Neospora

Neospora caninum (5256961091)

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Transmission of Neosporosis

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Aborted calf due to Neopsporosis

Neospora is a genus of apicomplexan parasites that primarily affect animals. The most well-known species within this genus is Neospora caninum, which is a major cause of neospora abortion in cattle and neurological disease in dogs.

Taxonomy and Classification

Neospora belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa, which includes other notable parasites such as Plasmodium (the causative agent of malaria) and Toxoplasma gondii. The genus Neospora was first described in 1988, and it is closely related to Toxoplasma.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Neospora involves both asexual and sexual reproduction. The definitive hosts, where sexual reproduction occurs, are typically canids such as dogs and wolves. Intermediate hosts, where asexual reproduction occurs, include a variety of mammals, most notably cattle.

Definitive Hosts

In the definitive host, Neospora undergoes sexual reproduction in the intestinal epithelium. Oocysts are shed in the feces and can contaminate the environment, where they become infectious.

Intermediate Hosts

Intermediate hosts become infected by ingesting oocysts from the environment. In these hosts, the parasite undergoes asexual reproduction, forming tachyzoites and bradyzoites. Tachyzoites are responsible for the acute phase of infection, while bradyzoites form tissue cysts and are associated with chronic infection.

Pathogenesis

Neospora can cause significant disease in both definitive and intermediate hosts. In cattle, it is a leading cause of bovine abortion, leading to significant economic losses in the dairy and beef industries. In dogs, it can cause neuromuscular disease, leading to symptoms such as paralysis and muscle atrophy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Neospora infection can be achieved through various methods, including serology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and histopathology. Serological tests detect antibodies against Neospora, while PCR can identify the parasite's DNA in tissue samples.

Treatment and Control

There is currently no effective treatment for Neospora infection in cattle. Management practices to control the spread of the parasite include preventing contamination of feed and water with dog feces and culling infected animals. In dogs, treatment options include antiprotozoal drugs, although these are not always effective.

Prevention

Preventive measures focus on breaking the life cycle of the parasite. This includes controlling the population of definitive hosts and ensuring that they do not have access to areas where cattle feed. Vaccines are currently under development but are not yet widely available.

Related Pages

• Apicomplexa
• Neospora caninum
• Toxoplasma gondii
• Bovine abortion
• Neurological disease
• Polymerase chain reaction

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