Kinetics of anti-Neospora antibodies during the period of two consecutive pregnancies in chronically infected dairy cows

Abstract

The course of anti-Neospora antibody kinetics during two consecutive pregnancies has been evaluated in five chronically infected dairy cows. The blood samples of cows were collected monthly. Anti-Neospora antibodies in blood sera were detected by indirect ELISA (ID-VET, France). During whole period of the study cows remained seropositive; with S/P% values (iELISA) ranging from 94 to 214%. The antibody kinetics determined by iELISA showed a significant increase (P<0.0059) of specific IgG antibodies in the third trimester of both pregnancies. The monitored cows gave birth to 10 healthy calves (4 steers and 6 heifers). To confirm the occurrence of vertical transmission of Neospora from mothers to offspring in the herd, dam-daughter serology was performed. Anti-Neospora antibodies was found in 4 from 6 heifers (>6 months old). Study presents original data reporting on the very similar persistent pattern of anti-Neospora antibody levels during the third trimester of pregnancies in all five dairies. Based on the high seropositivity of female offspring, the reactivation of a latent infection of cows rather than a re-infection can be supposed. © 2013 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Wien.