ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the sero-prevalence of Neospora caninum infection in Camelus dromedaries; the most popular camel species in Iran. Totally, 310 serum samples were collected from camels in Isfahan Province during 2008 and tested in Shahrekord University using indirect fluorescent antibody test [IFAT] for serodiagnosis of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies as a cross-sectional study. Among evaluated serum samples, 10 [3.22%] had anti-N. caninum antibodies detectable in dilutions of 1:50 and 1:100. to rule false positive results due to cross-reactivity of this protozoan parasite with the closely related protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, an IFA was also performed for T. gondii infection in dilution of 1:16 for positively reacted serum samples against N.caninum. no concordant infections of these two protozoan parasites were detected. Presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in camels in Iran emphasizes the necessity of further studies to detect the role of this organism as a pathogen and possibly economic importance in camels population