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Dellarupe A, Moré G, Unzaga JM, Pardini L, Venturini MC. Study of specific immunodominant antigens in different stages of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Hammondia spp. Exp Parasitol 2024; 262:108772. [PMID: 38723846 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- A Dellarupe
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina.
| | - G Moré
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - J M Unzaga
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - L Pardini
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, (C1425FQB) CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology (LAINPA), Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata (FCV-UNLP), La Plata, 1900, Argentina
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Steffen KD, Gos ML, Unzaga JM, Venturini MC, Arias RO, Moré G. Dynamics of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and seroconversion during pregnancy and lactation in naturally infected goats. Parasitol Int 2024; 98:102828. [PMID: 38008355 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the dynamics of anti-T. gondii antibodies and seroconversion in naturally infected goats from the last third of pregnancy to 100 days of lactation and relate it to hematological and dehydration parameters. Blood samples were obtained from 56 goats in the different physiological states (pregnancy, kidding and lactation) as in different years (2019, 2021 and 2022). A total of 266 serum samples were obtained and evaluated by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to end titer. The overall T. gondii seropositivity was 80.4% (45/56), with titers ranging from 100 to 25.600. The goats older than 3 years (4967 ± 1329) had significantly higher IFAT titers than the younger goats (2705 ± 681). The highest rate of positive seroconversion 31.1% (14/45) was found between kidding and 70 days of lactation; and of negative seroconversion 28.9% (13/45) between late pregnancy and kidding. The highest proportion of slightly dehydrated animals was found in the last third of pregnancy (14/25) and kidding (9/28). The correlation between seroconversion and T. gondii antibody titers was negative to the established dehydration index. These data suggest that in all physiological states and at different ages of goats, there is seroconversion which is not related to hydration status. Pregnancy, kidding and peak of lactation are stressful physiological periods, facilitating the reactivation of chronic T. gondii infections which are expressed by higher antibodies titers.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Steffen
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science-La Plata National University, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (C1425FQB), Argentina; Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agrarian and Forest Sciences-La Plata National University, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M L Gos
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science-La Plata National University, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (C1425FQB), Argentina
| | - J M Unzaga
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science-La Plata National University, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science-La Plata National University, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R O Arias
- Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agrarian and Forest Sciences-La Plata National University, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Moré
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science-La Plata National University, La Plata 1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (C1425FQB), Argentina; Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern 3012, Switzerland.
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Campero LM, Basso W, Moré G, Fiorani F, Hecker YP, Echaide I, Cantón GJ, Cirone KM, Campero CM, Venturini MC, Moore DP. Neosporosis in Argentina: Past, present and future perspectives. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 41:100882. [PMID: 37208088 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Neosporosis, caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, was first diagnosed in Argentinean cattle in the 90's. With a national bovine stock of approximately 53 million head, the cattle industry is socially and economically relevant. Severe economic losses have been estimated at US$ 33 and 12 million annually in dairy and beef cattle, respectively. Approximately 9% of bovine abortions in the Buenos Aires province are caused by N. caninum. In 2001, the first isolation of N. caninum oocysts from feces of a naturally infected dog was performed in Argentina and named as NC-6 Argentina. Further strains were isolated from cattle (NC-Argentina LP1, NC-Argentina LP2) and axis deer (Axis axis, NC-Axis). Epidemiological studies revealed a high distribution of Neospora-infections not only in dairy but also in beef cattle, with seroprevalence rates of 16.6-88.8% and 0-73%, respectively. Several experimental infection studies in cattle have been carried out, as well as attempts to develop effective vaccines to avoid Neospora-abortions and transmission. However, no vaccine has proven successful for its use in daily practice. Reduction of seroprevalence, vertical transmission and Neospora-related abortions have been achieved in dairy farms by the use of selective breeding strategies and embryo transfer. Neospora-infections have been also detected in goats, sheep, deer, water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and gray foxes (Lycalopex griseus). Moreover, Neospora-related reproductive losses were reported in small ruminants and deer species and could be more frequent than previously thought. Even though diagnostic methods have been improved during the last decades, control of neosporosis is still not optimal. The development of new strategies including new antiprotozoal drugs and vaccines is highly needed. This paper reviews the information from the previous 28 years of research of N. caninum in Argentina, including seroprevalence and epidemiological studies, available diagnostic techniques, experimental reproduction, immunization strategies, isolations and control measures in domestic and non-domestic animals from Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Campero
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - W Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Moré
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - F Fiorani
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Y P Hecker
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - I Echaide
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology, INTA E.E.A, Rafaela, Argentina
| | - G J Cantón
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology, INTA E.E.A Balcarce, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - K M Cirone
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; National Institute of Agricultural Technology, INTA E.E.A Balcarce, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - C M Campero
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology, INTA E.E.A Balcarce, Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Veterinary Sciences Faculty, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118 s/n, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - D P Moore
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Godoy Cruz, 2290, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Innovation for Agricultural Production and Sustainable Development (IPADS Balcarce), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina; Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Ruta 226, km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina.
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Kunic JM, Bernstein M, Venturini MC, Pardini L, Sommerfelt IE. Risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in domestic pig farms in Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 30:100710. [PMID: 35431068 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitic zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Pigs can become infected by consuming water or food contaminated with sporulated oocysts, or by carnivorism (like the consumption of infected rodents). In pigs most infections are asymptomatic. In certain countries, pig meat containing tissue cysts is a major source of infection for human beings. The aims of this study were to estimate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and to identify which factors were related with the increase of the risk of infection in Argentina. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was determined in 240 pigs from 27 farms in the central-western area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Serum samples were analyzed using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Prevalence determined was 53.33% and 32.08% by IFAT and ELISA, respectively. Results showed that 81.5% (22/27) of the farms were seropositive to T. gondii. Seropositivity for T. gondii was related with the following risk factors (p value ≤0.05): presence of felids and rodents in the farms, feeding with waste of human food and storage of food outdoors with free access to felids and to the reservoirs when applying both serological techniques. Our results strongly suggest that the risk of infection with T. gondii in pigs is related to the outdoor/extensive type of production system with low infrastructure conditions, which allows both felids and rodents to have free access to pigs and stored food. Also, the high seroprevalence detected in the present study could indicate a potential role of pork in human infections in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Kunic
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Salud Pública, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Bernstein
- Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, La Plata, Argentina
| | - L Pardini
- Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina..
