Real-Time PCR Detection of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in Ruminant Abortions in Marmara

Öz

Abortions associated with protozoan infections remain a significant cause of reproductive losses in ruminant production systems worldwide. Among these pathogens, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are recognized as major etiological agents of abortion in cattle and sheep, respectively. This study aimed to simultaneously detect N. caninum and T. gondii DNA in aborted ruminant fetuses collected from the Marmara Region of Türkiye using a Real-Time PCR approach. A total of 306 aborted fetuses (84 bovine and 222 ovine) obtained from different provinces of the Marmara Region were included in the study. Tissue samples were analyzed by species-specific Real-Time PCR assays targeting N. caninum and T. gondii. N. caninum DNA was detected in 22 (26.19%) bovine fetuses, whereas T. gondii DNA was identified in 4 (1.8%) ovine fetuses. These findings demonstrate the continued epidemiological importance of protozoan agents in ruminant abortions in the Marmara Region. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first simultaneous molecular evidence of N. caninum and T. gondii in aborted ruminant fetuses from this region. Further large-scale investigations, including studies on definitive hosts and transmission patterns, are warranted to better elucidate the regional epidemiology of these pathogens.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Abortion
• Marmara Region
• Neospora caninum
• Real Time PCR
• Toxoplasma gondii

Destekleyen Kurum

This study was supported by the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Türkiye.

Proje Numarası

TAGEM/HSGYAD/A/20/A5/P1/1919

Etik Beyan

The samples used in this study were evaluated and obtained in accordance with the relevant regulations and ethical principles, with due consideration given to animal welfare.

Teşekkür

This study was derived from a part of the PhD thesis of Mesut Şenel. The author would like to express sincere gratitude to his PhD supervisor, Prof. Dr. Atila Akça, for his valuable guidance, support, and contributions throughout the doctoral research process.

Marmara Bölgesi’nde Ruminant Abortlarında Neospora caninum ve Toxoplasma gondii’nin Real-Time PCR ile Tespiti

Öz

Protozoon enfeksiyonları ile ilişkili abortlar, dünya genelinde ruminant üretim sistemlerinde önemli üreme kayıplarının başlıca nedenlerinden biri olmaya devam etmektedir. Bu patojenler arasında Neospora caninum ve Toxoplasma gondii, sırasıyla sığırlarda ve koyunlarda abortların önemli etiyolojik etkenleri olarak kabul edilmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Marmara Bölgesi’nden elde edilen ruminant abort fetüslerinde N. caninum ve T. gondii DNA’sının eş zamanlı olarak tespit edilmesi amaçlanmış ve bu amaçla Real-Time PCR yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmaya Marmara Bölgesi’nin farklı illerinden temin edilen toplam 306 abort fetüsü (84 sığır ve 222 koyun) dahil edilmiştir. Doku örnekleri, N. caninum ve T. gondii’yi hedefleyen tür-spesifik Real-Time PCR analizleri ile incelenmiştir. Analizler sonucunda N. caninum DNA’sı 22 (%26,19) sığır fetüsünde tespit edilirken, T. gondii DNA’sı 4 (%1,8) koyun fetüsünde belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular, Marmara Bölgesi’nde ruminant abortlarında protozoon etkenlerin epidemiyolojik öneminin devam ettiğini göstermektedir. Bildiğimiz kadarıyla bu çalışma, söz konusu bölgede ruminant abort fetüslerinde N. caninum ve T. gondii’nin eş zamanlı moleküler varlığını ortaya koyan ilk çalışmadır. Bu patojenlerin bölgesel epidemiyolojisinin daha iyi anlaşılabilmesi amacıyla, definitif konakların rolünü ve bulaş yollarını da kapsayan daha geniş ölçekli çalışmaların yapılması gerekmektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Abort
• Marmara Bölgesi
• Neospora Caninum
• Real Time PCR
• Toxoplasma Gondii

Destekleyen Kurum

Bu çalışma, Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı Tarımsal Araştırmalar ve Politikalar Genel Müdürlüğü (TAGEM) tarafından desteklenmiştir.

Proje Numarası

TAGEM/HSGYAD/A/20/A5/P1/1919

Etik Beyan

Bu çalışmada kullanılan örnekler, ilgili mevzuat ve etik kurallar çerçevesinde değerlendirilmiş olup, hayvan refahı ilkelerine uygun şekilde elde edilmiştir.

Teşekkür

Bu çalışma, Mesut Şenel’in doktora tez çalışmasının bir bölümünden üretilmiştir. Doktora süreci boyunca değerli bilgi, öneri ve yönlendirmeleri ile katkı sağlayan danışman hocam Prof. Dr. Atila Akça’ya teşekkür ederim.

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