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Abdelbaky HH, Shimoda N, Akthar I, Nakamura S, Hasan MH, Ushio N, Miyamoto A, Nishikawa Y. In vitro regulation of gene expression of pregnancy-associated proteins and cytokines in bovine endometrial epithelial cells and bovine trophoblastic cells by infection with Neospora caninum. Parasitol Int 2024; 101:102898. [PMID: 38648880 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102898] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Abortion caused by the parasite Neospora caninum is an important threat to the livestock industry worldwide. Trophoblasts and caruncular cells play major roles in initiating innate immune responses and controlling parasite infection at the fetal-maternal interface. In the present study, bovine uterine epithelial cells (BUECs) and bovine trophoblastic (BT) cells treated with bovine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IFN-alpha (IFN-α) and IFN-tau (IFN-τ) followed by infection with N. caninum were examined by measuring the mRNA expression levels of numerous pregnancy-associated proteins and observing parasite growth to elucidate the host-parasite interaction at the uteroplacental region. N. caninum infection increased the expression of prolactin-related protein 1 (PRP1), pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 1 (PAG1), and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10) in BUECs and of IL-8 in BT cells. Bovine IFN-γ inhibited IL-8 and TNF-α expression in BUECs and IL-8 in BT cells. In contrast, the expression of the interferon-stimulated gene OAS1 was significantly increased by treatment of the infected BT cells with IFN-γ. However, treatment with bovine IFNs did not inhibit N. caninum growth in either cell line. In conclusion, our results suggest that bovine IFN-γ plays a crucial role in control of pathogenesis in uterus and induction of inflammatory response in the placental region following N. caninum infection, rather than growth inhibition of the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan H Abdelbaky
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Naomi Shimoda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ihshan Akthar
- Global AgroMedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Shu Nakamura
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Md Hasibul Hasan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Nanako Ushio
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global AgroMedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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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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Villa L, Allievi C, Di Cerbo AR, Zanzani SA, Sommariva F, Zanini L, Mortarino M, Manfredi MT. Neospora caninum antibodies in bulk tank milk from dairy cattle herds in Italy in relation to reproductive and productive parameters and spatial analysis. Acta Trop 2024; 254:107194. [PMID: 38521123 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Among the available diagnostic techniques, antibody detection in bulk tank milk (BTM) represents a useful tool to estimate and monitor Neospora caninum herd prevalence. To evaluate the prevalence of N. caninum and the effect of parasite infection on herd performances, BTM samples collected from 586 dairy herds located in one of the largest dairy production areas in Italy (Lombardy) were analyzed by an indirect ELISA to detect anti-N. caninum specific antibodies. Generalized linear models (GLMs) were developed. A purely spatial analysis scanning for clusters with high or low rates for N. caninum using the Bernoulli model was performed. A maximum entropy approach was used to estimate the probability of distribution of the parasite based on occurrence records together with environmental variables. Overall, 180 herds resulted positive for N. caninum antibodies on bulk tank milk (P = 30.7 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was evidenced in the provinces of Milano, Cremona, Brescia, and Bergamo (P = 32-40 %); a lower risk was evidenced in Lodi, Pavia, and Mantova (P = 13-24 %). A higher risk of seropositivity was revealed for small-medium farms (101-300 animals) (O.R.=2.8) and for older animals with more than 4 years (O.R.=4.4). Regarding the effect of N. caninum infection on herd performances, the number of inseminations for conception was higher (> 3 inseminations), and the period from calving to conception was longer (> 150 days) for positive farms (O.R.=2.0 and O.R.=2.3, respectively); besides, lower head daily milk production (<20 kg and 21-25 kg) and mature equivalent milk yield (<11,000), and somatic cell counts higher than 300,000 cells/ml were observed for N. caninum positive herds (O.R.=0.4, O.R.=0.4 and O.R.=1.9 respectively). The geographical distribution of N. caninum positive farms with the highest level of probability covers the central sector of the Po Plain where a significant cluster for high risk of parasite infection was shown by spatial scan statistic and Maximum entropy ecological niche modelling. A further significant cluster of low risk occurred in the southern. The climatic and environmental variables with the highest training gain when used in isolation resulted altitude, land use/land cover, and other variables related to temperature and precipitation. Neosporosis is widely distributed in Italian dairy herds and an impact of the parasite on herd performances could be hypothesized. Even if the role of N. caninum in alterations of reproductive and productive parameters should be further explored, veterinarians and farmers should be aware of neosporosis, and control plans should be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Carolina Allievi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Di Cerbo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Flavio Sommariva
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Lucio Zanini
- Associazione Regionale Allevatori della Lombardia, Via Kennedy, 30, Crema 26013, Italy
| | - Michele Mortarino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università, 6, Lodi 26900, Italy.
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Chen HL, Chen YS. Prevalence of coccidia in lagomorphs in China between 1981 and 2023: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vet Parasitol 2024; 328:110185. [PMID: 38642525 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110185] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Lagomorpha coccidiosis, caused by coccidia, is a prevalent disease affecting rabbits, hares and pikas. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of coccidia infection in lagomorphs and identify potential risk factors. A systematic search of six databases yielded 102 studies published between 1981 and 2023. The pooled prevalence of Eimeriidae, Sarcocystidae and Cryptosporidiidae in lagomorphs was 76.4%, 6.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Rabbits had the highest prevalence of Eimeriidae (76.8%) and Sarcocystidae (7.4%), while pikas had the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidiidae (6.2%). Juvenile rabbits exhibited the highest prevalence of Eimeriidae (84.6%) and Cryptosporidiidae (9.9%). Northwest China had the highest prevalence of Eimeriidae (87.8%). Over time, the prevalence of Eimeriidae declined (Coefficient: -0.0062; P<0.05), but remained high (65.0%) in the past five years. Our findings highlight the prevalence of Eimeriidae infection in lagomorphs and the need for further research on Sarcocystidae and Cryptosporidiidae infections. We emphasize the importance of developing lagomorpha coccidia vaccines and implementing vaccination schedules for juvenile rabbits to mitigate coccidia infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang-Liang Chen
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730000, China.
| | - You-Si Chen
- School of Nursing, Jiangxi University of Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330000, China.
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Rasmussen P, Barkema HW, Osei PP, Taylor J, Shaw AP, Conrady B, Chaters G, Muñoz V, Hall DC, Apenteng OO, Rushton J, Torgerson PR. Global losses due to dairy cattle diseases: A comorbidity-adjusted economic analysis. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)00821-X. [PMID: 38788837 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24626] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
An economic simulation was carried out over 183 milk-producing countries to estimate the global economic impacts of 12 dairy cattle diseases and health conditions: mastitis (subclinical and clinical), lameness, paratuberculosis (Johne's disease), displaced abomasum, dystocia, metritis, milk fever, ovarian cysts, retained placenta, and ketosis (subclinical and clinical). Estimates of disease impacts on milk yield, fertility, and culling were collected from the literature, standardized, meta-analyzed using a variety of methods ranging from simple averaging to random-effects models, and adjusted for comorbidities to prevent overestimation. These comorbidity-adjusted disease impacts were then combined with a set of country-level lactational incidence and/or prevalence estimates, herd characteristics, and price estimates within a series of Monte Carlo simulations that estimated and valued the economic losses due to these diseases. It was estimated that total annual global losses are USD 65 billion (B). Subclinical ketosis, clinical mastitis, and subclinical mastitis were the costliest diseases modeled, resulting in mean annual global losses of approximately USD 18B, USD 13B, and USD 9B, respectively. Estimated global annual losses due to clinical ketosis, displaced abomasum, dystocia, lameness, metritis, milk fever, ovarian cysts, paratuberculosis, and retained placenta were estimated to be USD 0.2B, 0.6B, 0.6B, 6B, 5B, 0.6B, 4B, 4B, and 3B, respectively. Without adjustment for comorbidities, when statistical associations between diseases were disregarded, mean aggregate global losses would have been overestimated by 45%. Although annual losses were greatest in India (USD 12B), the USA (USD 8B), and China (USD 5B), depending on the measure of losses used (losses as a percent of GDP, losses per capita, losses as a percent of gross milk revenue), the relative economic burden of these dairy cattle diseases across countries varied markedly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Rasmussen
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org.
