Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in camels [Camelus dromedarius] in Isfahan Province, center of Iran

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 150 and 1100. 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 116 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