SEROEPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF Neospora caninum IN CATTLE IN WASIT PROVINCE

Abstract

The main aim of present study was to identify the seroprevalence of N. caninum infections in cattle of some districts in Wasit province using a serological test (indirect-ELISA), and confirmation of seropositive results by a molecular PCR. In this study, the blood samples and epidemiological required data were collected from 327 animals during a period of September 2015 to May 2016. The overall results were revealed that 27.22% and 12.36% of study's cattle were positives with indirect ELISA and PCR, respectively. Regarding to the epidemiological risk factors submitted for this study; the prevalence of seropositive rates was reported a statistically variable results. Among district factor, the seropositive results were 36.28%, 27.88%, 17.31% and 26.53% in Al-Azizyah, Al-Numaniyah, Al-Kut and Al-Hay districts, respectively. According to age factor, it was 18.58% and 31.78% in  3 years and  3years groups, respectively; while in sex factor, males were reported 24.53% and females 27.74%. Relating to reproductive statement factor, the positive infections were 30.99% and 21.97% in aborted and non-aborted cows, respectively. Whereas in productivity nature factor; it was 38.24% and 19.37% in dairy and beef cattle, respectively.

Molecular and histopathological identification of ovine neosporosis (Neospora caninum) in aborted ewes in Iraq

“…Neosporosis has not frequently identified as a cause of abortions in sheep, however, few cases in single animals or flocks have been reported [14,15]. In Iraq, the findings of the previous serological reports in sheep, goats, and cattle confirmed the possible infection of these animals by N. caninum [16,17]. Nonetheless, there are limited data related to the prevalence of N. caninum based on DNA detection in naturally infected sheep, and most information received is from experimentally and naturally infected cattle.…”

“…However, several other infections can cause flocks reproductive decline and abortion, which not included in this study. Detection of N. caninum DNA can be achieved from brain, heart, kidney, liver, and umbilical cord of aborted fetuses and blood of its dam rather than placenta as it is limited to obtain fresh placenta in specific time [8,11,17].…”