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Prince P Osei
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Carlton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - James Taylor
- Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Belfast, UK
| | - Alexandra P Shaw
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Infection Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Beate Conrady
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gemma Chaters
- Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org; Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Violeta Muñoz
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org
| | - David C Hall
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ofosuhene O Apenteng
- Section of Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonathan Rushton
- Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org; Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Paul R Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) - https://animalhealthmetrics.org
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6
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Lu Z, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Ayanniyi OO, Luo S, Zhang Y, Xu Q, Wang C, Yang C. Functional characterization of three novel dense granule proteins in Neospora caninum using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107250. [PMID: 38768697 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107250] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of mammalian species, and particularly causes abortions in cattle and nervous system dysfunction in dogs. Dense granule proteins (GRAs) are thought to play an important role in the mediation of host-parasite interactions and facilitating parasitism. However, a large number of potential GRAs remain uncharacterized, and the functions of most of the identified GRAs have not been elucidated. Previously, we screened a large number GRAs including NcGRA27 and NcGRA61 using the proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) technique. Here, we identified a novel GRA protein NcGRA85 and used C-terminal endogenous gene tagging to determine its localization at the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) in the tachyzoite. We successfully disrupted three gra genes (NcGRA27, NcGRA61 and NcGRA85) of N. caninum NC1 strain using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated homologous recombination and phenotyped the single knockout strain. The NcGRA61 and NcGRA85 genes were not essential for parasite replication and growth in vitro and for virulence during infection of mice, as observed by replication assays, plaque assays and in vitro virulence assays in mice. Deletion of the NcGRA27 gene in the NC1 strain reduced the in vitro replication and growth of the parasite, as well as the pathogenicity of the NC1 strain in mice. In summary, our findings provide a basis for in-depth studies of N. caninum pathogenesis and demonstrate the importance of NcGRA27 in parasite growth and virulence, most likely a new virulence factor of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxiao Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Jinyi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Yuhan Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | | | - Shishang Luo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Yilei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Qianming Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Chenrong Wang
- School of Modern Agriculture and Biotechnology, Ankang University, Ankang 725000, China
| | - Congshan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pathobiology and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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7
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Rodriguez-Pazmiño AS, Brito CM, Salas-Rueda M, Orlando SA, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. A first insight into seropositivity of Neospora caninum and associated risk factors in free-roaming dogs from Ecuador. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107245. [PMID: 38761834 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107245] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Neosporosis is a worldwide parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum. It can cause economic losses to farmers due to its relationship with abortions and neonatal mortality in cows. Dogs play a key role in its spread as they are considered definitive hosts. In this study, we determined for the first time the seropositivity of N. caninum infection in dogs from Ecuador and evaluated potential risk factors. A total number of 339 free-roaming dogs from the three main regions of Ecuador (Coastal, Andean, and Amazonian regions) were included in the study and classified either as urban or rural dogs. Serum samples were collected from November 2018 to May 2019, and analyzed with a commercial ELISA test. An overall seropositivity of 6.8 % (CI: 95 %, 2.8 % - 11.7 %) was found in N. caninum infection with no statistical differences among regions or urban/rural dogs. This is the first surveillance of N. caninum in Ecuador, confirming a country-wide distribution of this pathogen. Considering the large populations of free-roaming dogs in Ecuador, a One Health approach for surveillance and managing N. caninum in dogs is needed to protect either livestock or wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla M Brito
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador; Yachay Tech University, Urcuquí, Ecuador
| | | | - Solon Alberto Orlando
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública e Investigación, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Guerriaud M, Poupet C, Lakhrif Z, Kohli E, Moiré N. Are genetically modified protozoa eligible for ATMP status? Concerning the legal categorization of an oncolytic protozoan drug candidate. Gene Ther 2024; 31:295-303. [PMID: 38429432 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00445-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan that affects several animal species. It is not pathogenic for humans, and its ability to infect and lyse a variety of cells and stimulate the immune system makes it an interesting drug candidate in oncology. The intrinsic oncolytic properties of N. caninum have been confirmed in several preclinical models. Moreover, it can be modified to improve its safety and/or efficacy against cancer cells. In this study, we propose the legal categorization of this new biological drug candidate and the impact of modifications, notably the integration of a suicide gene, the deletion of a gene allowing its multiplication in healthy cells, and/or the insertion of a gene coding for a therapeutic protein into its genome. When unmodified, N. caninum can be categorized as a biological medicinal product, whereas modifications aimed at increasing its safety classify it as a Somatic Cell Therapy Medicinal Product, and modifications aiming to increase its efficacy or both safety and efficacy make it as a Gene Therapy Medicinal Product. This categorization is fundamental because it determines the guidelines applicable for preclinical development. These guidelines being numerous and complex, we have focused on the key requirements necessary for the development of the future medicinal product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Guerriaud
- Faculty of Health Sciences (Pharmacy), University of Burgundy, 7 bd Jeanne d'Arc, 21079, Dijon, Cedex, France.
- CREDIMI Laboratory EA 7532, 4 bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.
- Laboratory of Excellence LipSTIC ANR-11-LABX-0021, Dijon, France.
| | - Cyril Poupet
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, 37380, Tours, France
| | - Zineb Lakhrif
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, 37380, Tours, France
| | - Evelyne Kohli
- Faculty of Health Sciences (Pharmacy), University of Burgundy, 7 bd Jeanne d'Arc, 21079, Dijon, Cedex, France
- Laboratory of Excellence LipSTIC ANR-11-LABX-0021, Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM/uB/AGROSUP 1231, Team 3 HSP-Pathies, Labelled Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Dijon, France
| | - Nathalie Moiré
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, 37380, Nouzilly, France
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Yi XL, Yang WH, Zheng HL, Cao ML, Xiong J, Chen WC, Zhou YJ, Li F, Zhu XQ, Liu GH. Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in beef cattle and goats in Hunan province, China. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:195. [PMID: 38671515 PMCID: PMC11055231 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06283-9] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related protozoan parasites that are considered important causes of abortion in livestock, causing huge economic losses. Hunan Province ranks 12th in the production of beef and mutton in China. However, limited data are available on the seroprevalence, risk factors and molecular characterization of T. gondii and N. caninum in beef cattle and goats in Hunan province, China. METHODS Sera of 985 beef cattle and 1147 goats were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against T. gondii using indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) and anti-N. caninum IgG using competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunoassay assay (cELISA). Statistical analysis of possible risk factors was performed using PASW Statistics. Muscle samples of 160 beef cattle and 160 goats were examined for the presence of T. gondii DNA (B1 gene) and N. caninum DNA (Nc-5 gene) by nested PCR. The B1 gene-positive samples were genotyped at 10 genetic markers using the multilocus nested PCR-RFLP (Mn-PCR-RFLP). RESULTS Specific IgG against T. gondii were detected in 8.3% (82/985) and 13.3% (153/1147) and against N. caninum in 2.1% (21/985) and 2.0% (23/1147) of the beef cattle and goats, respectively. Based on statistical analysis, the presence of cats, semi-intensive management mode and gender were identified as significant risk factors for T. gondii infection in beef cattle. Age was a significant risk factor for T. gondii infection in goats (P < 0.05), and age > 3 years was a significant risk factor for N. caninum infection in beef cattle (P < 0.05). PCR positivity for T. gondii was observed in three beef samples (1.9%; 3/160) and seven chevon samples (4.4%; 7/160). Genotyping of PCR positive samples identified one to be ToxoDB#10. The N. caninum DNA was observed in one beef sample (0.6%; 1/160) but was negative in all chevon samples. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale serological and molecular investigation of T. gondii and N. caninum and assessment of related risk factors in beef cattle and goats in Hunan Province, China. The findings provide baseline data for executing prevention and control of these two important parasites in beef cattle and goats in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Long Yi
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-He Yang
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - He-Liang Zheng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei-Ling Cao
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Xiong
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Cheng Chen
- Chenzhou Center for Livestock Poultry and Aquatic Product Quality Inspection, Chenzhou, 423000, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhou
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Fen Li
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guo-Hua Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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Caspe SG, Konrad JL, Moore DP, Sala JM, Della-Rosa P, Ortega-Mora LM, Bacigalupe DR, Venturini MC, Campero CM, Barbeito CG. Infection with different Neospora caninum strains causes differences in the glycosylation pattern in the uteri and placentae of Neospora caninum-infected heifers. J Comp Pathol 2024; 210:29-37. [PMID: 38552538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes abortion in ruminants. Different strains produce differences in the severity of disease outcomes. These differences may cause physiological or pathological changes in cells, modifying the intercellular interactions and intracellular transport pathways that could be evidenced by identifying the terminal sugars. This study aimed to characterize the oligosaccharide pattern in the bovine placenta and uterus after infection with tachyzoites of three different strains of N. caninum (Nc-1, Nc-6 Argentina and Nc Spain-7) during early gestation. Fourteen heifers were inoculated intravenously on day 70 of gestation with 2 × 108 N. caninum tachyzoites and samples of placentae and uteri were analysed by histology and lectin histochemistry. In the infected groups, severe placentitis was associated with changes in lectin binding in the vascular endothelium by Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA) and Ricinus communis I (RCA-I) lectins, in the epithelial cells of the endometrial glands by RCA-I, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), succinylated wheat germ agglutinin, peanut agglutinin (PNA), concanavalin-A (CON-A), LCA, PSA and Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin (PHA-e), and in the trophoblast layer by PNA, CON-A, LCA, PSA, PHA-e, soybean agglutinin, RCA-I, DBA and Bandieraea simplicifolia agglutinin (BSA-I). The results suggest that N. caninum causes changes in the glycosylation pattern in the maternofetal interface tissues and might cause abortions in early gestation due to changes in the cellular structure of the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio G Caspe
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Av. Rivadavia 1439, C1033AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Jose L Konrad
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Blvd. 27 de Febrero 210 Bis, S2000EZP Rosario, Sante Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad del Nordeste, Juan Bautista Cabral 2131, W3402BKG, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Dadin P Moore
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Av. Rivadavia 1439, C1033AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Blvd. 27 de Febrero 210 Bis, S2000EZP Rosario, Sante Fe, Argentina
| | - Juan M Sala
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Av. Rivadavia 1439, C1033AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola Della-Rosa
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Av. Rivadavia 1439, C1033AAE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro, s/n, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana R Bacigalupe
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Avenue 7 No. 776, CP1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Zoonosis, Municipalidad de Rauch, Rivadavia 750, B7203 Rauch, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria C Venturini
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Avenue 7 No. 776, CP1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos M Campero
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Claudio G Barbeito
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Blvd. 27 de Febrero 210 Bis, S2000EZP Rosario, Sante Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, Avenue 7 No. 776, CP1900, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Wang F, Xue Y, Pei Y, Yin M, Sun Z, Zhou Z, Liu J, Liu Q. Construction of luciferase-expressing Neospora caninum and drug screening. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:118. [PMID: 38459572 PMCID: PMC10921786 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06195-8] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that is particularly responsible for abortions in cattle and neuromuscular disease in dogs. Due to the limited effectiveness of currently available drugs, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches to control neosporosis. Luciferase-based assays are potentially powerful tools in the search for antiprotozoal compounds, permitting the development of faster and more automated assays. The aim of this study was to construct a luciferase-expressing N. caninum and evaluate anti-N. caninum drugs. METHODS Luciferase-expressing N. caninum (Nc1-Luc) was constructed using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9). After testing the luciferase expression and phenotype of the Nc1-Luc strains, the drug sensitivity of Nc1-Luc strains was determined by treating them with known positive or negative drugs and calculating the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). The selective pan-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (pan-RAF) inhibitor TAK-632 was then evaluated for anti-N. caninum effects using Nc1-Luc by luciferase activity reduction assay and other in vitro and in vivo studies. RESULTS The phenotypes and drug sensitivity of Nc1-Luc strains were consistent with those of the parental strains Nc1, and Nc1-Luc strains can be used to determine the IC50 for anti-N. caninum drugs. Using the Nc1-Luc strains, TAK-632 showed promising activity against N. caninum, with an IC50 of 0.6131 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 62.53. In vitro studies demonstrated that TAK-632 inhibited the invasion, proliferation, and division of N. caninum tachyzoites. In vivo studies showed that TAK-632 attenuated the virulence of N. caninum in mice and significantly reduced the parasite burden in the brain. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, a luciferase-expressing N. caninum strain was successfully constructed, which provides an effective tool for drug screening and related research on N. caninum. In addition, TAK-632 was found to inhibit the growth of N. caninum, which could be considered as a candidate lead compound for new therapeutics for neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yangfei Xue
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanqun Pei
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Meng Yin
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhepeng Sun
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zihui Zhou
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jing Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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12
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Wang L, Li X, Li L, Cao L, Zhao Z, Huang T, Li J, Zhang X, Cao S, Zhang N, Wang X, Gong P. Establishment of an ultrasensitive and visual detection platform for Neospora caninum based-on the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a system. Talanta 2024; 269:125413. [PMID: 38042139 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.125413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes neosporosis in cattle, and leads to a high rate of abortion and severe financial losses. Rapid and accurate detection is particularly important for preventing and controlling neosporosis. In our research, a highly effective diagnostic technique based on the RPA-CRISPR/Cas system was created to successfully identify N. caninum against the Nc5 gene, fluorescent reporter system and the lateral flow strip (LFS) biosensor were exploited to display results. The specificity and sensitivity of the PRA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay were evaluated. We discovered that it was highly specific and did not react with any other pathogens. The limit of detection (LOD) for this technology was as low as one parasite per milliliter when employing the fluorescent reporter system, and was approximately ten parasites per milliliter based on the LFS biosensor and under blue or UV light. Meanwhile, the placental tissue samples were detected by our RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform were completely consistent with that of the nested PCR assay (59.4 %, 19/32). The canine feces were detected by our RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection platform were completely consistent with that of the nested PCR assay (8.6 %, 6/70). The RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection procedure was successfully finished in within 90 min and offers advantages of high sensitivity and specificity, speed and low cost. The technique was better suitable for extensive neosporosis screening in non-laboratory and resource-constrained locations. This study provided a new strategy for more rapid and portable identification of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Lu Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Lili Cao
- Jilin Academy of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Zhiteng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Taojun Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Jianhua Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Xichen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Songgao Cao
- Pingdu People's Hospital, Qingdao, 266700, China.
