Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp., and Coxiella burnetii-associated antibodies in dairy cattle with reproductive disorders

Abstract

Background and Aim: In cattle dairy farms, abortions and other reproductive problems due to major infectious diseases are overlooked, and identifying their causative agents is very challenging without a confirmatory diagnosis. Further, a prevalence study in animals will provide important hints of pathogen reservoirs and provide necessary direction to disease burden with appropriate control and biosecurity measures at the farm level. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dairy cattle associated with reproductive problems along with coexisting antibodies against abortifacient zoonotic (Coxiella burnetii and Leptospira spp.) pathogens. Materials and Methods: Cattle sera (n = 246) from dairy farms (n = 35) situated in different locations in India were screened for anti-T. gondii and C. burnetii antibodies with enzyme-linked immunoassay and Leptospira spp. antibodies with microscopic agglutination test. Results: The overall prevalence of 11.4% (95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 7.99%–15.96%) antibodies in cattle associated with reproductive problems (p < 0.021) with farm-level seropositivity of 43% was observed. Further, on analysis of screened sera, 49.8% (95% CI: 42.6%–55%) and 77.6% (95% CI: 72%–82.4%) of samples were found to be positive for C. burnetii and Leptospira spp. antibodies, respectively. Moreover, the seropositivity of 91.9% (226/246) for at least one of the screened zoonotic pathogens was observed, indicating antibodies against either of these organisms in association with reproductive disorders (p < 0.005). The percentage of cattle found to have T. gondii antibodies was only 1.8%, whereas 11.5% and 41.6% of cattle were found to have C. burnetii and Leptospira spp. antibodies, respectively. Nevertheless, the predominantly mixed infections observed were of Leptospira and C. burnetii (34.5%), followed by all three infections (4.9%); toxoplasmosis and leptospirosis (3.5%); and toxoplasmosis and Q fever (2.2%). Conclusion: The serological detection of antibodies against these pathogens in cattle may have significant implications for the livestock industry and public health, suggesting the need for continuous surveillance and monitoring of these infections to prevent their spread.

Seroepidemological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in Northeastern India

“…In India, the seroprevalence of T . gondii has been investigated in various animals, including livestock, poultry, and captive wild species such as cattle [ 19 , 20 ], chicken [ 21 ], Mithun [ 22 ], sheep [ 23 ], goats [ 24 ], as well as Asiatic lions and Royal Bengal tigers [ 25 ]. Thakur et al [ 16 ] reported a seroprevalence of 48.3% (73/151) in pigs reared in Punjab.…”

Serological Evidence and Coexposure of Selected Infections among Livestock Slaughtered at Eastern Cape Abattoirs in South Africa

“…Despite toxoplasmosis not commonly leading to reproductive pathologies in cattle, the organism results in the formation of cyst in the tissues posing a risk to public health if the contaminated meat is consumed undercooked [57]. Also, in a recent publication from India, a 2.21% coexposure of C. burnetii and T. gondii was documented in dairy cattle, resulting in reproductive disorders [58]. Coexposures of Brucella and C. burnetii in cattle and sheep are signifcant as they result in reproductive losses, and both have public health issues for humans in contact with infected animals [59,60].…”

Molecular prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Trypanosoma evansi in recently calved female cattle from Phayao, Thailand

“…Conversely, clinical signs of toxoplasmosis in cattle are generally uncommon and often subclinical under normal conditions [ 4 , 17 ]. However, during acute infection, affected cattle may exhibit mild symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and dyspnea [ 18 ]. T. gondii and T. evansi infections in pregnant cows can lead to reproductive complications, such as abortion, stillbirth, or the birth of weak or debilitated offspring [ 19 , 20 ].…”