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Smith BD, Poliakiwski B, Polanco O, Singleton S, de Melo GD, Muntari M, Oliveira Filho RV, Pohler KG. Decisive points for pregnancy losses in beef cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:70-83. [PMID: 36592980 DOI: 10.1071/rd22206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Beef cattle producers rely on each of their cows to produce a marketable calf each year to maintain a sustainable operation. Within the first month of gestation, pregnancy failures have been recorded to be upwards of 40-50%. From fertilisation to birth, there are numerous factors contributing to pregnancy failure. From the beginning of gestation oocyte competence is often a large factor impacting fertility as the dam contributes all mRNA for initial embryo development. Other factors contributing to early embryonic infertility include hormonal concentration and heat stress. After the embryo enters the uterus, it becomes critical for the uterus to be receptive to the developing conceptus. The embryo then begins to elongate and secrete interferon-tau to initiate maternal recognition of pregnancy; a requirement to establish and maintain bovine pregnancies. After a pregnancy completes these steps, placentation actively begins around day 22 of pregnancy and lasts until organogenesis. The fetal phase follows the embryonic phase where disease and/or toxins are often the cause of pregnancy failure at this period. However, fetal mortality has been reported to occur in less than 10% of pregnancies. Understanding of the many factors influencing infertility needs to be further investigated to increase pregnancy success in beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Smith
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - B Poliakiwski
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - O Polanco
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - S Singleton
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - G D de Melo
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - M Muntari
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - R V Oliveira Filho
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - K G Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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2
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Hecker YP, Burucúa MM, Fiorani F, Maldonado Rivera JE, Cirone KM, Dorsch MA, Cheuquepán FA, Campero LM, Cantón GJ, Marín MS, Ortega-Mora LM, Moore DP. Reactivation and Foetal Infection in Pregnant Heifers Infected with Neospora caninum Live Tachyzoites at Prepubertal Age. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081175. [PMID: 35893824 PMCID: PMC9330614 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081175] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is recognised for causing cattle abortion, provoking severe economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reactivation and foetal infection in pregnant heifers inoculated with live N. caninum tachyzoites before puberty. A total of 15 30-month-old pregnant heifers were allocated into four groups: animals inoculated with live tachyzoites of NC-Argentina LP1 isolate before puberty and challenged with live tachyzoites of NC-1 strain at 210 days of gestation (DG) (Group A); animals mock inoculated before puberty and challenged with NC-1 strain at 210 DG (Group B), animals inoculated before puberty but not subsequently challenged (Group C); and noninfected and nonchallenged animals (Group D). The results of this study showed that 100% of animals infected before puberty (Groups A and C) suffered reactivation of the infection at the seventh month of gestation. In addition, in three and two calves from Groups A and C, respectively, congenital infection was confirmed. Interestingly, we provide evidence that the use of live N. caninum tachyzoites in young animals as a strategy to induce protection is neither safe nor effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina P. Hecker
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +54-02266-439100 (ext. 365)
| | - Mercedes M. Burucúa
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Franco Fiorani
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Jaime E. Maldonado Rivera
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010205, Ecuador
| | - Karina M. Cirone
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
| | - Matías A. Dorsch
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
- Plataforma de Investigación en Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Estación Experimental La Estanzuela, Colonia 70000, Uruguay
| | - Felipe A. Cheuquepán
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Lucía M. Campero
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Germán J. Cantón
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Maia S. Marín
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
| | - Luis M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Dadín P. Moore
- Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (M.M.B.); (F.F.); (K.M.C.); (F.A.C.); (L.M.C.); (G.J.C.); (M.S.M.); (D.P.M.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce 7620, Argentina; (J.E.M.R.); (M.A.D.)
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3
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Nayeri T, Moosazadeh M, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Neospora caninum infection in aborting bovines and lost fetuses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268903. [PMID: 35604902 PMCID: PMC9126370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Neospora caninum (N. caninum) is known to be a major cause of reproductive failure in cattle herds around the world. Therefore, the current comprehensive study was performed to estimate the global prevalence of N. caninum infection in bovines that had an abortion and aborted fetuses.
Methods
In this study, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were systematically searched for relevant studies up until November 4, 2021. Pooled prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random effect model. Other analyzes performed on the data of this study include sensitivity analysis, publication bias test, and quality assessment.
Results
The final analyses included 71 studies conducted on 2965 abortive cattle and 4805 aborted fetuses. The overall prevalence rates of N. caninum infection in bovines that had an abortion were 47% and 1% using serological and molecular methods. Furthermore, overall prevalence rates of N. caninum infection in bovine aborted fetuses globally were 35% (95% CI: 8%–62%) and 43% (95% CI: 35%–52%) using serological and molecular methods.
Conclusions
The results of this study showed the high prevalence of N. caninum infection in bovines that had an abortion and aborted fetuses. It is hoped that the results of this study will help prevent abortion in bovines around the world and encourage further studies to determine the impact of this parasite on the occurrence of abortion that may help reduce the economic damage caused by abortion worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- * E-mail:
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4
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Gondim LFP, McAllister MM. Experimental Neospora caninum Infection in Pregnant Cattle: Different Outcomes Between Inoculation With Tachyzoites and Oocysts. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:911015. [PMID: 35656171 PMCID: PMC9152450 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.911015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a globally distributed abortifacient protozoan of cattle. Experimental infections with N. caninum in cattle have provided valuable information on host-parasite interaction and immunopathogenesis. Experimental infection of pregnant cows has been reported in about 20 articles, with most studies using cultured parasite tachyzoites as the inoculum. Only three experimental studies have been conducted in pregnant cows using the parasite's oocysts which are shed by dogs, in large part because transmission experiments using oocysts take more time and are more complex and expensive than experiments using tachyzoites. In this minireview, we discuss differences between N. caninum tachyzoites and oocysts as inocula for experimental infection of pregnant cows, as well as the route animals are inoculated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís F. Pita Gondim
- Department of Anatomy, Pathology and Veterinary Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Luís F. Pita Gondim
| | - Milton M. McAllister
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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5
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Soler JP, Moré G, Urtizbiría F, Hecker YP, Cirone KM, Scioli MV, Paolicchi FA, Fiorentino MA, Uriarte ELL, Cantón GJ, Verna AE, Morrell EL, Moore DP. Epidemic abortions due to Neospora caninum infection in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1475-1485. [PMID: 35304629 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07488-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study describes for the first time an abortion outbreak caused by Neospora caninum in farmed red deer. During a 5-year period, farmed hinds, naturally mated, were regularly ultrasound monitored to detect reproductive losses over their gestation. During the 4 years previous to the outbreak, abortion rates ranged from 4.7 to 8.6% (average 6.5%), and serology for indirect diagnosis of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis was performed. At the fifth year, the abortion rate increased to 25.3%. During this outbreak, three aborted foetuses and their placentas were recovered and submitted to laboratory for etiological diagnosis. Blood samples were collected from the 81 hinds at the end of the gestational period and the seropositivity rate for N. caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella abortus, bovine viral diarrhoea virus and bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 was 66.7%, 67.9%, 0.0%, 8.6% and 0.0%, respectively. Neospora caninum-seropositive hinds (OR = 5.7, P = 0.0271) and hinds with high antibody titres to N. caninum (OR = 7.4, P = 0.0130) were more likely to abort than seronegative hinds. In addition, N. caninum seropositivity rate in the aborted hinds was higher (OR = 5.4, P = 0.033) than the non-aborted hinds. No association was found between T. gondii nor BVDV-seropositivity and abortions. Typical protozoal histopathologic findings (necrotizing non suppurative encephalitis, meningitis, myocarditis, hepatitis, among others) were observed in all foetuses. Neospora caninum was immunolabelled by immunohistochemistry in several tissues from two foetuses, and infection was also confirmed in the three foetuses by serology and/or DNA detection. No other abortifacient agent was detected in the foetuses. Their dams showed high N. caninum antibody titres (≥ 6400). Serologic evidence and epidemiological data recorded suggested a point-source of N. caninum infection before the occurrence of the outbreak, probably related with contaminated feedstuff with oocysts. Moreover, the intensive production system with a high stocking rate could be also considered a factor which might have increased the risk of horizontal N. caninum infection in this herd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900, La Plata, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Facundo Urtizbiría