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Xiaocen Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Pengtao Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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13
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Udonsom R, Adisakwattana P, Popruk S, Reamtong O, Jirapattharasate C, Thiangtrongjit T, Rerkyusuke S, Chanlun A, Hasan T, Kotepui M, Siri S, Nishikawa Y, Mahittikorn A. Evaluation of Immunodiagnostic Performances of Neospora caninum Peroxiredoxin 2 (NcPrx2), Microneme 4 (NcMIC4), and Surface Antigen 1 (NcSAG1) Recombinant Proteins for Bovine Neosporosis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:531. [PMID: 38396498 PMCID: PMC10885977 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040531] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis is among the main causes of abortion in cattle worldwide, causing serious economic losses in the beef and dairy industries. A highly sensitive and specific diagnostic method for the assessment of the epidemiology of the disease, as well as it surveillance and management, is imperative, due to the absence of an effective treatment or vaccine against neosporosis. In the present study, the immunodiagnostic performance of Neospora caninum peroxiredoxin 2 (NcPrx2), microneme 4 (NcMIC4), and surface antigen 1 (NcSAG1) to detect IgG antibodies against N. caninum in cattle were evaluated and compared with that of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The results revealed that NcSAG1 had the highest sensitivity and specificity, with values of 88.4% and 80.7%, respectively, followed by NcPrx2, with a high sensitivity of 87.0% but a low specificity of 67.0%, whereas NcMIC4 showed sensitivity and specificity of 84.1% and 78.9%, respectively, when compared with IFAT. A high degree of agreement was observed for NcSAG1 (k = 0.713) recombinant protein, showing the highest diagnostic capability, followed by NcMIC4 (k = 0.64) and NcPrx2 (k = 0.558). The present study demonstrates that NcSAG1 is helpful as an antigen marker and also demonstrates the potential immunodiagnostic capabilities of NcPrx2 and NcMIC4, which could serve as alternative diagnostic markers for detecting N. caninum infection in cattle. These markers may find utility in future treatment management, surveillance, and risk assessment of neosporosis in livestock or other animal host species. Further research should be directed toward understanding the in vivo immune response differences resulting from immunization with both recombinant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruenruetai Udonsom
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (S.P.)
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Supaluk Popruk
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (S.P.)
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (O.R.); (T.T.)
| | - Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| | - Tipparat Thiangtrongjit
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (O.R.); (T.T.)
| | - Sarinya Rerkyusuke
- Division of Livestock Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Aran Chanlun
- Division of Livestock Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Tanjila Hasan
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh;
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand;
| | - Sukhontha Siri
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (S.P.)
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14
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Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, De Sousa MCF, Vigneswaran A, Hofmann L, Amdouni Y, Boubaker G, Müller J, Hemphill A. Working towards the development of vaccines and chemotherapeutics against neosporosis-With all of its ups and downs-Looking ahead. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2024; 124:91-154. [PMID: 38754928 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan and obligatory intracellular parasite, which is the leading cause of reproductive failure in cattle and affects other farm and domestic animals, but also induces neuromuscular disease in dogs of all ages. In cattle, neosporosis is an important health problem, and has a considerable economic impact. To date there is no protective vaccine or chemotherapeutic treatment on the market. Immuno-prophylaxis has long been considered as the best control measure. Proteins involved in host cell interaction and invasion, as well as antigens mediating inflammatory responses have been the most frequently assessed vaccine targets. However, despite considerable efforts no effective vaccine has been introduced to the market to date. The development of effective compounds to limit the effects of vertical transmission of N. caninum tachyzoites has emerged as an alternative or addition to vaccination, provided suitable targets and safe and efficacious drugs can be identified. Additionally, the combination of both treatment strategies might be interesting to further increase protectivity against N. caninum infections and to decrease the duration of treatment and the risk of potential drug resistance. Well-established and standardized animal infection models are key factors for the evaluation of promising vaccine and compound candidates. The vast majority of experimental animal experiments concerning neosporosis have been performed in mice, although in recent years the numbers of experimental studies in cattle and sheep have increased. In this review, we discuss the recent findings concerning the progress in drug and vaccine development against N. caninum infections in mice and ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira De Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Larissa Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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15
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Turlewicz-Podbielska H, Ruszkowski JJ, Wojciechowski J, Pomorska-Mól M. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in pet cats, dogs and rabbits from urban areas of Poland. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:37. [PMID: 38297328 PMCID: PMC10829371 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03894-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neospora caninum (N. caninum) has a broad intermediate host range and might cause multisystemic lesions in various species of animals. Dogs are both intermediate and definitive hosts of the parasite and play a crucial role in the horizontal transmission of this protozoan to other animals. Cats and rabbits could be sensitive to infection with N. caninum, however, clinical symptoms and the exact route of infection in these species are unknown. The epidemiology of N. caninum in cats and rabbits has been barely researched, and there is no published record of the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in these species in Poland. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents for N. caninum within pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban areas of Poland and to identify possible risk factors for these animals. RESULTS In total, serum samples from 184 cats (Felis catus), 203 dogs (Canis familiaris) and 70 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in dogs and cats reached 1.0% (2/203; 95% CI: 0.3-3.5) and 3.3% (6/184; 95% CI: 1.5-6.9), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence regarding age group, gender, symptoms or sampling location were found. All 70 samples from pet rabbits were negative for anti-N. caninum antibodies. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence rates of N. caninum in dogs and cats in the present study were low, however, our results confirmed N. caninum circulates among dog and cat populations in Poland, and neosporosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of neuro-muscular disorders in these species. This is the first serological survey of N. caninum in European pet cats and rabbits. The role of pet rabbits in N. caninum epidemiology and circulation in Poland is marginal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Turlewicz-Podbielska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60‑637, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jakub Jędrzej Ruszkowski
- Department of Animal Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animals Sciences, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60‑637, Poznan, Poland.
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16
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Tomasina R, González FC, Echeverría S, Cabrera A, Robello C. Insights into the Cell Division of Neospora caninum. Microorganisms 2023; 12:61. [PMID: 38257886 PMCID: PMC10818811 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010061] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite responsible for causing neosporosis in a range of animal species. It results in substantial economic losses in the livestock industry and poses significant health risks to companion and wild animals. Central to its survival and pathogenicity is the process of cell division, which remains poorly understood in this parasite. In this study, we explored the cell division of Neospora caninum using a combination of modern and classic imaging tools, emphasizing its pivotal role in perpetuating the parasite's life cycle and contributing to its ability to persist within host organisms. We described the intricacies of endodyogeny in Neospora caninum, detailing the dynamics of the cell assembly and the nuclear division by ultrastructure expansion microscopy and regular confocal microscopy. Furthermore, we explored the centrosome dynamics, the centrioles and the apicoplast through the advancement of the cell cycle. Our analysis described with unprecedented detail, the endodyogeny in this parasite. By advancing our understanding of these molecular mechanisms, we aimed to inspire innovative strategies for disease management and control, with the ultimate goal of mitigating the devastating impact of neosporosis on animal health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Tomasina
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero Patógeno, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay; (R.T.); (F.C.G.); (S.E.); (A.C.)
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Fabiana C. González
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero Patógeno, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay; (R.T.); (F.C.G.); (S.E.); (A.C.)
| | - Soledad Echeverría
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero Patógeno, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay; (R.T.); (F.C.G.); (S.E.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrés Cabrera
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero Patógeno, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay; (R.T.); (F.C.G.); (S.E.); (A.C.)
