Seroprevalence of neospora caninum infection in domestic dogs in Turkey

Abstract

150 serum samples from domestic dogs of 9 breeds from the districts of Bursa, western Turkey (21 males, 85 females, 6- to 8-years of age) and Adana, southeastern Turkey (10 males, 34 females, 2- to 6-years of age), were sampled between June and September 1998. Sera were tested for immunoglobulin G antibodies to N. caninum by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Serum samples from 2 other clinically affected Dobermann puppies from the Bursa region were also examined. 15 of the 150 dogs were seropositive showing titres of 1:100 and 1:200. The estimated seroprevalence differed significantly between the districts of Bursa and Adana. 6.4 and 10.9% of male dogs and bitches, respectively, had Neospora antibodies but the seroprevalence did not significantly differ between both sexes. The youngest seropositive animal was 1 year of age and the oldest was 5 years. There was no association between seroprevalence and age; however 94% of the dogs examined were not older that 4 years. One of the 2 puppies examined additionally showed hindlimb paraplegia and hyperextension and had an anti-N. caninum IFAT titre of 1:800. The other puppy which showed incontinence had an antibody titre of 1:400 and another littermate had died aged 5 weeks, but could not be examined. This is apparently the first report on the prevalence of antibodies to N. caninum in animals in the eastern Mediterranean. It is concluded that N. caninum infections occur in the Turkish dog population.