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The first finding of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in cows in Slovakia
M Halánová1, V Letková, V Macák
1The University of Veterinary Medicine, Kosice, Slovak Republic. halan@uvm.sk
Insights
Antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected in 20 of 55 cattle sera using indirect immunofluorescence. This highlights the need for screening in cattle to address unexplained abortions and reproductive issues.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Parasitology
- Animal Reproduction
Background:
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an emerging pathogen with potential impacts on livestock.
- Bovine abortions and reproductive disorders of unknown etiology are a significant concern in cattle farming.
- Serological surveys are crucial for understanding pathogen prevalence in animal populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seroprevalence of antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi in cattle.
- To assess the potential role of E. cuniculi in bovine reproductive issues.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT) was employed for antibody detection.
- A total of 55 bovine sera were analyzed.
- A titre of 1:64 or higher was considered positive for E. cuniculi antibodies.
Main Results:
- Antibodies against E. cuniculi were identified in 20 out of 55 (36.4%) cattle sera examined.
- Four positive sera showed a high titre of 1:256.
- The study detected significant seropositivity in the examined cattle population.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a notable presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies in cattle.
- Routine screening for E. cuniculi in large-scale cattle breeding is recommended.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the direct link between E. cuniculi and bovine reproductive disorders.
Abstract:
The presence of antibodies against Encephalitozoon cuniculi in cows was observed by the method of indirect immunofluorescence (IFAT). The animals reacting at the titre 1:64 and more were considered positive. Of the total number of 55 sera examined, 20 were positive at the titre 1:64, from which four were positive at the titre 1:256 also. Our results indicate that it is very important to carry out screening examinations in large-scale breeding of cattle due to the persistent high percentage of bovine abortions and disorders in the reproductive cycle of unknown etiology.