| | - I E Sommerfelt
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Salud Pública, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Steffen KD, Gos ML, Gortari L, Arias RO, Venturini MC, Moré G. Eleven years of Toxoplasma gondii serological follow-up in a goat herd and association of toxoplasmosis with reproductive losses. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 25:100599. [PMID: 34474792 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is considered one of the most important causes of abortion in small ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii antibody titres and reproductive losses over an 11 year period in a goat farm located in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Blood samples were obtained from 85 goats, representing three breeds, during the last third of gestation (n = 165 gestations), in consecutive pregnancies (2008-2019), and from 51 goats during kidding to analyze seroconversion. Serum was evaluated by IFAT with T. gondii antigen, using 1:100 dilution as the cut-off titre and processed to end titre. An overall reproductive loss of 31% (51/165) was detected, including 16.4% (27/165) abortions and 14.6% (24/165) perinatal deaths. The seropositivity to T. gondii was 100% (85/85) with all animals positive in successive samplings and, therefore, considered chronically infected. Antibody titres showed average values greater than 1100 in each year and breed group. Differences in antibody levels were associated with breed and were lower in those that were predominately Creole and higher in those that were predominately Saanen. Seroconversion was detected in 16.2% (6/37) and 57.1% (8/14) of goats from the Creole and Sannen breed groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the antibody titre average between goats with reproductive losses and those with healthy kids, although the goats with perinatal deaths had a significantly higher titre average. These results suggest reinfection or reactivation, although no association with reproductive losses was observed. Higher antibody titres were associated with perinatal deaths. The high T. gondii antibody titres in a farm with 100% seroprevalence did not allow for association with reproductive losses, particularly abortion, to be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Steffen
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science-La Plata National University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agrarian and Forest Sciences-La Plata National University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M L Gos
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science-La Plata National University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Gortari
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R O Arias
- Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agrarian and Forest Sciences-La Plata National University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science-La Plata National University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Moré
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science-La Plata National University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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De Felice LA, Moré G, Cappuccio J, Venturini MC, Unzaga JM. Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. from domestic pigs in Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2020; 22:100473. [PMID: 33308753 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis in pigs is caused by different Cryptosporidium species or genotypes, with C. suis and C. scrofarum considered porcine specific species. There is scarce information on Cryptosporidium infection in pigs in South America. A total of 520 individual faecal samples were obtained from 1, 2, 3 and 4 week old piglets (n = 130 from each age group), from 13 Argentinean intensive pig farms. The diagnosis of species of Cryptosporidium combined microscopy and molecular techniques. Genotyping from samples with Cryptosporidium oocysts at microscopy was performed by genus-specific and species-specific nested PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene fragments, and sequencing. Microscopic analysis detected Cryptosporidium oocysts in 47/520 (9%) faecal samples from 11/13 (85%) farms, with farm infection rates between 0 and 17.5%. Presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was associated with diarrhea. The proportion of microscopically positive samples was not associated with piglet age. A total of 15/47 (32% of samples with oocyst compatible structures) were positive by genus and species-specific nested PCR. Species-specific PCR and sequencing showed presence of C. suis, C. scrofarum, and both species in 3, 8 and 4 samples, respectively. The proportion of positive samples on each specific PCR was similar between age groups, being C. suis proportion slightly higher in 4 week old piglets. The use of molecular tools allowed the confirmation of C. suis and C. scrofarum infection in Argentinean pigs. Cryptosporidiosis was widely distributed in the main pig husbandry area from Argentina, with a low to moderate intra farm infection rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena A De Felice
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), Flacultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118 (1900), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), Flacultad 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.
| | - Javier Cappuccio
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917 (C1033AAJ), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA) Marcos Juarez, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ruta 12 Km.3 (2580), Marcos Juarez, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), Flacultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118 (1900), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan M Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), Flacultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118 (1900), La Plata, Argentina
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Bernstein M, Pardini L, Campero LM, Helman E, Unzaga JM, Venturini MC, Moré G. Evaluation of biological behavior of Toxoplasma gondii atypical isolates # 14 and # 163. Exp Parasitol 2020; 211:107860. [PMID: 32087219 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite capable of infecting warm-blooded animals, including humans. A highly diverse genetic population has been reported in Central and South America, predominating mainly atypical genotypes. Different genotypes showed different biological behavior in mice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological behavior of T. gondii isolates obtained from Macropus rufogriseus (TgMr) and Saimiri boliviensis (TgSb) identified as atypical genotypes # 14 and # 163, respectively. Strains RH, ME49 and VEG were used as reference for clonal types I, II and III, respectively. In vitro invasion and replication capacity assays were analyzed at 6 and 18 hpi, respectively. In vivo assay was performed in Swiss mice (n = 30) using 1 × 102 and 1 × 103 parasites/mouse as infective doses (ME49, VEG, TgMr, TgSb and negative control). Morbi-mortality and tissues PCR were assessed. Lymphoproliferation assays were performed and gamma interferon was measured by ELISA. The ME49 strain showed the highest invasion, followed by TgSb and VEG, while RH and TgMr presented the lowest invasions. The RH strain and the TgSb isolate showed more endodyogeny events (fastest doubling times) than VEG and ME49 strains and the TgMr isolate. Both atypical isolates showed high virulence (100% morbi-mortality, at 8-10 dpi) and parasite DNA was detected in all tissue samples. Splenocytes from mice inoculated with TgMr and TgSb registered the highest values of gamma interferon. An in vitro invasion-replication index was established which correlates inversely with virulence in mice. In conclusion, T. gondii atypical isolates # 14 and # 163 showed a different in vitro behavior than clonal strains, with low invasion-replication indexes but being highly virulent in mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bernstein
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As., Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lais Pardini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As., Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía M Campero
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As., Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elisa Helman
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As., Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan M Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As., Argentina
| | - María C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As., Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As., Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Hecker YP, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Fiorani F, Horcajo P, Soria I, Gual I, Torioni S, Campero LM, Echaide IE, Álvarez-García G, Ortega-Mora LM, Zamorano PI, Venturini MC, Odeón AC, Cantón GJ, Moore DP. Immune response to Neospora caninum live tachyzoites in prepubertal female calves. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2945-2955. [PMID: 31485864 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06447-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to characterize the specific immune response in prepubertal female calves inoculated with Neospora caninum. Forty-eight N. caninum-seronegative 6-month-old Angus female calves were randomly allocated into two groups: group A calves were inoculated subcutaneously (sc) with 1 × 106 tachyzoites of the low virulence NC-Argentina LP1 isolate in sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); group B calves were mock inoculated sc with sterile PBS. Calves from group A developed a specific immune response characterized by the production of IgG antibodies and the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines. Animals did not present any febrile reaction or reactions at the site of inoculation. Although chronic N. caninum infection was developed in 50% of calves of group A after inoculation, according to the presence of antibodies against rNc-SAG4, antigen characteristic of bradyzoites, N. caninum antibodies dropped below the cut-off of ELISA from day 210 post-inoculation onwards. Future trials using the same group of inoculated animals will allow the characterization of the evolution of the immune response during pregnancy and to determine whether the immunization with the local isolate is able to prevent congenital transmission and to protect against heterologous challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina P Hecker
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Franco Fiorani
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivana Soria
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Gual
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Susana Torioni
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía M Campero
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ignacio E Echaide
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia I Zamorano
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María C Venturini
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Anselmo C Odeón
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán J Cantón
- National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dadín P Moore
- National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Institute of Agrarian Technology (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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Pardini L, Bernstein M, Carral LA, Kaufer FJ, Dellarupe A, Gos ML, Campero LM, Moré G, Messina MT, Schneider MV, Freuler CB, Durlach RA, Unzaga JM, Venturini MC. Congenital human toxoplasmosis caused by non-clonal Toxoplasma gondii genotypes in Argentina. Parasitol Int 2018; 68:48-52. [PMID: 30304711 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a worldwide distributed zoonosis, can be transmitted congenitally affecting fetuses and developing variable clinical signs. Different Toxoplasma gondii genotypes and infective dose are related factors with different clinical manifestations. Several studies indicate that atypical strains could produce more severe clinical manifestations compared to typical strains. Umbilical cord blood (n = 37) and placenta (n = 19) were collected at birth from women with acute T. gondii infection and processed for isolation by mice bioassay. Six isolates were obtained and identified as TgHm14-4Arg, TgHm15-02Arg, TgHm16-01Arg, TgHm16-02Arg, TgHm17-01Arg and TgHm17-02Arg. Three genotypes described previously on Toxo-DB were identified: #138 identified in chickens from Brazil, #182 isolated from eared doves from Brazil, #14 from wallaby kangaroos and chickens from Argentina, chickens from Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Venezuela, cats and dogs from Brazil and Colombia and also coyotes from USA indicating worldwide distribution of these genotypes. Two new allele combinations were obtained showing high genotypes diversity in Argentina. Four of the isolates (TgHm14-4Arg, TgHm15-02Arg, TgHm16-01Arg, TgHm16-02Arg) and two of them (TgHm17-01Arg, TgHm17-02Arg) produced chronic and acute infections in mice, respectively. Until now, seven T. gondii isolates have been obtained from humans in Argentina, and all were atypical or non-clonal genotypes. The identification of atypical strains causing congenital toxoplasmosis and circulating in our region, make important to perform the serological screenings according Argentine Consensus of Toxoplasmosis and to apply and monitoring treatments earlier in pregnancy. To achieve this aim, it is necessary to inform general population about T. gondii infection, diagnostics and control measures. These results should serve to generate awareness about congenital toxoplasmosis in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais Pardini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina.
