scholarly journals Spatial Analysis of Infections by Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) in Small Ruminants in Northern Italy

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 916 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Gazzonis ◽  
Luca Villa ◽  
MariaTeresa Manfredi ◽  
Sergio Zanzani
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Low Prevalence

The objectives of this study were: (i) To investigate possible geographical or environmental factors influencing the infections by Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep and goats in northern Italy; (ii) to identify areas at risk of infection to set up preventive measures. Forty-three sheep and goat farms were included. Their locations were plotted and associated with T. gondii and N. caninum seroprevalence, then the distribution of farms’ prevalence was evaluated by spatial analysis. Significant clusters for both low and high prevalence were obtained, and a generalized linear model with ordinal logistic regression was implemented to verify if spatial clustering could be due to climate factors (temperature, rainfall, and their interaction). Clusters of high (80.0%) and low prevalence (28.12%) resulted for T. gondii seroprevalence in sheep farms. No significant clusters resulted for goat farms. Clusters of high (38.68%) and low prevalence (21.23%) resulted for N. caninum seroprevalence in sheep farms. One high-prevalence cluster (15.62%) resulted for goat farms. For goats, spatial analysis and analysis on climatic data showed the absence of environmental significant risk factors associated with T. gondii or N. caninum infection. On the contrary, for sheep, annual temperature, rainfall, and their association affected the risk of T. gondii and N. caninum infection. Particularly, high temperatures and abundant rainfalls were related to T. gondii seroprevalence, while low temperatures and scarce rainfalls were related to N. caninum seroprevalence.

scholarly journals Risk factors involved in transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in rabbit farms in Northern Italy

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 677-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tereza Machacova ◽  
Eva Bártová ◽  
Kamil Sedlak ◽  
Marie Budikova ◽  
Alessandra Piccirillo
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Caninum Infection

scholarly journals Transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum in naturally infected small ruminants from northeastern Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 921-925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annelise C.B.T. Nunes ◽  
Elise M. Yamasaki ◽  
Pomy C.P. Kim ◽  
Renata P.B. Melo ◽  
Müller Ribeiro-Andrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Transplacental Transmission ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
History Of ◽  
Different Tissues

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are causative agents of abortion in sheep and goats. Thus, the present study aimed to describe the transplacental transmission of these protozoans in small ruminants of northeastern Brazil. Seventeen fetuses (6 goats and 11 sheep) from farms with history of abortion were necropsied and samples were collected from different tissues (brain, liver, lung, kidney and heart). The samples were analyzed by PCR, histopathology (HP) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate whether T. gondii and/or N. caninum infection were the cause of abortion. None of the samples was positive for T. gondii according to PCR and IHC results. Some brain, liver, lung, kidney and heart samples of goat fetuses were positive for N. caninum by PCR. In the histopathology, mild mononuclear infiltration and necrosis with calcification were observed in the liver and brain of one goat fetus, respectively, that also was positive for N. caninum by PCR and IHC. The results confirmed vertical transmission of N. caninum in naturally infected goats of northeastern, Brazil.

scholarly journals Treatment of Toxoplasmosis and Neosporosis in Farm Ruminants: State of Knowledge and Future Trends

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 1304-1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez ◽  
Patricia Vázquez ◽  
Ignacio Ferre ◽  
Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Zoonotic Parasites ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are closely related protozoan diseases that lead to important economic impacts in farm ruminants. Toxoplasma gondii infection mainly causes reproductive failure in small ruminants and is a widespread zoonosis, whereas Neospora caninum infection is one of the most important causes of abortion in cattle worldwide. Vaccination has been considered the most economic measure for controlling these diseases. However, despite vaccine development efforts, only a liveattenuated T. gondii vaccine has been licensed for veterinary use, and no promising vaccines against neosporosis have been developed; therefore, vaccine development remains a key goal. Additionally, drug therapy could be a valuable strategy for disease control in farm ruminants, as several drugs that limit T. gondii and N. caninum proliferation and dissemination have been evaluated. This approach may also be relevant to performing an initial drug screening for potential human therapy for zoonotic parasites. Treatments can be applied against infections in adult ruminants to minimize the outcomes of a primo-infection or the reactivation of a chronic infection during gestation or in newborn ruminants to avoid infection chronification. In this review, the current status of drug development against toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in farm ruminants is presented, and in an effort to promote additional treatment options, prospective drugs that have shown efficacy in vitro and in laboratory animal models of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are examined.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in synanthropic rodents from Argentina

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Dellarupe ◽  
Bruno Fitte ◽  
Lais Pardini ◽  
Lucía María Campero ◽  
Mariana Bernstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Coccidian Parasites ◽  
Rats And Mice ◽  
Synanthropic Rodents

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related coccidian parasites (phylum Apicomplexa). This is the first study from urban synanthropic rodent species that involved serological and molecular diagnosis of T. gondii and N. caninum infection, and genotyping of T. gondii in Argentina. A total of 127 rodent samples were trap captured: Mus musculus (n = 78), Rattus norvegicus (n = 26) and Rattus rattus (n = 23). Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by IFAT in 32.8% (40/122) and 0.8% (1/122) of rodent samples, respectively, demonstrating contact with these protozoans. Additionally, T. gondii DNA was detected in 3.3% (4/123) of rodent central nervous system samples and 2 samples were genotyped by multilocus nPCR-RFLP. Neospora caninum DNA was not detected by PCR. The 2 genotyped samples were type III allele for all markers except for SAG-1 (type I for Rat1Arg and type II/III for Rat2Arg) and were identified as #48 and #2 (likely) according to the allele combinations reported on Toxo DB (Toxo-DB). The results of the present study revealed a wide distribution of T. gondii and less for N. caninum, in synanthropic rats and mice in the studied area.

