Neospora: Difference between revisions

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[[file:Neospora_caninum_(5256961091).jpg|thumb|Neospora caninum (5256961091)]] [[file:Transmission_of_Neosporosis.png|thumb|Transmission of Neosporosis|left]] [[file:Aborted_calf_due_to_Neopsporosis.jpg|thumb|Aborted calf due to Neopsporosis]] '''Neospora''' is a genus of [[apicomplexan]] parasites that primarily affect animals. The most well-known species within this genus is ''[[Neospora caninum]]'', which is a major cause of [[neospora abortion]] in cattle and [[neurological disease]] in dogs.  
[[File:Neospora caninum (5256961091).jpg|Neospora caninum (5256961091)|thumb]]
'''Neosporosis''' is a [[parasitic disease]] caused by the protozoan ''[[Neospora caninum]]''. It primarily affects [[cattle]] and [[dogs]], leading to significant [[economic losses]] in the [[livestock industry]].


==Taxonomy and Classification==
== Etiology ==
Neospora belongs to the phylum [[Apicomplexa]], which includes other notable parasites such as ''[[Plasmodium]]'' (the causative agent of [[malaria]]) and ''[[Toxoplasma gondii]]''. The genus Neospora was first described in 1988, and it is closely related to ''[[Toxoplasma]]''.
''Neospora caninum'' is an [[apicomplexan]] parasite closely related to ''[[Toxoplasma gondii]]''. It is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect a wide range of [[mammalian hosts]].


==Life Cycle==
== Transmission ==
The life cycle of Neospora involves both asexual and sexual reproduction. The definitive hosts, where sexual reproduction occurs, are typically [[canids]] such as [[dogs]] and [[wolves]]. Intermediate hosts, where asexual reproduction occurs, include a variety of [[mammals]], most notably [[cattle]].
The primary mode of transmission in cattle is vertical, from [[dam]] to [[fetus]] during [[pregnancy]]. Dogs, the definitive hosts, can shed [[oocysts]] in their [[feces]], which can contaminate [[food]] and [[water]] sources, leading to horizontal transmission.


===Definitive Hosts===
== Clinical Signs ==
In the definitive host, Neospora undergoes sexual reproduction in the [[intestinal epithelium]]. [[Oocysts]] are shed in the feces and can contaminate the environment, where they become infectious.
In cattle, neosporosis is a major cause of [[abortion]], particularly in the second trimester. In dogs, it can cause [[neurological disorders]], [[muscle atrophy]], and [[paralysis]].


===Intermediate Hosts===
== Diagnosis ==
Intermediate hosts become infected by ingesting oocysts from the environment. In these hosts, the parasite undergoes asexual reproduction, forming [[tachyzoites]] and [[bradyzoites]]. Tachyzoites are responsible for the acute phase of infection, while bradyzoites form tissue cysts and are associated with chronic infection.
Diagnosis of neosporosis can be achieved through [[serological tests]] such as [[ELISA]] and [[indirect fluorescent antibody test]] (IFAT). [[Polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) testing can also be used to detect ''N. caninum'' DNA in tissues.


==Pathogenesis==
== Treatment ==
Neospora can cause significant disease in both definitive and intermediate hosts. In cattle, it is a leading cause of [[bovine abortion]], leading to significant economic losses in the [[dairy]] and [[beef]] industries. In dogs, it can cause [[neuromuscular disease]], leading to symptoms such as [[paralysis]] and [[muscle atrophy]].
There is no definitive cure for neosporosis, but [[antiprotozoal drugs]] such as [[clindamycin]] and [[sulfadiazine]] may help reduce symptoms in dogs. In cattle, management focuses on preventing transmission.


==Diagnosis==
== Prevention ==
Diagnosis of Neospora infection can be achieved through various methods, including [[serology]], [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR), and [[histopathology]]. Serological tests detect antibodies against Neospora, while PCR can identify the parasite's DNA in tissue samples.
Preventive measures include maintaining strict [[biosecurity]] to prevent contamination of feed and water with dog feces, and managing breeding to avoid transmission from infected dams to offspring.


==Treatment and Control==
== See Also ==
There is currently no effective treatment for Neospora infection in cattle. Management practices to control the spread of the parasite include preventing contamination of feed and water with dog feces and culling infected animals. In dogs, treatment options include [[antiprotozoal]] drugs, although these are not always effective.
* [[Toxoplasmosis]]
* [[Coccidiosis]]
* [[Zoonosis]]


==Prevention==
== External Links ==
Preventive measures focus on breaking the life cycle of the parasite. This includes controlling the population of definitive hosts and ensuring that they do not have access to areas where cattle feed. Vaccines are currently under development but are not yet widely available.
* [https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/neosporosis/index.html CDC - Neosporosis]
* [https://www.merckvetmanual.com/digestive-system/neosporosis/overview-of-neosporosis Merck Veterinary Manual - Neosporosis]


==Related Pages==
[[Category:Parasitic diseases]]
* [[Apicomplexa]]
* [[Neospora caninum]]
* [[Toxoplasma gondii]]
* [[Bovine abortion]]
* [[Neurological disease]]
* [[Polymerase chain reaction]]
 
==Categories==
[[Category:Apicomplexa]]
[[Category:Veterinary medicine]]
[[Category:Veterinary medicine]]
[[Category:Parasitic diseases]]
[[Category:Protozoal diseases]]
 
[[Category:Zoonoses]]
{{Taxobox
| name = Neospora
| image =
| image_caption =
| domain = [[Eukaryota]]
| unranked_regnum = [[SAR (Stramenopiles, Alveolates, Rhizaria)|SAR]]
| unranked_superphylum = [[Alveolata]]
| phylum = [[Apicomplexa]]
| classis = [[Conoidasida]]
| subclassis = [[Coccidia]]
| ordo = [[Eucoccidiorida]]
| subordo = [[Eimeriorina]]
| familia = [[Sarcocystidae]]
| genus = '''''Neospora'''''
| genus_authority = Dubey, Carpenter, Speer, Topper & Uggla, 1988
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
* ''[[Neospora caninum]]''
* ''[[Neospora hughesi]]''
}}
 
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 21:29, 25 February 2025

Neospora caninum (5256961091)

Neosporosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum. It primarily affects cattle and dogs, leading to significant economic losses in the livestock industry.

Etiology[edit]

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite closely related to Toxoplasma gondii. It is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect a wide range of mammalian hosts.

Transmission[edit]

The primary mode of transmission in cattle is vertical, from dam to fetus during pregnancy. Dogs, the definitive hosts, can shed oocysts in their feces, which can contaminate food and water sources, leading to horizontal transmission.

Clinical Signs[edit]

In cattle, neosporosis is a major cause of abortion, particularly in the second trimester. In dogs, it can cause neurological disorders, muscle atrophy, and paralysis.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of neosporosis can be achieved through serological tests such as ELISA and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can also be used to detect N. caninum DNA in tissues.

Treatment[edit]

There is no definitive cure for neosporosis, but antiprotozoal drugs such as clindamycin and sulfadiazine may help reduce symptoms in dogs. In cattle, management focuses on preventing transmission.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include maintaining strict biosecurity to prevent contamination of feed and water with dog feces, and managing breeding to avoid transmission from infected dams to offspring.

See Also[edit]

External Links[edit]

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