RESUMEN
The aim of this study was to determine the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora caninum, in tissues of wild boars slaughtered in southern Brazil. A total of 156 samples were collected from different organs of 25 wild boars, and DNA from at least one of the protozoa investigated was detected in 79 samples. To differentiate between infectious agents, restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed using the restriction enzymes DdeI and HpaII. For N. caninum, conventional PCR was performed with specific primers. The DNA of at least one of the studied pathogens was detected in each animal: 26.58% for T. gondii, 68.36% for Sarcocystis spp. and 5.06% for N. caninum. Coinfection between T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. occurred in 14 animals, between T. gondii and N. caninum in only one male animal, between Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum in a female, while co-infection with the three agents was equally observed in only one male animal. Considering the high frequency of detection and its zoonotic risk, especially T. gondii, it appears that wild boars can be potential sources of transmission of infectious agents and the adoption of monitoring measures in these populations should be prioritized.
Asunto(s)
Coccidiosis , Sarcocistosis , Sus scrofa , Toxoplasmosis Animal , Sus scrofa/parasitología , Toxoplasma/genética , Neospora/genética , Sarcocystis/genética , Brasil/epidemiología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/transmisión , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Sarcocistosis/epidemiología , Sarcocistosis/parasitología , Sarcocistosis/transmisión , Masculino , Femenino , Animales , Zoonosis/epidemiología , Zoonosis/transmisión , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Polimorfismo de Longitud del Fragmento de Restricción , ARN Ribosómico 18S/genéticaRESUMEN
This study aims to report the detection of N. caninum DNA in a newborn lamb (1) with neurological signs and congenital neosporosis and in a stillborn lamb (2), both born from the same ewe in a herd of Southern Brazil. The lambs were born during different pregnancies of a Suffolk ewe seropositive to N. caninum and seronegative to T. gondii. Histopathological lesions were observed only in the central nervous system of the lambs. The newborn lamb (1) showed mild and focal gliosis in the frontal lobe. In the hippocampal region of the stillborn lamb (2), lymphoplasmacytic perivascular cuffs and N. caninum cysts were observed in the cytoplasm of neurons and confirmed by IHC. PCR was performed using brain samples to detect the protozoa N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. The infection with N. caninum was confirmed in the newborn lamb (1) by PCR and in the stillborn lamb (2) by histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and PCR tests.
Asunto(s)
Coccidiosis , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/veterinaria , Neospora , Enfermedades de las Ovejas , Ovinos/parasitología , Animales , Brasil/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Femenino , Neospora/aislamiento & purificación , Embarazo , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/parasitología , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/transmisiónRESUMEN
Neospora caninum is considered to be one of the main causes of abortion among cattle. The present survey was conducted in the municipality of Rolim de Moura, Rondônia State, Brazil. A questionnaire that investigates the epidemiological aspects of neosporosis was used in the analysis of risk factors associated with the animal-level and herd-level prevalence in dairy cattle. A total of 416 bovine blood samples were collected from 30 farms, and N. caninum antibody levels were measured by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). Analysis of dairy cattle serum samples revealed the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies to be 47.36% (n = 197). Risk factors associated with N. caninum infection were the management system and access locations of dogs. The results of the present survey indicated that infection of dairy cattle with N. caninum is widespread in the studied region of Western Amazon, which has implications for prevention and control of neosporosis in this region. Therefore, integrated control strategies and measures are recommended to prevent and control N. caninum infection in dairy cattle. In addition, direct contact between dairy cattle, dogs and wild animals, which can influence the epidemiology of neosporosis, should be investigated further.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Bovinos , Coccidiosis , Neospora , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Brasil/epidemiología , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/transmisión , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/prevención & control , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Industria Lechera , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros , Análisis Factorial , Femenino , Neospora/inmunología , Embarazo , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios SeroepidemiológicosRESUMEN
Abstract Neospora caninum is considered to be one of the main causes of abortion among cattle. The present survey was conducted in the municipality of Rolim de Moura, Rondônia State, Brazil. A questionnaire that investigates the epidemiological aspects of neosporosis was used in the analysis of risk factors associated with the animal-level and herd-level prevalence in dairy cattle. A total of 416 bovine blood samples were collected from 30 farms, and N. caninum antibody levels were measured by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). Analysis of dairy cattle serum samples revealed the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies to be 47.36% (n = 197). Risk factors associated with N. caninum infection were the management system and access locations of dogs. The results of the present survey indicated that infection of dairy cattle with N. caninum is widespread in the studied region of Western Amazon, which has implications for prevention and control of neosporosis in this region. Therefore, integrated control strategies and measures are recommended to prevent and control N. caninum infection in dairy cattle. In addition, direct contact between dairy cattle, dogs and wild animals, which can influence the epidemiology of neosporosis, should be investigated further.
