Serological evaluation of Neospora caninum in pregnant women treated at referral center for prenatal screening in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan with canids (Canis domesticus, Canis lupus dingo, Canis latrans, Canis lupus) as its definitive hosts. The objective of this study was to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies in pregnant women seen at referral center for prenatal screening in the state of state Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A total of 188 serum samples from pregnant women provided by the Instituto de Pesquisa, Ensino e Diagnósticos da APAE de Campo Grande (IPED/ APAE) were subjected to IFA test and western blot analysis. The samples were divided into three groups: 23/99 samples from the seropositive group for toxoplasmosis were positive for anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies, and 9/99 positive for IgM; in the HIV group, 7/33 were positive for IgG; and in the HIV+toxoplasmosis group, 13/56 were positive for IgG and two positive for IgM. The seropositivity for IgG was assessed by western blot by testing 43 IFA test positive samples using rNcSRS2 (Nc-p43) as antigen. The serological results of the present study suggest that exposure of these pregnant women to the parasite N. caninum and presence of IgM antibodies are indicative of recent infection. Further studies are needed to establish the possibility of active infection.

Seroprevalence and incidence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in naturally exposed domestic dogs from a rural area of São Paulo state, Brazil.

Dogs are hosts of the protozoans Toxoplasma gondii, which causes an important public health disease, and Neospora caninum. Studies that have evaluated toxoplasmosis and neosporosis for prolonged periods in dog populations are rare. We analyzed infection by both parasites in a domestic dog population over three consecutive years in São Paulo state, Brazil. In the 1st, 2nd and 3rd years of collection, 181, 193 and 172 domiciles were visited, and blood samples of 331, 371 and 348 dogs were collected for antibody serology, respectively. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in each year was 27.2%, 22.5% and 43.9%, respectively, and that of N. caninum was 7.8%, 4.8% and 6.8%, respectively. The incidence rates for T. gondii in the 2nd and 3rd collections were 13.2% and 30.0%, and those for N. caninum were 3.3% and 4.4%, respectively. Positive and negative serological conversions for both agents occurred at high frequencies during the study period. This study reveals the canine population's serological profile and demonstrates the constant exposure of dogs to the investigated pathogens, indicating the need for prevention and control measures in the region.

Serological and molecular detection of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in human umbilical cord blood and placental tissue samples.

Neosporosis primarily affects cattle and dogs and is not currently considered a zoonotic disease. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide distribution that is asymptomatic in most cases, but when acquired during pregnancy, it can have serious consequences. The seropositivity rates determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Neospora caninum (N. caninum) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were 24.3% (49 samples) and 26.8% (54 samples), respectively. PCR positivity for N. caninum was observed in two samples of cord blood (1%) using the Nc5 and ITS1 gene, positivity for T. gondii was observed in 16 samples using the primer for the B1 gene (5.5% positivity in cord blood and 2.5% positivity in placental tissue). None of the samples showed structures characteristic of tissue cysts or inflammatory infiltrate on histopathology. Significant associations were observed only between N. caninum seropositivity and the presence of domestic animals (p = 0.039) and presence of dogs (p = 0.038) and between T. gondii seropositivity and basic sanitation (p = 0.04). This study obtained important findings regarding the seroprevalence and molecular detection of N. caninum and T. gondii in pregnant women; however, more studies are necessary to establish a correlation between risk factors and infection.

Seroprevalence and incidence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in naturally exposed domestic dogs from a rural area of São Paulo state, Brazil / Soroprevalência e incidência de infecção por Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em cães domésticos naturalmente expostos em uma área rural no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract Dogs are hosts of the protozoans Toxoplasma gondii, which causes an important public health disease, and Neospora caninum. Studies that have evaluated toxoplasmosis and neosporosis for prolonged periods in dog populations are rare. We analyzed infection by both parasites in a domestic dog population over three consecutive years in São Paulo state, Brazil. In the 1st, 2nd and 3rd years of collection, 181, 193 and 172 domiciles were visited, and blood samples of 331, 371 and 348 dogs were collected for antibody serology, respectively. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in each year was 27.2%, 22.5% and 43.9%, respectively, and that of N. caninum was 7.8%, 4.8% and 6.8%, respectively. The incidence rates for T. gondii in the 2nd and 3rd collections were 13.2% and 30.0%, and those for N. caninum were 3.3% and 4.4%, respectively. Positive and negative serological conversions for both agents occurred at high frequencies during the study period. This study reveals the canine population's serological profile and demonstrates the constant exposure of dogs to the investigated pathogens, indicating the need for prevention and control measures in the region.

