Neospora caninum serostatus is affected by age and speciesvariables in cohabiting water buffaloes and beef cattle

MOORE, D.P.; KONRAD, J.L.; SAN MARTINO, S.; REICHEL, M.P.; CANO, D.B.; MENDEZ, S. ; SPATH, E.J.A.; ODEÓN, A.C.; CRUDELI, G.A.; CAMPERO, C.M.

VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2014 vol. 203 p. 259 - 263

0304-4017

The aim of this study was to investigate how Neospora caninum serostatus may be affectedby variables such as host species (water buffaloes or cattle) and age in animals cohabitingin the same ranch. A convenience cross-sectional study was performed on four ranches inthe Northeast of Argentina, where water buffalo are cohabitating with beef cattle. Bloodsamples were collected from 1350 female water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and 880 femalebeef cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus crossbreeds) from four ranches. Calving and weaningpercentages at herd level for each ranch were also recorded. N. caninum antibody levelswere measured by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) (reciprocal antibody titers≥100). Serological results were classified into 2 categories (0: negative; 1: positive). A logis-tic regression model was used to describe the relationship between N. caninum serostatusand specie (water buffalo or cattle), age or ranch and their interactions. Likelihood ratiotests were used to assess the significance of the model and their terms. Odds ratios wereestimated and 95% profile likelihood (LR) and Wald confidence intervals (CI) obtained. Over-all, specific antibody titers were found in 43.3% (584/1350) of water buffaloes and 28.6%(252/880) of cattle. Seropositive water buffaloes and cattle were observed on all ranches.Age was statistically significant (p = 0.01) with an overall estimate of logit (log odds) of ageof 0.03 for both species. This indicates that for every one year increase in age, the expectedchange in log odds of being seropositive increased by 0.03. On three of four ranches a waterbuffalo was 4.48, 1.54 and 2.25 times more likely to be seropositive than cattle for animalsof the same age. The N. caninum serostatus was affected by age in the first place, but also byspecies on at least three of the four ranches. Calving and weaning percentages were higherin water buffaloes than in beef cattle (p < 0.05). Even though the low pathogenicity thatN. caninum seems to have in water buffaloes, this study reinforces the importance of thisspecie as maintenance of the disease.