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  • Neospora caninum in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from southern Brazil.

Neospora caninum in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from southern Brazil.

Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria (2020-12-10)
João Pedro Sasse, Ana Clécia Dos Santos Silva, Priscilla Gomes Carneiro, Beatriz de Souza Lima Nino, Fernando Emmanuel Gonçalves Vieira, Luiz Daniel de Barros, João Luis Garcia
ABSTRACT

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect many domestic and wild animals, including birds. These animals are important sources for monitoring of environmental contamination, as they could become infected through sporulated oocysts; however, the real role of birds in the biological cycle of N. caninum remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies, evaluate associated factors, detect the parasite by molecular testing of free-range chickens from Brazil, and evaluate different techniques for its serological diagnosis. Blood samples of 366 chickens from 25 farms were collected for serological assays. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies. Chickens that tested seropositive by IFAT had their brain tissues and a pool of organs (heart, lung, and liver) submitted to PCR for molecular detection of the parasite. Out of 366 chickens, 65 (17.8%) and 163 (44.6%) were seropositive by IFAT and ELISA, respectively. Brain tissues (n=60) and the pools of organs (n=65) were negative in the PCR. Our results showed a high prevalence of antibodies in free-range chickens and that IFAT is the more sensitive technique for the detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-Chicken IgY (IgG) (whole molecule)−Peroxidase antibody produced in rabbit, affinity isolated antibody, buffered aqueous solution
Sigma-Aldrich
Anti-Chicken IgY (IgG) (whole molecule)−FITC antibody produced in rabbit, affinity isolated antibody, buffered aqueous solution