Reproductive disorders caused by infectious and parasitic agents in kennels

• Grant number: 13/06993-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2013
• End date: May 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Gilson Hélio Toniollo
• Grantee: Gilson Hélio Toniollo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Fabiana Ferreira de Souza ; João Pessoa Araújo Junior ; Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani

Abstract

Parasitic and infectious diseases can cause embryonic losses (abortions), as well as stillborn or weak newborn puppies. Bovine herpesvirus infections, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Brucella spp and Leptospira spp are notoriously known as etiologic agents of reproductive disorders in large animals. In dogs, rarely, fetal/abortion and neonatal death are related to these agents or the absence of information. Thus, the aim of this work is to investigate the occurrence of infectious and parasitic diseases in kennels from Ribeirão Preto region, state of São Paulo. Kennels owners will be interviewed by epidemiological questionnaire, which will be collected clinical and breeding history of all animals. Blood samples, vaginal, preputial, oral, nasal, ocular swabs and semen, fetus/placenta (stillborn and mummified) will be collected. The samples collected will be subjected to techniques of polymerase chain reaction (polymerase chain reaction - PCR), seroneutralization, rapid seroneutralization, seroagglutination and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), in order to diagnose the agent or antibodies against canid herpesvirus, Brucella canis, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Ehrlichia canis, canine parvovirus type I and Leptospira spp. The results obtained in laboratory tests will be compared to data collected by clinical and reproductive history, resulting in an epidemiological survey for reproductive diseases prevailing in kennels. (AU)