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Robello
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero Patógeno, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay; (R.T.); (F.C.G.); (S.E.); (A.C.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay
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17
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Huang M, Yin Y, Shi K, Zhang H, Cao X, Song X. Neospora caninum seroprevalence in water buffaloes in Guangxi, China. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:3274-3279. [PMID: 36165738 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2126369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an important obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite that causes spontaneous abortions in cattle and leads to huge economic losses to the farming industry. Although a high prevalence of N. caninum infection has been reported in Asia, data on the prevalence of water buffaloes in China remain unclear. To understand the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in water buffaloes and its definitive host dogs in China, a total of 987 water buffalo sera from Guangxi Province were tested using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We obtained an overall seroprevalence of 50.9% (502/987) for water buffalo samples. And the positive rate was higher in border cities (56.8%, 425/748) than in central cities (32.3%, 77/239). We further tested 240 serum samples from dogs in Guangxi and found an overall prevalence of 57.9% (139/240). The high prevalence of N. caninum infection in both dogs and water buffaloes was first reported in southern China, and these data will surely contribute to the prevention and control of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yanwen Yin
- Guangxi Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Kaichuang Shi
- Guangxi Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xinru Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xingju Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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18
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Fereig RM, El-Alfy ES, Abdelbaky HH, Abdel-Hamid NH, Mazeed AM, Menshawy AMS, Kelany MA, El-Diasty M, Alawfi BS, Frey CF. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Trichinella spp. in Pigs from Cairo, Egypt. Vet Sci 2023; 10:675. [PMID: 38133226 PMCID: PMC10747553 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120675] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pork production is a niche economy in Egypt, and pigs are typically raised as backyard animals with no sanitary control, potentially exposing them to various pathogens. Commercially available ELISAs were used to detect specific antibodies to the food-borne zoonotic parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp., as well as to Neospora caninum, in serum samples of pigs slaughtered at Egypt's only licensed pig abattoir, the El-Bassatin abattoir in Cairo. Among the tested sera (n = 332), seroreactivity for T. gondii was 45.8% (95% confidence interval: 40.4-51.3), N. caninum was 28.0% (95% CI: 23.3-33.2), and Trichinella spp. was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.4-3.3). Mixed infection was only detected for T. gondii and N. caninum (18.7%; 95% CI: 14.7-23.4). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher (p = 0.0003) in animals collected from southern Cairo (15 May city slum) than in eastern Cairo (Ezbet El Nakhl slum). Seroprevalence for N. caninum was higher in western (Manshiyat Naser slum; p = 0.0003) and southern Cairo (15 May city slum; p = 0.0003) than in that of eastern Cairo (Ezbet El Nakhl slum; p = 0.0003). Moreover, female pigs exhibited a higher rate of N. caninum antibodies than male ones (p < 0.0001). This study provides the first seroprevalence data for N. caninum in pigs in Egypt, and updates the prevalence of the zoonotic parasites Trichinella spp. and T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M. Fereig
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Hanan H. Abdelbaky
- Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Clinic, Veterinary Directorate, Qena 83523, Egypt;
| | - Nour H. Abdel-Hamid
- Brucellosis Research Department, Agricultural Research Center, Animal Health Research Institute, Cairo 12618, Egypt;
| | - Amira M. Mazeed
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Arish University, Arish City 45511, North Sinai, Egypt;
| | - Ahmed M. S. Menshawy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed A. Kelany
- Department of Microbiology, The Central Laboratory of Residual Analysis of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Foods, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed El-Diasty
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute-Mansoura Provincial Lab. (AHRI-Mansoura), Giza 12618, Egypt;
| | - Bader S. Alawfi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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19
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Batista SP, Silva SDS, Sarmento WF, Mota RA, Feitosa TF, Vilela VLR. Seroprevalence and associated factors with Neospora caninum infection in sheep and goats slaughtered in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2023; 32:e012423. [PMID: 38018631 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to describe the seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in goats and sheep slaughtered in the state of Paraíba and to identify possible associated factors with the infections. Two hundred twenty-nine samples from goats and two hundred five from sheep were analyzed by Indirect Immunofluorescence Reaction (IFAT) using a cutoff point of 1:50. The presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was identified in 28.4% (65/ 229; 95% Confidence Interval: 22.6-34.2) of the goat samples and in 12.7% (26/ 205; 95% CI: 8.2 - 17.2) of the sheep samples. Contact between goats and dogs (Odds ratio 4.81; CI 1.13 - 2.67; p = 0.041) and cattle (OR. 1.87; CI 1.13 - 2.67; p = 0.002) was identified as a risk factor for goats and contact between sheep and dogs (OR 2.32; CI 1.58 - 3.14; p = 0.026) and history of abortion (OR 1.94; CI 1.28 - 2.90; p = 0.001) was considered a risk factor for sheep. The study revealed a high seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in slaughtered goats and sheep in Paraíba. Risk factors such as contact with dogs/cattle and abortion history underscore the need for preventive measures to control infection and enhance animal health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Pereira Batista
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Samara Dos Santos Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Wlysse Ferreira Sarmento
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Thais Ferreira Feitosa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Federal de da Paraíba - IFPB, Sousa, PB, Brasil
| | - Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência e Saúde Animal, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Instituto Federal de da Paraíba - IFPB, Sousa, PB, Brasil
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20
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Alshammari A, Gattan HS, Marzok M, Selim A. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Neospora spp. infection in equine in Egypt. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20242. [PMID: 37981658 PMCID: PMC10658168 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47601-y] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora infections in equine are associated with reproductive disorders and neurological diseases. Nevertheless, Egypt has no epidemiological information on this parasite in equine. This study determined the prevalence of Neospora spp. infection in 325 equines from three Egyptian governorates located at Northern Egypt using cELISA. The prevalence of antibodies against Neospora spp. was 19% (95% CI: 14.09-25.05) in horse, 34.1% (95%CI: 24.92-44.69) in donkey and 26.7% (95% CI: 15.97-41.04) in mule. In comparison to horse, donkey had a considerably higher chance of contracting Neospora spp. infection (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.78-4.13; P = 0.016). The risk was also higher in freely grazing animals (OR = 3.49, 95% CI: 0.95-12.78; P = 0.059). Moreover, yearling animals (12-24 months) (OR = 5.03, 95% CI: 1.51-16.80; P = 0.009) and those with natural breeding (OR = 11.80, 95% CI: 3.24-42.99, P < 0.0001) and a history of early abortion (OR = 7.04, 95% CI: 3.01-16.47; P < 0.0001) also showed a greater risk of seropositivity. The risk of Neospora infection increased significantly in equines contacted with dogs (OR = 5.16, 95% CI: 1.76-15.10; P = 0.003). This the first serological study to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora spp. in equine in Egypt. Further studies are necessary to identify the species of Neospora and to understand the role of above-mentioned risk factors in spreading of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayed Alshammari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hattan S Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Marzok
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
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21
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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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22
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Farag SI, Cano-Terriza D, Gonzálvez M, Salman D, Aref NEM, Mubaraki MA, Jiménez-Martín D, García-Bocanegra I, Elmahallawy EK. Serosurvey of selected reproductive pathogens in domestic ruminants from Upper Egypt. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1267640. [PMID: 37937151 PMCID: PMC10625909 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1267640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, neosporosis, and Q fever are among the most important abortifacient diseases in ruminants worldwide. These diseases result in huge economic losses in livestock besides the fact that some of are of public health concern. The present study aimed to update the data about the current seroepidemiological situation of these diseases in Upper Egypt. A total of 411 blood samples were collected from small and large ruminants and serologically tested against the presence of T. gondii, N. caninum, and C. burnetii. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were performed to assess the potential risk factors associated with the exposure to these pathogens. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 47.9% (197/411) with an individual seropositivity of 59.4% (63/106), 58.6% (17/29), 38.8% (54/139) and 46% (63/137) in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats, respectively. Meanwhile, 9.7% (38/411) of the examined animals were tested positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies, with an individual seropositivity of 13.2% (12/106), 34.5% (10/29), 8.6% (12/139) and 2.9% (4/137) in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats, respectively. Furthermore, the overall prevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii was 17.3% (63/411), and exposure to this pathogen was detected in 4.7% (5/106) of cattle, 19.3% (20/129) of sheep, 29.2% (38/130) of goats but none of the examined buffalo were found to be seropositive. A total of 12.1% (50/411) of the examined animals showed co-exposure to at least two of the tested pathogens. Regarding the potential risk factors, there were statistically significant differences among species in the frequency of exposure to the three tested pathogens. Age (> 6 months) was also shown to be a significant risk factor associated with T. gondii exposure. The results obtained provided updated information about the occurrence of three of the main reproductive pathogens in Upper Egypt. The high seropositivity values found for the tested zoonotic pathogens in most of the analyzed ruminant species suggest the necessity of performing additional in-depth studies to evaluate the epidemiology of these pathogens in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Ismail Farag
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Moisés Gonzálvez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Regional “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Doaa Salman
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Nasr-Eldin M. Aref
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Murad A. Mubaraki
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes ENZOEM, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
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23
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Bandelj P, Kušar D, Šimenc L, Jamnikar-Ciglenečki U, Vengušt G, Vengušt DŽ. First Molecular Detection of Neospora caninum in Feces of Grey Wolf ( Canis lupus) and Golden Jackal ( Canis aureus) Populations in Slovenia. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3089. [PMID: 37835696 PMCID: PMC10571879 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes reproductive disorders and major economic losses in cattle, and induces neuromuscular disorders in canids. Exogenous infections are becoming increasingly important due to disease outbreaks. The sylvatic life cycle of N. caninum interferes with the domestic dog-ruminant life cycle, but understanding of it is scarce. The population of wild canids may play an important role in parasite dispersion. Feces from 42 grey wolves (Canis lupus) and 39 golden jackals (Canis aureus) were analyzed for the N. caninum Nc5 gene using a novel real-time PCR (qPCR) with a detection limit of 5 targets/µL in clinical samples. Three wolves (3/42; 7.1%) and one golden jackal (1/39; 2.6%) tested positive, which is the first detection of N. caninum in the population of grey wolves in Slovenia and the first detection of N. caninum DNA in the feces of a golden jackal. In addition to the grey wolf, we propose the golden jackal as a potential definitive host with hypothetical epidemiological importance for the sylvatic-domestic life cycle of N. caninum, due to its proximity to human habitats and its rapid expansion throughout Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bandelj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.B.); (D.K.); (L.Š.)
| | - Darja Kušar
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.B.); (D.K.); (L.Š.)
| | - Laura Šimenc
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (P.B.); (D.K.); (L.Š.)
