Prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum in stray dogs of Urmia, Iran

Parasitol Res. 2010 May;106(6):1455-8. doi: 10.1007/s00436-010-1824-z. Epub 2010 Apr 9.

Abstract

To investigate anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in stray dogs living in Urmia city, 135 blood samples were collected. Serum samples were screened for detection of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; >or=50). Antibodies were seen in 36 (27%) of 135 dogs. The IFAT antibody titers were as follows: 1:50 in 16 dogs, 1:100 in ten dogs, 1:200 in six dogs, 1:400 in one dog, 1:800 in two dogs, and 1:1,600 in one dog. There were no significant differences in seroprevalence of Neospora infection between different genders (p > 0.05). The seropositive results were increased with age and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results confirm the presence and exposure of stray dogs to N. caninum in Urmia city and the importance of this protozoan as a cause of disease in dogs of the region.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Coccidiosis / epidemiology
  • Coccidiosis / veterinary*
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Dog Diseases / parasitology
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Neospora / immunology*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Immunoglobulin G