Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs from an urban area of North-eastern Brazil: a spatial approach

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2019 Apr 11:52:e20180440. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0440-2018.

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs.

Methods: Blood samples (n = 241) were collected and analyzed for the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies. The spatial distribution was evaluated using kernel density estimation (KDE).

Results: Anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 24.06% (58/241) and 9.54% (23/241) of samples, respectively. A heterogeneous spatial distribution of positive dogs was observed across the city.

Conclusions: These data are pivotal for better understanding the dynamics of infection caused by these protozoa in the canine population.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Coccidiosis / diagnosis
  • Coccidiosis / epidemiology
  • Coccidiosis / veterinary*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis
  • Dog Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Male
  • Neospora / immunology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Spatial Analysis
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / diagnosis
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*
  • Urban Population

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan