Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in swine from Northeastern Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum in dogs attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil, where there are no reports of the occurrence of N. caninum and T. gondii in dogs. Serum samples from 530 dogs of genders, different ages and breeds from the municipality of Teresina and nearby towns were analyzed using three indirect fluorescent antibody tests, each one targeting one of the three agents. The associations between the parasites and gender, breed and age of the dogs were assessed by the chi-square test (p > 0.05). The occurrence of antibodies to N. caninum, T. gondii and L. infantum was 3.2, 18.0 and 78.1%, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii was more frequently found in older dogs (p < 0.05) whereas L. infantum was more common in animals aged between 1 to 3 years (p < 0.05). In order to evaluate potential associations between the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies and Leishmania infection, 240 dogs were selected (120 positive and 120 negative for Leishmania spp.), based on serological and parasitological diagnoses. No association was found between Leishmania spp. and the coccidian parasites (p > 0.05). The results confirm the exposure of dogs to these parasites in the State of Piauí.

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Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in domestic mammals from two distinct regions in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil

Veterinary Parasitology Regional Studies and Reports ◽

10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.08.007 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 14-18 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ana Isabel Arraes-Santos ◽

Andreina C. Araújo ◽

Maíra F. Guimarães ◽

Josenilton R. Santos ◽

Hilda F.J. Pena ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Arid Region ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Semi Arid Region ◽

Semi Arid

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

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2017000900004 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 37 (9) ◽

pp. 921-925 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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Risk factors and anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibody occurrence in dogs in João Pessoa, Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612018006 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 242-247 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Arthur Willian de Lima Brasil ◽

Roberta Nunes Parentoni ◽

José Givanildo da Silva ◽

Carolina de Sousa Américo Batista Santos ◽

Rinaldo Aparecido Mota ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Indirect Immunofluorescence ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Two Agents ◽

Forested Areas ◽

Caninum Antibody ◽

The City

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of infections due to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum and corresponding risk factors among dogs attended at veterinary clinics in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 384 dogs that were attended at 34 veterinary clinics between April 2015 and May 2016. These two agents were diagnosed through the indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFAT). Among the 384 animals evaluated, 37 (9.6%) were positive for T. gondii, with titers ranging from 16 to 512. Six dogs (1.6%) were positive for N. caninum, with titers of 50 to 200. Access to the streets (OR = 4.60; 95% CI = 1.74-12.20) and environments close to forested areas (OR = 2.79; 95% CI = 1.32-5.93) were found to be risk factors for T. gondii infection. The dogs attended at veterinary clinics in João Pessoa are exposed to infections caused by T. gondii and N. caninum. Dog owners should avoid having access to the street or contact with forest environments.

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Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in swine from Northeastern Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612010000200002 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 80-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Sérgio Santos de Azevedo ◽

Hilda Fátima de Jesus Pena ◽

Clebert José Alves ◽

Antônio Alfredo de Melo Guimarães Filho ◽

Robério Macedo Oliveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Northeastern Brazil

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Occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in goats and sheep in western Maranhão, Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612011000400010 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 312-317 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Larissa Martins de Brito Moraes ◽

Juliana Macedo Raimundo ◽

Andresa Guimarães ◽

Huarrisson Azevedo Santos ◽

Gilberto de Lima Macedo Junior ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Immunofluorescence Assay ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Food Supplementation ◽

Igg Antibodies ◽

Etiologic Agents ◽

Western Area ◽

Significant Difference

Neosporosis and toxoplasmosis are parasitic diseases which can cause reproductive problems in goats and sheep. The current study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in goats and sheep from the districts of Amarante do Maranhão and Buritirana, Imperatriz microregion, western area of Maranhão State, northeastern Brazil, and to assess factors associated to infection by these etiologic agents. Blood samples from 110 animals (46 goats and 64 sheep) from five herds were collected, and indirect immunofluorescence assay was used for serological testing. Of 46 goat samples, 17.39% (n = 8) showed anti-N. caninum antibodies and 4.35% (n = 2) anti-T. gondii, while of 64 sheep samples 4.69% (n = 3) and 18.75% (n = 12) showed anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies, respectively. No significant difference regarding the presence of domestic cats and/or dogs on the property and veterinary care was seen for both etiologic agents studied. However, food supplementation and animal reproductive failure were significantly (p < 0.05) for N. caninum among sheep and goats, respectively. The current study showed that goats and sheep in western Maranhão are exposed to N. caninum and T. gondii. It is the first evidence of these agents in small ruminants in this region.

