Importance of serological cross-reactivity amongToxoplasma gondii, Hammondiaspp.,Neosporaspp.,Sarcocystisspp. andBesnoitia besnoiti

Abstract

SUMMARYToxoplasma gondii, Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Hammondia spp. and Besnoitia besnoiti are genetically related cyst-forming coccidia. Serology is frequently used for the identification of T. gondii, Neospora spp. and B. besnoiti-exposed individuals. Serologic cross-reactions occur in different tests among animals infected with T. gondii and H. hammondi, as well as among animals infected by T. gondii and N. caninum. Infections caused by N. caninum and N. hughesi are almost indistinguishable by serology. Neospora caninum, B. besnoiti and Sarcocystis spp. infections in cattle show some degree of serologic cross-reactivity. Antibody cross-reactivity between Neospora spp. and H. heydorni-infected animals is suspected, but not proven to occur. We review serologic cross-reactivity among animals and/or humans infected with T. gondii, Neospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Hammondia spp. and B. besnoiti. Emphasis is laid upon antigens and serological methods for N. caninum diagnosis which were tested for cross-reactivity with related protozoa. Species-specific antigens, as well as stage-specific proteins have been identified in some of these parasites and have promising use for diagnosis and epidemiological surveys.

Seroprevalence and Clinical Outcomes of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia besnoiti Infections in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

“…Estimation under field conditions of seroprevalence and clinical findings associated with N. caninum, T. gondii and B. besnoiti infections is an interesting challenge in water buffalo medicine where the knowledge regarding these parasites are almost rare [9,10,31]. Indeed, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this was the first study investigating, simultaneously the role and changes induced by these pathogens in water buffaloes, since the knowledge regarding N. caninum and T. gondii on buffalo health are truly incomplete, while those relative to B. besnoiti are completely absent in Europe.…”

“…One limitation of our study could be due to the indirect diagnosis of the three protozoa by ELISA tests that may show some level of cross-reactivity [9]. The sera samples were analyzed by three commercial ELISA kits that are either multispecies or used for small and large ruminants.…”

“…In the recent years, increasing demand for dairy products and consequent maximizing productivity of buffalo herds have raised concerns regarding diseases that lower fertility or cause abortion in this livestock species but the attention has been focused mostly on infectious diseases [8]. Thus, investigations on the implications of parasitic pathogens in relation to reproductive losses in this species are needed [9][10][11].…”

Toxoplasma gondii in cattle in Brazil: a review

“…With the aim of seeking greater efficiency regarding detection of specific antibodies against T. gondii, different types of ELISA have been applied as bovine serological tests. Indirect ELISA, using whole antigen extracts, is commonly used (Liu et al, 2015;Gondim et al, 2017). However, given specificity limitations, this is being replaced by techniques using recombinant antigens, derived from immunodominant antigenic fractions (Gondim et al, 2017;Sudan et al, 2019).…”

“…Indirect ELISA, using whole antigen extracts, is commonly used (Liu et al, 2015;Gondim et al, 2017). However, given specificity limitations, this is being replaced by techniques using recombinant antigens, derived from immunodominant antigenic fractions (Gondim et al, 2017;Sudan et al, 2019). Sudan et al (2019) described detection of antibodies against T. gondii in cattle via recombinant SAG2-ELISA and considered that the protein SAG2 was a promising candidate for making serodiagnoses of toxoplasmosis in livestock.…”