| | - Mariana Bernstein
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - Liliana A Carral
- Centro de Toxoplasmosis, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Andrea Dellarupe
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - María L Gos
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - Lucía M Campero
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina; CONICET, Argentina
| | - Matías T Messina
- Centro de Toxoplasmosis, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Juan M Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Argentina
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Bernstein M, Pardini L, Moré G, Unzaga JM, Su C, Venturini MC. Population structure of Toxoplasma gondii in Argentina. Infect Genet Evol 2018; 65:72-79. [PMID: 30030206 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is worldwide distributed showing a particular population structure that may differ among continents and countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the T. gondii population structure in Argentina and compare it with genotyping information from other South American countries. For the analysis, 39 samples from Argentina (isolates from the provinces of Buenos Aires, Misiones, Entre Ríos and San Luis) were genotyped using 10 multilocus PCR-RFLP markers including SAG1, SAG2 (5'-3'SAG2, alt. SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, C22-8, C29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico. The T. gondii DNA samples were obtained from domestics animals (chickens n = 20; cats n = 3; pigs n = 2; goat n = 1; rabbit n = 1), humans (n = 6), zoo animals (n = 5) and a rat (n = 1). Phylogenetic relationship of these Argentinean isolates together with representative reference genotypes was determined by phylogenetic network analysis. Thirty-seven Argentinean samples belonged to 21 genotypes and two samples were genotyped at 8 of the 10 loci and considered incomplete characterized. Among these 37 typed samples, five genotypes were not previously reported. The majority of the samples grouped with the Type III (ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #2) lineage. The clonal Type II (ToxoDB genotypes #1 and #3) was also identified. Our results suggest a unique population structure with combination of unique genotypes and the common Type II and Type III lineages in Argentina. Nevertheless, different regions showed distinctive pattern of genotypes, revealing a higher variability in Northern provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bernstein
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lais Pardini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Juan M Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As, Argentina
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - María C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología (LAINPA), FCV-UNLP, La Plata, Bs. As, Argentina
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Carral L, Kaufer F, Pardini L, Durlach R, Moré G, Venturini MC, Freuler C. [Congenital toxoplasmosis: Serology, PCR, parasite isolation and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii]. Rev Chilena Infectol 2018; 35:36-40. [PMID: 29652970 DOI: 10.4067/s0716-10182018000100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital toxoplasmosis diagnosis in the newborn is a very important issue due to the need for early treatment to prevent future sequels. Aim To compare available methods at the institution for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Material and Methods In this study we have evaluated the different diagnostic tests used in 67 congenital exposed newborns, including serological tests, PCR, parasite isolation and molecular characterization. Results The ISAGA IgM and IgA tests showed sensitivity (Se) of 87 and 91%, respectively, and specificity (Sp) of 100%. When ISAGA IgM and IgA were performed simultaneously, the Se increased to 98% and the Sp was 100%. The presence of IgE contributed to the diagnosis when it was detected in the child's serum but not in maternal blood. In four congenital infected children the parasite was isolated and genotyped: one was genotype II and the other three were "atypical" genotypes. No parasite was isolated in children without congenital toxoplasmosis. Discussion Overall, serological tests showed a good diagnostic performance although in one case they were all negative and isolation was the only tool to identify the infection. We conclude that it is essential to use all diagnostic tests in every single exposed child, including if possible, molecular characterization due to its epidemiological implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Carral
- Centro de Toxoplasmosis, Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Kaufer
- Centro de Toxoplasmosis, Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lais Pardini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Durlach
- Centro de Toxoplasmosis, Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - María C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Cristina Freuler
- Centro de Toxoplasmosis, Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Gual I, Giannitti F, Hecker YP, Shivers J, Entrocassi AC, Morrell EL, Pardini L, Fiorentino MA, Rodríguez Fermepin M, Unzaga JM, Cantón GJ, Venturini MC, Moore DP. First case report of Toxoplasma gondii-induced abortions and stillbirths in sheep in Argentina. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2018; 12:39-42. [PMID: 31014806 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to report an episode of reproductive losses due to toxoplasmosis in a sheep flock in Argentina. A total of 15 abortions and 9 stillbirths were recorded in a flock of 190 Texel ewes. The affected ewes were more likely to be seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii (15/24) than ewes that delivered normal lambs (5/34, OR=9.6, 95%CI=2.7-34.0, p=0.0004). A pair of aborted twins was recovered for diagnostic investigation. One of these fetuses and its dam were seropositive for T. gondii. Histological examination of the two fetuses revealed non-suppurative myocarditis and epicarditis, portal hepatitis and multifocal necrotizing encephalitis with protozoal cysts in the brain. T. gondii was detected intralesionally by immunohistochemistry in one fetus and by PCR in both. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate the economic losses due to T. gondii in the Argentinean ovine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gual
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Av. Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina
| | - F Giannitti
- Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota. 1333 Gortner Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, USA; Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), La Estanzuela. Ruta 50 Km. 11, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Y P Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Av. Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina
| | - J Shivers
- Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota. 1333 Gortner Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - A C Entrocassi
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Junín 956, CABA, Argentina
| | - E L Morrell
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Ruta 226 Km. 73.5, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Pardini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, PC1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - M A Fiorentino
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Ruta 226 Km. 73.5, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Rodríguez Fermepin
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Junín 956, CABA, Argentina
| | - J M Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, PC1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - G J Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Ruta 226 Km. 73.5, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, PC1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - D P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Av. Rivadavia 1917, CABA, Argentina.
