Neospora caninum in Cattle Herds: Risk Factors, Prevalence and Molecular Characterization in Western Türkiye.

Abstract

Neosporosis is a major cause of bovine abortion worldwide, leading to substantial economic losses. In western Türkiye, an area characterized by intensive cattle breeding, data on this disease remain limited, and no prior studies have investigated its risk factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and phylogenetic profile of Neospora caninum in the region. Visceral tissues from 88 aborted cattle fetuses were analyzed through genomic DNA isolation, real-time PCR (qPCR), and sequencing. In parallel, the presence of N. caninum antibodies was assessed in 973 serum samples using ELISA. N. caninum DNA was detected in 8 (9.09%) fetal samples by qPCR, with three of these further confirmed via conventional PCR and sequencing. Sequence analysis validated the presence of N. caninum in these three samples. Serologically, 122 of 973 serum samples (12.53%) tested positive for N. caninum antibodies. Statistical analysis of potential risk factors-including province, gender, age group, origin, and farm type-identified farm type as the most significant determinant of seropositivity. Notably, family-operated farms exhibited a higher prevalence of positive cases. This study represents the first large-scale investigation of N. caninum-associated reproductive losses in western Türkiye. The findings offer valuable insights for the development of targeted control and prevention strategies in affected cattle populations.