Characterization of a Swedish bovine isolate of Neospora caninum

Parasitol Res. 1997;83(3):214-9. doi: 10.1007/s004360050236.

Abstract

The brain of a stillborn calf, seropositive to Neospora caninum and born to a seropositive cow, was homogenized and cultured on Vero cells, where growth of Neospora-like tachyzoites was detected after 8 weeks. The ultrastructural features of the new isolate (Nc-SweB1) corresponded to those of previously published Neospora isolates. In indirect immunofluorescence tests, antigens on Nc-SweB1 tachyzoites were recognized by antibodies raised to a canine N. caninum isolate (Nc-1) but not by antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis cruzi, S. tenella, Eimeria alabamensis, Babesia divergens, or B. motasi. Immunoblot analyses revealed no major antigenic difference between Nc-SweB1 and Nc-1, whereas several differences were seen between Nc-SweB1 and protozoa related to N. caninum. The sequences of 16S-like rRNA and the internal transcribed spacer 1 of Nc-SweB1 revealed complete homology with corresponding sequences of two canine N. caninum isolates. Thus, no dissimilarity between Nc-SweB1 and the canine isolates was found, confirming that Nc-SweB1 is N. caninum and suggesting that Neospora-like organisms isolated from cattle are indeed N. caninum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / analysis
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / parasitology*
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Coccidiosis / parasitology
  • Coccidiosis / veterinary*
  • Dogs
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Neospora* / classification
  • Neospora* / genetics
  • Neospora* / immunology
  • Neospora* / isolation & purification
  • Neospora* / ultrastructure
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • Rabbits
  • Sweden
  • Vero Cells

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S