Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in female water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from the southeastern region of Brazil

Antibodies to Neospora caninum were assayed in sera of 222 female water buffaloes from Ribeira Valley of Sao Paulo State, Brazil, using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and Neospora agglutination test (NAT). TAT antibodies were found in 64% of buffaloes with titers of 1:25 (42 buffaloes), 1:50 (53 buffaloes), 1:100 (31 buffaloes), 1:200 (10 buffaloes), 1:400 (3 buffaloes), or greater than or equal to1:800 (3 buffaloes). NAT antibodies were found in 53% of buffaloes; in titers of 1:40 in 52 buffaloes, 1:80 in 27 buffaloes, 1: 160 in 21 buffaloes, and greater than or equal to1:320 in 17 buffaloes. Results indicate a high prevalence of N. caninum exposure in water buffaloes in Brazil and warrant an investigation of the role of N. caninum as an abortifacient in water buffaloes. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.