Seroprevalence of Neospora spp. in Horses in North East of Iran.
Abstract: Neospora caninum, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, is recognized as a major cause of abortion in cattle, while limited information is presently available on the seroprevalence of Neospora antibodies in horses' worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine serologic prevalence of Neospora infection in horses in Iran. Methods: Sera from 150 horses from Mashhad suburb in Razavi Khorasan Province, northeast Iran were examined for antibodies to Neospora spp. using Neospora modified direct agglutination test (N-MAT). Results: Antibodies to this parasite were detected in 45 (30%) of the examined serum samples. Thirty four percent of the samples had titer of 1:40 while then reduced to 30% when 1:80 serum dilution was applied as significant cut off titer. Conclusions: This study is the first investigation carried out on the Neospora in horses in Iran and indicates that horses in Iran are exposed to this parasite.
Publication Date: 2012-02-22 PubMed ID: 22347290PubMed Central: PMC3279880
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research study revolves around investigating the prevalence of the parasitic infection caused by Neospora caninum in horses located in North East Iran. With 150 subjects involved, it was found that 30% of the horses were exposed to this parasite.
Objective
The primary objective was to identify the seroprevalence of Neospora infection within horses in Iran. Although more prevalent in cattle, the information regarding Neospora antibodies in horses is limited globally. This research therefore contributes valuable data in understanding the exposure of horses to the Neospora parasite in Iran.
Methodology
- The research involved testing sera samples acquired from 150 horses located in Mashhad suburb of Razavi Khorasan Province, Northeast Iran.
- These samples were examined for the presence of Neospora antibodies using the Neospora modified direct agglutination test (N-MAT).
- The N-MAT is a reliable method to detect Neospora-specific antibodies in sera samples.
Results
- Out of the 150 samples, antibodies linked to the Neospora parasite were identified in 45 samples, which constitutes 30% of the total.
- 34% of these positive samples had a titer value of 1:40. The titer is a measure of the concentration of antibodies in the blood.
- The percentage reduced to 30% when 1:80 serum dilution was applied. Here, serum dilution refers to the practice of lessening the concentration of the antiserum, in order to differentiate between high and low levels of antibodies.
Conclusion
- This is the first study that delves into the prevalence of Neospora infection in horses in Iran. Therefore, it plays a critical role in providing initial data regarding the extent of horses’ exposure to this parasitic infection in the said region.
- The research concluded that a significant percentage of horses in Iran, approximately 30%, were found to be exposed to the Neospora parasite, indicating the need for preventive and control steps.
Cite This Article
APA
Hosseini M, Moraveji M, Tahamtan Y, Rahimian A, Mohammadi G, Namavari M.
(2012).
Seroprevalence of Neospora spp. in Horses in North East of Iran.
Iran J Parasitol, 6(2), 64-68.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Shiraz, Iran.
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Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Rahmani SS, Malekifard F, Tavassoli M. Neospora caninum, a cause of abortion in donkeys (Equus asinus) in Iran. Parasitol Res 2022 Jan;121(1):367-372.
- Khamesipour F, Taktaz-Hafshejani T, Tebit KE, Razavi SM, Hosseini SR. Prevalence of endo- and ecto-parasites of equines in Iran: A systematic review. Vet Med Sci 2021 Jan;7(1):25-34.
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