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yanina Paola Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karina Mariela Cirone
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Valeria Scioli
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Alberto Paolicchi
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Andrea Fiorentino
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Germán José Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Elizabeth Verna
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eleonora Lidia Morrell
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dadin Prando Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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6
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Maldonado Rivera JE, Hecker YP, Burucúa MM, Cirone KM, Cheuquepán FA, Fiorani F, Dorsch MA, Colque LA, Cantón GJ, Marin MS, Moore DP. Innate and humoral immune parameters at delivery in colostrum and calves from heifers experimentally infected with Neospora caninum. Mol Immunol 2021; 132:53-59. [PMID: 33545625 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a leading cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. The study of the immune response against N. caninum is critical to understand its epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and, ultimately, in preventing and controlling bovine neosporosis. Herein, we determined the gene expression of innate immune components endosomal RNA-sensing TLRs, BMAP28 cathelicidin, TNF-α and IL-10 and characterized the variation in both IgG ratio and avidity at delivery in N. caninum-infected heifers challenged at day 210 of gestation, colostrum and their calves. Increased BMAP28 expression was observed not only in colostrum but also in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and umbilical cord of calves from N. caninum-infected heifers in comparison with mock-infected control group. In addition, statistically significant decrease of TLR7 and IL-10 expression levels were observed in umbilical cord, suggesting an attempt to avoid an exacerbated immune response against the parasite. At delivery, serum and colostrum samples from infected group evidenced specific IgG anti-N. caninum. Infected heifers showed IgG1/IgG2 ratios <1 and high avidity specific IgG. As expected, colostrum samples of these animals exhibited a high IgG1 concentration and elevated avidity values. Three out of four calves from N. caninum-infected heifers had specific IgG with IgG1/IgG2 ratios>1 and lower avidity values before colostrum intake. Interestingly, both IgG1/IgG2 ratios and avidity values increased in seropositive calves after colostrum intake. Overall, this study provides novel information on neonatal immunity in congenitally infected calves, which is essential to understand how the immune pathways could be manipulated or immune components could be employed in order to improve protection against neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Maldonado Rivera
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Y P Hecker
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - M M Burucúa
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - K M Cirone
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina
| | - F A Cheuquepán
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - F Fiorani
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - M A Dorsch
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - L A Colque
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina
| | - G J Cantón
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Argentina
| | - M S Marin
- Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina
| | - D P Moore
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Argentina.
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7
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Campero LM, Gual I, Dellarupe A, Schares G, Moré G, Moore DP, Venturini MC. Isolation of Neospora caninum from a beef cattle fetus from Argentina: Immunopathological and molecular studies. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100438. [PMID: 32862902 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an important abortifacient agent affecting mainly cattle worldwide. The aim of the present work was to describe the histopathological findings in a naturally infected beef cow and its midterm fetus caused by a genetically defined N. caninum isolate in Argentina. A N. caninum seropositive multiparous Aberdeen Angus pregnant cow and its fetus in the sixth month of gestation were submitted for histopathological, immunohistochemical, serological, and molecular studies and parasite isolation. The cow belonged to a beef herd under extensive management, with a N. caninum seroprevalence of 11%, and low level of annual abortion rate (≤ 5%). The dam had mild lymphocytic infiltrate in CNS, heart and uterus and no parasites were detected by Immunohistochemistry (IHC). No parasitic DNA was detected in the dam's brain, and gamma interferon knockout mice inoculated with brain material did not become infected. Clusters of tachyzoites and parasitic DNA were detected in the placenta by IHC and PCR, respectively. However, isolation from the placenta was unsuccessful. The fetus developed specific antibodies and an inflammatory response was detected in multiple organs. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo isolation was achieved from gamma interferon knockout mice inoculated with CNS from the fetus. Multilocus-microsatellite typing revealed a genetically defined N. caninum isolate similar to the previously reported as MLG 72. We report the first N. caninum isolate from beef cattle in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía María Campero
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118 s/n, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ignacio Gual
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Andrea Dellarupe
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118 s/n, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Gastón Moré
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118 s/n, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dadín Prando Moore
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - María Cecilia Venturini
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118 s/n, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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8
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Reichel MP, Wahl LC, Ellis JT. Research into Neospora caninum-What Have We Learnt in the Last Thirty Years? Pathogens 2020; 9:E505. [PMID: 32585955 PMCID: PMC7350369 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neospora caninum has been recognised world-wide, first as a disease of dogs, then as an important cause of abortions in cattle for the past thirty years. Over that time period, there have been improvements in the diagnosis of infection and abortion, new tests have been developed and validated, and it is timely to review progress to date. METHODS Bibliometric methods were used to identify major trends and research topics present in the published literature on N. caninum. The tools used were SWIFT-Review, VOSviewer and SciMAT, along with the published papers found in the MEDLINE, Dimensions and Web of Science databases. A systematic review of the published Neospora literature (n = 2933) was also carried out via MEDLINE and systematically appraised for publications relevant to the pathogenesis, pathology and diagnosis of Neospora abortions. RESULTS A total of 92 publications were included in the final analysis and grouped into four main time periods. In these four different time periods, the main research themes were "dogs", "abortion", "seroprevalence" and "infection". Diagnostics, including PCR, dominated the first two time periods, with an increased focus on transmission and abortions, and its risk factors in cattle. CONCLUSIONS Longitudinal analyses indicated that the main themes were consistently investigated over the last 30 years through a wide range of studies, with evolving emphasis initially on dogs and diagnostic test development, followed by application to cattle, the identification of the risk factors leading to abortion, and in the latter time periods, an understanding of the immunity and a search for vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Reichel
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China;
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401, USA
| | - Lloyd C. Wahl
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China;
| | - John T. Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia;
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9
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Lindsay DS, Dubey JP. Neosporosis, Toxoplasmosis, and Sarcocystosis in Ruminants: An Update. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2020; 36:205-222. [PMID: 32029185 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Sarcocystis spp. are related Apicomplexan parasites that have 2 hosts in their life cycles. The definitive hosts excrete unsporulated (Neospora caninum, T gondii) or sporulated (Sarcocystis spp.) oocysts in their feces after ingesting tissue cysts from the tissues of ruminant intermediate hosts. These coccidians can cause abortion and neonatal mortality in ruminants. T gondii and Sarcocystis hominis (from cattle) are zoonotic. This article reviews information on the etiology, life cycle, diagnosis, control and prevention of these parasites and the diseases they cause in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Lindsay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for One Health Research, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, 1410 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0342, USA.