Resumo Os cães são hospedeiros dos protozoários Toxoplasma gondii, que causam uma importante doença para a saúde pública, e Neospora caninum. Estudos que avaliam a toxoplasmose e a neosporose por períodos prolongados em populações caninas são raros. Foi analisada a infecção por esses dois parasitas em uma população de cães domésticos e domiciliados por três anos consecutivos, no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Nos 1º, 2º e 3º anos de coletas, 181, 193 e 172 domicílios foram visitados, nos quais foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 331, 371 e 348 cães para sorologia, respectivamente. A soroprevalência de T. gondii em cada ano foi de 27,2%, 22,5% e 43,9%, respectivamente; e a de N. caninum foi de 7,8%, 4,8% e 6,8%, respectivamente. As taxas de incidência para T. gondii, nas 2ª e 3ª coletas, foram de 13,2% e 30,0%, respectivamente; e para N. caninum, 3,3% e 4,4%, respectivamente. As conversões sorológicas positivas e negativas para ambos os agentes ocorreram em alta frequência durante o período analisado. Este estudo revela o perfil sorológico da população canina e demonstra sua constante exposição aos patógenos investigados, o que requer medidas de prevenção e controle na região.

Serological evaluation of Neospora caninum in pregnant women treated at referral center for prenatal screening in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Avaliação sorológica de Neospora caninum em gestantes atendidas em centro de referência para triagem pré-natal em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

Abstract Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan with canids (Canis domesticus, Canis lupus dingo, Canis latrans, Canis lupus) as its definitive hosts. The objective of this study was to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies in pregnant women seen at referral center for prenatal screening in the state of state Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A total of 188 serum samples from pregnant women provided by the Instituto de Pesquisa, Ensino e Diagnósticos da APAE de Campo Grande (IPED/ APAE) were subjected to IFA test and western blot analysis. The samples were divided into three groups: 23/99 samples from the seropositive group for toxoplasmosis were positive for anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies, and 9/99 positive for IgM; in the HIV group, 7/33 were positive for IgG; and in the HIV+toxoplasmosis group, 13/56 were positive for IgG and two positive for IgM. The seropositivity for IgG was assessed by western blot by testing 43 IFA test positive samples using rNcSRS2 (Nc-p43) as antigen. The serological results of the present study suggest that exposure of these pregnant women to the parasite N. caninum and presence of IgM antibodies are indicative of recent infection. Further studies are needed to establish the possibility of active infection.

Resumo Neospora caninum é um protozoário intracelular obrigatório que possui os canídeos (Canis domesticus, Canis lupus dingo, Canis latrans, Canis lupus) como seus hospedeiros definitivos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi detectar anticorpos anti-N. caninum em gestantes, atendidas em centro de referência para triagem pré-natal, em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Um total de 188 amostras de soro de gestantes, cedidas pelo Instituto de Pesquisa, Ensino e Diagnósticos da APAE de Campo Grande (IPED/ APAE), foram submetidas ao teste de RIFI e western blot para a detecção de anticorpos anti-N. caninum. As amostras foram divididas em três grupos: 23/99 amostras do grupo soropositivo para toxoplasmose demonstraram positividade para anticorpos IgG anti-N. caninum e 9/99 positivos para IgM. No grupo HIV 7/33 apresentaram positividade para IgG. No grupo HIV+Toxoplasmose 13/56 apresentaram positividade para IgG e duas para IgM. A soropositividade para IgG foi avaliada por western blot, testando 43 amostras positivas para RIFI, usando-se rNcSRS2 (Nc-p43) como antígeno. Os resultados sorológicos do presente estudo sugerem exposição dessas gestantes ao parasita N. caninum e a positividade para anticorpos IgM são indicativos de infecção recente. Mais estudos na área são necessários para estabelecer a possibilidade de infecção ativa.

Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. in equids of Western Pará, Brazil.