Resumo A infecção por Neospora caninum é considerada uma das principais causas de aborto entre bovinos. Esta pesquisa foi realizada no município de Rolim de Moura, estado de Rondônia, Brasil. Um questionário que investiga os aspectos epidemiológicos da neosporose foi utilizado na análise dos fatores de risco associados à prevalência em animais e em rebanhos. Um total de 416 amostras de sangue bovino foi colhido em 30 fazendas, e os níveis de anticorpos de N. caninum foram mensurados pela reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). A análise das amostras mostrou prevalência de anticorpos contra N. caninum de 47,36% (n = 197). Os fatores de risco associados à infecção por N. caninum foram o sistema de manejo e os locais de acesso dos cães. Os resultados da presente pesquisa indicam que a infecção de bovinos leiteiros com N. caninum está disseminada na região estudada da Amazônia Ocidental, o que tem implicações para a prevenção e controle da neosporose nessa região. Portanto, estratégias e medidas de controle integrado são recomendadas para prevenir e controlar a infecção por N. caninum em gado leiteiro. Além disso, o contato íntimo entre gado leiteiro, cães e animais selvagens, pode influenciar a epidemiologia da neosporose e deve ser investigada mais detalhadamente.
Asunto(s)
Animales , Femenino , Embarazo , Perros , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/prevención & control , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/prevención & control , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Brasil/epidemiología , Bovinos , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Factores de Riesgo , Análisis Factorial , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Neospora/inmunología , Industria Lechera , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Neospora caninum is considered as one of the main causes of reproductive failure in cattle. Vertical transmission is the main route of infection in the bovine host and plays an important role in maintaining the parasite in the herd. Molecular detection of N. caninum is important to determine the occurrence of the disease and to evaluate the genetic diversity of the parasite. The present study aimed at assessing the vertical transmission of N. caninum using molecular techniques to detect the parasite in tissue samples from bovine fetuses collected in a slaughterhouse in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Seventy fetuses and 70 blood samples from pregnant cows were collected in a slaughtering line. Fresh samples of heart and brain tissue from fetuses were analyzed using molecular assays. Serum samples from fetuses and cows were subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) to detect antibodies against N. caninum. Nested PCR targeting the internal transcriber 1 (ITS1) region of the protozoan organism was used in the molecular testing. From the total of fetuses examined, 71.42% were positive for N. caninum by PCR. A higher number of heart samples (47.1%) were positive for the parasite using this technique. Antibodies against the protozoa were detected in 12.9% of serum samples of cows; 2.8% of fetuses were seropositive for this pathogen. Our results show that vertical transmission of N. caninum occurs in cattle from this region of Brazil, and that the use of different diagnostic techniques contributes to successful diagnosis of congenital transmission of the parasite in cattle.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Bovinos/parasitología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Feto/parasitología , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/veterinaria , Neospora/aislamiento & purificación , Mataderos , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Bioensayo , Brasil/epidemiología , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/transmisión , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Femenino , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta/veterinaria , Neospora/inmunología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , EmbarazoRESUMEN
Neospora caninum infection of cattle can be vertically transmitted, resulting in abortion or birth of infected calves. Vertical transmission occurs both in acutely or chronically infected cattle. There is little information on the immune response needed to prevent endogenous transplacental transmission, particularly from chronically infected cattle to their offspring in a natural environment. In this study, N. caninum seropositive pregnant cattle from three different farms with high avidity antibodies and low IgM titers were selected and their newborn colostrum-deprived calves were tested for anti-N. caninum antibodies. Based on these results, dams were grouped according to their congenital transmission status. The analysis of the immune profile of the chronically-infected pregnant cattle revealed that higher ratio between IgG1 and IgG2 anti-N. caninum serum titers and higher levels of systemic IFN-γ were associated with diminished vertical transmission rates, compared to dams with the opposite profile. Our results evidenced an association between the immune profile and vertical transmission in non-aborting chronically infected dams, and confirm that vertical transmission, even when not leading to abortion, is related to a defined immune profile. This is important information to accomplish successful vaccine development efforts.