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13
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Pardini L, Moré G, Rudzinski M, Gos ML, Campero LM, Meyer A, Bernstein M, Unzaga JM, Venturini MC. Toxoplasma gondii isolates from chickens in an area with human toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. Exp Parasitol 2016; 166:16-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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14
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Dellarupe A, Unzaga JM, Moré G, Kienast M, Larsen A, Stiebel C, Rambeaud M, Venturini MC. Cryptosporidium varanii infection in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) in Argentina. Open Vet J 2016; 6:98-101. [PMID: 27419102 PMCID: PMC4935766 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v6i2.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis is observed in reptiles with high morbidity and considerable mortality. The objective of this study was to achieve the molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in pet leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) from a breeder colony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Oocysts comparable to those of Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in three geckos with a history of diarrhea, anorexia and cachexia. Molecular identification methods confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium varanii (syn. C. saurophilum). This agent was considered to be the primary cause of the observed clinical disease. This is the first description of C. varanii infection in pet reptiles in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dellarupe
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos, Aires, Argentina
| | - J M Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - G Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos, Aires, Argentina
| | - M Kienast
- Instituto de Genética Veterinaria (IGEVET), CCT La Plata, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - A Larsen
- Cátedra de Inmunología Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - C Stiebel
- Dpto. Zoonosis, Municipalidad Gral. San Martín, Prov. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Rambeaud
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos, Aires, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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15
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Campero LM, Minke L, Moré G, Rambeaud M, Bacigalupe D, Moore DP, Hecker Y, Campero CM, Schares G, Venturini MC. Evaluation and comparison of serological methods for the detection of bovine neosporosis in Argentina. Rev Argent Microbiol 2015; 47:295-301. [PMID: 26409300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion and important economic losses in cattle worldwide. The accurate diagnosis of neosporosis is essential for management and control measures. The aims of this study were: i) to evaluate the performance of an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on the 38kDa native antigen (p38-ELISA) to diagnose bovine neosporosis in Argentina using a well- characterized local sera panel from experimentally infected and naturally exposed cattle and ii) to compare the diagnostic performance and agreement of three N. caninum serological tests: p38-ELISA, indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and immunoblotting (IB) using the same sera panel. Serum samples testing either positive or negative by IFAT and IB were considered "Relative Standards of Comparison" (RSC) and used for p38-ELISA evaluation. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed that p38-ELISA was highly accurate (area under the curve= 0.982) according to RSC with a cut-off index of 0.0905. Relative sensitivity and specificity of p38-ELISA were 97.8% and 99.5%, respectively and agreement between RSC and p38-ELISA was almost perfect (k= 0.97). The evaluation and performance comparison of serological tests were performed according to the definition of gold standard based on the decision of the "majority of tests". All tests displayed high sensitivity and specificity values (greater than 95%); and excellent agreement. This study describes the accurate performance of p38-ELISA evaluated locally and the highly accurate diagnostic performance of the studied tests for the detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies in cattle from Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía M Campero
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lieselotte Minke
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Gastón Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Magdalena Rambeaud
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diana Bacigalupe
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Dadin P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yanina Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos M Campero
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - María C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
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16
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Campero LM, Venturini MC, Moore DP, Massola L, Lagomarsino H, García B, Bacigalupe D, Rambeaud M, Pardini L, Leunda MR, Schares G, Campero CM. Isolation and molecular characterization of a new Neospora caninum isolate from cattle in Argentina. Exp Parasitol 2015; 155:8-12. [PMID: 25913666 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is one of the most important causes of bovine abortion, but isolation of live parasites from infected tissue is difficult. The aims of the present study were to obtain new isolates of N. caninum from congenitally infected asymptomatic newborn cattle in Argentina and to perform characterization by multilocus-microsatellite analysis. Five clinically normal born calves, with demonstrable N. caninum antibodies in precolostrum serum by indirect fluorescent antibody test, were euthanized and their brain samples were processed for histopathological, immunohistochemical, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and for bioassay in γ-interferon knockout (GKO) mice. Although N. caninum DNA was detected in brain from all the calves by PCR, viable N. caninum was isolated in GKO mice from only one calf. Neospora caninum tachyzoites of this Argentinean isolate, designated NC-Argentina LP1, were propagated in VERO cell cultures seeded with tachyzoites from the infected GKO mice tissues. Multilocus-microsatellite typing on DNA derived from cell cultured tachyzoites revealed a unique genetic pattern, different from reported isolates. This is the first bovine isolation and genetic characterization of N. caninum in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Campero
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires CP C1033AAJ, Argentina; Immunoparasitology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118, La Plata 1900, Argentina.
| | - D P Moore
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires CP C1033AAJ, Argentina
| | - L Massola
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Balcarce, 7620 Argentina
| | | | - B García
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Balcarce, 7620 Argentina
| | - D Bacigalupe
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - M Rambeaud
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires CP C1033AAJ, Argentina; Immunoparasitology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - L Pardini
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, 60 and 118, La Plata 1900, Argentina; Bunge and Born Foundation, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M R Leunda
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Balcarce, 7620 Argentina
| | - G Schares
- Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Südufer 10, Greifswald, Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - C M Campero
- National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), Balcarce, 7620 Argentina
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17
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Dellarupe A, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Jiménez-Ruiz E, Schares G, Unzaga JM, Venturini MC, Ortega-Mora LM. Comparison of host cell invasion and proliferation among Neospora caninum isolates obtained from oocysts and from clinical cases of naturally infected dogs. Exp Parasitol 2014; 145:22-8. [PMID: 25045851 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In a previous study we have shown that the in vitro invasion rate (IR) and tachyzoite yield (TY) are associated with the virulence phenotypes of Neospora caninum isolates of bovine origin. In addition, we recently observed marked differences in virulence when canine isolates were compared in a pregnant BALB/c mouse model. In this study, we investigated whether invasion and proliferation capacities could be used as virulence-related N. caninum phenotypic traits. Of the isolates compared in mice, four canine isolates obtained from oocysts (Nc-Ger2, Nc-Ger3, Nc-Ger-6, Nc-6 Arg) had shown a low-moderate virulence, and two further isolates obtained from dogs with neurological signs (Nc-Bahia, Nc-Liv) were highly virulent. The IR for each isolate was determined by a plaque assay and the counting of immunofluorescence-labeled parasitophorous vacuoles at 3 days post-inoculation (p.i.). The TY was determined by the quantification of tachyzoites at 56 h p.i. by real-time PCR. Most of the canine isolates showed similar IR values under controlled invasion conditions for 4h and 72 h p.i., indicating a limited time period for invasion similar to that observed for bovine isolates. The Nc-Ger3, Nc-Bahia, and Nc-Liv isolates showed a significantly higher IR and TY than the Nc-Ger2 and Nc-Ger6 isolates (P<0.0001). A correlation was found between the IRs and TY (ρ>0.885, P<0.033), as well as between the TY and both dam morbidity (ρ=0.8452, P<0.033) and pup mortality (ρ>0.8117, P<0.058) in mice. These results demonstrate the importance both the invasive and proliferative capacities have on the virulence of canine N. caninum isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Dellarupe
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - E Jiménez-Ruiz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - G Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald-Isle of Riems, Germany
| | - J M Unzaga
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - M C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Konrad JL, Campero LM, Caspe GS, Brihuega B, Draghi G, Moore DP, Crudeli GA, Venturini MC, Campero CM. Detection of antibodies against Brucella abortus, Leptospira spp., and Apicomplexa protozoa in water buffaloes in the Northeast of Argentina. Trop Anim Health Prod 2013; 45:1751-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-013-0427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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19