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Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence: Vaccination against PCV2 and Muscle Enzyme Activity in Seropositive and Seronegative Pigs

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9051097 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1097

Author(s):

Labrini V. Athanasiou ◽

Vasileios G. Papatsiros ◽

Victoria M. Spanou ◽

Eleni G. Katsogiannou ◽

Anna Dedousi

Keyword(s):

Enzyme Activity ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Human Infection ◽

Porcine Circovirus ◽

Muscle Enzyme ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Zoonotic Pathogen ◽

Muscle Enzyme Activity ◽

Immunofluorescence Antibody

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii affect both humans and animals worldwide. To investigate their seroprevalence and differences in seropositivity between pigs vaccinated and unvaccinated against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), as well as differences in muscle enzyme activity between seropositive and seronegative pigs, blood samples were collected from 380 sows. Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay, while the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were biochemically assessed. Out of the 364 sows finally included in the study, 4.4%, 3.5%, and 0.5% were seropositive to T. gondii, N. caninum, or both. A significantly higher percentage of seropositivity against T. gondii and/or N. caninum in PCV2 unvaccinated pigs compared with vaccinated pigs was observed. Increased serum activities of CK and AST were detected in 71.43% and 100% of only against T. gondii (T+) and 63.64% and 90.91% of only against N. caninum (N+) seropositive sows, respectively, and were significantly higher compared to seronegative animals. T. gondii and N. caninum seropositivity, especially in presumed immunocompromised pigs, and the evidence of muscle damage highlight their importance as a zoonotic pathogen and animal model of human infection, respectively.

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Cytologic detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the cerebrospinal fluid of a dog and in vitro isolation of a unique mouse-virulent recombinant strain

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation ◽

10.1177/1040638721996685 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 104063872199668

Author(s):

Waléria Borges-Silva ◽

Mariana M. Rezende-Gondim ◽

Gideão S. Galvão ◽

Daniele S. Rocha ◽

George R. Albuquerque ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Recombinant Strain ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Species Identity ◽

Cytologic Examination ◽

Pcr Rflp ◽

Tissue Homogenates

Parasites resembling Neospora caninum or Toxoplasma gondii were detected by cytologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a dog with neurologic disease. The dog became severely ill and was euthanized. Canine tissue homogenates were used for direct parasite isolation in cell culture, bioassay in 2 mouse lineages, and PCR. T. gondii was isolated in monkey kidney cells, and species identity was confirmed by PCR. Inoculated parasites were highly virulent for mice, which developed clinical signs and were euthanized immediately. PCR-RFLP for T. gondii using the cultured isolate (TgDgBA22) was conducted with 12 genetic markers, and a unique recombinant strain was identified. Detection of T. gondii by CSF cytology, although described in humans, had not been reported previously in dogs, to our knowledge, and was crucial for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in the examined dog.

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Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612011000300004 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 202-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Nicolle Fridlund Plugge ◽

Fabiano Montiani Ferreira ◽

Rosária Regina Tesoni de Barros Richartz ◽

Adriana de Siqueira ◽

Rosangela Locatelli Dittrich

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Neurological Diseases ◽

Fluorescent Antibody ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Stray Dogs ◽

Neurological Signs ◽

Significant Difference

This study aimed to evaluate occurrences of antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs. Blood samples from 147 dogs were collected: 127 from owned dogs (attended at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná (HV-UFPR) and at private veterinary clinics in the city of Curitiba), and 20 from stray dogs found in Curitiba's metropolitan region. The dogs presented one or more of the following neurological signs: seizures, paresis or paralysis, ataxia, behavioral abnormalities, sensory and somatic disorders and chorioretinitis. The samples were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), at a cutoff dilution of 1:50. Out of the 147 samples obtained, 17 (11.56%) were seropositive for N. caninum, 31 (21.08%) for T. gondii and four (2.72%) for both protozoa. Serum titration on the positive animals showed that 54.83% (17/31) and 41.18% (7/17) had titers > 1:200 against T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. A significant difference in seropositivity for T. gondii (P = 0.021; OR = 2.87; CI = 1.1 > 2.8 > 7.4) was observed between owned dogs (18.11%) and stray dogs (40%). Inclusion of serological tests for neosporosis and toxoplasmosis is recommended in diagnosing neurological diseases in dogs.

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