Frequency of antibodies anti-Neospora caninum in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Bahia State

Abstract

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes disease in domestic and wild animals. The purpose of the present work was to investigate the frequency of antibodies anti-N. caninum in water buffaloes in Bahia state, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 117 animals distributed in four farms. The sera were tested using an immunofluorescent antibody technique. Antibodies were detected in 35.9% of the animals using a serum dilution of 1:200 as a cutoff. The titers ranged from 1:200 to 1:800. The high frequency of antibodies anti-N. caninum detected in water buffaloes is suggestive that this animal species is highly exposed to the parasite in Bahia. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of N. caninum as an abortive agent in buffaloes.