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Moré G, Schares S, Maksimov A, Conraths FJ, Venturini MC, Schares G. Development of a multiplex real time PCR to differentiate Sarcocystis spp. affecting cattle. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:85-94. [PMID: 23680541 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cattle are intermediate hosts of Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hirsuta and Sarcocystis hominis which use canids, felids or primates as definitive hosts (DH), respectively, and in addition of Sarcocystis sinensis from which the DH is unknown. The aims of the present study were to develop and optimize a multiplex real time PCR for a sensitive and specific differentiation of Sarcocystis spp. affecting cattle and to estimate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Argentinean cattle. The 18S rRNA genes from individual sarcocysts were amplified and cloned to serve as controls. For the amplification of bovine Sarcocystis spp. a total of 3 primers were used in combination with specific individual probes. Each assay was evaluated and optimized individually and subsequently combined in a multiplex assay (BovSarcoMultiplex real time PCR). The analytical specificity of the multiplex assay was assessed using 5 ng of DNA of heterologous Sarcocystis spp. and other apicomplexan parasites, and no positive reactions were observed other than for the species the PCR targeted. The analytical sensitivity ranged between 0.0125 and 0.125 fg of plasmid DNA (equivalent to the DNA of 2-20 plasmid DNA copies) or resembling DNA of 0.1-0.3 bradyzoites. A total of 380 DNA loin samples from Argentina were tested and 313, 29, 14 and 2 were positive for S. cruzi, S. sinensis, S. hirsuta and S. hominis, respectively. S. sinensis was the most prevalent species among thick walled Sarcocystis spp. in Argentinean cattle. Mixed infections were detected in 8.9% of all samples. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the BovSarcoMultiplex real time PCR relative to previous microscopic examination for thin and thick-walled cyst were 91.5% and 41.7%, 36.3% and 95.9% respectively. Improved DNA extraction methods may allow to further increase the specific and sensitive detection of Sarcocystis spp. in meat samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Moré
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Seestrasse 55, 16868 Wusterhausen, Germany.
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Hecker YP, Venturini MC, Campero CM, Odeón AC, Moore DP. [Advances in the development of vaccines for bovine neosporosis]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2012; 44:216-230. [PMID: 23102471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neosporosis, a disease caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan Neospora caninum, produces abortions in cattle. The severe economic losses in cattle industry justify the need to develop control measures for preventing bovine abortion. Apicomplexan parasitic resistance is associated with T helper 1 immune response mediated by CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the production of interferon-gamma, interleukin-12, tumor necrosis factor and immunoglobulin G2. The reduction of vertical transmission in subsequent pregnancies and the low levels of abortion repetition suggests the existence of protective immune mechanisms. Inoculation with live tachyzoites before mating protects against infection and abortion. Antecedents of the development of live vaccines against other protozoa stimulate research to develop a live vaccine against N. caninum. On the other hand, an inactivated vaccine with low efficacy against neosporosis is useful in the prevention of abortion in farms with epizootic disease. A neosporosis vaccine should avoid abortion, transplacental transmission and infection persistence. In the present work, advances in vaccine development including lysate of tachyzoites, live parasites, recombinant antigens and vaccine vectors are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina P Hecker
- Patología Veterinaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 276 (7620) Balcarce, Argentina.
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21
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Moré G, Maksimov P, Pardini L, Herrmann DC, Bacigalupe D, Maksimov A, Basso W, Conraths FJ, Schares G, Venturini MC. Toxoplasma gondii infection in sentinel and free-range chickens from Argentina. Vet Parasitol 2011; 184:116-21. [PMID: 21962965 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at isolating and genotyping Toxoplasma gondii from serologically positive free-range chickens from Argentina, and to evaluate the use of sentinel animals during a short time period of exposure to determine environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts. Two groups of chickens on six farms were compared in this study: (i) young, 2-3 month-old broiler-type chickens reared as sentinel animals on the farms and (ii) adult chickens reared on the same farms for more than one year. Seroconversion rates of 7.0% or 5.7% were observed in sentinel broiler chickens reared for a period of 74 days (January-April 2010) or 88 days (August-November 2010) respectively, as shown by a T. gondii specific immunofluorescent antibody test. Fifty-three percent (17 of 32) of adult chickens were positive and showed higher titres than sentinel animals. Isolation of T. gondii from tissues (brain and heart) of serologically positive chickens was achieved from six of seven free-range adult birds with IFAT titres of 200 and higher. The isolated parasites were analysed by multi-locus polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The isolated T. gondii showed three different genotypes: two genotypes consisted in atypical allele combinations, and the remaining genotype had exclusively clonal type II alleles. All isolates obtained at a single farm, corresponded to the same genotype. The T. gondii genotypes observed are identical to those described in cats, dogs, chickens and capybaras elsewhere in South America. Two isolates, which showed different allele combinations in PCR-RFLP, were characterized in a mouse virulence assay. While one isolate showed a low virulence a second isolate was of intermediate virulence to mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Moré
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118 (1900), La Plata, Argentina
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22
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Moré G, Abrahamovich P, Jurado S, Bacigalupe D, Marin JC, Rambeaud M, Venturini L, Venturini MC. Prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Argentinean cattle. Vet Parasitol 2010; 177:162-5. [PMID: 21168276 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2010] [Revised: 11/18/2010] [Accepted: 11/22/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystis cruzi, S. hirsuta and S. hominis are apicomplexan parasites that affect cattle worldwide with variable prevalence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Argentinean cattle comparing microscopic fresh examination and molecular methods. Blood, myocardium and loin samples were collected in five slaughterhouses from a total of 380 bovines. Origin of animals was representative of the major beef cattle production area of Argentina. Samples were analyzed by fresh microscopical examination, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), IFAT and PCR-RFLP. Thin walled sarcocysts corresponding with S. cruzi were found in 99.5% of heart samples. Sarcocysts were detected in 73.1% of loin samples; 71.5% had S. cruzi cysts and 23.1% had thick walled sarcocysts (S. hirsuta or S. hominis). TEM observation revealed the presence of characteristic S. hominis and S. hirsuta cyst walls in 7 and 1 loin samples respectively. Using IFAT, 379/380 animals had titers 25 or higher, showing a full agreement with fresh examination. Amplification products were detected in 35.5% (135/380) of loin samples; however Sarcocystis species could only be determined by RFLP in 29 samples. Agreement between fresh examination and PCR was low (Kappa value=0.262). This is the first report of S. hominis and S. hirsuta in Argentina. Further studies are needed to improve the sensitivity of molecular methods for species identification, especially for differentiation of S. cruzi and S. hirsuta from the zoonotic species S. hominis. The results of the present study and others focusing on sensitivity and specificity of Sarcocystis spp. diagnostic methods should contribute to improve food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Moré
- Departamento de Epizootiología y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
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Bacigalupe D, Venturini MC, Moré G, Unzaga JM, Larsen A, Basso W, Venturini L. Interferon gamma production and protective effects after Neospora caninum tachyzoite activation of bovine spleen cells. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2008.10.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Basso W, Venturini MC, Moré G, Quiroga A, Bacigalupe D, Unzaga JM, Larsen A, Laplace R, Venturini L. Toxoplasmosis in captive Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) in Argentina. Vet Parasitol 2007; 144:157-61. [PMID: 17056183 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2006] [Revised: 08/29/2006] [Accepted: 09/13/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Wallabies and other Australian marsupials are among the most susceptible species to Toxoplasma gondii. Fatal generalized toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in two captive 3 year-old female Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) from Argentina (w 1 and w 2) with a history of sudden death. Both animals had internal joeys which died 2 days after their mothers. Serologically, both females and one adult male without clinical signs from the same enclosure (w 3) had antibody titers for T. gondii>or=800 by the modified agglutination test (MAT); another adult male (w 4) was negative (MAT titer<25). Microscopically, tachyzoites were observed associated to non-suppurative meningoencephalitis, hepatitis, myositis, myocarditis and severe enteritis in hematoxylin and eosin stained sections from both w 1 and w 2. Immunohistochemically, parasites in heart, brain and liver sections of both female wallabies reacted with T. gondii antiserum. T. gondii was isolated from brain tissues of w 1 and w 2 by bioassay in mice and by culture in bovine monocytes and both isolates were cryopreserved. Genomic DNA was isolated from tachyzoites grown in cultures derived from both animals. The primer pair B22/B23 specific for T. gondii produced 115bp amplicons on poliacrylamide electrophoretic gels. Stray cats were suspected as the possible source of infection. Not all infected macropods were ill, showing that the infection may be asymptomatic and is not always fatal. A vertical infection could not be proved in the joey from w 2. As far as we know, this is the first confirmed report of toxoplasmosis in Bennet's wallabies in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Basso
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Cátedra de Parasitología y Enfermedades Parasitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, (1900) La Plata, Argentina.