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. in equids raised for distinct purposes in the western state of Pará, Brazil, and to identify potential risk factors associated with parasite infection. A cross-sectional study was conducted with cluster sampling in 101 farms from 18 municipalities (farm horses). In visited municipalities, samples from sport and cart horses were included. Serum was obtained for detecting antibodies against T. gondii and Neospora spp. using indirect fluorescent antibody test, with a cut-off point of 1:64 and 1:50, respectively. Association analysis, using the chi-square test, was performed to evaluate possible risk factors related to the prevalence of antibodies. A total of 1298 equids were sampled (947 farm, 240 sport, and 111 cart horses), including 1244 horses, 2 donkeys, and 52 mules. The number of equids sampled per property ranged from 1 to 49. Of the total examined, 134 (10.3%) had antibodies against T. gondii, and of the 18 municipalities visited, 11 (61%) had at least one positive animal. Seventy-three of the 1298 equids (5.62%) from 44% of the municipalities tested positive for Neospora spp. The type of the animal (farm, sport, or carthorse) was not associated with the prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii; however, antibodies against Neospora spp. was more prevalent in carthorses (P = 0.001) (13.5%) than in farm (5.0%) and sport (4.6%) horses. Breed of the horse and the presence of cats were risk factors for the prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii, and presence of dogs was a risk factor for the prevalence of antibodies against Neospora spp. This is the first report of seropositive equids for T. gondii and Neospora spp. in the state of Pará contributing to the knowledge on epidemiology of the two parasites.

Occurrence of tissue cyst forming coccidia in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) rescued on the coast of Brazil.

The main motivation for this study was to determine the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii, a cosmopolitan widespread zoonotic parasite distribution that can infect a wide variety of mammals and birds, in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in Brazil. In recent decades there has been a significant increase in the number of penguins originating from Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia, where these birds are born, that arrive on the Brazilian coast, where many of them are stranded and rescued. Tissue samples were collected from 330 individuals surveyed from 2012-2015 at the Institute for Marine Animal Research and Rehabilitation (IPRAM) located in Cariacica, state of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Serum were collected from 145 animals surveyed in 2015 for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT ≥20) and 18 birds were positive, with titers of 20 (7 birds), 40 (9 birds) and 80 (2 birds). Mouse bioassay for the isolation of T. gondii was performed using tissues from 54 penguins that were also surveyed in 2015, but no isolates were obtained. DNA from tissue samples of 330 individuals was PCR amplified and sequenced to detect tissue cyst forming coccidians by using pan sarcocystids-directed primers (based on 18S rDNA). These samples were from animals surveyed in 2015 and from frozen stocked tissues from animals surveyed in the years 2012 and 2013. The positives were PCR amplified and sequenced with genus Sarcocystis-specific primers (based on internal transcribed spacer 1, RNA polymerase beta subunit coding gene, and cytochrome B coding gene) and with Sarcocystis falcatula/Sarcocystis neurona- specific primers (based on surface antigens SAG2, SAG3 and SAG4). Sixteen (3.0%) of pectoral muscle samples were positive by all the seven molecular markers and all the samples were identical to each other. Organisms close related to Sarcocystis falcatula were confirmed in all cases. This is the first report on molecular detection of infection by S. falcatula-related organisms and the first report of seropositivity for T. gondii in free-living Magellanic penguins in Brazil. Felids and didephid opossums are definitive hosts of T. gondii and S. falcatula, respectively. Where the penguins acquire the infective forms of the parasites shed by the terrestrial mammals remains to be elucidated.

NEOSPORA CANINUM-SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES IN FREE-RANGING WHITE-LIPPED PECCARIES ( TAYASSU PECARI) FROM THE PERUVIAN AMAZON: DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES IN SERUM AND EVALUATION OF INDIRECT FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY TEST WITH HETEROLOGOUS SECONDARY ANTIBODY.

Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite originally reported in dogs and widely prevalent in numerous species of wild and domestic animals and has as definitive hosts some species of canids. The white-lipped peccary (WLP) ( Tayassu pecari) is a Tayassuidae mammal, found from Mexico to south of Brazil and north of Argentina. It is a game species with great economic importance in the Peruvian Amazon. Blood samples from 101 WLPs were collected from near or within three different conservation reserves located in the southeastern region of the Peruvian Amazon. For the detection of antibodies against N. caninum, indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFAT) were performed using collared peccary ( Pecari tajacu) and swine ( Sus scrofa domesticus) heterologous secondary antibodies. For both IFAT tests, the cutoff was 1:50. Positive samples were titrated by a two fold serial dilution. In addition to IFAT, samples were also analyzed using an immunoblotting test (IB) with anti-swine conjugate. To confirm the viability of the anti-swine conjugate, the results of these samples previously tested by a modified agglutination test (MAT) for Toxoplasma gondii were used as reference. From the total of 101 samples tested, 5 (4.9%) were N. caninum positive by the three tests and an extra sample was positive by both IFATs and negative in the IB. Comparing both IFATs and considering IB as the gold standard, the relative sensitivity of IFATs was 100%, the specificity was 98.9%, the positive predictive value was 83.3%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. The agreement between tests was characterized by a κ value of 0.904 (95% confidence interval, 0.717 to 1.0) and an SE of 0.095. This is the first report of N. caninum antibodies in free-ranging T. pecari, and swine and collared peccary conjugate can be used as a secondary antibody for detection of antibodies in Tayassu species.

Molecular survey of coccidian infections of the side-blotched lizard Uta stansburiana on San Benito Oeste Island, Mexico.

Blood parasites are found in many vertebrates, but the research on blood parasites of lizards is still at its onset. We analyzed blood samples from side-blotched lizards Uta stansburiana from San Benito Oeste Island, Mexico, to test for the presence of hemoparasites. We found a high prevalence (23 out of 27 samples) of a blood parasite of the genus Lankesterella (Coccidia, Eimeriorina, Lankesterellidae) according to phylogenetic analyses of the parasite 18S rRNA gene. Similar parasites (97-99% similarity) have recently been described for Uta stansburiana from California. The parasite 18S rRNA gene showed high variability, both within San Benito and compared to California. The next closest matches of the parasite DNA with 97-98% similarity included a range of different genera (Lankesterella, Schellackia, Eimeria, Isospora and Caryospora). A high uncertainty in the deeper branches of the phylogenetic trees, and many missing links in genetic network analysis, were in line with previous suggestions that the coccidians are an understudied group with large knowledge gaps in terms of their diversity and taxonomy. Further studies are needed to resolve the evolutionary relationships within the Eimeriorina.

Risk factors and anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibody occurrence in dogs in João Pessoa, Paraíba state, Northeastern Brazil / Fatores de risco e ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em cães de João Pessoa, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil

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.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a ocorrência e os fatores de risco das infecções por Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias da cidade de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. Foram colhidas 384 amostras de sangue cães procedentes de atendimento de 34 clínicas veterinárias, no período de abril de 2015 a maio de 2016. O diagnóstico para os dois agentes foi realizado pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). Dos 384 animais avaliados 37 (9,6%) foram positivos para T. gondii com títulos variando de 16 a 512. Para N. caninum seis (1,6%) cães foram positivos com títulos de 50 a 200. Foram constatados como fatores de risco para T. gondii as variáveis acesso à rua (OR = 4,60; IC 95% = 1,74-12,20) e ambiente próximo a matas (OR= 2,79; IC 95% = 1,32-5,93). Os cães atendidos em clínicas veterinárias em João Pessoa estão expostos às infecções por T. gondii e N. caninum. Os proprietários devem evitar o acesso dos animais à rua ou o contato com ambientes florestais.

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

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.

Neospora caninum in properties in the west region of Paraná, Brazil: prevalence and risk factors.

Neospora caninum is a heteroxenous protozoa, whose definitive hosts are canids and intermediate hosts are herbivores, and is of great importance in cattle. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of N. caninum in dairy cattle and dogs, to detect the presence of the protozoa at the molecular level in aborted fetuses, and to identify the risk factors associated with infection in properties in the western region of the state of Paraná. For this study, 600 bovine serum samples from 60 properties, 163 canine serum samples from 52 properties and 17 bovine fetuses from nine properties were collected. Data were collected using an epidemiological questionnaire to verify the risk factors. Serum samples were analyzed using the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Fetal tissues were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and subsequent DNA sequencing. Of the bovine samples, 23.67% were positive for N. caninum. Among the canine samples, 11.66% were positive for N. caninum. Risk factors in cattle were history of abortion, low milk production, extensive breeding, and Jersey breed (p<0.05). Protozoan DNA was detected in 52.94% of the 17 fetuses and the sequencing presented high similarity with N. caninum.

Evaluation of frequency of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii,Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis spp. and transmission routes in sheep from Humid Pampa, Argentina.

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.