| | - J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
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10
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Mohammed OB, Amor N, Omer SA, Alagaili AN. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Dromedary camels ( Camelus dromedarius ) from Saudi Arabia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e019119. [PMID: 32236334 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Serological screening of 199 serum samples from Dromedary camels-from different cities in Saudi Arabia-was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting antibodies against two cyst-forming coccidian parasites, namely Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 68 (34.2%) samples, while those against N. caninum were present in 33 (16.6%) samples. The highest seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was reported in samples from Taif (51.2%), while the lowest seroprevalence was reported in samples from Riyadh and Hofuf (15.1%). The highest seroprevalence of N. caninum antibodies was reported in samples from Jizan (35.9%) while the lowest was reported in samples from Taif (2.4%). A total of 47 male and 21 female camels exhibited antibodies against T. gondii , while 19 male and 14 female camels showed antibodies against N. caninum . Concurrent detection of both T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies was observed in 18 camels. It has been demonstrated that T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies are prevalent in camels from different cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Badri Mohammed
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil Amor
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sawsan Ali Omer
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, University Center for Women Students, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Nasser Alagaili
- KSU Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Abdelbaky HH, Nishimura M, Shimoda N, Hiasa J, Fereig RM, Tokimitsu H, Inokuma H, Nishikawa Y. Evaluation of Neospora caninum serodiagnostic antigens for bovine neosporosis. Parasitol Int 2019; 75:102045. [PMID: 31881363 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.102045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Abortion and reproductive failure caused by Neospora caninum infection has a dramatic negative economic impact on the cattle industry. To date, no definitive serodiagnostic tool for assessing N. caninum abortion has been reported. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of numerous N. caninum antigens in relation to abortion in cattle. Five recombinant proteins with potential as diagnostic antigens (NcGRA6, NcGRA7, NcGRA14, NcCyP, and NcSAG1) were compared by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) using sera from mice and cattle experimentally infected with N. caninum. The best-performing three antigens (NcSAG1, NcGRA7, and NcGRA6) were evaluated by IgG-iELISAs to assess their utility in diagnosing Neospora abortion using sera from confirmed N. caninum-aborted dams based on immunohistochemical assays (IHC). Additionally, all samples were tested using a commercial N. caninum antibody competitive ELISA (cELISA). The iELISAs against both NcSAG1 and NcGRA7 could efficiently distinguish IHC positive and negative samples compared with iELISAs against NcGRA6 and the cELISA. Furthermore, antibody levels against NcSAG1 and NcGRA7 were significantly higher in aborting cows comparing with infected but non-aborted dams in a herd experiencing a Neospora abortion outbreak. Tracking the dynamics of antibody levels during pregnancy revealed a marked increase in NcSAG1- and NcGRA7-specific antibodies at the last trimester of pregnancy. In contrast, no marked differences in antibody levels against either antigen were noted in neurologically symptomatic calves compared with non-symptomatic infected calves. Our data suggests NcSAG1 and NcGRA7 as indicators for Neospora abortion.
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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
| | - Maki Nishimura
- Shihoro Agricultural Cooperative Association, Hokkaido 080-1200, Japan
| | - Naomi Shimoda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Jun Hiasa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Shihoro Agricultural Cooperative Association, Hokkaido 080-1200, Japan
| | - Ragab M Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Hiromi Tokimitsu
- Shihoro Agricultural Cooperative Association, Hokkaido 080-1200, Japan
| | - Hisashi Inokuma
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, 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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12
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Lagomarsino H, Scioli A, Rodríguez A, Armendano J, Fiorani F, Bence Á, García J, Hecker Y, Gual I, Cantón G, Odeón A, Campero C, Moore D. Controlling Endemic Neospora caninum-Related Abortions in a Dairy Herd From Argentina. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:446. [PMID: 31921907 PMCID: PMC6920123 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
After diagnosis of endemic abortions due to neosporosis in a commercial dairy farm, routes of Neospora caninum-transmission were evaluated in order to choose the best strategy for reducing its seroprevalence and related abortions. Fifty two dam-calf pairs were bled at parturition. Additionally, 22 female calves were also sampled at regular 3 month intervals until 18-22 months. N. caninum specific antibodies were assayed by IFAT. Serum samples were tested at a dilution 1:25 for calves before colostrum intake and heifers before mating and 1:100 for multiparous cows. Only serum samples from IFAT seropositive cattle involved in the evaluation of the routes of transmission were assessed by a commercial IgG avidity ELISA. Seropositive cows or heifers were artificially inseminated with semen from Hereford bulls. The progenies from these female animals were sent to a feed lot to produce meat. Different generalized linear models (GLM) were used to study the relationship between abortion, age category, and serostatus. Seropositive heifers were more likely to have a record of abortion (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.6-4.7). Vertical transmission frequency was 55.5% (5 seropositive calves/9 seropositive cows). Horizontal transmission was 22.7% (5 female calves seroconverted at least one time/22 females calves sampled during 24 months) and these 5 female calves had low avidity. In heifers, both seroprevalence and abortion rates decreased from 22.1 and 8.4% of 475 in 2009 to 6.1 and 4.3% of 578 in 2015, respectively (p < 0.01). Over 5 years, N. caninum-seroprevalence and the related abortions in heifers decreased after the control strategy was assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agustín Scioli
- Private Veterinary Practitioner, Venado Tuerto, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez
- Animal Production Department, National Institute of Agrarian de Technology, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Armendano
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Franco Fiorani
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina.,National Research Council, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ángel Bence
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of the Center of the Province of Buenos Aires, Tandil, Argentina
| | - Joaquín García
- Private Veterinary Practitioner, Venado Tuerto, Argentina
| | | | - Ignacio Gual
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Germán Cantón
- Animal Production Department, National Institute of Agrarian de Technology, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Anselmo Odeón
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Carlos Campero
- Private Veterinary Practitioner, Venado Tuerto, Argentina
| | - Dadín Moore
- Animal Production Department, National Institute of Agrarian de Technology, Balcarce, Argentina.,National Research Council, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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13
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Detection of Neospora caninum DNA in cases of bovine and ovine abortion in the South-West of Scotland. Parasitology 2019; 146:979-982. [PMID: 30975236 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a commonly diagnosed cause of reproductive losses in farmed ruminants worldwide. This study examined 495 and 308 samples (brain, heart and placenta) which were collected from 455 and 119 aborted cattle and sheep fetuses, respectively. DNA was extracted and a nested Neospora ITS1 PCR was performed on all samples. The results showed that for bovine fetuses 79/449 brain [17.6% (14.2-21.4)], 7/25 heart [28.0% (12.1-49.4)] and 5/21 placenta [23.8% (8.2-47.2)] were PCR positive for the presence of Neospora DNA. Overall 82/455 [18.0% (14.6-21.7)] of the bovine fetuses tested positive for the presence of N. caninum DNA in at least one sample. None (0/308) of the ovine fetal samples tested positive for the presence of Neospora DNA in any of the tissues tested. The results show that N. caninum was associated with fetal losses in cattle (distributed across South-West Scotland), compared to sheep in the same geographical areas where no parasite DNA was found. Neospora is well distributed amongst cattle in South-West Scotland and is the potential cause of serious economic losses to the Scottish cattle farming community; however, it does not appear to be a problem amongst the Scottish sheep flocks.
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14
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Can hierarchical modeling improve our understanding of bovine abortion due to Neospora caninum infection? Vet Parasitol 2017; 237:77-82. [PMID: 28259557 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to use mixed logistic regression to evaluate the association between Neospora caninum serostatus and abortion, accounting for the effects of farms. The main objective was to explore the interpretation of this model and discuss the contribution of this analysis to our understanding of the disease's epidemiology. A mixed-effects logistic model using farms as a random effect and the serostatus for N. caninum, age of cattle and farm location as fixed effects was performed. The data from 1256 cows over 15 months of age from 60 farms were used, and the abortion information was obtained from farm records. A significant association between N. caninum serostatus and abortion was found (p<0.0001). Seropositive cows had 6.63 times greater odds of having a history of previous abortion (95% CI: 4.35-13.37). There was remarkable variability across farms in the probability of a cow having a history of an abortion. Including the effects of the farms in the regression, it was possible to estimate an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 16%. That means that 16% of the variation in abortion occurrence that was not explained by the fixed effects was due to farms. In practical terms, this variation means that while there are farms with several seropositive cows and no/few abortion cases, the opposite is also true, with a high number of abortions in farms with low/medium seroprevalence. The remaining variability (84%) was not explained by the effect of N. caninum, age, region, and the effect of farms, i.e., it is due to unknown factors that are causing abortions. The results of this study reinforce the importance of N. caninum as a cause of abortions and demonstrate the significant heterogeneity in the probability of a cow having a history of an abortion that cannot be explained completely by N. caninum serostatus, age or location. Including the hierarchical structure of the population along with correct interpretation of the model estimates helps us understand the effect of the farms, i.e., the probability of a cow abortion conditional to the farms, which also contributes to our understanding of the epidemiology of abortions caused by neosporosis. The use of hierarchical models and reporting the ICC should be encouraged.