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25
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Moore DP, Odeón AC, Venturini MC, Campero CM. [Bovine neosporosis: general concepts, immunity and perspectives for vaccination]. Rev Argent Microbiol 2005; 37:217-28. [PMID: 16502644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum causes abortions in cattle worldwide. The Neospora-cycle of life is heteroxenous. Dogs (Canis familiaris) and coyotes (Canis latrans) are the definitive hosts known at present. Although, transplacental infection is an efficiently mode of transmission in cattle; there are also experimental and field data that prove horizontal transmission. Several techniques are available for diagnosis since neosporosis is recognized as a disease that causes economic losses in cattle. The mechanisms that produce the abortion are not completely understood. The immunomodulation observed during the pregnancy, is associated with a susceptible period where Neospora-abortion can occur. Resistance to the parasite is dependent on T helper cell 1 cytokine responses. This has important repercussions for pregnant female bovine because strong T helper cell 1 cytokine responses are incompatible with successful pregnancy. However, it was demonstrated that chronically infected cows develop immune mechanisms against the abortion caused by a second Neospora-exposure. The comprehension of those mechanisms is needed for the formulation of Neospora-vaccines that prevent bovine neosporosis. General concepts about neosporosis with emphasis in the immune response and perspectives for vaccination are mentioned in the present review.
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MESH Headings
- Abortion, Veterinary/epidemiology
- Abortion, Veterinary/etiology
- Abortion, Veterinary/immunology
- Abortion, Veterinary/parasitology
- Abortion, Veterinary/prevention & control
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology
- Argentina/epidemiology
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases/diagnosis
- Cattle Diseases/epidemiology
- Cattle Diseases/immunology
- Cattle Diseases/parasitology
- Cattle Diseases/prevention & control
- Coccidiosis/diagnosis
- Coccidiosis/epidemiology
- Coccidiosis/immunology
- Coccidiosis/parasitology
- Coccidiosis/prevention & control
- Coccidiosis/veterinary
- Coccidiostats
- Dog Diseases/parasitology
- Dog Diseases/transmission
- Dogs
- Female
- Immunity, Cellular
- Life Cycle Stages
- Neospora/growth & development
- Neospora/immunology
- Neospora/isolation & purification
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/parasitology
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/veterinary
- Protozoan Vaccines/immunology
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Vaccination/veterinary
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Moore
- Estación Experimental Agropecuaria, Patología Veterinaria, Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA), CC 276, 7620 Balcarce, Argentina
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26
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Basso W, Venturini MC, Bacigalupe D, Kienast M, Unzaga JM, Larsen A, Machuca M, Venturini L. Confirmed clinical Neospora caninum infection in a boxer puppy from Argentina. Vet Parasitol 2005; 131:299-303. [PMID: 15978728 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2005] [Revised: 03/29/2005] [Accepted: 05/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Generalized neosporosis was diagnosed in a 2-month-old boxer puppy. The dog had a history of progressive paralysis and muscle atrophy, followed by cervical weakness, stiff jaws and dysphagia. The dog had a 1:12,800 antibody titer for Neospora caninum and was negative for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). After euthanasia a complete necropsy was carried out. The puppy had a megaesophagus. Microscopically, tachyzoites and tissue cysts were observed in histologic brain sections. Severe myositis was observed in esophagus and striated muscle sections and several groups of tachyzoites were associated with these lesions. Immunohistochemically, parasites in the brain and striated muscle reacted to anti-N. caninum antiserum. Western blot analysis allowed the identification of three major and four minor antigens of N. caninum tachyzoites corresponding to 30, 37, 45-kDa and 28, 29, 43, 47 and 67-kDa bands, respectively. Cerebral homogenate of the dog was inoculated into four Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Forty-nine days after inoculation, all the gerbils had positive IFAT titers to N. caninum (1:200, 1:400, 1:100 and 1:400). Genomic DNA was isolated from the brain, lung and striated muscle from the puppy and from the brain of one of the inoculated gerbils. The N. caninum specific primer pair Np 6/21 produced 328 bp amplicons on electrophoretic gels. This is the first confirmed clinical case of generalized canine neosporosis in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Basso
- Laboratorio de Inmunoparasitología, Cátedra de Parasitología y Enfermedades Parasitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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27
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Moore DP, Leunda MR, Zamorano PI, Odeón AC, Romera SA, Cano A, de Yaniz G, Venturini MC, Campero CM. Immune response to Neospora caninum in naturally infected heifers and heifers vaccinated with inactivated antigen during the second trimester of gestation. Vet Parasitol 2005; 130:29-39. [PMID: 15893067 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2005.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the immune response to Neospora caninum in naturally infected heifers and heifers inoculated with a killed whole N. caninum tachyzoite preparation during the second trimester of gestation. Nine Holstein heifers were used in this study; three naturally infected heifers were born from seropositive dams, and six seronegative heifers were born from seronegative dams. Four seronegative heifers were subcutaneously vaccinated with a killed whole N. caninum tachyzoite preparation at weeks 13, 15 and 17 of gestation. A killed whole N. caninum tachyzoite preparation containing 45 mg of protein/5 ml dose was formulated with 70% of mineral oil adjuvant (13% consisting of Arlacel C, 85% Marcol 52 and 2% Tween-80). Similarly, two seronegative heifers (negative controls) were inoculated with mock-infected bovine monocytes in oil adjuvant. Humoral immune responses were tested by using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting isotype specific antibodies. Cellular immune responses were assessed by lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) and IFN-gamma production. N. caninum-specific antibody responses increased in immunized cattle by week 15 of gestation (mean reciprocal antibody titers 450+/-252), peaked at week 23 (mean 16,000+/-6400). Maximum antibody response in naturally infected heifers was observed at week 19 of gestation (mean: 3467+/-2810). Mean serum IFAT titers were significantly higher in immunized heifers compared with those in naturally infected heifers from weeks 17 to 25 (P < 0.05). Analysis of isotype specific antibodies in naturally infected heifers revealed a predominant IgG1 response in one heifer and a predominant IgG2 response in the other two. Similar titers of IgG1 and IgG2 occurred in immunized heifers. Control heifers remained seronegative throughout the study by IFAT and ELISA. Significant antigen-specific proliferation responses were only detected in naturally infected heifers in week 19 of gestation. Peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PMBC) from immunized animals produced IFN-gamma in similar concentrations to those of infected animals (P > 0.05). No abortion was seen in any experimental group; however, one calf from a vaccinated heifer died due to dystocia. All calves from vaccinated and control heifers were seronegative by IFAT at 6 months of age; in contrast, calves born from naturally infected heifers remained seropositive with titers > or = 200. Killed vaccine induced similar immune responses to those found in chronically, naturally infected cattle which did not abort; however, different immune pathways may be followed in vaccinated and natural infected heifers with differences in degree of protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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28
