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<p><i>Neospora caninum</i> is a tissue cyst–forming protozoan coccidian implicated in bovine reproductive failure and neuromuscular disease in dogs. The present study aimed to provide molecular confirmation of N. caninum in aborted cattle and in dogs inhabiting the same farm environment in central Kerala, India, where prior evidence has been largely limited to serological reports. Aseptically collected whole blood samples from 50 cattle with a history of abortion were subjected to nested PCR targeting the Nc-5 gene. The primary PCR yielded a 350&#xa0;bp amplicon, while nested PCR produced a specific 220&#xa0;bp product, demonstrating enhanced analytical sensitivity. Detection rates increased from 6% (3/50) by primary PCR to 18% (9/50) by nested PCR, emphasising the utility of nested amplification for identifying low-level infections. In parallel, faecal samples from 52 dogs residing in or around cattle farms were examined by flotation technique and nested PCR. Although oocysts were not detected microscopically, five canine samples were positive by nested PCR, indicating the presence of N. caninum DNA in the farm-associated dog population. No statistically demonstrable link between infection in cattle and dogs was established; however, concurrent molecular detection in both hosts highlights the potential for environmental circulation of the parasite within smallholder farming systems. This study constitutes the first confirmed molecular detection of <i>Neospora caninum</i> in both aborted cattle and farm-associated dogs in India, thereby providing novel baseline molecular evidence and reinforcing the need for molecular surveillance to complement existing serological data in the diagnosis of bovine neosporosis.</p>

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Molecular evidence of Neospora caninum in aborted cattle and dogs in South India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月4日

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  • K. Himachala,
  • K. Devada,
  • Bindu Lakshmanan,
  • Asha Rajagopal,
  • Amrutha Anand,
  • P. V. Tresamol

摘要

Neospora caninum is a tissue cyst–forming protozoan coccidian implicated in bovine reproductive failure and neuromuscular disease in dogs. The present study aimed to provide molecular confirmation of N. caninum in aborted cattle and in dogs inhabiting the same farm environment in central Kerala, India, where prior evidence has been largely limited to serological reports. Aseptically collected whole blood samples from 50 cattle with a history of abortion were subjected to nested PCR targeting the Nc-5 gene. The primary PCR yielded a 350 bp amplicon, while nested PCR produced a specific 220 bp product, demonstrating enhanced analytical sensitivity. Detection rates increased from 6% (3/50) by primary PCR to 18% (9/50) by nested PCR, emphasising the utility of nested amplification for identifying low-level infections. In parallel, faecal samples from 52 dogs residing in or around cattle farms were examined by flotation technique and nested PCR. Although oocysts were not detected microscopically, five canine samples were positive by nested PCR, indicating the presence of N. caninum DNA in the farm-associated dog population. No statistically demonstrable link between infection in cattle and dogs was established; however, concurrent molecular detection in both hosts highlights the potential for environmental circulation of the parasite within smallholder farming systems. This study constitutes the first confirmed molecular detection of Neospora caninum in both aborted cattle and farm-associated dogs in India, thereby providing novel baseline molecular evidence and reinforcing the need for molecular surveillance to complement existing serological data in the diagnosis of bovine neosporosis.