Asunto(s)
Coccidiosis/inmunología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/veterinaria , Interferón gamma/sangre , Aborto Veterinario/inmunología , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/transmisión , Industria Lechera , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Femenino , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Masculino , Neospora , Embarazo , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/veterinariaRESUMEN
Protozoários do gênero Neospora adquiriram grande importância ao serem incriminados como causa de aborto em bovinos, ingressando assim, no grupo de patógenos de relevância em medicina veterinária. Atualmente são conhecidas duas espécies potencialmente patogênicas, a saber, N. hughesi e N. caninum. A primeira espécie é relacionada a distúrbios neurológicos em potros e a segunda concorre como possível causa de aborto também em equinos. São conhecidas duas formas de transmissão deste Apicomplexa, a vertical ou transplacentária e a horizontal. Sabidamente fatores referentes ao parasita e ao hospedeiro interferem na eficiência tanto da infecção como na confecção de uma resposta imune efetiva, que culmine com a produção de anticorpos específicos ao imunógeno desafiante. Neste sentido o presente trabalho buscou verificar se as imunoglobulinas produzidas pelo concepto ainda em sua vida intrauterina, mediante desafio endógeno, persistem em seu organismo no seu primeiro ano de vida. Para tal, utilizou-se como forma de diagnóstico a pesquisa de anticorpos via Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). Foi realizado acompanhamento sorológico de potros congenitamente infectado e livres de Neospora spp. ao nascimento e aos 12 meses de idade. Constatou-se que 40% dos potros congenitamente infectados apresentavam IgG contra Neospora spp. aos 12 meses e, entre os potros soronegativos ao nascimento 28% produziram IgG específico ao final de seu primeiro ano de vida. Estes resultados apontam que a presença de imunoglobulinas específicas antiNeospora spp. ao final do primeiro ano de vida dos potros, independe do status sorológico materno, indicando que a via de infecção horizontal é importante para equinos.
Protozoa of the genus Neospora acquired great importance to be incriminated as a major cause of abortion in cattle in some regions of the planet, thus joining in relevant pathogens group in veterinary medicine. Currently known are two potentially pathogenic species, namely N. hughesi and N. caninum. The first kind is related to neurological disorders in foals and the second competes as a possible cause of abortion also in horses. Two are known forms of transmission of this Apicomplexa, vertical or placenta and the horizontal. Known factors related to the parasite and the host interfere with the efficiency of both the infection and the manufacture of an effective immune response, culminating in the production of specific antibodies to challenging immunogen. In this sense, the present study was to ascertain whether the immunoglobulins produced by the fetus still in its intrauterine life through endogenous challenge, persist in your body in its first year of life. Therefore, we used as a means of diagnosis for antibodies via Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). Was conducted serological monitoring of congenitally infected foals and free of Neospora spp. birth until they fulfilled: 12 months of age. It was found that 40% of congenitally infected foals had IgG against Neospora spp. at 12 months, and among seronegative foals at birth 28% produced specific IgG to the end of their first year of life. These results indicate that thepresence of specific anti-Neospora spp. immunoglobulins. the end of the first year of foals, independent of maternal HIV status, indicating that the horizontal infection pathway is important for horses.