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Dubey JP, Venturini MC, Venturini L, Piscopo M, Graham DH, Dahl E, Sreekumar C, Vianna MC, Lehmann T. Isolation and Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii From Free-Ranging Chickens From Argentina. J Parasitol 2003; 89:1063-4. [PMID: 14627159 DOI: 10.1645/ge-126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging chickens can be considered a good indicator of the prevalence of T. gondii oocysts in the environment because chickens feed from the ground. In the present study, prevalence of T. gondii in 29 free-range chickens (Gallus domesticus) from Argentina was investigated. Blood, heart, and brain from each chicken were examined for T. gondii infection. Antibodies to T. gondii, assayed with the modified agglutination test (MAT), were found in 19 of 29 (65.5%) chickens. Hearts and brains of seropositive (MAT > or = 1:5) chickens were bioassayed in mice. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from 9 of 19 seropositive chickens. Genotyping of chicken isolates of T. gondii using the SAG2 locus indicated that 1 was type I, 1 was type II, and 7 were type III. This is the first report of isolation of T. gondii from chickens from Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA.
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29
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Dubey JP, Sreekumar C, Lindsay DS, Hill D, Rosenthal BM, Venturini L, Venturini MC, Greiner EC. Besnoitia oryctofelisi n. sp. (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) from domestic rabbits. Parasitology 2003; 126:521-39. [PMID: 12879849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
A species of Besnoitia from naturally infected rabbits from Argentina was propagated experimentally in mice, gerbils, rabbits, cats, and cell cultures. Cats fed tissue cysts from rabbits shed oocysts with a prepatent period of nine to 13 days. Sporulated oocysts were infective to gerbils, rabbits, outbred Swiss Webster and interferon gamma gene knockout mice. Bradyzoites were infective orally to gerbils and cats. Tachyzoites were successfully cultivated and maintained in vitro in bovine monocytes and African green monkey kidney cells. Schizonts were seen in the lamina propria of the small intestine of cats fed tissue cysts; the largest ones measured 52 x 45 microm. Schizonts were also present in mesenteric lymph nodes, livers, and other extra-intestinal organs of cats fed tissue cysts. Oocysts were 10-14 x 10-13 microm in size. This rabbit-derived species of Besnoitia resembled B. darlingi of the North American opossum, Didelphis virginiana with an opossum-cat cycle, but it was not transmissible to D. virginiana, and B. darlingi of opossums was not transmissible to rabbits. Based on biological, serological, antigenic, and molecular differences between the rabbit and the opossum Besnoitia, a new name, B. oryctofelisi is proposed for the parasite from domestic rabbits from Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Parasite Biology, Epidemiology and Systematics Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
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Venturini L, Petruccelli M, Píscopo M, Unzaga JM, Venturini MC, Bacigalupe D, Basso W, Dubey JP. Natural Besnoitia sp. infection in domestic rabbits from Argentina. Vet Parasitol 2002; 107:273-8. [PMID: 12163238 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Besnoitia sp. are apicomplexan coccidian parasites affecting several species of mammals and cold-blooded animals in several countries. Besnoitia sp. tissue cysts were seen in several tissues of five rabbits from a rabbit breeder in La Plata, Argentina. Bradyzoites released from macroscopic tissue cysts were inoculated onto bovine monocytes, and into interferon gamma gene knockout (KO) mice. Besnoitia sp. tachyzoites were seen in the peritoneal exudate of KO mice on day 10 pi and these tachyzoites were infective to other KO mice. Tachyzoites grown in cell culture were infective to gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). This is the first report of Besnoitia sp. infection in any host in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Venturini
- Parasitología y E. Parasitarias, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 60 y 118, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
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31
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Basso W, Venturini L, Venturini MC, Moore P, Rambeau M, Unzaga JM, Campero C, Bacigalupe D, Dubey JR. Prevalence of Neospora caninum infection in dogs from beef-cattle farms, dairy farms, and from urban areas of Argentina. J Parasitol 2001; 87:906-7. [PMID: 11534656 DOI: 10.1645/0022-3395(2001)087[0906:poncii]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was determined in sera of 320 dogs from Argentina using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 121 of 320 (37.8%) sera with titers of 1:50 (21 dogs), 1:100 (23 dogs), 1:200 (23 dogs), 1:400 (17 dogs), 1:800 (23 dogs), and > or = 1:1.600 (14 dogs). The seropositivity (IFAT, > or = 1:50) was higher in dogs from dairy (48% of 125) and beef (54.2% of 35) farms than in dogs from urban areas (26.2% of 160). Prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies was higher in dogs more than 12 mo of age (47.7%, 105 of 222) versus in 12-mo-old or younger dogs (12.7% of 86), suggesting postnatal exposure of N. caninum infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Basso
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
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32
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Abstract
Neospora caninum is a major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. Cattle become infected with N. caninum by ingesting oocysts from the environment or transplacentally from dam to fetus. Experimentally, dogs can act as definitive hosts, but dogs excrete few oocysts after ingesting tissue cysts. A natural definitive host was unknown until now. In the present study, N. caninum was isolated from the feces of a dog. Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) fed feces from the dog developed antibodies to N. caninum in the Neospora caninum agglutination test, and tissue cysts were found in their brains. Neospora caninum was isolated in cell culture and in gamma-interferon gene knockout mice inoculated with brain homogenates of infected gerbils. The DNA obtained from fecal oocysts of the dog, from the brains of gerbils fed dog feces, and from organisms isolated in cell cultures inoculated with gerbil brains was confirmed as N. caninum. The identification of N. caninum oocyst by bioassay and polymerase chain reaction demonstrates that the dog is a natural definitive host for N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Basso
- Catedra de Parasitologia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
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33
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Dubey JP, Venturini L, Venturini MC, Speer CA. Isolation of Sarcocystis speeri Dubey and Lindsay, 1999 parasite from the South American opossum (Didelphis albiventris) from Argentina. J Parasitol 2000; 86:160-3. [PMID: 10701583 DOI: 10.1645/0022-3395(2000)086[0160:iossda]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcocystis sporocysts from the intestines of 2 opossums (Didelphis albiventris) from Argentina were fed to gamma-interferon knockout (KO) and nude mice. Protozoal schizonts were seen in brain, liver, spleen, and adrenal glands of mice examined 33-64 days after feeding sporocysts. Sarcocysts were seen in skeletal muscles of KO mice 34-71 days after feeding sporocysts. Schizonts and sarcocysts were structurally similar to Sarcocystis speeri Dubey and Lindsay, 1999 seen in mice fed sporocysts from the North American opossum Didelphis virginiana from the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, Parasite Biology and Epidemiology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Maryland 20705-2350, USA
