Relation between Neospora caninum and abortion in dairy cows: Risk factors and pathogenesis of disease. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Klauck, Vanderlei; Machado, Gustavo; Pazinato, Rafael; Radavelli, Willian M.; Santos, Daiane S.; Berwaguer, Jean Carlo; Braunig, Patricia; Vogel, Fernanda F.; Da Silva, Aleksandro S.
• Is Part Of: Microbial pathogenesis. Volume 92(2016)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 49
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Cattle -- Epidemiology -- Neosporosis -- Reproduction -- Risk factors; Pathogenic microorganisms -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- microbiology -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- parasitology -- Periodicals; Micro-organismes pathogènes -- Périodiques; Pathologie moléculaire -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.9041
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.12.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0882-4010

Abstract

Abstract: Neosporosis is a parasitic disease cause by Neospora caninum, a parasite of great importance in livestock. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibody against N. caninum in dairy cattle with history of abortion, as well as to identify associated risk factors for neosporosis. Animals suspected of neosporosis (n = 130) after clinical examination were randomly selected. Sera samples from 29 farms were submitted to indirect immunofluorescence technique (IFA) in order to detect antibodies against N. caninum, and animals were considered positive if ≥IFA 1:200. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to verify probable risk factors for neosporosis and their cause-effect relation. Serological results showed that 43.8% of the animals were seropositives for N. caninum . The univariate statistical analysis found a significant relation between neoporosis and age. The number of pregnancies and the number of years that the farms had been producing milk were found as associated risk factors for the disease either by univariate or by multivariate analyses. The cause-effect model found a possible relation between reproductive problems and positive serology for neosporosis (P = 0.06). Therefore, it was concluded that approximately 44% of dairy cows with history of abortion were seropositives for N. caninum and that age and the number of years that the farms had been producing milk are risk factors for parasite infection in dairy cattle. Highlights: Neosporosis is an emerging disease in cattle. Abortion is one of the main consequences of infection by Neospora caninum . Infection with Neospora reduces number of pregnancies. Young cows has higher incidence of antibodies to Neospora . Farms with less time in the dairy activity have greater occurrence of neosporosis.