Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. Infections in Arab Horses, Southwest of Iran

Background: Because of the economic importance of the Arab race horses and also the role of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. in abortion and reproductive failure of these animals, we decided to perform this study. Objectives: We designed this study to investigate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora spp. antibodies in Arab horses from 12 cities of Khuzestan province in southwest of Iran. Materials and Methods: From October 2009 to March 2011, a total of 235 blood samples were collected from jugular veins of Arab horses of different ages and genders from 12 cities of Khuzestan province. All the sera were tested for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT) and the existence of anti-Neospora antibodies were tested using N-MAT for Neospora spp. Results: According to the MAT results, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 114 (48.5%) of 235 sera with titers of 1:20 in 84, 1:40 in 19, 1:80 in four, 1:160 in four, and 1:320 in three horses. According to the N-MAT results, antibodies to Neospora spp. were found in 47 (20%) of 235 sera with titers of 1:40 in 39, 1:80 in five, and 1:160 in three horses. We did not observe any statistically significant differences regarding age groups and genders between seropositive and seronegative horses for Neospora spp. using chi-square (chi(2)) test, but it seemed that anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were more prevalent in older horses ( >= 10 years old). Conclusions: The results indicated that Arab horses are exposed to these parasites in southwest of Iran. Further research is required to determine the genomic structures of these parasites in Arab horses in southwest of Iran

Serological survey of Q fever in goats and buffaloes in Ahvaz region using the ELISA method

Coxiellosis or Q fever of domestic animals which is caused by Coxiella burnetii is usually asymptomatic and subclinical; although it has also been associated with abortion and infertility. Domestic ruminants are the primary and important reservoirs of Coxiella burnetii, which is spread by the milk, urine, feces and vaginal mucous of infected animals. Inhalation of bacteria present in the environment is the main route of animal and human infection. The aim of this study was to survey seroprevalence of Q-fever in goats and buffaloes in Ahvaz Region. In this study, blood samples were collected randomly from 137 goats and 135 buffaloes in Ahvaz. The collected sera were tested for Coxiella burnetii by ELISA. Seroprevalence of Q fever was 34.31 in goats (95% Cl: 26.41–42.21) and 0% in buffaloes. Chi square test showed that prevalence in buffalo and goat is statistically different (

Seroepidemiological survey of bovine leukemia virus infection in cows in Khuzestan province

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a member of the Delta retro virus genus (family Retroviridae) and can cause persistent lymphocytosis and lymphosarcoma in cattle that is described as enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL). This disease causes significant economic losses associated with the costs of control and eradication programs. Control programs of leucosis are based on the screening of cows by serological methods and removing the infected cows. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of bovine leukemia virus in cattle in Khuzestan province. Serum samples from 527 cattle were randomly collected in Ahvaz, Baghmalek, Shooshtar, Gotvand, Shadegan, Hendijan, Behbahan, Ramhormoz and Susangerd cities and were examined by ELISA assay. Seroperevalence rate of bovine leukemia virus was 6.64% (95% CI: 4.51-8.77). Statistical analysis indicated no significant association between infection and age or breed. Relative frequency of infection was higher in female cows than males, but this difference was not significant and odds of infection in female cows than males were 2.6 (95% CI: 0.35-19.59). Prevalence rate of infection between industrial (15%) and nonindustrial (3.4%) husbandry was significantly different (