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15
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Horcajo P, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Aguado-Martínez A, Hemphill A, Ortega-Mora LM. Vaccines for bovine neosporosis: current status and key aspects for development. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:709-723. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Horcajo
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - J. Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - A. Aguado-Martínez
- Institute of Parasitology; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - A. Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - L. M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
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16
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McAllister MM. Diagnosis and Control of Bovine Neosporosis. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2016; 32:443-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2016.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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17
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Rodríguez AM, Maresca S, Cano DB, Armendano JI, Combessies G, Lopéz-Valiente S, Odriozola ER, Späth EJL, Odeón AC, Campero CM, Moore DP. Frequency of Neospora caninum infections in beef cow-calf operations under extensive management. Vet Parasitol 2016; 219:40-3. [PMID: 26921037 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequencies of Neospora caninum horizontal and vertical transmissions in beef cow-calf operations under three different extensive management systems: group A: 0.75 head per hectare pasturing on natural grass; group B: 1.1 head per hectare on natural grass and improved cultured pastures; and group C: 2 head per hectare on natural grass, improved cultured pasture and whole corn silage. Serum samples from 72 multiparous cows assigned to each beef cow-calf operations were obtained every 3 months during 2 years. A group of 30 replacement heifers from each group were tested similarly since they were 10-21 months old. Twenty four, 20 and 34 calves from groups A, B and C respectively, were bled before colostrum intake and again 6 months later. The samples were analyzed by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for detection of total IgG against N. caninum at a serological titre ≥ 200 for multiparous cows and replacement heifers, and a serological titre ≥ 25 for calves. Serum samples from seropositive cows were assessed by ELISA to evaluate the avidity of their specific antibodies. There were no differences in the proportion of seropositive cows from groups A, B and C at the beginning of the trial (p>0.05). Interestingly, the lowest serological titres in seropositive cows from all groups were observed during the first trimester (p<0.05). Although seropositive cows had medium to high avidity antibodies, suggesting chronic infection; seroconversion associated with low antibody avidity was found in 2, 3 and 3 seropositive cows from groups A, B and C. All replacement heifers remained seronegative. No abortions were recorded but 2, 1, and 2 calves from groups A, B and C were seropositive before colostrum intake, respectively. Seropositive calves born from cows having intermediate or high avidity remained with the same serostatus at 6 months of age. Even under varying extensive management conditions, both N. caninum horizontal and vertical transmission methods do occur in beef cow-calf operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Rodríguez
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Rauch CP7203, Argentina
| | - S Maresca
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Rauch CP7203, Argentina
| | - D B Cano
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce CP7620, Argentina
| | - J I Armendano
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CP7600, Argentina
| | | | - S Lopéz-Valiente
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Rauch CP7203, Argentina
| | - E R Odriozola
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce CP7620, Argentina
| | - E J L Späth
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce CP7620, Argentina
| | - A C Odeón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce CP7620, Argentina
| | - C M Campero
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce CP7620, Argentina
| | - D P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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18
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Alkurashi MM, May ST, Kong K, Bacardit J, Haig D, Elsheikha HM. Susceptibility to experimental infection of the invertebrate locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) with the apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum. PeerJ 2014; 2:e674. [PMID: 25493211 PMCID: PMC4260130 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.674] [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: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathogenesis is a feature of Neospora caninum infection. In order to explore this in the absence of acquired host immunity to the parasite, we have tested infection in locusts (Schistocerca gregaria). We show for the first time that locusts are permissive to intra-hemocoel infection with N. caninum tachyzoites. This was characterized by alteration in body weight, fecal output, hemoparasitemia, and sickness-related behavior. Infected locusts exhibited progressive signs of sickness leading to mortality. Also, N. caninum showed neuropathogenic affinity, induced histological changes in the brain and was able to replicate in the brain of infected locusts. Fatty acid (FA) profiling analysis of the brains by gas chromatography and multi-variate prediction models discriminated with high accuracy (98%) between the FA profiles of the infected and control locusts. DNA microarray gene expression profiling distinguished infected from control S. gregaria brain tissues on the basis of distinct differentially-expressed genes. These data indicate that locusts are permissible to infection with N. caninum and that the parasite retains its tropism for neural tissues in the invertebrate host. Locusts may facilitate preclinical testing of interventional strategies to inhibit the growth of N. caninum tachyzoites. Further studies on how N. caninum brings about changes in locust brain tissue are now warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamdowh M Alkurashi
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire , UK ; Animal Production Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - Sean T May
- Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, Division of Plant and Crop Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham , Leicestershire , UK
| | - Kenny Kong
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham , UK
| | - Jaume Bacardit
- The Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS) Research Group, School of Computing Science, Newcastle University , Newcastle-upon-Tyne , UK
| | - David Haig
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire , UK
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham , Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire , UK
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19
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Experimental ruminant models for bovine neosporosis: what is known and what is needed. Parasitology 2014; 141:1471-88. [PMID: 24926962 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
At present, bovine neosporosis is an important worldwide concern because of its wide geographic distribution and economic impact. Abortion is the main clinical sign of bovine neosporosis in both dairy and beef cattle. Ruminant challenge models are critical to evaluate potential vaccine candidates to help tackle bovine neosporosis and to study pathogenesis and host responses to infection. Several research groups have developed ruminant models of Neospora caninum infection independently of others, resulting in a high degree of variability due to the use of different species of animals, breeds, strains/isolates of N. caninum, doses, routes and times of inoculation. Standardization is greatly needed to advance research in a more collaborative, timely and efficient manner. In the absence of widely accepted international guidelines, this manuscript serves to summarize and discuss the different models and parameters currently in use. Parameters essential for the development of non-pregnant and pregnant ruminant models are outlined and the main knowledge gaps are identified. This information could act as the basis to develop a consensus for international standard guidelines for ruminant models of neosporosis that would be helpful for researchers in this field worldwide.
