Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa) in a stillborn goat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Parasitology
• Reproductive Immunology

Background:

• Neospora caninum is a significant cause of abortion in livestock.
• Transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum has been documented in other species.
• Limited information exists on Neospora caninum infections in pygmy goats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the pathological findings of Neospora caninum in a stillborn pygmy goat.
• To investigate the presence and characteristics of Neospora caninum tissue cysts in the brain.
• To assess the potential for transplacental transmission in goats.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy and histopathological examination of brain tissue from a stillborn pygmy goat.
• Immunohistochemical staining using anti-N. caninum serum to identify parasite presence.
• Microscopic evaluation for characteristic lesions associated with protozoal encephalitis.

Main Results:

• Neospora caninum tissue cysts with 1-2-micron thick walls were identified in the brain.
• Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of N. caninum antigens within the cysts.
• Associated lesions included glial nodules, mononuclear perivascular cuffing, and focal inflammation.

Conclusions:

• This case provides evidence of Neospora caninum infection in a pygmy goat.
• The findings strongly suggest that Neospora caninum can be transmitted transplacentally in goats.
• This highlights the importance of considering Neospora caninum in cases of abortion or stillbirth in goats.