| | - Urška Jamnikar-Ciglenečki
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gorazd Vengušt
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Diana Žele Vengušt
- Institute of Pathology, Wild Animals, Fish and Bees, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva ulica 60, 1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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24
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Selim A, Alshammari A, Gattan HS, Marzok M, Salem M, Al-Jabr OA. Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle in Egypt: a serosurvey and associated risk factors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15489. [PMID: 37726382 PMCID: PMC10509273 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42538-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum (N. caninum) is one of the causative agents that causing cattle abortion, and severe economic losses. Due to the scarcity of data on N. caninum infection in Egyptian cattle, the purpose of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and determine the risk factors for parasite infection. In four governorates in northern Egypt, 540 blood samples from cattle were taken, and tested using a commercial ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in examined cattle was 28.89%. A multivariate logistic regression model determined that age (OR = 2.63, P < 0.001), manual milking (OR = 1.39, P = 0.14), abortion history (OR = 2.78, P < 0.0001), repetition of estrus (OR = 2.31, P < 0.0001), and contact with dogs (OR = 2.57, P < 0.0001) were significant risk factors. The findings proved that N. caninum infection was one of the factors contributing to abortion and financial losses in dairy cattle in Egypt. Therefore, the application of sanitary security and control programs is very important in dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
| | - Ayed Alshammari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hattan S Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Marzok
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Salem
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 12613, Egypt
| | - Omar A Al-Jabr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, 31982, Al-Asha, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Huaman JL, Pacioni C, Doyle M, Forsyth DM, Helbig KJ, Carvalho TG. Evidence of Australian wild deer exposure to N. caninum infection and potential implications for the maintenance of N. caninum sylvatic cycle. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:153. [PMID: 37705000 PMCID: PMC10498561 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03712-2] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with the coccidian parasite Neospora caninum affect domestic and wild animals worldwide. In Australia, N. caninum infections cause considerable losses to the cattle industry with seroprevalence of 8.7% in beef and 10.9% in dairy cattle. Conversely, the role of wild animals, in maintaining the parasite cycle is also unclear. It is possible that native or introduced herbivorous species could be reservoir hosts of N. caninum in Australia, but to date, this has not been investigated. We report here the first large-scale screening of N. caninum antibodies in Australian wild deer, spanning three species (fallow, red and sambar deer). Consequently, we also assessed two commercial cELISA tests validated for detecting N. caninum in cattle for their ability to detect N. caninum antibodies in serum samples of wild deer. N. caninum antibodies were detected in 3.7% (7/189, 95% CI 1.8 - 7.45) of the wild deer serum samples collected in south-eastern Australia (n = 189), including 97 fallow deer (Dama dama), 14 red deer (Cervus elaphus), and 78 sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Overall, our study provides the first detection of N. caninum antibodies in wild deer and quantifies deer's potential role in the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Huaman
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carlo Pacioni
- Department of Environment, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Doyle
- South East Local Land Services, Bega, NSW, Australia
| | - David M Forsyth
- Department of Primary Industries, Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW, Orange Agricultural Institute, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Karla J Helbig
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Teresa G Carvalho
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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26
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Rico-San Román L, Amieva R, Horcajo P, García-Sánchez M, Pastor-Fernández I, Ortega-Mora LM, Collantes-Fernández E. Characterization of Neospora caninum virulence factors NcGRA7 and NcROP40 in bovine target cells. Vet Parasitol 2023; 320:109973. [PMID: 37356132 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109973] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis is one of the major causes of reproductive failure in cattle worldwide, and differences in virulence between isolates have been widely shown. However, the molecular basis and mechanisms underlying virulence in Neospora caninum are mostly unknown. Recently, we demonstrated the involvement of NcGRA7 and NcROP40 in the virulence of N. caninum in a pregnant murine model using single knockout mutants in these genes generated by CRISR/Cas9 technology. In this study, the role of these proteins was investigated in two in vitro models using bovine target cells: trophoblast (F3 cell line) and monocyte-derived macrophages (BoMØ). The proliferation capacity of the single knockout mutant parasites was compared to the wild-type strain, the Nc-Spain7 isolate, using both cell populations. For the bovine trophoblast, no differences were observed in the growth of the defective parasites compared to the wild-type strain, neither in the proliferation kinetics nor in the competition assay. However, in naïve BoMØ, a significant decrease in the proliferation capacity of the mutant parasites was observed from 48 h pi onwards. Stimulation of BoMØ with IFN-γ showed a similar inhibition of tachyzoite growth in defective and wild-type strains in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, BoMØ infected with knockout parasites showed higher expression levels of TLR3, which is involved in pathogen recognition. These results suggest that NcGRA7 and NcROP40 may be involved in the manipulation of innate immune defense mechanisms against neosporosis and confirm the usefulness of the BoMØ model for the evaluation of N. caninum virulence mechanisms. However, the specific functions of these proteins remain unknown, opening the way for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rico-San Román
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Amieva
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marta García-Sánchez
- SALUVET-Innova S.L., Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Pastor-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Collantes-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Pereira MA, Nóbrega C, Mateus TL, Almeida D, Oliveira A, Coelho C, Cruz R, Oliveira P, Faustino-Rocha A, Pires MJ, Mesquita JR, Vala H. An Antibody-Based Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Infection in Client-Owned Cats from Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2327. [PMID: 37508104 PMCID: PMC10376655 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of hosts worldwide. However, information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in cats from Portugal is limited. Thus, this study aims to evaluate anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalence in client-owned cats from Portugal and to identify risk factors using a panel of well-characterized sera. A total of 183 domestic cats were sampled and screened for antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum using commercial ELISA assays, and their owners answered an online questionnaire designed to obtain background information. The overall anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalences were 13.1% (CI: 8.97-18.77) and 3.8% (CI: 1.87-7.68), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that living strictly indoors was a significant protection factor (cOR: 0.053; CI: 0.005-0.627), and the presence of a chronic disease a significant risk factor (cOR: 3.106; CI: 1.062-9.082) to T. gondii seroprevalence. When performing multivariate analysis, only chronic disease (aOR: 57.527; CI: 1.7-1976.7) and seropositivity to N. caninum (aOR: 7.929; CI:0.8-82.9) were found to be a significant risk factor to anti-T. gondii antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of N. caninum seropositivity in cats from Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aires Pereira
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), R. da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Carmen Nóbrega
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Teresa L Mateus
- CISAS-Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Àlvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS) Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- EpiUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Almeida
- ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia Oliveira
- Escola Superior Agrária de Ponte de Lima, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua D. Mendo Afonso, 147 Refóios do Lima, 4990-706 Ponte de Lima, Portugal
- Hospital Veterinário de Gaia, Rua Voltinha 82, 4415-369 Pedroso, Portugal
| | - Catarina Coelho
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS) Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rita Cruz
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- EpiUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Faustino-Rocha
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, Department of Zootechnics, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
| | - Maria J Pires
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- EpiUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Vala
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Udonsom R, Mahittikorn A, Prachasuphap A, Jongpitisub K, Dhepakson P, Jirapattharasate C. Recombinant Dense Granule Protein (NcGRA4) Is a Novel Serological Marker for Neospora caninum Infection in Goats. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1879. [PMID: 37889832 PMCID: PMC10251823 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is widely recognised as one of the most significant causes of abortion in cattle, with infections also occurring in sheep and goats. To prevent and control animal neosporosis, it is crucial to develop sensitive and specific methods for detecting N. caninum infection. Recently, several recombinant proteins have been utilised in serological assays for the diagnosis of neosporosis. In this study, we used commercial gene synthesis to produce dense granular antigen 4 (NcGRA4) recombinant protein. NcGRA4 plasmids were expressed in the Escherichia coli system and then purified. The purified recombinant protein was analysed using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. To evaluate the diagnostic potential of recombinant NcGRA4 protein, we tested 214 serum samples from goat farms via indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) and compared the results to those from the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Western blotting analysis revealed a single NcGRA4 band with an expected molecular weight of 32 kDa. The specific IgG against N. caninum was detected in 34.1% and 35% of samples evaluated by NcGRA4 iELISA and IFAT, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the NcGRA4 iELISA were 71.6% and 86.3%, respectively, when compared with the results from IFAT. Our results demonstrate that a recombinant protein that can be used to detect animal neosporosis can be produced using a synthetic NcGRA4 gene. Overall, recombinant NcGRA4 shows promise as a sensitive and specific serological marker for identifying target IgG in goat samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruenruetai Udonsom
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (A.M.)
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (R.U.); (A.M.)
| | - Apichai Prachasuphap
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (A.P.); (K.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Kodcharad Jongpitisub
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (A.P.); (K.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Panadda Dhepakson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Medical Life Sciences Institute, 88/7 Tiwanon Road, Talad Kwan Subdistrict, Muang District, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (A.P.); (K.J.); (P.D.)
| | - Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, 999 Phuthamonthon Sai 4 Rd, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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Barimani S, Rassouli M, Emadi Chashmi SH. Molecular detection of Neospora caninum in chicken meat and eggs in Iran. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY: REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2023; 40:100862. [PMID: 37068865 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite, phylum Apicomplexa. Canids are definitive hosts and different animals can be intermediate hosts. Neospora DNA has been also detected in humans, recently. This study aimed to understand the infection rate of N. caninum in chicken meat because consumption of raw and undercooked meat can be the main risk factor for canine neosporosis. Investigation of Neospora vertical transmission to the eggs is also important. One hundred chicken legs, and fifty eggs from free-range chickens, and fifty eggs from industrial chickens were collected from different stores in Semnan city, Iran. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of samples was extracted, and the Nested-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) on Neospora internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1) gene was performed. Neospora caninum DNA was detected in eight out of one hundred (8%) chicken legs, and no eggs were infected. These results revealed that N. caninum infection in chicken meat for the first time in Iran. For the investigation of Neospora vertical transmission to eggs, more studies will be necessary. Indoor carnivores should be fed, and humans should be consumed well-cooked chicken meat to prevent infection.
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Maia ARA, de Melo RPB, Mota RA, Clementino IJ, Alves CJ, de Sousa Américo Batista Santos C, Fernandes LG, de Azevedo SS. Herd and animal level prevalences and risk factors for Neospora caninum infection in cattle in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 40:100866. [PMID: 37068861 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100866] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis is a globally important disease, causing abortions and significant economic losses. In Brazil, studies on neosporosis in cattle are few and based on limited samples and/or from limited areas. We aimed to determine the herd and animal levels seroprevalence and associated factors for Neospora caninum infections in cattle from the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil, using a planned sampling. Herds (n = 434) and cows aged ≥24 months (n = 1891) were randomly selected, and serum samples were tested with the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using as cut-off point the antibody titer 200. Herd-level and animal-level seroprevalences were 17.8% (95% CI = 14.3%-21.8%) and 18.1% (95% CI = 14.7%-22.1%), respectively. The factors associated with N. caninum infection were farm located in the Sertão mesoregion (Prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.37), mixed production (PR = 1.64), herd size of 34-111 animals (PR = 3.50) and herd size >111 animals (PR = 6.14). The results indicate high N. caninum circulation in the bovine population of the state of Paraíba, semiarid of Brazil, mainly in the Sertão mesoregion, where the highest apparent herd and animal-level prevalences of positive herds were identified. Control strategies should be adopted to mitigate the impact of disease on cattle production, as well as it's suggested the encouragement of conducting surveys in wildlife from Caatinga biome, mainly canids, to provide information on the importance of these animals on the epidemiology of bovine neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rafaela Alves Maia
- Unidade acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba state, Brazil
| | - Renata Pimentel Bandeira de Melo
- Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil
| | - Inácio José Clementino
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, Paraíba state, Brazil
| | - Clebert José Alves
- Unidade acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba state, Brazil
| | | | - Leise Gomes Fernandes
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde do Amazonas, Sala de Situação de Saúde, Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Unidade acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba state, Brazil.