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20
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Moore DP, Konrad JL, San Martino S, Reichel MP, Cano DB, Méndez S, Späth EJL, Odeón AC, Crudeli G, Campero CM. Neospora caninum serostatus is affected by age and species variables in cohabiting water buffaloes and beef cattle. Vet Parasitol 2014; 203:259-63. [PMID: 24792747 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate how Neospora caninum serostatus may be affected by variables such as host species (water buffaloes or cattle) and age in animals cohabiting in the same ranch. A convenience cross-sectional study was performed on four ranches in the Northeast of Argentina, where water buffalo are cohabitating with beef cattle. Blood samples were collected from 1350 female water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and 880 female beef cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus crossbreeds) from four ranches. Calving and weaning percentages at herd level for each ranch were also recorded. N. caninum antibody levels were measured by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) (reciprocal antibody titers ≥ 100). Serological results were classified into 2 categories (0: negative; 1: positive). A logistic regression model was used to describe the relationship between N. caninum serostatus and specie (water buffalo or cattle), age or ranch and their interactions. Likelihood ratio tests were used to assess the significance of the model and their terms. Odds ratios were estimated and 95% profile likelihood (LR) and Wald confidence intervals (CI) obtained. Overall, specific antibody titers were found in 43.3% (584/1350) of water buffaloes and 28.6% (252/880) of cattle. Seropositive water buffaloes and cattle were observed on all ranches. Age was statistically significant (p=0.01) with an overall estimate of logit (log odds) of age of 0.03 for both species. This indicates that for every one year increase in age, the expected change in log odds of being seropositive increased by 0.03. On three of four ranches a water buffalo was 4.48, 1.54 and 2.25 times more likely to be seropositive than cattle for animals of the same age. The N. caninum serostatus was affected by age in the first place, but also by species on at least three of the four ranches. Calving and weaning percentages were higher in water buffaloes than in beef cattle (p<0.05). Even though the low pathogenicity that N. caninum seems to have in water buffaloes, this study reinforces the importance of this specie as maintenance of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - J L Konrad
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - S San Martino
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - M P Reichel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, SA 5371 South Australia, Australia
| | - D B Cano
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - S Méndez
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - E J L Späth
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - A C Odeón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - G Crudeli
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Corrientes, Argentina
| | - C M Campero
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
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Control options for Neospora caninum--is there anything new or are we going backwards? Parasitology 2014; 141:1455-70. [PMID: 24667014 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Recent work has highlighted and enumerated the economic annual losses due to Neospora caninum abortions worldwide, which should provide strong motivation for the control of bovine neosporosis. However, with the recent withdrawal from sale of the only commercially available vaccine, control options for N. caninum have become more restricted. While researchers continue to work on developing alternative efficacious vaccines, what are the control options presently available for the cattle industries? At the practical level, recommendations for 'Test-and-cull', or 'not breeding from seropositive dams' stand diametrically opposed to alternative options put forward that suggest a primary producer is better advised to keep those cows in the herd that are already seropositive, i.e., assumed to be chronically infected, and indeed those that have already aborted once. Treatment with a coccidiostat has been recommended as the only economically viable option, yet no such treatment has gained official, regulatory approval. Dogs are central to the life cycle of N. caninum and have repeatedly been associated with infection and abortions in cattle by epidemiological studies. Knowledge and understanding of that pivotal role should be able to be put to use in control programmes. The present review canvasses the relevant literature for evidence for control options for N. caninum (some of them proven, many not) and assesses them in the light of the authors' knowledge and experience with control of N. caninum.
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Monney T, Hemphill A. Vaccines against neosporosis: what can we learn from the past studies? Exp Parasitol 2014; 140:52-70. [PMID: 24602874 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite, which is a leading cause of abortion in cattle; thus neosporosis represents an important veterinary health problem and is of high economic significance. The parasite can infect cattle via trans-placental transmission from an infected cow to its fetus (vertical transmission), or through the oral route via ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts that were previously shed with the feces of a canid definitive host (horizontal transmission). Although vaccination was considered a rational strategy to prevent bovine neosporosis, the only commercialized vaccine (Neoguard®) produced ambiguous results with relatively low efficacy, and was recently removed from the market. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient vaccine capable of preventing both, the horizontal transmission through infected food or water to a naïve animal as well as the vertical transmission from infected but clinically asymptomatic dams to the fetus. Different vaccine strategies have been investigated, including the use of live attenuated vaccines, killed parasite lysates, total antigens or antigen fractions from killed parasites, and subunit vaccines. The vast majority of experimental studies were performed in mice, and to a certain extent in gerbils, but there is also a large number of investigations that were conducted in cattle and sheep. However, it is difficult to directly compare these studies due to the high variability of the parameters employed. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances made in vaccine development against N. caninum in cattle and in mice and highlight the most important factors, which are likely to influence the degree of protection mediated by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Monney
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
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Syed-Hussain SS, Howe L, Pomroy WE, West DM, Smith SL, Williamson NB. Adaptation of a commercial ELISA to determine the IgG avidity in sheep experimentally and naturally infected with Neospora caninum. Vet Parasitol 2014; 203:21-8. [PMID: 24582279 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports indicate Neospora caninum has a possible role in causing abortions in sheep in New Zealand. Knowledge about the epidemiology of neosporosis in sheep is limited. This study aimed to adapt and validate a commercially available ELISA assay as an IgG avidity assay to discriminate between acute (primary and re-inoculated) and chronic N. caninum infections in sheep. In addition, it was used to compare the antibody avidity values between lambs from ewes inoculated with N. caninum either during the pregnancy or in the previous year. The avidity assay was undertaken by using 6M urea for the first wash after incubation with the primary antibody in the commercial ELISA (Chekit* Neospora antibody test kit, IDEXX Laboratories, Australia). Sequential serum samples were obtained from naïve ewes (n=16) experimentally inoculated with live N. caninum tachyzoites. All ewes were seropositive by two weeks post-inoculation and remained seropositive for 20 weeks post-inoculation. There was a linear relationship between time after inoculation and avidity values (p<0.05) over the first 24 weeks. In Week 4, all animals had avidity values <35% and by Week 8, 8/16 animals had avidity values of >35%. These results suggest that an avidity value of <35% indicates a recent primary infection while a value of >35% is indicative of a chronic infection. The assay was then validated using samples from other groups of experimentally inoculated sheep as well as samples from naturally infected ewes. When comparing sample to positive ratio (S/P) and avidity values from lambs born from recently inoculated ewes with those from ewes inoculated the previous year and re-inoculated in the current year, it was possible to differentiate the lambs at 2 weeks of age. Lambs from recently inoculated ewes had low S/P and avidity values at 2 weeks of age which increased by 12 weeks of age. In comparison, lambs from re-inoculated ewes had high S/P and avidity values at 2 weeks of age, due to maternal antibody influence but values were similar to those from lambs that were born from recently inoculated ewes at 12 weeks of age. Avidity values for four naturally infected ewes were all >60% indicating chronic infection. These results suggest that the assay is able to discriminate between recent and chronic infection in sheep as well as able to differentiate lambs with maternal immunity compared to their own de novo immunity. As such it can be utilized to understand the kinetics of N. caninum infection in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Syed-Hussain
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - L Howe
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - W E Pomroy
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand.