Asunto(s)
Animales , Caballos/parasitología , Coccidiosis/congénito , Coccidiosis/diagnóstico , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Neospora , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta/veterinariaRESUMEN
Protozoários do gênero Neospora adquiriram grande importância ao serem incriminados como causa de aborto em bovinos, ingressando assim, no grupo de patógenos de relevância em medicina veterinária. Atualmente são conhecidas duas espécies potencialmente patogênicas, a saber, N. hughesi e N. caninum. A primeira espécie é relacionada a distúrbios neurológicos em potros e a segunda concorre como possível causa de aborto também em equinos. São conhecidas duas formas de transmissão deste Apicomplexa, a vertical ou transplacentária e a horizontal. Sabidamente fatores referentes ao parasita e ao hospedeiro interferem na eficiência tanto da infecção como na confecção de uma resposta imune efetiva, que culmine com a produção de anticorpos específicos ao imunógeno desafiante. Neste sentido o presente trabalho buscou verificar se as imunoglobulinas produzidas pelo concepto ainda em sua vida intrauterina, mediante desafio endógeno, persistem em seu organismo no seu primeiro ano de vida. Para tal, utilizou-se como forma de diagnóstico a pesquisa de anticorpos via Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). Foi realizado acompanhamento sorológico de potros congenitamente infectado e livres de Neospora spp. ao nascimento e aos 12 meses de idade. Constatou-se que 40% dos potros congenitamente infectados apresentavam IgG contra Neospora spp. aos 12 meses e, entre os potros soronegativos ao nascimento 28% produziram IgG específico ao final de seu primeiro ano de vida. Estes resultados apontam que a presença de imunoglobulinas específicas antiNeospora spp. ao final do primeiro ano de vida dos potros, independe do status sorológico materno, indicando que a via de infecção horizontal é importante para equinos.(AU)
Protozoa of the genus Neospora acquired great importance to be incriminated as a major cause of abortion in cattle in some regions of the planet, thus joining in relevant pathogens group in veterinary medicine. Currently known are two potentially pathogenic species, namely N. hughesi and N. caninum. The first kind is related to neurological disorders in foals and the second competes as a possible cause of abortion also in horses. Two are known forms of transmission of this Apicomplexa, vertical or placenta and the horizontal. Known factors related to the parasite and the host interfere with the efficiency of both the infection and the manufacture of an effective immune response, culminating in the production of specific antibodies to challenging immunogen. In this sense, the present study was to ascertain whether the immunoglobulins produced by the fetus still in its intrauterine life through endogenous challenge, persist in your body in its first year of life. Therefore, we used as a means of diagnosis for antibodies via Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). Was conducted serological monitoring of congenitally infected foals and free of Neospora spp. birth until they fulfilled: 12 months of age. It was found that 40% of congenitally infected foals had IgG against Neospora spp. at 12 months, and among seronegative foals at birth 28% produced specific IgG to the end of their first year of life. These results indicate that thepresence of specific anti-Neospora spp. immunoglobulins. the end of the first year of foals, independent of maternal HIV status, indicating that the horizontal infection pathway is important for horses.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Animales , Caballos/parasitología , Neospora , Coccidiosis/congénito , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Coccidiosis/diagnóstico , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta/veterinariaRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of ovine specific antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis spp. and to estimate different transmission routes of these infections. One hundred and thirty Texel sheep and their 117 Texel lambs were included in the study. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to T. gondii, N. caninum and Sarcocystis spp. using IFAT. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence was 10.00% in sheep (IC95%: 4.80-15.20%), being higher in adult sheep (≥12 year) than in younger sheep (OR 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10-1.50). N. caninum and Sarcocystis spp. seroprevalences were 1.54% (IC95%: 0.00-5.70) and 72.09% (IC95%: 67.70-82.70), respectively, with no association between age and seropositivity in sheep (P>0.05). T. gondii seroprevalence in lambs was 4.27% (IC95%: 0.61-7.94). No association between T. gondii serological status in sheep and their lambs was detected (P = 0.07). Two T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. seropositive lambs were euthanized and T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. DNA was detected by PCR in their tissues. In conclusion, the increase of T. gondii seropositivity in relationship with sheep age and the lack of association between sheep-lamb serological status, suggest that horizontal infection is the main transmission route in this flock as reported before. Due to the low number of N. caninum-seropositive ewes no assumptions can be done about the impact of this parasite in this flock. According with previous reports, the main transmission route for Sarcocystis spp. in this species in the present study was horizontal.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Sarcocistosis/veterinaria , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/transmisión , Toxoplasmosis Animal/transmisión , Animales , Argentina/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/sangre , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , ADN Protozoario/genética , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta , Neospora/genética , Neospora/inmunología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Sarcocystis/genética , Sarcocystis/inmunología , Sarcocistosis/sangre , Sarcocistosis/epidemiología , Sarcocistosis/transmisión , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Ovinos , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/parasitología , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/sangre , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Neospora caninum is protozoan parasite with domestic and wild dogs, coyotes and grey wolves as the definitive hosts and many warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts. It was cultivated and named in 1988. Neosporosis is a major disease of cattle and has no public health significance. Since 1990's N. caninum has emerged as a major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, including in Brazil. N. caninum also causes clinical infections in several other animal species. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the biology of N. caninum and there are more than 200 papers on this subject from Brazil. However, most of the reports on neosporosis from Brazil are serological surveys. Overall, little is known of clinical neosporosis in Brazil, particularly cattle. The few reports pertain to sporadic cases of abortion with no information on epidemics or storms of abortion. The objective of the present review is to summarize all reports from Brazil and suggest topic for further research, including prevalence of N. caninum oocysts in soil or in canine feces, and determining if there are additional definitive hosts, other than the domestic dog. There is need for a national survey in cattle using defined parameters. Future researches should focus on molecular characterization of N. caninum strains, possibility of vaccine production and relationship between wildlife and livestock epidemiology.