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Samkange A, Chitanga S, Tjipura-Zaire GN, Mutjavikua VG, Smith JW, Neves L, Matjila T. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of bovine neosporosis in the Khomas region of Namibia. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2023; 90:e1-e8. [PMID: 37042558 PMCID: PMC10157435 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v90i1.2077] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite that occurs worldwide and is one of the most important causes of abortion, especially in cattle. However, no studies have been performed in Namibia to determine the N. caninum status in livestock. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle and the associated risk factors in the Khomas region of Namibia. A total of 736 sera were collected from cows in 32 farming establishments. These comprised 698 beef and 38 dairy cattle sera and were tested using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Questionnaires were concurrently administered to determine possible risk factors associated with N. caninum seropositivity. A total of 42 sera were positive (all beef), giving an animal-level seroprevalence rate of 5.7%. Eight of the 32 establishments had at least one positive animal, giving a herd-level seroprevalence of 25%. There was no significant association between seropositivity and the presence of dogs, jackals, history of abortions, farm size, number of cattle or average annual rainfall. The establishments with moderate to high numbers of Feliformia were 9.8 times more likely to be seropositive to N. caninum than those with none to low levels of the former (p = 0.0245). The authors concluded that the seroprevalence level of N. caninum in the Khomas region was relatively low compared with other parts of the world and that the role of Feliformia in the epidemiology of bovine neosporosis needed to be further investigated.Contribution: Serological evidence of bovine neosporosis and the associated risk factors are reported in Namibia for the first time. This study contributes to the scientific body of knowledge on N. caninum in Africa, which is currently limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaster Samkange
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; and, Department of Production Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek.
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Investigation of comorbidities in dogs with leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 39:100844. [PMID: 36878629 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100844] [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: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
In endemic areas, dogs with leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum frequently have comorbidities, including mostly neoplastic, infectious, and parasitic diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of comorbidities among dogs that are not infected by L. infantum, dogs that are infected but do not present leishmaniosis, and dogs with leishmaniosis, and to examine if certain comorbidities are independent risk factors for the infection by L. infantum and/or for the development of canine leishmaniosis (CanL). A total of 111 dogs, older than 1-year and non-vaccinated against CanL, were allocated into three groups: group A (n = 18) included dogs that were not infected by L. infantum, group B (n = 52) included dogs that were infected by L. infantum but did not present CanL, and group C (n = 41) included dogs with CanL. Signalment and historical data were obtained using a structured questionnaire. Laboratory examinations included complete blood count, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, fecal parasitology, modified Knott's test, microscopic examination of capillary blood, buffy coat, lymph node, bone marrow and conjunctival smears, qualitative serology for Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum/A. platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and E. canis, IFAT for L. infantum, ELISA for Babesia spp. and Neospora caninum, and real-time PCR for L. infantum in bone marrow, skin biopsies and conjunctival swabs. A variety of comorbidities were found in all three groups. No independent risk factors for infection by L. infantum were found. On the contrary, among dogs infected by L. infantum, being a mongrel [odds ratio (OR): 11.2], not receiving prevention for dirofilariosis (OR: 26.5) and being seropositive to N. caninum (OR: 17.1) or to Babesia spp. (OR: 37.6), were independent risk factors for presenting CanL. Although no comorbidities influence the probability of canine infection by L. infantum, certain comorbidities may be precipitating factors for the transition from the subclinical infection by L. infantum to the overt CanL.
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Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Role of Felids as Intermediate Hosts in the Life Cycle of Neospora caninum Based on Serological Data. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:266-276. [PMID: 36710305 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00661-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neosporosis is an important widespread parasitic infection caused by N. caninum. It infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts and dogs as the definitive host. Nevertheless, there are a number of questions regarding the life cycle and epidemiological aspects of N. caninum. Also, the role of felids (domestic and non-domestic) in the life cycle of N. caninum has been little described. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the global prevalence of N. caninum in domestic and wild felids. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases were searched for articles published on the prevalence of N. caninum in felids until Aprill 2, 2022 and the reference lists of retrieved articles were screened. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using Cochran's Q and the I2 statistic. RESULTS After exclusion of irrelevant articles and duplication removal, 30 studies were eligible for quantitative analysis including 20 studies on domestic cats and 10 studies on wild felids. The overall prevalence of neosporosis infection in cats was 15% (95% CI 10-21%) that was significantly higher in wild felids (26%, 95% CI 13-38%) than in domestic cats (11%, 95% CI 6-16%) (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in pooled prevalence between male and female domestic cats (P = 0.75). Regarding continent, the lowest prevalence of neosporosis infection was in Asia (9%, 95% CI 1-20%) and the highest was in North America (43.6%, 95% CI 33.9-53.2%) and Africa (18%, 95% CI 9-46%). Higher prevalence was obtained when using the NAT with 22% (95% CI 7-37%), compared to the IFAT (17%, 95% CI 9-24%) and ELISA (6%, 95% CI 2-9%) (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION The findings highlighted the importance of felids as potential intermediate hosts of neosporosis despite the fact that the source of the parasite for these animals was unknown. Further studies should be performed to investigate the role of this top predator (felids) in maintaining both domestic and sylvatic cycles of Neospora caninum.
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Recent Advances in the Development of Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccines for Parasitic Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030334. [PMID: 36986434 PMCID: PMC10058461 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines against parasites have lagged centuries behind those against viral and bacterial infections, despite the devastating morbidity and widespread effects of parasitic diseases across the globe. One of the greatest hurdles to parasite vaccine development has been the lack of vaccine strategies able to elicit the complex and multifaceted immune responses needed to abrogate parasitic persistence. Viral vectors, especially adenovirus (AdV) vectors, have emerged as a potential solution for complex disease targets, including HIV, tuberculosis, and parasitic diseases, to name a few. AdVs are highly immunogenic and are uniquely able to drive CD8+ T cell responses, which are known to be correlates of immunity in infections with most protozoan and some helminthic parasites. This review presents recent developments in AdV-vectored vaccines targeting five major human parasitic diseases: malaria, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis. Many AdV-vectored vaccines have been developed for these diseases, utilizing a wide variety of vectors, antigens, and modes of delivery. AdV-vectored vaccines are a promising approach for the historically challenging target of human parasitic diseases.
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Metwally S, Hamada R, Sobhy K, Frey CF, Fereig RM. Seroprevalence and risk factors analysis of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in cattle of Beheira, Egypt. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1122092. [PMID: 36861008 PMCID: PMC9968803 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1122092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are closely related obligate intracellular protozoan parasites. They are considered to be the major causes of infectious abortions and congenital abnormalities in livestock worldwide resulting in huge economic losses. Currently, there are no reports on the prevalence of neosporosis or toxoplasmosis in cattle in Beheira, Egypt's most important region for cattle industry. Methods The current study investigated the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies in apparent healthy cattle from eight localities representing the whole area of Beheira. A total of 358 plasma samples were randomly collected from 6 dairy and 10 beef farms and analyzed by commercially available ELISAs. Production type (dairy versus beef), sex (female vs male), age (< 3 years, 3-5, and > 5 years old), breed (mixed vs Holstein vs Colombian Zebu), and location (various locations) were assessed as risk factors for N. caninum and T. gondii infections. Results and discussion Of the samples, 88 (24.6%) and 19 (5.3%) were positive for anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies, respectively, and mixed infection was detected in 7. Of the 16 herds, 6 dairy and 7 beef herds were positive for antibodies to N. caninum. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 4, and 5 of dairy and beef herds, respectively. Production type (dairy) and, therewith, sex (female), age (aged over 5 years), and location were considered as risk factors for N. caninum infection. No factors statistically associated with T. gondii infection were identified. Overall, this study provided the first serological detection of N. caninum and T. gondii infections in cattle from Beheira, demonstrating the endemicity of both parasites in the main cattle rearing region of Egypt. This study also confirmed earlier reports of N. caninum being more present in dairy cattle than in beef cattle. Routine monitoring of N. caninum and T. gondii infections and the implementation of control strategies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy Metwally
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Rania Hamada
- Clinical Pathology Division, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Kamel Sobhy
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Caroline F. Frey ✉
| | - Ragab M. Fereig
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt,Ragab M. Fereig ✉
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Zanet S, Poncina M, Ferroglio E. Congenital transmission of Neospora caninum in wild ungulates and foxes. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1109986. [PMID: 36814462 PMCID: PMC9939827 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1109986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neospora caninum is one of the main causes of abortion in cattle. In wildlife, the occurrence and relevance of vertical infection have not been yet clearly evaluated. The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of vertical transmission of N. caninum in three wild species extensively distributed in Europe, namely roe deer Capreolus capreolus, wild boar Sus scrofa and red fox Vulpes vulpes. Methods A total of 190 fetuses (72 wild boars, 67 foxes and 51 roe deer) from 61 females were included in the study. All animals, which were either found dead or culled within selective control plans in North-western Italy, were tested, in parallel by PCR on central nervous system, skeletal muscle and kidney. Results and discussion The efficiency of vertical transmission in the three target species was of 87.5% (95% CI 69.00-95.66).
