Molecular characterization of Neospora caninum from Axis deer (Axix axis) in Argentina

BASSO, W.; SCHARES G.; MORÉ, G.; PARDINI L.; BACIGALUPE D.; VENTURINI L.; VENTURINI M.C.

Edimburgo

Encuentro; BSP (British Society for Parasitology) Spring & Malaria meeting 2009; 2009

British Society for Parasitology

Neospora caninum infection was diagnosed in Axis deer at the zoo of La Plata, Argentina by serological, histopathological and molecular techniques. Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were inoculated with brain tissues of one fawn, which presented dilatation of the anal sphincter and incontinence at birth, developed weakness and ataxia, and died at 14 days of age. The fawn had IFAT titer of 6400 for N. caninum and thick-walled protozoan cysts were observed in brain samples. Four neonates that died in the same enclosure between May and September 2007 and 12/13 asymptomatic adult axis deer had reciprocal IFAT titers for N. caninum between 25 and 6400. The N. caninum infection in gerbils was confirmed by serology (reciprocal IFAT titer 800) and PCR techniques. Two of five inoculated gerbils developed ataxia and bent at 22 and 26 days post inoculation, respectively. N. caninum DNA was detected in brain samples from the fawn and from one neonate. By multilocus microsatellite analysis based on the N. caninum microsatellites MS1B, 2, 3, 5, 6A, 6B, 10, 12 and 21 both DNA samples showed the same microsatellite pattern. This pattern was different from all other isolates from Argentina and other countries.