Asunto(s)
Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Neospora/aislamiento & purificación , Animales , Animales Domésticos/parasitología , Animales Salvajes/parasitología , Brasil , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/transmisiónRESUMEN
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.(AU)
Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum são reconhecidos como protozoário causadores de aborto em ovinos e caprinos. Desta forma, objetivou-se descrever a transmissão transplacentária desses agentes em pequenos ruminantes na região Nordeste do Brasil. Foram examinados seis fetos caprinos e onze fetos ovinos, totalizando 78 amostras de diferentes tecidos (cérebro, fígado, pulmão, rim e coração) provenientes de propriedades rurais com histórico de aborto. As amostras foram analisadas por Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), Histopatologia (HP) e Imunohistoquímica (IHQ), com a finalidade de associar o abortamento a T. gondii e/ou N. caninum. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva na PCR e IHQ para T. gondii. Algumas amostras de cérebro, fígado, pulmão, rim e coração de fetos de caprinos e ovinos foram positivas na PCR para N. caninum. Na histopatologia foi observado leve infiltrado mononuclear no fígado e necrose com calcificação no SNC de um caprino, associada à imunomarcação positiva para N. caninum na IHQ e PCR positiva. Os resultados confirmam a transmissão vertical de N. caninum em caprinos naturalmente infectados na região nordeste do Brasil.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Animales , Placenta/microbiología , Rumiantes/virología , Ovinos/virología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Neospora , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/veterinaria , Feto Abortado/patología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Aborto Veterinario/etiologíaRESUMEN
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.(AU)
Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum são reconhecidos como protozoário causadores de aborto em ovinos e caprinos. Desta forma, objetivou-se descrever a transmissão transplacentária desses agentes em pequenos ruminantes na região Nordeste do Brasil. Foram examinados seis fetos caprinos e onze fetos ovinos, totalizando 78 amostras de diferentes tecidos (cérebro, fígado, pulmão, rim e coração) provenientes de propriedades rurais com histórico de aborto. As amostras foram analisadas por Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), Histopatologia (HP) e Imunohistoquímica (IHQ), com a finalidade de associar o abortamento a T. gondii e/ou N. caninum. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva na PCR e IHQ para T. gondii. Algumas amostras de cérebro, fígado, pulmão, rim e coração de fetos de caprinos e ovinos foram positivas na PCR para N. caninum. Na histopatologia foi observado leve infiltrado mononuclear no fígado e necrose com calcificação no SNC de um caprino, associada à imunomarcação positiva para N. caninum na IHQ e PCR positiva. Os resultados confirmam a transmissão vertical de N. caninum em caprinos naturalmente infectados na região nordeste do Brasil.(AU)
Asunto(s)
Animales , Placenta/microbiología , Rumiantes/virología , Ovinos/virología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Neospora , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/veterinaria , Feto Abortado/patología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Aborto Veterinario/etiologíaRESUMEN
Abstract Neospora caninum is protozoan parasite with domestic and wild dogs, coyotes and grey wolves as the definitive hosts and many warm-blooded animals as intermediate hosts. It was cultivated and named in 1988. Neosporosis is a major disease of cattle and has no public health significance. Since 1990's N. caninum has emerged as a major cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, including in Brazil. N. caninum also causes clinical infections in several other animal species. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the biology of N. caninum and there are more than 200 papers on this subject from Brazil. However, most of the reports on neosporosis from Brazil are serological surveys. Overall, little is known of clinical neosporosis in Brazil, particularly cattle. The few reports pertain to sporadic cases of abortion with no information on epidemics or storms of abortion. The objective of the present review is to summarize all reports from Brazil and suggest topic for further research, including prevalence of N. caninum oocysts in soil or in canine feces, and determining if there are additional definitive hosts, other than the domestic dog. There is need for a national survey in cattle using defined parameters. Future researches should focus on molecular characterization of N. caninum strains, possibility of vaccine production and relationship between wildlife and livestock epidemiology.