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Chen JM, Zhao SS, Tao DL, Li JY, Yang X, Fan YY, Song JK, Liu Q, Zhao GH. Temporal transcriptomic changes in microRNAs involved in the host immune response and metabolism during Neospora caninum infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:28. [PMID: 36694228 PMCID: PMC9872418 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05665-9] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neospora caninum infection is a major cause of abortion in cattle, which results in serious economic losses to the cattle industry. However, there are no effective drugs or vaccines for the control of N. caninum infections. There is increasing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in many physiological and pathological processes, and dysregulated expression of host miRNAs and the biological implications of this have been reported for infections by various protozoan parasites. However, to our knowledge, there is presently no published information on host miRNA expression during N. caninum infection. METHODS The expression profiles of miRNAs were investigated by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in caprine endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) infected with N. caninum at 24 h post infection (pi) and 48 hpi, and the functions of differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were predicted by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The transcriptome data were validated by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. One of the upregulated DEmiRNAs, namely chi-miR-146a, was selected to study the effect of DEmiRNAs on the propagation of N. caninum tachyzoites in caprine EECs. RESULTS RNA-seq showed 18 (17 up- and one downregulated) and 79 (54 up- and 25 downregulated) DEmiRNAs at 24 hpi and 48 hpi, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of 13 randomly selected DEmiRNAs (10 up- and three downregulated miRNAs) confirmed the validity of the RNA-seq data. A total of 7835 messenger RNAs were predicted to be potential targets for 66 DEmiRNAs, and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of these predicted targets revealed that DEmiRNAs altered by N. caninum infection may be involved in host immune responses (e.g. Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway) and metabolic pathways (e.g. lysine degradation, insulin signaling pathway, AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway). Upregulated chi-miR-146a was found to promote N. caninum propagation in caprine EECs. CONCLUSIONS This is, to our knowledge, the first report on the expression profiles of host miRNAs during infection with N. caninum, and shows that chi-miR-146a may promote N. caninum propagation in host cells. The novel findings of the present study should help to elucidate the interactions between host cells and N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ming Chen
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhao
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - De-Liang Tao
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Jing-Yu Li
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Xin Yang
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Ying-Ying Fan
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Jun-Ke Song
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
| | - Qun Liu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Guang-Hui Zhao
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China
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Udonsom R, Reamtong O, Adisakwattana P, Popruk S, Jirapattharasate C, Nishikawa Y, Inpankaew T, Toompong J, Kotepui M, Mahittikorn A. Immunoproteomics to identify species-specific antigens in Neospora caninum recognised by infected bovine sera. Parasite 2022; 29:60. [PMID: 36562441 PMCID: PMC9879140 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022059] [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: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis is a disease of concern due to its global distribution and significant economic impact through massive losses in the dairy and meat industries. To date, there is no effective chemotherapeutic drug or vaccine to prevent neosporosis. Control of this disease is therefore dependent on efficient detection tests that may affect treatment management strategies. This study was conducted to identify the specific immunoreactive proteins of Neospora caninum tachyzoites recognised by sera from cattle infected with N. caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, Babesia bovis and B. bigemina, and by sera from uninfected cattle using two-DE dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with immunoblot and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Among 70 protein spots that reacted with all infected sera, 20 specific antigenic spots corresponding to 14 different antigenic proteins were recognised by N. caninum-positive sera. Of these immunoreactive antigens, proteins involved in cell proliferation and invasion process were highly immunogenic, including HSP90-like protein, putative microneme 4 (MIC4), actin, elongation factor 1-alpha and armadillo/beta-catenin-like repeat-containing protein. Interestingly, we discovered an unnamed protein product, rhoptry protein (ROP1), possessing strong immunoreactivity against N. caninum but with no data on function available. Moreover, we identified cross-reactive antigens among these apicomplexan parasites, especially N. caninum, T. gondii and C. parvum. Neospora caninum-specific immunodominant proteins were identified for immunodiagnosis and vaccine development. The cross-reactive antigens could be evaluated as potential common vaccine candidates or drug targets to control the diseases caused by these apicomplexan protozoan parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruenruetai Udonsom
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Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
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Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
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Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Supaluk Popruk
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Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
| | - Charoonluk Jirapattharasate
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Department of Pre-clinic and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University Salaya Nakhon Pathom 73170 Thailand
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
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National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Obihiro Hokkaido 080-8555 Japan
| | - Tawin Inpankaew
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Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University Bangkok 10900 Thailand
| | - Jitbanjong Toompong
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Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology Bangkok 10530 Thailand
| | - Manas Kotepui
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Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University Tha Sala Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160 Thailand
| | - Aongart Mahittikorn
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Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University Bangkok 10400 Thailand
,Corresponding author:
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Yang CS, Yang CY, Ayanniyi OO, Chen YQ, Lu ZX, Zhang JY, Liu LY, Hong YH, Cheng RR, Zhang X, Zong QQ, Zhao HX, Xu QM. Development and application of an indirect ELISA to detect antibodies to Neospora caninum in cattle based on a chimeric protein rSRS2-SAG1-GRA7. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1028677. [PMID: 36590802 PMCID: PMC9797966 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1028677] [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: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an important apicomplexan parasite causing neosporosis in cattle. The disease is recognized as one of the most important cause of reproductive problems and abortion in cattle worldwide. In this context, we developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with chimeric protein rSRS2-SAG1-GRA7 to diagnose antibodies to Neospora-infection. This indirect ELISA was compared to indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and western blotting (WB), and the sensitivity and specificity results of ELISA were calculated to be 86.7 and 96.1%, respectively. The overall coincidence rate was 92.6% using IFAT and WB. Additionally, 329 aborting dairy cattle serum samples were tested using this ELISA to evaluate the prevalence of N. caninum in Ningxia, China. The positive rate of N. caninum in these farms was from 19.05 to 57.89%, and the mean rate was 41.64% (±11.01%), indicating that infection with N. caninum may be one of the important causes of cattle abortion in this region. This established rSRS2-SAG1-GRA7 indirect ELISA is capable for detecting the antibodies against N. caninum, and it could be a useful screening tool for monitoring the epidemiology of neosporosis in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Shan Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan-Yin Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Olalekan-Opeyemi Ayanniyi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ya-Qian Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhen-Xiao Lu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jin-Yi Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lu-Yao Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yu-Hang Hong
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rong-Rong Cheng
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qin-Qin Zong
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hong-Xi Zhao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Agriculture, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China,*Correspondence: Hong-Xi Zhao
| | - Qian-Ming Xu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China,Qian-Ming Xu
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Association of bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine herpesvirus 1, and Neospora caninum with late embryonic losses in highly supplemented grazing dairy cows. Theriogenology 2022; 194:126-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Mataca AR, Melo RPBD, Oliveira PRF, Camargos MF, Freitas TRP, Galinari GCF, Guedes MIMC, Rebouças M, Porto WJN, Moreira MAS, Schwarz DGG, Mota RA, Silva-Júnior A. Scenario of viral and protozoa diseases in commercial dairy goats from Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Seroepidemiology revealed neosporosis as an under-realised entity in dairy cattle reared in South India. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:410. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Cao H, Zheng WB, Wang Y, Gao WW, Liu Q, Zhu XQ, Lei YP, Tumen B, Song HY. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection and associated risk factors in cattle in Shanxi Province, north China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1053270. [PMID: 36524222 PMCID: PMC9744922 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1053270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that can cause abortions in cattle and pose considerable economic losses to the cattle industry. As a major livestock province, little is known of N. caninum infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, north China. In order to investigate the seroprevalence of N. caninum in cattle in Shanxi Province, 978 cattle serum samples were collected from 11 cities in three representative geographical locations in Shanxi Province, and the N. caninum-specific IgG antibodies were examined using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit commercially available. The results showed that 133 of the 978 examined cattle serum samples (13.60%, 95% CI = 11.45-15.75) were positive for N. caninum antibodies, and the seroprevalence in different cities ranged from 0 to 78.89%. The geographical location and management mode were the risk factors associated with N. caninum infection in cattle herds in Shanxi Province. Cattle in Northern and Central Shanxi Province as well as cattle whose management mode is that of large-scale cattle farming companies are more susceptible to N. caninum infection. This was the first large-scale survey of N. caninum seroprevalence and assessment of associated risk factors in cattle in Shanxi Province, which provided baseline information for the prevention and control of N. caninum infection in cattle in Shanxi Province, north China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wen-Wei Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu-Ping Lei
- Veterinary Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Taiyuan, China
| | - Bayaer Tumen
- Veterinary Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hong-Yu Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
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Retrospective Molecular Survey on Bacterial and Protozoan Abortive Agents in Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Central Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223202. [PMID: 36428429 PMCID: PMC9686506 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223202] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and protozoan agents can determine abortion and other reproductive disorders in domestic ruminants, but data regarding their occurrence in wild ruminants are scanty worldwide, including in Italy. The aim of this retrospective study was to verify the occurrence of the main bacterial and protozoan abortive agents in 72 spleen samples previously collected from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) living in mountain areas of Central Italy. All samples were collected and submitted to DNA extraction for other investigations. Molecular analyses were carried out on the DNA samples to detect Brucella spp., Chlamydia abortus, Coxiella burnetii, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Neospora caninum, and Toxoplasma gondii. Three (4.16%) roe deer resulted PCR positive for C. burnetii and one (1.38%) for T. gondii. These findings suggest that roe deer living in the investigated areas do not act as important reservoirs of the searched agents. However, the tested animals lived in a closed area without contact with domestic animals that are usually involved in the epidemiology of the investigated pathogens. Monitoring of wild ruminants is pivotal to verify changes in the epidemiological scenario from a One Health perspective, too.
