A Mini Review on Neospora Caninum: Updates and Epidemiology in Iran
Document Type : Review Articles
Authors
1 Iranian Veterinary Organization, Hamedan, Iran
2 Iranian Veterinary Organization, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a globally distributed parasite affecting animals, especially dogs and cattle. Its pathogenesis depends on the balance between the parasite's ability to invade and multiply within cells and the host's capacity to limit infection. Encephalomyelitis and polymyositis are the most signicant pathological ndings. The tachyzoites multiply inside cells, causing necrosis and cell death. Clinical signs such as abortion and neuromuscular paralysis are predominant in cattle and dogs, respectively. The most common histopathological features include necrotic foci in the brain. The overall prevalence of N. caninum in dogs and cattle worldwide is 17.1% and 20%, respectively. In Iran, infection rates vary from 3.8% to 76.2% in cattle, zero to 54.6% in dogs, 0.9% to 9.9% in sheep, 6.2% to 10.8% in goats, 19.2% to 55.9% in buffaloes, 20% to 2.42% in horses, 52% in donkeys, 3.2% to 27% in camels,14% to 19% in cats, zero to 20.4% in rodents, 17.3% in chickens, 9.8% to 30.4% in pigeons, 2.8% to 3.7% in sparrows, and 9.9% in crows. Managing the disease to reduce infection can improve animal productivity and help prevent economic losses. To control the disease on a farm or regionally, it is advisable to start with an initial assessment of the disease's epidemiology and risk factors.
Keywords
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