| | - D M West
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - S L Smith
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
| | - N B Williamson
- Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
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Neospora caninum tachyzoites inoculated by the conjunctival route are not vertically transmitted in pregnant cattle: A descriptive study. Vet Parasitol 2014; 199:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Hecker Y, Moore D, Quattrocchi V, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Verna A, Leunda M, Morrell E, Ortega-Mora L, Zamorano P, Venturini M, Campero C. Immune response and protection provided by live tachyzoites and native antigens from the NC-6 Argentina strain of Neospora caninum in pregnant heifers. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:436-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Bartley PM, Katzer F, Rocchi MS, Maley SW, Benavides J, Nath M, Pang Y, Cantón G, Thomson J, Chianini F, Innes EA. Development of maternal and foetal immune responses in cattle following experimental challenge with Neospora caninum at day 210 of gestation. Vet Res 2013; 44:91. [PMID: 24090114 PMCID: PMC3851480 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-44-91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the immunological responses of pregnant cattle and their foetuses following an experimental challenge with live Neospora caninum tachyzoites at day 210 of gestation. Animals were bled prior to and weekly throughout the experiment and sacrificed at 14, 28, 42 and 56 days post inoculation (dpi). At post mortem examination, samples of lymph nodes and spleen were collected from both dam and foetus for immunological analysis. Subcutaneous (sc) inoculation over the left prefemoral (LPF) lymph node of pregnant cattle at day 210 of gestation, led to the vertical transmission of parasites by 14 dpi, however no foetal deaths were observed in the infected animals. Foetuses from infected dams mounted Neospora-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses by 14 dpi. These responses involved anti-Neospora IgG, antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation, and the production of the cytokines IFN–γ, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10. There was also evidence of innate immunity during the response against Neospora from infected dams, with statistically significant (p < 0.05) increases in mean expression of toll like receptors (TLR)-2 on 56 dpi in maternal spleen, LPF, right prefemoral (RPF), left uterine (LUL) and right uterine (RUL) lymph nodes and TLR-9 in retropharyngeal (RLN), LPF and RPF lymph nodes from 28 dpi. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) increases in mean TLR-9 were detected in spleen samples from foetuses of infected dams, compared to the foetuses from control animals. Our results show that vertical transmission of the parasite occurred in all infected dams, with their foetuses showing effective Neospora-specific cell mediated, humoral and innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Almería S. Neospora caninum and Wildlife. ISRN PARASITOLOGY 2013; 2013:947347. [PMID: 27335866 PMCID: PMC4890850 DOI: 10.5402/2013/947347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bovine neosporosis caused by Neospora caninum is among the main causes of abortion in cattle nowadays. At present there is no effective treatment or vaccine. Serological evidence in domestic, wild, and zoo animals indicates that many species have been exposed to this parasite. However, many aspects of the life cycle of N. caninum are unknown and the role of wildlife in the life cycle of N. caninum is still not completely elucidated. In North America, there are data consistent with a sylvatic cycle involving white tailed-deer and canids and in Australia a plausible sylvatic cycle could be occurring between wild dogs and their macropod preys. In Europe, a similar sylvatic cycle has not been established but is very likely. The present review is a comprehensive and up to date summary of the current knowledge on the sylvatic cycle of N. caninum, species affected and their geographical distribution. These findings could have important implications in both sylvatic and domestic cycles since infected wildlife may influence the prevalence of infection in cattle farms in the same areas. Wildlife will need to be taken into account in the control measures to reduce the economical losses associated with this important disease in cattle farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Almería
- Departament de Sanitat i Anatomia Animals and Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CreSA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Gharekhani J, Tavoosidana G, Akbarein H. Serological study of Neospora caninum infection in dogs and cattle from west of Iran. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-013-1763-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Moore D, Reichel M, Spath E, Campero C. Neospora caninum causes severe economic losses in cattle in the humid pampa region of Argentina. Trop Anim Health Prod 2013; 45:1237-41. [PMID: 23325013 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-013-0353-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This work estimates the economic losses due to Neospora abortions in the humid pampa region of Argentina.The total dairy and beef cattle population at risk of abortion is 1,771,326 and 9,726,684 head, respectively. In dairy cattle, there was an 8 % risk of experiencing abortion due to a variety of causes, but 16.5 % of them were due to Neospora caninum. The economic losses were estimated at US$1,415 (1,400-1,431) per abortion, which equates to a total loss of US$33,097,221 (15,622,600-119,349,693) for the dairy industry at the humid pampa region of Argentina. In beef cattle, the overall risk of abortion was estimated to be 4.5 % for all pregnancies,whereas 6.7 % are specifically due to N. caninum, with an economic loss of US$440 (range, 150-730) per abortion.This amounts to an annual loss to the beef industry of US$12,903,440 (range, 1,130,700-42,070,630) in the same area. The results of this study show that Neospora infections and thus abortions cause severe economic impacts in the dairy and beef industries in the humid pampa region of Argentina, which is one the most important areas of cattle production in the world [corrected].
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Affiliation(s)
- Dadin Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), C1033AAJ, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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What is the global economic impact of Neospora caninum in cattle - the billion dollar question. Int J Parasitol 2012; 43:133-42. [PMID: 23246675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Revised: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is regarded as one of the most important infectious causes of abortions in cattle worldwide, yet the global economic impact of the infection has not been established. A systematic review of the economic impact of N. caninum infections/abortions was conducted, searching PubMed with the terms 'cattle' and 'Neospora'. This yielded 769 publications and the abstracts were screened for economically relevant information (e.g. abortion prevalence and risk, serological prevalence). Further analysis was restricted to countries with at least five relevant publications. In total, 99 studies (12.9%) from 10 countries contained data from the beef industry (25 papers (25.3%)) and 72 papers (72.8%) from the dairy industry (with the remaining two papers (2.0%) describing general abortion statistics). The total annual cost of N. caninum infections/abortions was estimated to range from a median US $1.1 million in the New Zealand beef industry to an estimated median total of US $546.3 million impact per annum in the US dairy population. The estimate for the total median N. caninum-related losses exceeded US $1.298 billion per annum, ranging as high as US $2.380 billion. Nearly two-thirds of the losses were incurred by the dairy industry (US $842.9 million). Annual losses on individual dairy farms were estimated to reach a median of US $1,600.00, while on beef farms these costs amounted to just US $150.00. Pregnant cows and heifers were estimated to incur, on average, a loss due to N. caninum of less than US $20.00 for dairy and less than US $5.00 for beef. These loss estimates, however, rose to ∼US $110.00 and US $40.00, respectively, for N. caninum-infected pregnant dairy and beef cows. This estimate of global losses due to N. caninum, with the identification of clear target markets (countries, as well as cattle industries), should provide an incentive to develop treatment options and/or vaccines.
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A review of the infection, genetics, and evolution of Neospora caninum: from the past to the present. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2012; 13:133-50. [PMID: 22985682 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 08/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This paper is a review of current knowledge on Neospora caninum in the context of other apicomplexan parasites and with an emphasis on: life cycle, disease, epidemiology, immunity, control and treatment, evolution, genomes, and biological databases and web resources. N. caninum is an obligate, intracellular, coccidian, protozoan parasite of the phylum Apicomplexa. Infection can cause the clinical disease neosporosis, which most notably is associated with abortion in cattle. These abortions are a major root cause of economic loss to both the dairy and beef industries worldwide. N. caninum has been detected in every country in which a study has been specifically conducted to detect this parasite in cattle. The major mode of transmission in cattle is transplacental (or vertical) transmission and several elements of the N. caninum life cycle are yet to be studied in detail. The outcome of an infection is inextricably linked to the precise timing of the infection coupled with the status of the immune system of the dam and foetus. There is no community consensus as to whether it is the dam's pro-inflammatory cytotoxic response to tachyzoites that kills the foetus or the tachyzoites themselves. From economic analysis the most cost-effective approach to control neosporosis is a vaccine. The perfect vaccine would protect against both infection and the clinical disease, and this implies a vaccine is needed that can induce a non-foetopathic cell mediated immunity response. Researchers are beginning to capitalise on the vast potential of -omics data (e.g. genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes) to further our understanding of pathogens but especially to identify vaccine and drug targets. The recent publication of a genome for N. caninum offers vast opportunities in these areas.