scholarly journals Antibodies against Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii detected in buffaloes from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 947-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza P. Portella ◽  
◽  
Gustavo C. Cadore ◽  
Marcelo de Lima ◽  
Luís A. Sangioni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp

ABSTRACT: The presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii was evaluated in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), southern Brazil. Serum samples (n=220) were analyzed for antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibody presence was considered when the titers were equal or higher than 100 for these protozoa. A total of 60.5% (133/220) buffalo serum samples were positive for at least one of the protozoa evaluated in this study. Antibodies for N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii were found in 36.4% (80/220), 25.5% (56/220) and 16.8% (37/220) of the buffaloes respectively, indicating a higher frequency of N. caninum infection (p=0.0133). The IFAT is a suitable method to diagnose N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii infection in buffaloes for detecting IgG antibodies. This study demonstrates the presence of these three protozoa in buffalo herds in RS, Brazil, which may be source of infection to other animals. The high frequency of animals positive for N. caninum is important and could be related to reproductive problems. Additionally, the presence of Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii in buffaloes can be a possible public health issue.

scholarly journals Serological survey of Neospora caninum in small ruminants from Pernambuco State, Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Amélia Santos Mucalane Tembue ◽  
Rafael Antonio de Nascimento Ramos ◽  
Thais Rabelo de Sousa ◽  
Alessandra Ribeiro Albuquerque ◽  
Alvimar José da Costa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neonatal Mortality ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Serological Survey ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Bovine Abortion

Neospora caninum infection is an important cause of bovine abortion as well as neonatal mortality in goats and sheep. A serological survey for antibodies against N. caninum in goats and sheep was carried out in the municipality of Ibimirim, PE, Northeastern Brazil. The imunnofluoresce antibody test showed that 26.6% (85/319) of the goats and 64.2% (52/81) of the sheep were positive. Serologic reactivity was associated with age in goats (p < 0.01) and sheep (p > 0.05), with increasing rates in older animals. These results indicate exposure to N. caninum among small ruminants in the study area.

scholarly journals Protection against Lethal Neospora caninum Infection in Mice Induced by Heterologous Vaccination with a mic1 mic3 Knockout Toxoplasma gondii Strain

2009 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 651-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Marcela Penarete-Vargas ◽  
Marie Noelle Mévélec ◽  
Sarah Dion ◽  
Edouard Sèche ◽  
Isabelle Dimier-Poisson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Neonatal Morbidity ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Obligate Intracellular ◽  
Intracellular Parasites ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Vertebrate Hosts

ABSTRACT Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are closely related, obligate intracellular parasites infecting a wide range of vertebrate hosts and causing abortion and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Several lines of evidence suggest that cross immunity between these two pathogens could be exploited in the design of strategies for heterologous vaccination. We assessed the ability of an attenuated strain of T. gondii (“mic1-3KO strain”) conferring strong protection against chronic and congenital toxoplasmosis to protect mice against lethal N. caninum infection. Mice immunized with mic1-3KO tachyzoites by the oral and intraperitoneal routes developed a strong cellular Th1 response and displayed significant protection against lethal heterologous N. caninum infection, with survival rates of 70% and 80%, respectively, whereas only 30% of the nonimmunized mice survived. We report here the acquisition of heterologous protective immunity against N. caninum following immunization with a live attenuated mic1-3KO strain of T. gondii.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum prevalence and risk factors on goat farms in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-74
Author(s):  
Ruenruetai Udonsom ◽  
◽  
Jarawee Supanta ◽  
Onrampha Tanglakmankhong ◽  
Kanamon Ngoenphisutsin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Confidential Interval ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
And Control ◽  
On Farm

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are apicomplexan protozoan parasites that have been associated with reproductive problems in ruminants. Despite the high seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum reported in goats worldwide, little information about the seroprevalence of these parasites in goats in Thailand. In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in 389 goat samples from five districts of Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) using recombinant TgGRA7 and NcSAG1 antigens was used for the detection of anti-T.gondii and anti-N.caninum antibodies, respectively. Risk factors for the occurrence of these protozoan parasites on goat farms were also assessed. Specific IgG against T. gondii and N. caninum was detected in 28.5% and 16.7% samples, respectively. Co-infections were observed in 11.8% of samples. The risk factors significantly associated with T. gondii seroprevalence was the presence of cats (odds ratio [OR]= 2.55, 95% confidential interval [CI]=1.67- 3.89). The presence of other domestic animals on farm contributed to the risk of T. gondii and N. caninum infection on goat farms (OR=1.692, 95% CI= 1.08- 2.63). The present study provides data on the seroprevalence and risk of T. gondii and N. caninum infections among goats in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. Integrated and efficient measures are required to prevent and control infections on goat farms.

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