Neospora caninum in properties in the west region of Paraná, Brazil: prevalence and risk factors / Neospora caninum em propriedades rurais da região Oeste do Paraná, Brasil: prevalência e fatores de risco

Abstract Neospora caninum is a heteroxenous protozoa, whose definitive hosts are canids and intermediate hosts are herbivores, and is of great importance in cattle. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of N. caninum in dairy cattle and dogs, to detect the presence of the protozoa at the molecular level in aborted fetuses, and to identify the risk factors associated with infection in properties in the western region of the state of Paraná. For this study, 600 bovine serum samples from 60 properties, 163 canine serum samples from 52 properties and 17 bovine fetuses from nine properties were collected. Data were collected using an epidemiological questionnaire to verify the risk factors. Serum samples were analyzed using the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Fetal tissues were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and subsequent DNA sequencing. Of the bovine samples, 23.67% were positive for N. caninum. Among the canine samples, 11.66% were positive for N. caninum. Risk factors in cattle were history of abortion, low milk production, extensive breeding, and Jersey breed (p<0.05). Protozoan DNA was detected in 52.94% of the 17 fetuses and the sequencing presented high similarity with N. caninum.

Resumo Neospora caninum é um protozoário heteroxeno, cujos hospedeiros definitivos são os canídeos e os hospedeiros intermediários são os herbívoros, apresentando maior importância em bovinos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de N. caninum em bovinos leiteiros e em cães, detectar molecularmente o protozoário em fetos abortados e identificar os fatores de risco associados à infecção em propriedades da região Oeste do estado do Paraná. Para isso, foram coletadas 600 amostras de soro de bovinos provenientes de 60 propriedades, 163 amostras de soro de cães de 52 propriedades e 17 fetos de nove propriedades. Por fim, foram coletados dados em um questionário epidemiológico para verificar os fatores de risco. As amostras de soro foram analisadas por meio da Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) e os tecidos fetais foram analisados utilizando a PCR e posterior sequenciamento de DNA. Das amostras de bovinos, 23,67% foram positivas para N. caninum. Entre os cães, 11,66% foram positivos. Os fatores de risco nos bovinos foram histórico de aborto, baixa produção de leite, criação extensiva e raça Jersey (p<0,05). Dos 17 fetos analisados, em 52,94% foi possível detectar DNA do protozoário, e o sequenciamento mostrou alta similaridade com N. caninum.

Extraintestinal isosporoid coccidian causing atoxoplasmosis in captive green-winged saltators: clinical and hematological features / Coccidiose extraintestinal causando atoxoplasmose em trinca-ferros de cativeiro: aspectos clínicos e hematológicos

Populations of green-winged saltators, Saltator similis, are decreasing especially because of illegal trade and infectious diseases. We describe natural cases of an extraintestinal isosporoid coccidian in caged S. similis, and suggest the need of preventive measures in handling these birds. Nonspecific clinical signs were seen in all of them, however, intracytoplasmic Atoxoplasma sp. was found in peripheral blood, reinforcing the idea of systemic isosporosis. Leukocytosis with high number of heterophils and monocytes suggested that atoxoplasmosis in green-winged saltators can progress as an acute disease. The birds showed clinical improvement after treatment. Handling recommendations were proposed to upgrade hygienic conditions of the facilities. We concluded that nonspecific symptoms and an acute inflammatory process can be associated with atoxoplasmosis in young S. similis. We emphasize the importance of blood smear to detect merozoites.(AU)

As populações de trinca-ferro, Saltator similis, estão declinando especialmente em função do comércio illegal e das doenças infecciosas. Descrevem-se casos naturais de coccidiose extraintestinal em S. similis de cativeiro, sugerindo a necessidade de medidas preventivas no manejo desses animais. Sinais clínicos inespecíficos foram observados em todos os animais, contudo, formas intracitoplasmáticas de Atoxoplasma sp. foram vistas no sangue periférico, reforçando a ideia de isosporose sistêmica. Leucocitose com aumento de heterófilos e monócitos sugeriram que a atoxoplasmose em trinca-ferro pode progredir como uma doença aguda. As aves apresentaram melhora clínica após tratamento. Recomendações de manejo foram propostas a fim de melhorar as condições higiênicas das instalações das aves. Concluiu-se que sinais inespecíficos e processo inflamatório agudo podem ser associados com a atoxoplasmose em S. similis jovens. Enfatizamos a importância da avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo para detector os merozoítos.(AU)