Resumo Neospora caninum é um protozoário parasita que possui os canídeos domésticos e selvagens, coiotes e lobos cinzentos como hospedeiros definitivos e vários animais de sangue quente como hospedeiros intermediários. Foi cultivado e nomeado em 1988. A neosporose é uma das principais doenças em bovinos e não tem significância em saúde pública. Desde 1990, N. caninum tem emergido como uma das principais causas de aborto em bovinos em todo o mundo, inclusive no Brasil. N. caninum também causa infecções clínicas em várias outras espécies animais. Consideráveis avanços foram feitos na compreensão da biologia desse parasita e há mais de 200 trabalhos sobre o assunto no Brasil. No entanto, a maioria dos relatos de neosporose do Brasil são relacionados a sorologia. Em geral, pouco se sabe sobre a neosporose clínica no Brasil, particularmente em bovinos. Os poucos relatos referem-se a casos esporádicos de aborto sem informações sobre epidemias ou surtos de aborto. O objetivo da presente revisão é resumir todos os relatos sobre N. caninum no Brasil e sugerir tópicos para pesquisas futuras, incluindo a prevalência de oocistos de N. caninum no solo ou em fezes caninas e determinar se há hospedeiros definitivos adicionais, exceto o cão doméstico no país. Uma pesquisa nacional em bovinos usando parâmetros definidos seria de grande importância. Pesquisas futuras deveriam ser focadas na caracterização de cepas de N. caninum, possibilidade de produção de vacinas e a relação epidemiológica entre a vida selvagem e o gado.
Asunto(s)
Animales , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Neospora/aislamiento & purificación , Brasil , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Animales Domésticos/parasitología , Animales Salvajes/parasitologíaRESUMEN
The infection by Neospora caninum in sheep can lead to abortion and the birth of weak and debilitated lambs. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of natural infection by Neospora caninum and the vertical transmission rate among sheep. A flock of 50 sheep was monitored for serum antibody titres against N. caninum and seroconversion over a period of six months using an indirect ELISA technique. The offspring of the herd was also investigated regarding anti-N. caninum antibodies to determine the vertical transmission rate through the indirect immunofluorescence technique. The initial and final prevalences of infection by N. caninum were 26.0% (13/50) and 72.0% (36/50), respectively, and the incidence of infection by N. caninum in the present study was 62.2% (23/37). The vertical transmission rate found was 15.4% (2/13). A high incidence of infection by N. caninum in sheep was observed, and this is the first report assessing the incidence of N. caninum among naturally infected sheep.
Asunto(s)
Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/veterinaria , Neospora , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/transmisión , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/inmunología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/veterinaria , Femenino , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta , Incidencia , Masculino , Neospora/inmunología , Ovinos/parasitología , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/inmunologíaRESUMEN
Hepatozoon parasites comprise intracellular apicomplexan parasites transmitted to vertebrate animals by ingestion of arthropods definitive hosts. The present work aimed to investigate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. in wild animals, domestic dogs and their respective ectoparasites, in southern Pantanal region, central-western Brazil, by molecular techniques. Between August 2013 and March 2015, 31 coatis (Nasua nasua), 78 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), seven ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), 42 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), 110 wild rodents (77 Thichomys fosteri, 25 Oecomys mamorae, and 8 Clyomys laticeps), 30 marsupials (14 Thylamys macrurus, 11 Gracilinanus agilis, 4 Monodelphis domestica and 1 Didelphis albiventris), and 1582 ticks and 80 fleas collected from the sampled animals were investigated. DNA samples were submitted to PCR assays for Hepatozoon spp. targeting 18S rRNA gene. Purified amplicons were directly sequenced and submitted to phylogenetic analysis. A high prevalence of Hepatozoon among carnivores (C. thous [91.02%], dogs [45.23%], N. nasua [41.9%] and L. pardalis [71.4%]) was found. However, ticks and fleas were negative to Hepatozoon PCR assays. By phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA sequences, Hepatozoon sequences amplified from crab-eating foxes, dogs, coatis and ocelots clustered with sequences of H. canis, H. americanum and H. felis. The closely related positioning of Hepatozoon sequences amplified from wild rodents and T. macrurus marsupial to Hepatozoon from reptiles and amphibians suggest a possible transmission of those Hepatozoon species between hosts by ectoparasites or by predation. Hepatozoon haplotypes found circulating in wild rodents seem to present a higher degree of polymorphism when compared to those found in other groups of animals. Although rodents seem not to participate as source of Hepatozoon infection to wild carnivores and domestic dogs, they may play an important role in the transmission of Hepatozoon to reptiles and amphibians in Pantanal biome.
