Experimental porcine neosporosis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Swine Pathology
• Reproductive Immunology

Background:

• Neospora caninum is an important protozoan parasite affecting livestock.
• Understanding its pathogenesis in pigs is crucial for disease control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pathogenic effects of Neospora caninum in pregnant gilts.
• To determine the potential for transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum in pigs.

Main Methods:

• Six gilts were inoculated with Neospora caninum tachyzoites at different gestation stages.
• Gilts were euthanized at various time points post-inoculation for pathological examination.
• Serological (IFAT) and immunohistochemical analyses were performed.
• Neospora caninum isolation was attempted from fetal tissues.

Main Results:

• Seroconversion was observed in most inoculated gilts.
• Necrotizing hepatitis and endometritis were observed in infected gilts.
• Transplacental transmission was evidenced by fetal lesions (encephalitis, hepatitis, myocarditis) and parasite detection.
• Neospora caninum was successfully re-isolated from an infected fetus.

Conclusions:

• Neospora caninum infection can induce significant pathological changes in pregnant gilts.
• Transplacental transmission of Neospora caninum to fetuses occurs, leading to severe multi-organ lesions.
• The study confirms Neospora caninum as a potential cause of reproductive losses in swine.