Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum Infection in Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Isfahan Province, Center of Iran

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the sero-prevalence of Neospora caninum infec­tion in Camelus dromedarius; the most popular camel species in Iran. Methods: Totally, 310 serum samples were collected from camels in Isfahan Province during 2008 and tested in Shahrekord University using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for se­rodiagnosis of anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies as a cross-sectional study. Results: Among evaluated serum samples, 10 (3.22%) had anti-N. caninum antibodies detectable in dilutions of 1:50 and 1:100. to rule out false positive results due to cross-reactivity of this pro­tozoan parasite with the closely related protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, an IFA was also performed for T. gondii infection in dilution of 1:16 for positively reacted serum samples against N. caninum. No con­cordant infections of these two protozoan parasites were detected. Conclusion: Presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in camels in Iran emphasizes the necessity of fur­ther studies to detect the role of this organism as a pathogen and possibly economic impor­tance in ca­mels population.