Serological study ofNeospora caninuminfection in dogs in central China

Abstract

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion in cattle as well as reproduction problems and neurological disorders in dogs. Dogs are important in the epidemiology of N. caninum because they act as definitive hosts, shedding oocysts in the environment. To investigate the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs in central China, 1176 serum samples were collected from domestic dogs in Henan province, central China between March 2015 and February 2016 and tested for IgG antibody against N. caninum, using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum was nearly 15% (172/1176). No significant difference was observed between this seroprevalence according to sex and breed of dogs (p > 0.05). The infection rate in rural dogs (18%) was higher (p < 0.05) than in urban dogs (11%). The prevalence of N. caninum infection in dogs increased (p < 0.05) with age. The results of the present study indicate the high prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in dogs in Henan province, central China. Sanitary conditions and animal health must be improved to prevent the transmission risk of N. caninum by dogs.

Seroprevalence and risk factors forNeospora caninuminfection in dogs in rural northeastern mainland China

“…Dogs were selected for the analysis because they are well established hosts, are relatively easy to collect samples from, and controlling infection in dogs would have a significant impact on the shedding of oocysts into environment. However, the amount of oocysts shed into the environment could also be affected by the population densities of dogs, the proportion of dogs defecating outside, as well as the loads of oocysts being shed by an infected dog [29]. To achieve control over the contribution of canines to environmental loads of N. caninum , other highly effective intervention strategies, namely reducing dog populations (e.g.…”

Prevalence of Neospora spp. in donkeys in China

“…Dogs, the definitive hosts of Neospora , play an important role in the transmission of N. caninum , discharging oocysts into the environment [ 16 , 20 , 22 ], which is a main risk factor for the occurrence of miscarriages and stillbirths associated with N. caninum in ruminants and other intermediate hosts [ 2 , 3 , 12 ]. Not surprisingly, the donkeys have a significantly higher seroprevalence when they have contact with dogs compared to those without contact ( p < 0.001, OR = 2.69, 95%CI: 1.86-3.88).…”

“…Neospora spp. are globally distributed obligate intracellular parasites [ 22 ] and are closely related to Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp., belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa of the Sarcocystidae family [ 7 ]. Neospora can infect a wide variety of hosts [ 8 ].…”

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora caninum infection among domestic sheep in Henan province, central China

“…Dogs play an essential role in N. caninum transmission since they are the final hosts and shed oocysts into the environment [ 14 , 18 , 28 ]. Sheep can be infected with N. caninum mainly by intake of drink and food containing sporulated oocysts of N. caninum, or by transplacental transmission [ 11 , 14 , 16 ].…”