Frequence of occurrence of anti-Sarcocystis neurona antibodies from donkeys (Equus asinus) of northeastern region from Brazil

Abstract

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are mammals belonging to equid family. These animals still have an important role in the Northeastern region of Brazil. Infections by coccidian as Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora spp and Sarcocystis neurona have been described in horses from Brazil, however nothing is known about the occurrence of these parasites in Brazilian donkeys. The research project to be executed at Virginia Tech intends to determine the frequence of occurrence of anti-S. neurona antibodies in donkeys from Northeastern region from Brazil, by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), Western blot and Sarcocystis neurona Agglutination Test (SAT). It is intended to acquire experience about culture techniques and antigen production for IFAT and SAT in order to introduce these serodiagnostic procedures when returning to Brazil. Besides, methods for isolation of S. neurona will be practiced, as if there are seropositive donkey samples, these animals will be further euthanized, and tissues will be collected for isolation and molecular studies in Brazil, adding information about S. neurona in donkeys and creating conditions to begin a new area of research in the Department. (AU)