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Innes EA, Bartley PM, Rocchi M, Benavidas-Silvan J, Burrells A, Hotchkiss E, Chianini F, Canton G, Katzer F. Developing vaccines to control protozoan parasites in ruminants: Dead or alive? Vet Parasitol 2011; 180:155-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Implications of wild dog ecology on the sylvatic and domestic life cycle of Neospora caninum in Australia. Vet J 2011; 188:24-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2009] [Revised: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Immune response to Neospora caninum native antigens formulated with immune stimulating complexes in calves. Vet Parasitol 2011; 175:245-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2010] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Basso W, Schares S, Minke L, Bärwald A, Maksimov A, Peters M, Schulze C, Müller M, Conraths F, Schares G. Microsatellite typing and avidity analysis suggest a common source of infection in herds with epidemic Neospora caninum-associated bovine abortion. Vet Parasitol 2010; 173:24-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Loobuyck M, Frössling J, Lindberg A, Björkman C. Seroprevalence and spatial distribution of Neospora caninum in a population of beef cattle. Prev Vet Med 2009; 92:116-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2009.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2008] [Revised: 06/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Endogenous and exogenous transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum - how the route of transmission impacts on epidemiology and control of disease. Parasitology 2009; 136:1895-900. [PMID: 19691862 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182009990588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Vertical transmission of the protozoan parasite, Neospora caninum is highly efficient and can take two forms - endogenous transplacental transmission resulting from activation of the quiescent bradyzoite stage during pregnancy or exogenous transplacental transmission resulting from ingestion of oocysts during pregnancy. Calves born carrying infection derived from either endogenous or exogenous transplacental transmission are capable of infecting their offspring when they start to breed. This review considers firstly the frequency with which exogenous and endogenous transmission occur, secondly the role of the immune response in controlling N. caninum infection and thirdly how the parasite persists in an immune-competent host and is re-activated during pregnancy.
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BARTLEY PM, WRIGHT SE, MALEY SW, BUXTON D, NATH M, INNES EA. The development of immune responses in Balb/c mice following inoculation with attenuated or virulentNeospora caninumtachyzoites. Parasite Immunol 2009; 31:392-401. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2009.01115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Immunization with oligomannose-coated liposome-entrapped dense granule protein 7 protects dams and offspring from Neospora caninum infection in mice. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2009; 16:792-7. [PMID: 19357313 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00032-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study demonstrates that the subcutaneous administration of Neospora caninum dense granule protein 7 (NcGRA7) entrapped in liposomes coated with mannotriose strongly induces the parasite-specific T-helper type 1 immune response and humoral antibody in mice. Although anti-NcGRA7 immunoglobulin G1 antibody production was induced in mice injected with NcGRA7 alone, the dams and offspring were never protected from N. caninum infection. The immunization of mice with liposome-entrapped NcGRA7 before pregnancy resulted in increased offspring survival and decreased the infection rates in the brains of dams after parasite infection at 6 to 9 days of gestation. In conclusion, oligomannose-coated liposome-entrapped NcGRA7 can be used as a new type of effective vaccine to control neosporosis.
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Yániz JL, López-Gatius F, García-Ispierto I, Bech-Sàbat G, Serrano B, Nogareda C, Sanchez-Nadal JA, Almeria S, Santolaria P. Some factors affecting the abortion rate in dairy herds with high incidence of Neospora-associated abortions are different in cows and heifers. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 45:699-705. [PMID: 19210662 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01337.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if the factors affecting the abortion rate in dairy herds with high incidence of Neospora-associated abortions are different in pregnancies of cows and heifers chronically infected with Neospora caninum. In heifers (n = 229), an increase in the cumulative number of days with a mean relative humidity (RH) lower than 60% during the second trimester of gestation increases the risk of abortion. Yet, the likelihood of abortion was 7.6 times lower for pregnant heifers inseminated with Limousin bull semen, compared with those inseminated with Holstein-Friesian bull semen. In pregnancies of parous cows (n = 521), an increase in rainfall and in the cumulative number of days with a mean RH lower than 60% during the second trimester of gestation increased the abortion rate. However, in contrast, an increase in the lactation number produced a decrease in the abortion rate, with a likelihood of abortion 4.8 times lower for pregnant cows inseminated with Limousin bull semen, and three times lower for those inseminated with Belgian Blue bull semen, compared with dairy cows inseminated with Holstein-Friesian bull semen. Finally, the likelihood of abortion was 3.2 times lower for pregnancies of parous cows with low antibody titres against N. caninum (6-30 units) as compared to those with high antibody titres (>/=30 units), whereas in heifers this variable had no effect. The practical recommendations of the present study include the control of the cow environment during the second trimester of gestation, the priority of culling for parous cows with higher antibody titres against N. caninum and the insemination of Neospora-seropositive cows with semen from the Limousin breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Yániz
- Department of Animal Production, University of Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain.
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41
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Munhoz AD, Pereira MJS, Flausino W, Lopes CWG. Neospora caninum seropositivity in cattle breeds in the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2009. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2009000100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The infection by Neospora caninum of different cattle breeds in dairy properties in two municipalities of the South Fluminense Paraíba Valley, state of Rio de Janeiro, was evaluated. Considering a sampling universe of 2,491 cows, blood samples were collected from 563 dairy cows in 57 farms, which were randomically selected in proportion to the number of animals, using a random stratified sampling system. For each property the number of selected cows was proportional to the herd size. Abortion or other reproductive disorders were not considered as criteria for selecting the animals, and seropositivity was determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A high association (p=0.006) between seropositivity and racial patterns was found. The analysis revealed that in comparison of pure black-and-white Holstein cows versus Zebu (p=0.0028), Holstein cows showed 2.65 times greater odds for seropositivity. In the same way, by comparing black-and-white Holstein versus Zebu + crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.01), it was noted that there is 2.23 times more chance for seropositivity in Holstein cattle. There were no significant differences concerning the comparison of Holstein cattle versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.08) or Zebu versus crossbreed Zebu/Holstein (p=0.11). This study supports the hypothesis that there is a close association between cattle breeds and the frequency of infection by N. caninum.
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42
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Usefulness of rNcGRA7- and rNcSAG4-based ELISA tests for distinguishing primo-infection, recrudescence, and chronic bovine neosporosis. Vet Parasitol 2008; 157:182-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2008] [Revised: 07/17/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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43
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Abstract
The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum is an important cause of reproductive disease in cattle worldwide. The dog is a definitive host for the parasite and the oocyst stage, shed in the faeces, is a source of infection for cattle through consumption of contaminated feed or water. In addition, transplacental transmission of N. caninum is a very efficient means of the parasite infecting a new host and this can occur in successive pregnancies and over several generations. Neospora parasites may cause disease during pregnancy resulting in death of the foetus or birth of live congenitally infected calves that may show some neurological clinical signs at birth. The stage of pregnancy at which infection/parasitaemia occurs is an important factor in determining disease severity. Neospora infection in the first trimester of pregnancy may have more severe consequences for the foetus compared with infection occurring in the final trimester. The host-parasite relationship during pregnancy is a fascinating interaction and research in this area will improve understanding of disease pathogenesis and the various consequences of the host immune response, being host-protective, parasite protective and contributing to disease pathology. Pregnancy poses an interesting problem for the immune system of the dam as she is essentially carrying a semi-allogeneic tissue graft (the foetus) without immunological rejection taking place. To facilitate the pregnancy the cytokine environment in the placenta favours the regulatory Th-2-type cytokines, whose role is to counteract the pro-inflammatory Th1-type immune responses. Protective immunity to N. caninum, similar to many other intracellular parasites, involves Th1-type immune responses, which may pose problems for the dam trying to control a Neospora infection during pregnancy. This paper will discuss the host-parasite relationship at different stages of gestation in pregnant cattle and review the implications of this research for our understanding of disease pathogenesis, parasite transmission and host protection.
