Neospora caninum in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from southern Brazil

Abstract

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect many domestic and wild animals, including birds. These animals are important sources for monitoring of environmental contamination, as they could become infected through sporulated oocysts; however, the real role of birds in the biological cycle of N. caninum remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies, evaluate associated factors, detect the parasite by molecular testing of free-range chickens from Brazil, and evaluate different techniques for its serological diagnosis. Blood samples of 366 chickens from 25 farms were collected for serological assays. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies. Chickens that tested seropositive by IFAT had their brain tissues and a pool of organs (heart, lung, and liver) submitted to PCR for molecular detection of the parasite. Out of 366 chickens, 65 (17.8%) and 163 (44.6%) were seropositive by IFAT and ELISA, respectively. Brain tissues (n=60) and the pools of organs (n=65) were negative in the PCR. Our results showed a high prevalence of antibodies in free-range chickens and that IFAT is the more sensitive technique for the detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies.

Knowledge and Practices on Consumption of Free-Range Chicken Viscera in Selected Rural Communities of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, with Focus on Zoonotic Transmission of Toxoplasma Gondii and Toxocara Spp.

“…Although free-range chickens (FRC) contribute signi cantly to animal protein, reports on their role in transmitting zoonotic pathogens is scanty (Rodrigues et al 2019). Free-range chickens are infected during scavenging when they ingest the infective stage of parasites from the contaminated environment (Sasse et al 2020). Humans acquire infection indirectly via the consumption of raw or undercooked infected chicken viscera or meat containing tissue cysts (T. gondii) or larvae (T. canis and T. cati) (Fan et al 2015; Gaulin et al 2020).…”

Status of research on two parasitic zoonoses (Toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis) in Sub-Saharan Africa and their prevalence in selected rural communities of Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa using free-range chickens as a case study.

“…2019). They are normally infected during scavenging when they ingest the infective stage of various species of parasites from a contaminated environment(Sasse et al 2020). Humans may acquire infection indirectly via the consumption of raw or undercooked infected chicken viscera or meat containing for example tissue cysts of T. gondii or larvae of Toxocara spp from canids and felids.…”