Influence of age and breed on natural bovine fasciolosis in an endemic area (Galicia, NW Spain)

Vet Res Commun. 2002 Jul;26(5):361-70. doi: 10.1023/a:1016290727793.

Abstract

An analysis was undertaken of the effect of breed and age on bovine fasciolosis using antibody and antigen detection ELISAs. A total of 84.3% of the 1284 serum samples examined had positive antibody values and 20.4% exhibited antigenaemia. The seroprevalence of antibodies in crossbred cattle was higher than that in autochthonous Rubia Gallega, Friesian or Brown Swiss cows. The highest percentage antigenaemia occurred in the Brown Swiss cattle, but the breed differences were not statistically significant. Cattle aged 3-5 years had the highest antibody and circulating antigen prevalence and the age differences were significant. It was concluded that the apparent influence of breed was probably closely associated with the husbandry system. The autochthonous Rubia Gallega may be better adapted to fasciolosis as its percentage of antigenaemia was the lowest.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / analysis
  • Antibodies, Helminth / immunology
  • Antigens, Helminth / analysis
  • Antigens, Helminth / immunology
  • Cattle / classification*
  • Cattle / physiology*
  • Cattle Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cattle Diseases / immunology
  • Cattle Diseases / parasitology
  • Cattle Diseases / physiopathology
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fasciola hepatica / immunology
  • Fascioliasis / epidemiology*
  • Fascioliasis / immunology
  • Fascioliasis / parasitology
  • Fascioliasis / veterinary*
  • Prevalence
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spain / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Antigens, Helminth