Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum antibodies in chicken samples from Delta Egypt using a recombinant NcSAG1 protein-based ELISA

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan that causes abortion and economic loss in the cattle industry. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in chicken using ELISA methods based on the surface antigen 1 of N. caninum (NcSAG1t). The overall prevalence of N. caninum in chicken was 15.51%. The seroprevalence was high in Qalyoubiya, Minufiya, Kafr EL-Shaykh, Gharbiya, Dakahlia Provinces; (34%, 17.39%, 14.75%, 14.29%, and 12.25% respectively). In contrast, the seropervalence was low in Beheira Province only 2%. The lowest prevalence was recorded in the winter. On contrary, the prevalence was higher in the spring autumn and summer. The risk of infection with N. caninum was 1.4 times higher for females than for males. Finally, antibodies to N. caninum showed significant increase in free-range chickens compared to caged chickens. The high prevalence of neosporosis in chicken indicated that neosporosis may be widely distributed in Delta of Egypt. Recombinant NcSAG1t is good diagnostic candidates for the detection of N. caninum infection.