Neospora caninum: evaluation of vertical transmission in slaughtered beef cows (Bos indicus)

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes the most important reproductive problems in cattle worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of vertical transmission of N. caninum in zebus breed beef cows (Bos indicus) submitted for slaughter at an abattoir in the northern region of the State of Parana, southern Brazil. One hundred and fifty-nine cows were evaluated: 83 pregnant (in different stages of gestation) and 76 non-pregnant. Serum determination of N. caninum was evaluated by indirect ELISA (Idexx). Blood (with EDTA) from pregnant cows and tissue samples (brain and heart) from their fetuses were collected and used for PCR analyses. Antibodies against N. caninum were observed in 14.6% (12/83) of pregnant and in 15.8% (12/76) of non-pregnant cows. Antibodies against the parasites were detected in one fetus (1.4%). The PCR analyses revealed that 6.0% (5/83) of cows and 4.8% (4/83) of fetuses evaluated were positive to specific N. caninum primers. These positive fetuses were between 4 and 6 months of age. Thus, considering PCR and serology as an indicative of vertical transmission in fetuses, 4.8% of fetuses were infected by N. caninum during gestation.