Asunto(s)
Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Eucoccidiida/aislamiento & purificación , Siphonaptera/parasitología , Garrapatas/parasitología , Anfibios , Animales , Brasil/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/transmisión , Perros , Eucoccidiida/clasificación , Eucoccidiida/genética , Femenino , Geografía , Masculino , Mamíferos , Filogenia , Prevalencia , Reptiles , Roedores , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN/veterinariaRESUMEN
Abstract The transplacental transmission is the primary route of Neospora caninum infection in bovine herds around the world. This study aimed to determine the frequency of transplacental transmission of the parasite in dairy cattle of Agreste region of Pernambuco through serological tests (IFAT and ELISA). Three hundred sixteen serum samples from cows and heifers and their offspring were analyzed. The transplacental transmission rate was 72.22% (13/18) for cows and 69.23% (9/13) for heifers by IFAT. ELISA test showed transplacental transmission rate of 43.58% (17/39) for cows and 50% (9/18) for heifers. The transplacental transmission rates were similar, in both groups in test, but a higher seropositivity was found in cows by IFAT. Data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square and Fisher’s exact test. A significant relationship of dependence between seropositivity of mothers and their offspring was found. The more frequent IFAT antibody titers and ELISA levels for N. caninum were, respectively, 200 and between four (cows) and five (heifers and offspring). In the Spearman correlation, no association was found between the magnitude of antibody titers for N. caninum between mothers and their offspring. The kappa test showed an index of 0.35, indicating a mild correlation between the serological tests used. The study suggests that cows and heifers are the main transmitters of N. caninum in the studied region and that vertical transmission is the major form of transmission in dairy herds of the Agreste region of Pernambuco.
Resumo A transmissão transplacentária é a principal via de infecção do Neospora caninum nos rebanhos bovinos em todo o mundo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a frequência da transmissão transplacentária do parasita em bovinos leiteiros do Agreste Pernambucano, por meio de testes sorológicos (RIFI e ELISA). Foram analisadas 316 amostras de soro de fêmeas bovinas (vacas e novilhas) e de suas crias. A taxa de transmissão transplacentária pela RIFI foi de 72,22% (13/18) para vacas e 69,23% (9/13) para as novilhas. O ELISA teste mostrou taxa de transmissão transplacentária de 43,58% (17/39) para as vacas e 50% (9/18) para as novilhas. As taxas de transmissão transplacentária foram similares para os dois testes em geral, porém uma maior soropositividade foi encontrada nas vacas pela RIFI. Os dados foram estatisticamente analisados pelo teste de qui-quadrado e teste exato de Fischer. Foi encontrada uma relação significativa de dependência entre a soropositividade das mães e de suas crias. Os títulos de anticorpos anti- N. caninum foi de 200 na RIFI e posicionados entre o nível quatro (vacas) e cinco (novilhas e bezerros) pelo ELISA. Pela correlação de Spearman, não foi observada associação entre a magnitude de títulos de anticorpos anti- N. caninum de fêmeas com o de suas crias. O teste de concordância kappa revelou um índice de 0,35, indicando uma concordância leve entre os testes sorológicos utilizados. O estudo sugere que vacas e novilhas são as principais transmissoras do N. caninum na região estudada, sendo a transmissão vertical, a principal forma de transmissão do agente em rebanhos leiteiros do Agreste de Pernambuco.
Asunto(s)
Animales , Femenino , Embarazo , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/transmisión , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Neospora , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/veterinaria , Brasil/epidemiología , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/diagnóstico , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Neospora/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
Given the fact that numerous microbial species can be detected in pregnant female dogs, the objective of this study was to assess the transplacental transmission of Brucella canis, Ehrlichia canis, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in stillborn puppies. This study involved 41 stillborn puppies, 78.6% of which were positive for T. gondii, 52.4% for N. caninum and 59.5% for B. canis. E. canis was not detected in any of the analyzed puppies. Pregnancy is an important physiological condition for the transmission of infectious agents to puppies and transplacental transmission may be epidemiologically relevant in the spread of these opportunistic agents.
