Detección de anticuerpos de Neospora spp. en caballos, asociados a diferentes factores de riesgo en México.

Neospora spp. is a protozoan parasite that causes abortions and diseases in the Central Nervous System (CNS) of several domestic and wild animal species. In horses, this parasite causes abortions, neonatal mortality, and CNS diseases. The Neospora species identified in horses is different from Neospora caninum and is called Neospora hughesi. This study aimed to detect the presence of anti-Neospora spp. antibodies associated with different risk factors in horses from Mexico. Risk factors were identified by surveying each stable and individual animal from four different regions (Center, North, West, and South). A total of 684 serum samples were obtained from horses in the different regions, 52.3 % (358) males and 47.7 % (326) females. Samples were subjected to an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay; results were analyzed to estimate the association between seropositivity and risk factors. The seroprevalence of Neospora spp. was 2.34 %. The positive cases were mainly found in three of the four regions included in this study and were significantly associated with anti-Neospora spp. antibodies. The coexistence of the horses with other animals obtained an OR value of 2.34 (95% CI: 0.28 - 19.0; P<0.04). This study concludes that Neospora spp. is present in horses from Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]