Neospora

File:Transmission of Neosporosis.png

File:Aborted calf due to Neopsporosis.jpg

Neospora

Neospora is a genus of apicomplexan parasites that primarily affect animals, particularly cattle and dogs. The most well-known species within this genus is *Neospora caninum*, which is a major cause of abortion in cattle and neurological disease in dogs. Neosporosis, the disease caused by *Neospora* species, has significant economic impacts on the livestock industry due to reproductive losses.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Neospora* belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa, which includes other important parasites such as *Plasmodium* and *Toxoplasma*. The genus was first described in 1988, and it is closely related to *Toxoplasma gondii*, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of *Neospora caninum* involves both definitive and intermediate hosts. Dogs and other canids are the definitive hosts, where sexual reproduction occurs, leading to the shedding of oocysts in the feces. Cattle and other herbivores serve as intermediate hosts, where asexual reproduction occurs.

Definitive Host

In the definitive host, the parasite undergoes sexual reproduction in the intestinal epithelium. Oocysts are produced and excreted in the feces, contaminating the environment.

Intermediate Host

Cattle become infected by ingesting oocysts from contaminated feed or water. Once ingested, the oocysts release sporozoites that invade host cells and develop into tachyzoites. Tachyzoites rapidly multiply and disseminate throughout the host, causing tissue damage. Eventually, they form tissue cysts containing bradyzoites, which are the dormant stage of the parasite.

Pathogenesis

In cattle, *Neospora caninum* is a leading cause of abortion, particularly in dairy cattle. The parasite can cross the placenta and infect the fetus, leading to fetal death or congenital infection. In dogs, neosporosis can cause neuromuscular disease, leading to paralysis and other neurological symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of neosporosis can be challenging and typically involves serological tests to detect antibodies against *Neospora caninum*. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathological examination of tissues can also be used to confirm infection.

Treatment and Control

There is currently no effective treatment for neosporosis in cattle. Control measures focus on preventing infection by managing dog populations and reducing exposure to contaminated feed and water. In dogs, treatment with antiprotozoal drugs can be attempted, but the prognosis is often poor.

Epidemiology

Neosporosis is a global disease, with cases reported in many countries. The prevalence of infection varies widely, influenced by factors such as farming practices and the presence of definitive hosts.

Also see

• Toxoplasmosis
• Apicomplexa
• Coccidiosis
• Parasitic diseases of animals