Molecular and Serological Identification of Neospora caninum and The Associated Biochemical Changes in Egyptian Dairy Cattle.

Abstract

For detecting N. Caninum in dairy cows and their associated biochemical and inflammatory markers, 77 blood samples were collected from animals were subjected for serological and molecular testing. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), interlukin-10 (IL-10), catalase, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), calcium and phosphorus were compared in serologically negative animals with sensitivity/specificity <30 % with those serologically positive chronic (S/P >40% and <100 %), and serological positive acute (S/P>100). Results indicated that 21animals were seropositive (27.27%). From the seropositive animals 10 (47.62%) were considered as chronic having S/P of 63.59±11.49 and 11 (52.38%) were considered acute having S/P of 200.59±71.78. Only, one suspected animal by serological (1.29%) testing was detected positive by PCR. Seropositive chronic cows had high (P>0.05) MPO but seropositive acute case had the highest IL-10 and phosphorus (P<0.01) associated the lowest calcium (P<0.05) and calcium phosphorus ratio. In conclusion, serological test can be used to distinguish between serological acute and chronic positive cases while molecular test can be used to confirm the infection in suspected cases. Additionally, levels of IL-10, calcium, phosphorus, or calcium/phosphorus ratio can act as biomarkers for acute neosporosis in dairy animals.