Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular coccidian parasite infecting a broad range of hosts globally. Despite the existence of several epidemiological studies on neosporosis, there is a limited knowledge regarding the prevalence of N. caninum infection among dogs, cows, and humans in Egypt. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted an epidemiological investigation in the Assiut province of Egypt to determine the seropositivity of N. caninum infection among cows, dogs, and pregnant women, as well as the associated risk factors. By employing an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, we found specific N. caninum IgG antibodies in 6% (6 of 100) and 2.33% (1 of 43) of cows and dogs’ sera, respectively. However, we are unable to detect antibodies in the 48 tested human sera. Moreover, no statistical significance was observed among the analyzed risk factors associated with seropositive cows and dogs. Our study highlights the presence of N. caninum in cows and dogs in the Assiut province, Egypt. Further, it underscores the need for improved comprehensive surveillance of N. caninum infection in a large population of cattle across various locations to obtain a better understanding of the economic burden associated with the disease.
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MH shared in sampling and ELISA work, data analysis and wrote the manuscript. MA participated in samples collection, data analysis, writing and revising the manuscript. AG shared in sampling, literature collection, manuscript writing and data analysis, AA designed the study and coordinated the work, shared in sampling, data analysis, writing and reviewing the final manuscript. All authors discussed the results, commented on the manuscript, and approved the final version of the manuscript to be submitted.
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Hamed, M.I., Abushahba, M.F.N., Gareh, A. et al. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in dogs, cows, and humans in Assiut province, Egypt: a pilot study. J Parasit Dis 47, 677–682 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-023-01612-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-023-01612-8