Seroepidemiology of infection with Neospora caninum, Leptospira, and bovine herpesvirus type 1 in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Veracruz State, Mexico

Authors: ROMERO-SALAS, DORA - University Of Veracruzana; ALVARADO-ESQUIVEL, COSME - Juarez University Of The State Of Durango; DOMINGUEZ-AGUILAR, GLADYS - University Of Veracruzana; CRUZ-ROMERO, ANABEL - University Of Veracruzana; IBARRA-PRIEGO, NELLY - University Of Veracruzana; BARRIENTOS-SALCEDO, CAROLINA - University Of Veracruzana; AGUILAR-DOMINGUEZ, MARIEL - University Of Veracruzana; CANSECO-SEDANO, RODOLFO - University Of Veracruzana; ESPIN-ITURBE, LUZ - University Of Veracruzana; SANCHEZ-ANGUIANO, LUIS - Juarez University Of The State Of Durango; HERNANDEZ-TINOCO, JESUS - Juarez University Of The State Of Durango; Perez De Leon, Adalberto - Beto

Submitted to: Microbiology and Immunology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/7/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Water buffaloes are gaining popularity as an alternative livestock species in parts of Mexico, including Veracruz State. Our group studies parasitic and infectious diseases in buffaloes to adapt practices that enhance their herd productivity in Mexico. Thus, we aimed to determine the status of infection with the parasite scientifically known as Neospora caninum, the bacterium Leptospira, and bovine herpesvirus type 1 among buffalo herds in Veracruz State. Risk factors associated with these disease-causing agents among buffaloes were also explored. Antibody levels, or seropositivity, against the disease-causing agents were determined in 144 buffaloes raised in 5 ranches across the State. Overall, 24.3% buffaloes were positive for N. caninum, 34.7% for Leptospira, and 57.6% for bovine herpes virus. Seropositive buffaloes were found in all 5 ranches studied. Cohabitation of buffaloes with cattle was identified as a risk factor for infection with Leptospira and bovine herpesvirus. This study provides for the first time serological evidence of N. caninum, Leptospira, and bovine herpesvirus type 1 infections in water buffaloes in Mexico. Our findings could be used to enhance preventive measures against these infections.

Technical Abstract: We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of infection with N. caninum, Leptospira, and bovine herpesvirus type 1 and risk factors associated with these infections in water buffaloes in Veracruz State, Mexico. Through a cross-sectional study, 144 water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) raised in 5 ranches of Veracruz were examined for anti-N. caninum and anti-bovine herpesvirus type 1 antibodies by enzyme immunoassays, and anti-Leptospira interrogans antibodies by microscopic agglutination test. Of the 144 buffaloes studied, 35 (24.3%) were positive for N. caninum, 50 (34.7%) for Leptospira, and 83 (57.6%) for bovine herpes virus. The frequencies of leptospiral serovars in buffaloes were: 18.7% for Muenchen (n= 27), 10.4% for Hardjo LT (n= 15), 9.0% for Pyrogenes (n= 13), and 4.8% for Icterohaemorrhagiae (n= 7). Seropositive buffaloes were found in all 5 ranches studied. Logistic regression showed that cohabitation of buffaloes with cows was associated with infection with Leptospira (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.04-4.5; P=0.03), and bovine herpesvirus (OR: 12.0; 95% CI: 4.0-36.2; P<0.01). This is the first study that provides serological evidence of N. caninum, Leptospira, and bovine herpesvirus type 1 infections in water buffaloes in Mexico. Our findings could be used to enhance preventive measures against these infections.