Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Antibodies in Dogs and Cats from Egypt and Risk Factor Analysis

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are major protozoan parasites of worldwide distribution and significance in veterinary medicine and, for T. gondii, in public health. Cats and dogs, as final hosts for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively, have a key function in environmental contamination with oocysts and, thus, in parasite transmission. Very little is known about the prevalence of T. gondii infections in dogs and cats in Egypt, and even less about the prevalence of N. caninum in the same hosts. Methods: In the current study, 223 serum samples of both dogs (n = 172) and cats (n = 51) were investigated for specific antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum using commercially available ELISAs. A risk factor analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with seropositivity. Results & discussion: Exposure to T. gondii was reported in 23.3% of the dogs and in 9.8% of the cats, respectively. In addition, N. caninum-specific antibodies were recorded in 5.8% of dogs and in 3.4% of cats. A mixed infection was found in two dogs (1.2%) and in one cat (2%). Antibodies to T. gondii in dogs were significantly more frequent in dogs aged 3 years or more and in male German Shepherds. As this breed is often used as watchdogs and was the most sampled breed in Alexandria governorate, the purpose “watchdog” (compared to “stray” or “companion”), the male sex, and the governorate “Alexandria” also had a significantly higher seroprevalence for T. gondii. No factors associated with antibodies to N. caninum could be identified in dogs, and no significant factors were determined in cats for either T. gondii or N. caninum infection. Our study substantially adds to the knowledge of T. gondii infection in dogs and cats and presents data on N. caninum infection in cats for the first and in dogs in Egypt for the second time.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Trichinella spp. in Pigs from Cairo, Egypt

“…Neospora caninum infection in Egyptian animals is underestimated, with a few seroprevalence reports in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, camels, dogs, and cats, as well as limited information on clinical neosporosis. In our previous reports using the same ELISA as in the current study, we demonstrated seroprevalence rates for N. caninum of 3.9% in camels [44], 15.5% and 5% in sheep and goats, respectively [45], 5.8% in dogs, 3.4% in cats [49], and 24.6% in cattle [50]. Nonetheless, serum samples from aborted cows revealed N. caninum infections in addition to Coxiella burnetii [51] or Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus [52].…”

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in pet cats, dogs and rabbits from urban areas of Poland

“…However, neosporosis is often missed in diagnosing neurological disorders and myopathies in dogs and cats. The serological studies regarding N. caninum in domestic animals usually focus on dogs [ 6 – 13 ]. Several studies were conducted to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in domestic cats worldwide [ 13 – 16 ].…”

“…The serological studies regarding N. caninum in domestic animals usually focus on dogs [ 6 – 13 ]. Several studies were conducted to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in domestic cats worldwide [ 13 – 16 ]. Data on N. caninum seroprevalence in rabbits are scarce, although few reports indicate the presence of antibodies against N. caninum in rabbit sera [ 12 , 17 , 18 ].…”

Characterization of the Domestic Cat Population of Uruguay: Breeds, Coat Colors, Hair Length, Lifestyle, Sex and Spay/Neuter Status According to Guardian Report

“…For example, the percentage of neutered cats, as well as those that live outdoors, are necessary data to evaluate population control, their environmental impact, and the dynamics of zoonoses and other diseases in whose cycle they are involved. Cats and dogs that live outdoors, with or without guardians, experience greater health risks than their indoor-living counterparts, and the overpopulation of free-roaming animals can result in other challenges, including traffic accidents, bite injuries, predation, and competition with wildlife [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. The decision to allow cats access to the outdoors has not been found to be associated with their age, health status, or onychectomy status.…”