Detection of antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in horses, dogs and cat

Abstract

The occurrence and distribution of antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii was investigated in horses, dogs and cats from Curitiba, Paraná state, Brazil. Serum samples were selected from 100 horses, 100 dogs and 100 cats from the routine of the Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory in the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Paraná (UFPR). The 100 dog samples were divided into two groups: 35 samples from dogs with neurological sign (convulsion) and 65 samples from dogs without neurological signs. The animals were adults of different breeds, males and females. Samples were analyzed by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for protozoa S. neurona, N. caninum and T. gondii at the following cut-off dilutions: horses: 1:50, 1:50 and 1:16; dogs: 1:50, 1:50 and 1:16; cats: 1:50, 1:50 and 1:50, respectively. The obtained results were 42% of horses, 7% of dogs and 5% of cats seropositive for S. neurona; 58% of horses, 68% of dogs and 42% of cats seropositive to N. caninum, and 36% of horses, 20% of dogs and 21% of cats seropositive for T. gondii. Among the dogs with neurological signs, 8.6%, 68.6% and 25.7% were seropositive for S. neurona, N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively. Among the dogs without neurological signs, 6.2% 67.7% and 16.9% were seropositive for S. neurona, N. caninum and T. gondii, respectively. No statistical difference was found between groups of seropositive dogs for the three protozoa with neurological signs and without neurological signs. Co-infection and high antibody titers were detected. The antibodies against Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii were found widely distributed among horses, dogs and cats in the region of Curitiba, state of Paraná, Brazil.

Keywords

• Sarcocystosis
• Neosporosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Neurological signs