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44
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Uzeda RS, Costa KDS, Santos SL, Pinheiro AM, De Almeida MAO, McAllister MM, Gondim LFP. Loss of infectivity of Neospora caninum oocysts maintained for a prolonged time. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2008; 45:295-9. [PMID: 18165712 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2007.45.4.295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sporulated Neospora caninum oocysts, which had been stored for 46 mo in a 2% sulfuric acid solution at 4 degrees C, remain morphologically viable and infective to gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Six gerbils were orally inoculated with doses of 400 or 1,200 oocysts. Two mo after inoculation, the animals did not show any clinical signs, had no histological lesions, and were seronegative for N. caninum at 1: 50 in an immunofluorescent antibody test. PCR using the brain from each gerbil did not reveal N. caninum specific DNA. We conclude that oocysts preserved for 46 mo are not infective, despite being morphologically intact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Soares Uzeda
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Escola de Medicina Veterinaria, Departamento de Patologia e Clinicas, Avenida Ademar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia, 40170-110, Brazil
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45
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Dense-granule protein NcGRA7, a new marker for the serodiagnosis of Neospora caninum infection in aborting cows. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2007; 14:1640-3. [PMID: 17959821 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00251-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To investigate whether the production of an antigen-specific antibody is associated with Neospora caninum-induced bovine abortion, 62 serum samples were tested with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the recombinant antigens NcSAG1, NcSRS2, and NcGRA7. Our study suggested that NcGRA7 would be a new marker for the serodiagnosis of N. caninum infection resulting in abortion.
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46
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Ferroglio E, Pasino M, Romano A, Grande D, Pregel P, Trisciuoglio A. Evidence of Neospora caninum DNA in wild rodents. Vet Parasitol 2007; 148:346-9. [PMID: 17651897 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2007] [Revised: 06/20/2007] [Accepted: 06/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Seventy-five house mice (Mus musculus), 103 rats (Rattus norvegicus) and 55 field mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) from North-West Italy were PCR analysed for Neospora caninum infection. Brain, kidney and muscle tissues collected from the above mentioned animals were tested by PCR using Np6 and Np21 primers. The brain tissue from 2 house mice and 2 rats, the kidney from 4 rats, 1 house mouse and 1 field mouse and muscle from 10 rats, 8 house mice and 1 field mouse were tested positive for N. caninum. Sequencing showed a 96-97% identity of PCR products with N. caninum NC1 sequence. Our findings support previous report on house mouse and rat, and for the first time, provides the evidence of the infection also in field mice. Based on our data, it could be hypothesized that mice can act as a reservoir of N. caninum, and they can play a role in maintaining/spreading N. caninum infection also in the sylvatic cycle. The possibility that dogs could be infected by eating infected house mice suggests new opportunities for N. caninum prophylaxis and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ferroglio
- Dipartimento di Produzioni Animali, Epidemiologia ed Ecologia, Università di Torino, Via L. Da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
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47
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Innes EA, Bartley PM, Maley SW, Wright SE, Buxton D. Comparative host–parasite relationships in ovine toxoplasmosis and bovine neosporosis and strategies for vaccination. Vaccine 2007; 25:5495-503. [PMID: 17367899 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Revised: 01/24/2007] [Accepted: 02/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are important causes of reproductive loss in ruminant species worldwide. Both parasites cause disease during pregnancy that may result in foetal death or birth of live congenitally infected offspring. T. gondii is also an important human pathogen with the main risk groups including pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals, although clinical disease has also been observed in outbreaks among immuno-competent people. While the two parasites are closely related there are distinct differences between the two in their interactions with different host species and subsequent clinical outcome. This paper discusses the respective host-parasite relationships in ovine toxoplasmosis and bovine neosporosis and how the immune response may be host-protective, parasite-protective or contribute to disease pathogenesis, and how this knowledge may help in the development of more effective and targeted vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh EH26 OPZ, United Kingdom.
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48
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McCann CM, McAllister MM, Gondim LFP, Smith RF, Cripps PJ, Kipar A, Williams DJL, Trees AJ. Neospora caninum in cattle: experimental infection with oocysts can result in exogenous transplacental infection, but not endogenous transplacental infection in the subsequent pregnancy. Int J Parasitol 2007; 37:1631-9. [PMID: 17624353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2007.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2007] [Revised: 05/29/2007] [Accepted: 05/31/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Whilst it is presumed that infection of pregnant cattle with Neospora caninum oocysts can provoke abortion and is the likely cause of epidemic abortion outbreaks, only two previous experiments have involved inoculation of pregnant cows with oocysts (and only one abortion was provoked in 22 pregnancies). Here, we describe the oral oocyst challenge of 18 cows synchronously bred and inoculated precisely at 70 (n=6), 120 (n=6) and 210 (n=6) days in pregnancy with a nominal dose of 40,000 oocysts. Only one abortion occurred (at the 120 days challenge) which could be definitively ascribed to N. caninum and no transplacental infection (TPI) was detected in any of the other 11 calves born in the 70 and 120 day challenge groups. In contrast, 4/5 live calves born to cattle challenged at 210 days were transplacentally infected. When cows which had transplacentally infected their calves in the first pregnancy were rebred, no TPI occurred. The results show that the timing of challenge influences clinical and parasitological outcomes and that cattle in late pregnancy are exquisitely sensitive to oocyst challenge leading to exogenous TPI and congenitally infected calves. However, cattle which were indisputably systemically infected in their first pregnancy did not induce endogenous TPI in their subsequent pregnancy. This confirms previous results with experimental tachyzoite challenge and suggests that post-natal infection does not lead to persisting infections which can recrudesce in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M McCann
- Veterinary Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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49
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Pabón M, López-Gatius F, García-Ispierto I, Bech-Sàbat G, Nogareda C, Almería S. Chronic Neospora caninum infection and repeat abortion in dairy cows: a 3-year study. Vet Parasitol 2007; 147:40-6. [PMID: 17467905 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2006] [Revised: 03/18/2007] [Accepted: 03/19/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The serological status of Neospora was monitored in animals older than 6 months in a dairy herd with a 3-year history of prevalent N. caninum and N. caninum-associated abortions. The numbers of animals in the herd tested each year of the study period were 259, 222 and 231, respectively. A separate analysis was performed on the 122 animals persisting in the herd for the 3 years. The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in the herd decreased from 31.7% in the first year to 24.8% in the second year and to 19.9% in the third year of the study, while the overall abortion rate decreased from 20.6% in the first year to 5.5% in the second year, and 9.9% in the third. These decreases occurred in response to control measures adopted from the second year onwards, such as culling Neospora-seropositive aborted animals and inseminating Neospora-seropositive dams with beef bull semen. Of the total number of abortions recorded in seropositive animals, 51% were repeat abortions that occurred in 36.8% of the animals with a previous history of abortion. The initial seroprevalence of Neospora in the 122 animals followed for the 3 years was 18%, increasing to 21.3% in the second and third years. Seroconversion only occurred in four animals during the second and third years of the study and abortion occurred only in seropositive individuals. Of the total number of abortions recorded in the 122 animals, 61.5% were repeat abortions that occurred in 26.7% of the animals with a previous history of abortion. These results indicate that Neospora seropositivity can be very stable through time and N. caninum infected cows can show a high rate of repeat abortions. The present data reinforce the idea that annual serological screening for Neospora can be an effective and rapid method of detecting N. caninum infection, such that control measures can be established at the farm level.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pabón
- Department of Anatomy and Animal Health, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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50
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Dubey JP, Schares G, Ortega-Mora LM. Epidemiology and control of neosporosis and Neospora caninum. Clin Microbiol Rev 2007; 20:323-67. [PMID: 17428888 PMCID: PMC1865591 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00031-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 691] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite of animals. Until 1988, it was misidentified as Toxoplasma gondii. Since its first recognition in dogs in 1984 and the description of the new genus and species Neospora caninum in 1988, neosporosis has emerged as a serious disease of cattle and dogs worldwide. Abortions and neonatal mortality are a major problem in livestock operations, and neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in cattle. Although antibodies to N. caninum have been reported, the parasite has not been detected in human tissues. Thus, the zoonotic potential is uncertain. This review is focused mainly on the epidemiology and control of neosporosis in cattle, but worldwide seroprevalences of N. caninum in animals and humans are tabulated. The role of wildlife in the life cycle of N. caninum and strategies for the control of neosporosis in cattle are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
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