Abstract

Neospora caninum is a heteroxenous cyst-forming apicomplexan intracellular protozoan which is considered as a major cause of infectious bovine abortion worldwide. The aim of the present study was to compile the initial epidemiological data on the prevalence of N. caninum antibodies in Sarab area. 384 blood samples were collected. Serum samples were tested for the presence of N. caninum antibodies using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; >or=50). Using cut off dilution of 1:50 for dogs. Antibodies were seen in 41 (10.6%) of the 384 dogs. The largest age group was 2-4 years, with 170 (44.3%) dogs out of which only 28 dogs (16.4%) were seropositive and the lowest age group was 4-6 years, with 87(22.6%) out of which only 5 dogs (5.7%) were seropositive. The highest rate of infection was seen in Ardaha village, with 13 (32.5%) dogs. The lowest rate of infection was detected in Khaki village, with only 3 (10%) dogs. According to dog breed, the seropositivity rate of N. caninum was 24.3% in pure breed dogs and 17.2% in mongrel dogs. Differences among the dog breed was found to be not significant (P>0.05). The antibody titres of N. caninum ranged from 1:50 to 1:3200. 41 Seropositive dogs with titers of 1:50 in 11, 1:100 in 18, 1:200 in 6, 1:800 in 3, 1:1600 in 2, and 1:3200 in 1 dog. In the present study, there was no correlation between antibody titers and, age or location. In this study, none of the dogs had neurological signs. The results showed the presence and exposure of Shepherd dogs to N. caninum in Sarab city, and this confirmed that dogs are exposed to N. caninum and play an important role in the epidemiology of N. caninum of this region.

Key words: Neospora caninum, Sarab, Iran, dogs.