Westbourne Street, Gore Hill, New South Wales 2065, Australia
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Jenkins M, Baszler T, Björkman C, Schares G, Williams D. Diagnosis and seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum-associated bovine abortion. Int J Parasitol 2002; 32:631-6. [PMID: 11943234 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(01)00363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A round table was conducted at the VIIIth International Coccidiosis Conference on Neospora diagnosis with particular emphasis on strategies to diagnose bovine abortion. The strength and weakness of different assays for Neospora caninum infection and whether these methods have resulted in the overdiagnosis of neosporosis was discussed. It was evident that each diagnostic method, namely histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular detection and serological assays were, under certain circumstances, valuable in assessing the role N. caninum in abortion. Histological, immunohistochemical and molecular detection assays are of outstanding importance for the examination of tissues of aborted foetuses. While histology and immunohistochemistry allow direct assessment of pathomorphological changes caused by infection, molecular detection assays such as PCR are superior because of higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying N. caninum in foetal tissues. Serological tests, such as ELISA, are useful in determining whether an animal has been infected with N. caninum. Seroepidemiological approaches allow one to assess an abortion problem at a herd level and when used in conjunction with certain statistical methods are able to confirm a suspected N. caninum-associated abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Jenkins
- Agricultural Research Service, USDA, BARC-EAST, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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Collantes-Fernández E, Zaballos A, Alvarez-García G, Ortega-Mora LM. Quantitative detection of Neospora caninum in bovine aborted fetuses and experimentally infected mice by real-time PCR. J Clin Microbiol 2002; 40:1194-8. [PMID: 11923330 PMCID: PMC140374 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.40.4.1194-1198.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the development of a real-time PCR assay for the quantitative detection of Neospora caninum in infected host tissues. The assay uses the double-stranded DNA-binding dye SYBR Green I to continuously monitor product formation. Oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify a 76-bp DNA fragment corresponding to the Nc5 sequence of N. caninum. A similar method was developed to quantify the 28S rRNA host gene in order to compare the parasite load of different samples and to correct for the presence of potential PCR-inhibiting compounds in the DNA samples. A linear quantitative detection range of 6 logs with a calculated detection limit of 10(-1) tachyzoite per assay was observed with excellent linearity (R(2) = 0.998). Assay specificity was confirmed by using DNA from the closely related parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The applicability of the technique was successfully tested in a variety of host brain tissues: (i) aborted bovine fetuses classified into negative or positive Neospora-infected animals according to the observation of compatible lesions by histopathological study and (ii) experimentally infected BALB/c mice, divided into three groups, inoculated animals with or without compatible lesions and negative controls. All samples were also tested by ITS1 Neospora nested PCR and a high degree of agreement was shown between both PCR techniques (kappa = 0.86). This technique represents a useful quantitative diagnostic tool to be used in the study of the pathogenicity, immunoprophylaxis, and treatment of Neospora infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Collantes-Fernández
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Slapeta JR, Koudela B, Votýpka J, Modrý D, Horejs R, Lukes J. Coprodiagnosis of Hammondia heydorni in dogs by PCR based amplification of ITS 1 rRNA: differentiation from morphologically indistinguishable oocysts of Neospora caninum. Vet J 2002; 163:147-54. [PMID: 12093189 DOI: 10.1053/tvjl.2001.0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hammondia heydorni is thought to be a non-pathogenic coccidian parasite of dogs that is closely related to Neospora caninum, an important parasite of cattle and dogs. Oocysts of these two species are morphologically indistinguishable from each other. A population of 2240 dogs in the Czech Republic was screened for the presence of H. heydorni/N. caninum oocysts and five (0.22%), represented by five of 3135 faecal samples (0.16%), were positive. The internal transcribed spacer 1 region of the rRNA gene (ITS1) from two isolates were cloned and the DNA sequences were identical with those of the ITS1 of H. heydorni. Based on the rRNA sequences available for H. heydorni and related coccidia, the primer pair JS4-JS5 was designed to amplify the 3' end of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and ITS1 of H. heydorni. When tested on DNA extracted from a variety of parasites, the primers amplified a specific 267 bp fragment in our isolates only. The presence of DNA equivalent to 10 oocysts was sufficient for the amplification of the ITS1. We present a PCR-based diagnostic method as the only fast and reliable method for the diagnosis of H. heydorni in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Slapeta
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
