Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella Species in Sheep

Abstract

Numerous infections are accountable for abortion in small ruminants, resulting in significant economic repercussions, as well as possessing the potential risk for humans. The current study was undertaken to assess the identification of different risk factors as well as the seroprevalence associated with sheep abortion in Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Brucella species infections. Ninety serum samples from sheep were examined using ELISA to detect antibodies against Toxoplasma and Neospora. The results revealed that 54(60%) and 7(7.7%) were seropositive for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. For these samples the Rose Bengal test was used to detect antibodies against Brucella species. The results showed that 26(28.8%) were seropositive serologically to Brucella species. There were 17(18.8%) samples showed mixed infection of T. gondii and B. melitensis, 4(4.4%) were mixed showed infection with T. gondii and N. caninum, and 1(1.1%) was mixed infection between N. caninum and B. melitensis. Only one (1.1%) sample showed mixed infection for the three infections together. The prevalence of miscarriage in sheep was observed. The seropositivity of toxoplasmosis, Neosporosis, and Brucellosis in sheep needs further study to elude the transmission to human especially those of zoonotic importance, so attention should be considered to more investigations concerning these diseases in animals and humans in the studied area.