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Gliga DS, Basso W, Ardüser F, Moore-Jones G, Schares G, Zanolari P, Frey CF. Switzerland-wide Neospora caninum seroprevalence in female cattle and identification of risk factors for infection. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1059697. [PMID: 36467644 PMCID: PMC9714321 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1059697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neospora caninum is an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. Infection in cattle occurs horizontally by ingestion of oocysts shed by canids or vertically, from an infected dam to the fetus, and may result in abortion, stillbirth, or birth of seropositive offspring. The control of bovine neosporosis is difficult and costly. The objectives of this study were to estimate the current nationwide seroprevalence of N. caninum infections in Swiss cattle and to assess risk factors for infection with this parasite. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study with cattle farms randomly selected and stratified according to population size, resulting in a sample of 780 female cattle. The cattle originated from 161 farms distributed over all Switzerland. The serum samples were tested for antibodies against N. caninum using a commercial ELISA and if inconclusive, retested using an in-house immunoblot technique. To collect farm parameters relevant to N. caninum transmission and prevention, farm owners were mailed a questionnaire which addressed topics putatively related to N. caninum infection such as husbandry, history of abortion, and presence of dogs on farm. Univariate analysis by generalized linear mixed model (with animal seropositivity as outcome variable) and logistic regression modeling (with farm seropositivity as outcome variable) was conducted on farm parameters investigated in the questionnaire. RESULTS By ELISA and immunoblot, 4.2% (33/780) of cattle sera yielded positive results. At the farm level, 16.2% (26/161) of the sampled farms had at least one seropositive animal. The return rate of the valid questionnaires was 54.0%. At the animal level, odds for farm seropositivity were 3.8 times higher when rodents had been recorded by the farmer as a problem on the farm. At the farm-level, two protective factors were identified: rearing of replacement heifers and feeding of concentrated feed. CONCLUSION We recorded a low seroprevalence of N. caninum in a random sample of Swiss cattle representative for the years 2017-2018. Based on a questionnaire survey, we could identify risk and protective factors for infection with N. caninum, however their biological relevance needs to be confirmed in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana S. Gliga
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Flurin Ardüser
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gaia Moore-Jones
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Patrik Zanolari
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Fereig RM, Abdelbaky HH, El-Alfy ES, El-Diasty M, Elsayed A, Mahmoud HYAH, Ali AO, Ahmed A, Mossaad E, Alsayeqh AF, Frey CF. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in camels recently imported to Egypt from Sudan and a global systematic review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1042279. [PMID: 36452298 PMCID: PMC9702086 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1042279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related intracellular protozoan parasites of medical and veterinary concern by causing abortions and systemic illness. Limited or ambiguous data on the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in camels triggered us to conduct this study. METHODS Camels (n = 460) recently imported from Sudan and destined mainly for human consumption, were tested for specific antibodies against these protozoans using commercially available ELISAs. From the two only quarantine stations for camels from Sudan, 368 camels were sampled between November 2015 and March 2016 in Shalateen, Red Sea governorate, and 92 samples were collected between September 2018 and March 2021 from Abu Simbel, Aswan governorate. RESULTS & DISCUSSION Overall, seropositive rates in camels were 25.7%, 3.9% and 0.8% for T. gondii, N. caninum and mixed infection, respectively. However, marked differences were found between the two study sites and/or the two sampling periods: For T. gondii, a higher rate of infection was recorded in the Red Sea samples (31.5%, 116/368; odds ratio 20.7, 5.0-85.6; P<0.0001) than in those collected in Aswan (2.2%, 2/92). The opposite was found for N. caninum with a lower rate of infection in the Red Sea samples (0.82%, 3/368; odds ratio 23.7, 6.7-83.9; P<0.0001) than in the samples from Aswan (16.3%, 15/92). Additionally, our systematic review revealed that the overall published seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum was 28.6% and 14.3% in camels worldwide, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first record of seroprevalence of both T. gondii and N. caninum in recently imported camels kept under quarantine conditions before delivery to other Egyptian cities and regions. In addition, our review provides inclusive data on the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in camel globally. This knowledge provides basic data for the implementation of strategies and control measures against neosporosis and toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M. Fereig
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Hanan H. Abdelbaky
- Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Clinic, Eterinary Directorate, Qena, Egypt
| | - El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Diasty
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute-Mansoura Provincial Lab, (AHRI-Mansoura), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elsayed
- Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Animal Health Research Institute-Al Shalateen Provincial Lab (AHRI-Al Shalateen), Giza, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hassan Y. A. H. Mahmoud
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Alsagher O. Ali
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Abdulrahman Ahmed
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Ehab Mossaad
- Department of Pathology, Parasitology and Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Abdullah F. Alsayeqh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Verant ML, Wolf TM, Romanski MC, Moore S, Mayer T, Munderloh UG, Price LD, Lejeune M, Patterson BR, Beyer DE. Practical application of disease risk analysis for reintroducing gray wolves (
Canis lupus
) to Isle Royale National Park,
USA. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Verant
- National Park Service, Biological Resources Division Wildlife Health Branch Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Tiffany M. Wolf
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Mark C. Romanski
- National Park Service, Isle Royal National Park Houghton Michigan USA
| | - Seth Moore
- Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Grand Portage Minnesota USA
| | - Treana Mayer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - Ulrike G. Munderloh
- Department of Entomology College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Lisa D. Price
- Department of Entomology College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota St. Paul Minnesota USA
| | - Mandigandan Lejeune
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca New York USA
| | - Brent R. Patterson
- Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry Trent University Peterborough Ontario Canada
| | - Dean E. Beyer
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USA
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Neospora spp. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Seropositivity in Apparently Healthy Horses and Pregnant Mares. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192699. [PMID: 36230440 PMCID: PMC9558976 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Neosporosis, caused by the parasite Neospora species, is recognized as one of the major causes of abortion in cattle worldwide causing large economic losses. Over the past few years, Neospora infection and parasite transmission from the mare to the fetus has been documented in horses and was associated with reproduction failure. In the present study, we investigated parasite prevalence and associated risk factors in the general equine population and in a group of pregnant mares during pregnancy and after parturition. Our findings revealed high exposure of horses to Neospora spp. parasites, with significantly higher prevalence in pregnant mares. Abstract Equine Neospora infection has been linked to neurological disorders and infertility in horses. This study looked into the risk factors for infection and the exposure to Neospora spp. in horses. The study was performed in two independent populations in Israel. The first consisted of apparently healthy horses, and the second consisted of mares examined during pregnancy and after parturition. Sera samples collected from horses and mares were tested for Neospora exposure by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The study revealed seroprevalence of 24% in apparently healthy horses and 66.4% and 48.6% in mares during gestation and after parturition, respectively. Among the investigated risk factors, older age (p = 0.026) and housing in both stalls and paddocks (p = 0.033) in apparently healthy horses, and Arabian breeds (p = 0.005) in pregnant mares, were found to be significantly associated with Neospora spp. seropositivity in univariable, but not multivariable, statistical analysis. This study revealed high exposure of equines to Neospora parasites, especially mares. Horse farm management, in combination with active surveillance, including serological testing and follow up, could help reduce the spread of the parasite among horses in endemic areas.
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Dos Santos EO, Klain VF, Manrique SB, Roman IJ, Dos Santos HF, Sangioni LA, Vogel FSF, Reck J, Webster A, Padilha TC, de Almeida MAB, Dos Santos E, Born LC, Botton SA. The Influence of Landscape Structure on the Occurrence of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Sarcocystis spp. in Free-Living Neotropical Primates. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1680-1696. [PMID: 36178615 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00623-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Habitat fragmentation is the main threat to primate survival in the world. Additionally, changes in the environments in which they live can also contribute to exposure to pathogens. To investigate some pathogens that free-living primates may be exposed to in Rio Grande do Sul State (RS; southern Brazil) and characterize the forest remnants in which they live, we investigated anti-Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Sarcocystis spp. antibodies in the serum of the animals. METHODS We analyzed 105 serum samples from 63 black howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya), 39 southern brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans), and 03 capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus cucullatus), which were captured in forest fragments of RS. Indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) were used to detect antibodies to the agents. We then characterized the landscapes in a multiscale approach in radii from 200 to 1400 m to investigate the relationship of the presence of the agents with landscape elements. RESULTS In the IFAT-IgG, 13.3% (14/105) of the samples were seropositive for N. caninum, 4.8% (5/105) for T. gondii, and 5.7% (6/105) for Sarcocystis spp. In the IHA-IgM/IgG, 24.8% (26/105) were seropositive for T. gondii. The metrics that best explained exposure to agents were edge and patch density, forest cover, urban cover, and average Euclidean distance to the nearest patch. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that the primates were exposed to the agents studied, demonstrating that some landscape features are associated with exposures to the investigated pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisandro O Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil.
| | - Vinícius F Klain
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida da Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 6681 - Partenon, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Sebastián B Manrique
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida da Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 6681 - Partenon, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Helton F Dos Santos
- Núcleo de Estudos E Pesquisas Em Animais Silvestres, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório Central de Diagnóstico de Patologias Aviárias, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Luís Antônio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S F Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
| | - José Reck
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Do Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Secretaria Estadual de Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Eldorado Do Sul, Rio Grande Do Sul, Estrada Do Conde, 6000 - Sans Souci, Eldorado Do Sul, RS, 92990-000, Brazil
| | - Anelise Webster
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Do Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Secretaria Estadual de Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Eldorado Do Sul, Rio Grande Do Sul, Estrada Do Conde, 6000 - Sans Souci, Eldorado Do Sul, RS, 92990-000, Brazil
| | - Thamiris C Padilha
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Do Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Secretaria Estadual de Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Eldorado Do Sul, Rio Grande Do Sul, Estrada Do Conde, 6000 - Sans Souci, Eldorado Do Sul, RS, 92990-000, Brazil
| | - Marco Antônio B de Almeida
- Divisão de Vigilância Ambiental Em Saúde, Centro Estadual de Vigilância Em Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 5400 - Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90450-190, Brazil
| | - Edmilson Dos Santos
- Divisão de Vigilância Ambiental Em Saúde, Centro Estadual de Vigilância Em Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 5400 - Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90450-190, Brazil
| | - Lucas C Born
- Divisão de Vigilância Ambiental Em Saúde, Centro Estadual de Vigilância Em Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul. Av. Ipiranga, 5400 - Jardim Botânico, Porto Alegre, RS, 90450-190, Brazil
| | - Sônia A Botton
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Roraima 1000, Prédio 63C, Santa Maria, RS, 97105-900, Brazil
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50
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Ferreira Silva M, Salomão Lopes C, Batista Ferreira França F, Lucas Pires Ramos E, Maria Santiago F, Roberto Mineo J, Wilson Patriarca Mineo T. Role of TLR2/MyD88 in the production of specific IgM and IgG antibodies during the immunization of mice against Neospora caninum. Vaccine 2022; 40:5860-5867. [PMID: 36075796 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.08.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a parasite relevant to the veterinary field. Innate and adaptive responses against N. caninum induce effector mechanisms that limit parasite replication, but little is known about their role in humoral response. Our work aimed to verify whether key molecules in the TLR2/MyD88-mediated response would impact the production of specific IgM and IgG antibodies in mice during immunization with soluble antigens of N. caninum. We observed that lack of IFN-gamma did not negatively affect the production of specific antibodies. However, mice genetically deficient in Toll-like receptor 2, Myeloid differentiation factor 88, Interleukin 12 and inducible nitric oxide synthase presented significant decrease in antibody levels against N. caninum antigens, which also reflected in the diversity of the antigen recognized by their serum. In that sense, we show here that molecules within this innate recognition pathway may present a direct impact in the induction of an antibody response against N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ferreira Silva
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Carolina Salomão Lopes
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Flávia Batista Ferreira França
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Eliézer Lucas Pires Ramos
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Maria Santiago
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia "Dr. Mario Endsfeldz Camargo", Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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