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34
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Venturini MC, Venturini L, Bacigalupe D, Machuca M, Echaide I, Basso W, Unzaga JM, Di Lorenzo C, Guglielmone A, Jenkins MC, Dubey JP. Neospora caninum infections in bovine foetuses and dairy cows with abortions in Argentina. Int J Parasitol 1999; 29:1705-8. [PMID: 10608457 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(99)00143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies to Neospora caninum were measured in bovine foetuses, dairy cows and beef cows in Argentina using the IFAT, the N. caninum agglutination test, and the recombinant NCDG1 and NCDG2 ELISA. Serum antibodies (IFAT titre 1:80) were found in 20 of 82 (24.4%) dairy cow foetuses and one of 22 (4.5%) beef cow foetuses. Microscopic lesions suggestive of neosporosis were seen in brains of seven of eight foetuses with IFAT titres of 1:80. Antibodies (IFAT) were found in 122 of 189 (64.5%) dairy cows that aborted. Serum antibody titres (IFAT) of 189 dairy cows that aborted were: < 1:25 (67 cows), 1:25 (four cows), 1:50 (16 cows), 1:200 (seven cows), 1:> or = 800 (95 cows). Of the 87 sera with IFAT titres of < or = 1:50, 57 had no antibodies in 1:40 dilution and 30 had titres of 1:40 in the N. caninum agglutination test. Thus, sera from at least 56 dairy cows which had aborted were seronegative both in the N. caninum agglutination test and the IFAT. The distribution of positive and negative sera was similar when measured by ELISA, except that, depending on cut-off titre, the ELISA indicated a greater number of seropositive cows that were negative by the IFAT and N. caninum agglutination test. These results suggest that transplacental transmission of N. caninum in dairy cows in Argentina is frequent.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Venturini
- Laboratorio de Immunoparasitologia, Catedra de Parasitologia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
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35
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Dubey JP, Venturini MC, Venturini L, McKinney J, Pecoraro M. Prevalence of antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in horses from Argentina. Vet Parasitol 1999; 86:59-62. [PMID: 10489203 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00127-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sera from 76 horses from Argentina were examined for antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Antibodies to S. neurona were found in 27 (35.5%) of 76 horses using immunoblots with culture derived merozoites as antigen. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 10 (13.1%) of 76 horses by using the modified agglutination test with formalin-fixed tachyzoites and mercaptoethanol; titers were 1:25 (two horses), 1:50 (six horses), 1:100 (two horses), and 1:200 (one horse). Antibodies to N. caninum were not found in any of the 76 horses by the use of N. caninum agglutination test. This is the first report of S. neurona infection in horses in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- Parasite Biology and Epidemiology Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
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36
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Venturini MC, Bacigalupe D, Venturini L, Machuca M, Perfumo CJ, Dubey JP. Detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in stillborn piglets in Argentina. Vet Parasitol 1999; 85:331-4. [PMID: 10488736 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00104-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fetal fluids of 738 stillborn piglets from three swine farms in Argentina were examined for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Antibodies were detected in 15 samples at a 1:20 dilution in the indirect fluorescent antibody test and 10 samples were positive in the modified agglutination test (MAT) at a dilution of 1:25; four of these samples had a MAT titer of > or = 1:100. This survey indicates a low rate of congenital T. gondii infection in stillborn pigs in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Venturini
- Department of Parasitology and Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, La Plata National University, Argentina
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37
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Venturini MC, Quiroga MA, Risso MA, Lorenzo CD, Omata Y, Venturini L, Godoy H. Mycotoxin T-2 and aflatoxin B1 as immunosuppressors in mice chronically infected with Toxoplasma gondii. J Comp Pathol 1996; 115:229-37. [PMID: 8923234 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9975(96)80081-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether repeated ingestion of mycotoxin T-2 (T2) or aflatoxin B1 (AFL) at low doses could contribute to the activation of toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected mice. Mice were divided into two groups: Control (C) and Infected (I). The cyst-forming Beverley strain of Toxoplasma gondii was used to produce the infection one month before treatment with mycotoxins. Mycotoxins were given intragastrically for a 50-day period. The average weight gain was reduced in the groups treated with mycotoxins. Mice developed specific IgG to T. gondii. Histopathological studies showed severe encephalitis in all groups infected. The number of unruptured and ruptured cysts was established and the severity of the lesions was evaluated, the groups treated with mycotoxins being the most severely affected. Immunohistochemical studies of the brain showed free antigen in tissues surrounding ruptured cysts. It is suggested that low and repeated doses of mycotoxins, necessary to produce a subclinical intoxication, precipitate Toxoplasma cyst rupture and consequently the activation of chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Venturini
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of La Plata, Argentina
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38
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Venturini MC, Perfumo CJ, Risso MA, Gomez CM, Piscopo MV, Sala de Miguel M, Godoy H. Effect of aflatoxin B1 on resistance induced by Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine in rabbits. Vet Microbiol 1990; 25:209-16. [PMID: 2126410 DOI: 10.1016/0378-1135(90)90078-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The effects of aflatoxin B1 on the development of the immune response to oil-adjuvanted Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine and on acquired resistance to bacterial challenge were studied in rabbits. The doses of aflatoxin used were insufficient to produce clinical intoxication. Rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups, each having six animals: control (T), vaccinated (V), and vaccinated plus aflatoxin (VA) at 0.05 mg/kg daily per os. Groups V and VA were vaccinated twice, and the three groups were subsequently challenged with virulent B. bronchiseptica. The average weight gain at weekly intervals was significantly reduced in group VA, and no statistically significant differences were found in the titers of agglutinating antibodies between groups V and VA. There were significant differences between groups V and VA in the extent and severity of the pneumonic process, group VA being most affected. Results indicated that agglutinating antibody titers were not related to the level of protection in the latter group. Other mechanisms, such as alveolar macrophage activity and cell-mediated immunity, were implicated in the impairment of the acquired resistance in rabbits subclinically intoxicated with aflatoxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Venturini
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, La Plata National University, Argentina
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