Asunto(s)
Brucelosis/transmisión , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Perros/transmisión , Ehrlichiosis/transmisión , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/veterinaria , Mortinato/veterinaria , Toxoplasmosis Animal/transmisión , Animales , Brucella canis/genética , Brucella canis/aislamiento & purificación , Brucelosis/microbiología , Coccidiosis/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros , Ehrlichia canis/genética , Ehrlichia canis/aislamiento & purificación , Ehrlichiosis/microbiología , Femenino , Neospora/genética , Neospora/aislamiento & purificación , Placenta/microbiología , Placenta/parasitología , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Embarazo , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/microbiología , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/parasitología , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Some tick-borne pathogens that infect domestic cats have been considered emergent in veterinary medicine. Occurrences of Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and Cytauxzoon spp. have been described in several regions of Brazil. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the 18S rRNA gene of a Hepatozoon sp. strain detected in domestic cats in the metropolitan area of Cuiabá, in Midwestern Brazil. Based on a molecular analysis, we detected the presence of Hepatozoon species circulating among cats in this region. The aforementioned strain is closely related to other isolates of H. felis detected in wild felids. Moreover, a phylogenetic analysis indicates that this genotype is grouped into a clade of 18S rRNA sequences previously described for the genus Hepatozoon in wild felids around the world. Hepatozoon felis strains detected in cats from Spain and Israel showed, respectively, 98% and 97% identity to our sequence and are clustered on a separate branch of the phylogenetic tree. This finding suggests a high diversity of Hepatozoon genotypes occurring in cats in Europe and South America. None of the analyzed cats were positive for Babesia spp. or Cytauxzoon spp. by PCR analysis.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos/parasitología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Eucoccidiida/genética , Eucoccidiida/aislamiento & purificación , Mascotas/parasitología , Garrapatas/parasitología , Animales , Animales Salvajes/parasitología , Babesia/genética , Gatos , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , ADN Protozoario/genética , Variación Genética , Genotipo , Filogenia , ARN Ribosómico 18SRESUMEN
Hepatozoon canis is a tick-borne parasite that occurs worldwide. In rural areas of Brazil, H. canis vectors remain unknown, which has led to speculation about alternative routes of transmission. Small rodents can play a role in the transmission (via predation) of Hepatozoon americanum, which led us to question whether predation might be an alternative mode of transmission for H. canis. Thus, this study investigated whether Hepatozoon spp. are present in wild small rodents in forest fragments that surround rural areas in Botucatu County, São Paulo, Brazil, where canine hepatozoonosis is endemic. The study included blood samples from 158 dogs, which were screened by microscopy and molecular analysis. Blood samples and tissues from 67 rodents were obtained for histopathology and molecular detection. The prevalence of H. canis was high (66.45%) in dogs from rural areas of Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. The molecular analysis showed that wild rodent species in Brazil were infected with Hepatozoon spp. other than H. canis. Therefore, although the hypothesis that sylvatic rodents act as reservoirs for H. canis was not supported, the presence of monozoic cysts in the rodents suggests that, in addition to intermediate hosts, wild small rodents in Brazil might act as paratenic hosts of Hepatozoon spp. because they harbor infective stages for intermediate host predators.
Asunto(s)
Animales Salvajes/parasitología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Eucoccidiida/aislamiento & purificación , Roedores/parasitología , Animales , Brasil/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Coccidiosis/transmisión , ADN Protozoario , Reservorios de Enfermedades/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Perros , Enfermedades Endémicas , Eucoccidiida/genética , Eucoccidiida/ultraestructura , Conducta PredatoriaRESUMEN
Here, we assessed outcome of experimental infection by Neospora caninum in goats intravenously inoculated with 10(6) tachyzoites of the Nc-Spain7 isolate at 40 (G1), 90 (G2) and 120 (G3) days of gestation. Infected goats had fever between 5 and 9 days post inoculation (dpi); all were seropositive at the time of abortion/birth. Foetal death occurred in G1 from 10 to 21 dpi (n = 7) and in G2 from 27 to 35 dpi (n = 4). Goats in G2 also had seropositive stillbirth (n = 1) and healthy kids (n = 2). G3 goats (n = 7) had 3 seropositive and 3 seronegative weak kids, and 2 seronegative healthy kids. Parasite DNA detection in placentomes was 100% in G2, 85.7% in G3 and in G1 was detected only in placentomes from the goats with foetal losses from 17 dpi (100%). Parasites were detected in foetal/kid brain (>85.7%) and liver (≥ 50%) of G2 and G3, and in G1 after 17 dpi (100%). The highest parasite loads were detected in the placentomes of G1 from 17 dpi and G2, and in foetal tissues of G1 from 17 dpi and G3. Multifocal necrotic lesions were observed in the placentas of the three groups, but they were larger and more frequent in G1 and G2. Similar lesions were observed in foetal tissues, but they were more frequent in G3. These findings suggest that, as observed in cattle and sheep, the clinical consequences of N. caninum in pregnant goats are dependent in part on the time of gestation when animals were infected.