Extraintestinal isosporoid coccidian causing atoxoplasmosis in captive green-winged saltators: clinical and hematological features / Coccidiose extraintestinal causando atoxoplasmose em trinca-ferros de cativeiro: aspectos clínicos e hematológicos

Populations of green-winged saltators, Saltator similis, are decreasing especially because of illegal trade and infectious diseases. We describe natural cases of an extraintestinal isosporoid coccidian in caged S. similis, and suggest the need of preventive measures in handling these birds. Nonspecific clinical signs were seen in all of them, however, intracytoplasmic Atoxoplasma sp. was found in peripheral blood, reinforcing the idea of systemic isosporosis. Leukocytosis with high number of heterophils and monocytes suggested that atoxoplasmosis in green-winged saltators can progress as an acute disease. The birds showed clinical improvement after treatment. Handling recommendations were proposed to upgrade hygienic conditions of the facilities. We concluded that nonspecific symptoms and an acute inflammatory process can be associated with atoxoplasmosis in young S. similis. We emphasize the importance of blood smear to detect merozoites.(AU)

As populações de trinca-ferro, Saltator similis, estão declinando especialmente em função do comércio illegal e das doenças infecciosas. Descrevem-se casos naturais de coccidiose extraintestinal em S. similis de cativeiro, sugerindo a necessidade de medidas preventivas no manejo desses animais. Sinais clínicos inespecíficos foram observados em todos os animais, contudo, formas intracitoplasmáticas de Atoxoplasma sp. foram vistas no sangue periférico, reforçando a ideia de isosporose sistêmica. Leucocitose com aumento de heterófilos e monócitos sugeriram que a atoxoplasmose em trinca-ferro pode progredir como uma doença aguda. As aves apresentaram melhora clínica após tratamento. Recomendações de manejo foram propostas a fim de melhorar as condições higiênicas das instalações das aves. Concluiu-se que sinais inespecíficos e processo inflamatório agudo podem ser associados com a atoxoplasmose em S. similis jovens. Enfatizamos a importância da avaliação do esfregaço sanguíneo para detector os merozoítos.(AU)

Risk factors for Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle and their possible cause-effect relation for disease.

Neospora caninum causes reproductive problems in cattle such as abortion, premature birth, retention of fetal membranes, and metritis. Therefore, this study aimed to verify possible risk factors for N. caninum infection in dairy cattle and their cause-effect relation to neosporosis. Serum samples of 1518 dairy cows from the West of Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for N. caninum, where 466 were found to be positives (30.69%-CI95%; 28.3-33.0). In addition, an epidemiological survey was conducted in order to verify possible risk factors for neosporosis and their relation to the disease. The presence of dogs in the farm was strongly associated with IFA positive results for N. caninum, and lack of history for neosporosis in the farm increased the chances of positivity in 66%. It was found a significant cause-effect relation between the occurrence of reproductive problems and the presence of antibodies against N. caninum (p = 0.05). It is possible to conclude that N. caninum is widely distributed in dairy farms of the Western part of Santa Catarina state, Brazil, and that the occurrence of reproductive problems is directly related to the disease with the presence of dogs as a risk factor for N. caninum infection.

Serological survey of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in cattle (Bos indicus) and water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in ten provinces of Brazil.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii among 500 cattle (Bos indicus) and 500 buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) technique. Blood samples from were collected from water buffalo and cattle in 10 municipalities in the northern region of Brazil. The frequency of cattle and water buffaloes seropositive for Neospora caninum in Pará state, Brazil, was 55% and 44%, respectively, and the frequency of cattle and water buffaloes seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii was 52% and 39%, respectively. Seropositivity for both N. caninum and T. gondii was detected in 10.6% of the cattle samples and 14.8% of the buffalo samples. The frequency of cattle positive for N. caninum and T. gondii was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of buffalo in two and three provinces, respectively. Buffaloes had a lower seroprevalence for N. caninum or T. gondii in all of the provinces studied. These results suggest that both species, when exposed to the same risks for N. caninum and T. gondii infection, have a high serological prevalence. Cattle showed a higher probability of being seropositive when exposed to the same risks for N. caninum and T. gondii. Our study, which included an extensive number of blood samples, provides important epidemiological information pertinent to buffalo production in tropical countries that can be used as a basis for disease-management practices in Latin America.