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M. W, W. C, B. M, H. W. The first detection of Neospora caninum DNA in brains of calves in Poland. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2002. [DOI: 10.2298/avb0206393w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Hurtado A, Aduriz G, Moreno B, Barandika J, García-Pérez AL. Single tube nested PCR for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in fetal tissues from naturally aborted ewes. Vet Parasitol 2001; 102:17-27. [PMID: 11705648 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(01)00526-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A single tube nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the multicopy 18S-5.8S rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) region has been developed for the diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii-induced abortion in ovine fetal tissues. In all, 145 ovine fetal samples including brain, spleen, lung, liver, kidney, placenta and fetal fluids from 53 fetuses and stillborns of 32 farms in Northern Spain were analyzed. Thirty-six samples belonging to nine fetuses and one stillborn lamb were T. gondii PCR-positive. Although T. gondii DNA was amplified from different types of tissues, brain was the tissue with the highest detection rate. All animals that had histopathological lesions associated to T. gondii infection were positive by PCR. In addition, four fetuses whose histological examination was hindered by autolysis were PCR-positive. Results obtained by PCR and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) showed good correspondence, demonstrating the diagnostic value of the two techniques. However, PCR has the advantage over serology in its ability to diagnose T. gondii infection at earlier stages of gestation when the fetus is not yet immunocompetent and in lambs that have taken colostrum. Once other abortifacient agents are ruled out, PCR detection of the ITS1 region in fetal tissues is a valuable and relatively rapid technique for the diagnosis of ovine abortion caused by T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hurtado
- Instituto Vasco de Investigacion y Desarrollo Agrario (NEIKER), Berreaga 1, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.
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Davison HC, Guy CS, McGarry JW, Guy F, Williams DJ, Kelly DF, Trees AJ. Experimental studies on the transmission of Neospora caninum between cattle. Res Vet Sci 2001; 70:163-8. [PMID: 11356096 DOI: 10.1053/rvsc.2001.0457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Three studies were conducted to investigate the transmission of Neospora caninum between cattle by the oral route. In the first study, six calves were dosed with 10(7)N caninum tachyzoites (NC LivB1) in colostrum and/or milk replacer on four occasions. In the second study, two calves and two cows were fed placental tissues from N caninum -infected cows, and, in the third study, seven uninfected calves were fostered onto N caninum -infected dams. In the first study, all six calves developed antibody responses and five calves developed antigen-specific lymphoproliferation responses, including two calves initially challenged at 1 week of age. No evidence of N caninum infection was found in the brain or heart of these calves by histology or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the second and third studies, there was no evidence of N caninum infection in any of the calves and cows. The results confirm that calves up to 1 week of age can be experimentally infected via the oral route, but suggest that this is not an important natural route of transmission for N caninum between cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Davison
- Veterinary Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine/Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, UK
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Abstract
During the past decade, Neospora caninum infection has emerged as an important reproductive disease in cattle throughout the world. Abortion, occurring during the middle of gestation, is the primary clinical sign of the infection in cattle. Surveys in several countries from three continents have identified N. caninum infection as the major diagnosed cause of bovine abortion. Both endemic and epidemic patterns of abortion may occur in herds. An important feature of this disease is that the protozoan parasite is maintained in cattle as a chronic infection which can be passed on to the fetus during pregnancy. Two methods for the transmission of the infection in cattle have been proposed and are the subject of current investigations. Horizontal transmission utilizes a two-host life cycle whereby the cow is infected from ingestion of coccidial oocyst stages shed by the definitive host. Experimental infections have confirmed that the dog is a definitive host for the parasite. There is epidemiological evidence that the dog has a role in the prevalence of the infection but, as yet, no confirmation that the dog is the source for natural infections in cattle. Vertical transplacental transmission of the infection is an important route of infection in many herds. Vertical transmission occurs because fetal infection frequently does not result in abortion but rather the fetus survives to be a persistently infected animal. A heifer calf that is born congenitally infected is capable of transmitting the infection to the next generation when she becomes pregnant, thus maintaining the infection in the herd. The clinical outcome of transplacental fetal infection with N. caninum is likely determined by maternal and fetal immune responses which involve humoral, and most importantly, cell-mediated immune factors. The diagnosis of the infection is assisted through histopathology and immunohistochemical examination of aborted fetuses and serologic testing of cattle for evidence of infection. Several types of serologic tests, based on the use of culture-derived organisms or recombinant N. caninum antigens are available. There are no proven control methods for the prevention or treatment of neosporosis. Suggested control measures focus on programs to reduce the number of congenitally infected animals retained in the herd and to minimize the opportunity for postnatal transmission from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Anderson
- California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, 95616, USA.
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