Evaluación del uso de dos proteínas recombinantes de Neospora caninum para la detección de anticuerpos en perros (Canis lupus familiaris)

Abstract

Neosporosis is a parasitic disease caused by Neospora caninum, whose definitive host is the dog (Canis lupus familiaris), this can cause neuromuscular disorders and in some cases dermatitis, among other complications. Besides, cattles as intermediate hosts, have abortions and neonatal mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of the NcSAG4 and NcGRA7 recombinant proteins of Neospora caninum, in ELISA and Western blot assays to identify the presence of antibodies in dogs in contact with cattle and therefore at risk of ingesting their biological remains (aborted fetuses and placentas) infected with the parasite. ELISA and Western Blot assays using recombinant proteins could offer an effective immunodiagnostic tool for the identification of dogs exposed to Neospora caninum. For this, blood sera obtained from 100 domestic canines were used, regardless of age, race and sex, residing in contact with cattle. The results obtained showed an animal with the presence of antibodies both for the NcGRA7 recombinant protein (ELISA and Western blot assays) and for NcSAG4 (Western blot assay); three animals recognized the NcGRA7 antigen (two in ELISA and the third in ELISA and Western blot); and two against NcSAG4 (Western blot). In the statistical analysis with the Cochran Q Test it was found that there is no statistical difference when applying these serological methods, that is to say that both techniques using the two recombinant proteins behave similarly for the detection of antibodies.