Risk factors associated with seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dogs from urban and rural areas of milk and coffee production in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Epidemiol Infect. 2013 Nov;141(11):2286-93. doi: 10.1017/S0950268813000162. Epub 2013 Feb 18.

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and to investigate the risk factors related to seroprevalence in dogs from urban and rural areas with distinct economic activities (milk and coffee production) in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. For this purpose, blood samples from 703 dogs were collected and questionnaires addressing epidemiological aspects were completed by dog-owners. The sera were analysed for anti-N. caninum antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFAT ≥ 1:50). Association between epidemiological aspects and seropositivity in dogs was evaluated with multivariate logistic regression models. A total of 80 (11·4%) dogs tested positive for N. caninum. In the multivariate logistic regression models, dogs aged >4 years, dogs used as guard dogs, dogs that spontaneously hunt, and history of bovine abortion were found to be greater risk factors for canine N. caninum infection. When we considered only dogs from rural areas, an association with seroprevalence was seen for milk farms, dogs not fed with commercial food, dogs that hunt, and dogs used as guard dogs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging
  • Agriculture
  • Animals
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cattle
  • Coccidiosis / epidemiology
  • Coccidiosis / parasitology
  • Coccidiosis / veterinary*
  • Coffea*
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology
  • Dog Diseases / parasitology*
  • Dogs
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Logistic Models
  • Milk*
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Neospora / isolation & purification*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Risk
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Population