Serological Detection of Neospora caninum in One-Humped Camels of Al-Qadisiyah Province, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite of major concern in the veterinary community due to its significant impact on the health and productivity of livestock.

Aims: The current study insights the first serological detection of N. caninum in camels of Al-Qadisiyah province using of indirect ELISA, with estimation the severity of infection and the association of infection to some animal risk factors (age and sex).

Materials and methods: Totally, 184 dromedary camels of different ages and sexes were selected from various areas in Al-Qadisiyah province (Iraq) during April to July (2024), and subjected to sampling of venous blood. After centrifugation, the obtained sera were tested qualitatively using of ELISA.    

Results: Totally, 17.93% of study camels were shown a positive reactivity to anti-N. caninum antibody. Regarding severity of infection, significant variation was recorded in numerical and quantitative distribution of positive infections. Numerically, significant increases (p≤0.0247) were shown in mild infection (57.58%) while significant reduction was seen in severe infection (15.15%) when compared to moderate infection (27.27%). Based on the quantity of ODs in positive samples, the findings of mild, moderate and severe infections were 0.282 ± 0.006, 0.407 ± 0.006, and 0.555 ± 0.018, respectively. Concerning the risk factors, the findings of age groups detected that significant highest values of seropositive neosporosis were seen in groups of <1 year (21.43%) and 1-<4 years old (20.25%); while, the lowest value was observed in a camel group of 4-<8 years (13.79%). However, no positive camels (0%) to N. caninum infection were identified in a group of ³ 8 years old. In addition, the findings of Odds Ratio and Relative Risk were increased significantly in <1 year (1.341 and 1.268, respectively) and 1-<4 years (1.316 and 1.254, respectively); while, the lowest was detected in camel groups of 4-<8 years (0.645 and 0.695, respectively) and ³ 8 years (0 and 0, respectively). The association of sex factor to seropositive values identified that the prevalence rate of N. caninum infection is differed insignificantly (p≤0.0998) between female camels (18.01%) and males (17.39%). However, the results of Odds Ratio and Relative Risk reported that the female camels were significantly at higher risk of N. caninum infection (1.044 and 1.350, respectively) than males (0.958 and 0.966, respectively).

Conclusion: This study confirms the occurrence of N. caninum in camels of Al-Qadisiyah province (Iraq). However, little attention toward N. caninum infection suggesting the greater importance of furthermore of serological and / or molecular studies for understanding the epidemiology and possible implication of parasite in health status of different animals, and the role of camels in transmission of infection to other domestic animals.