As the majority of animals were females, the difference in the occurrence of T. gondii-specific antibodies between genders was not considered, but a significant positive association was found between seropositivity and the age over one year. These findings were also found in previous studies ( Figliuolo et al., 2004, Vesco et al., 2007, Romanelli et al., 2007, Ragozo et al., 2008 and Pinheiro et al., 2009), showing that horizontal transmission by ingestion RG7420 order of sporulated oocysts in the environment seems to be a main transmission route. The presence of high titers (512–2048) of antibodies to T. gondii by IFAT in 80%
of animals, with >50% presenting titer higher than 1024, in addition to reproductive disorders as sporadic abortion reported in the farms, suggest that toxoplasmosis may be a important reproductive problem in this region. Regarding N. caninum, the occurrence of 23% seropositivity in sheep from this region was also higher than the majority of data reported in different regions of Brazil, ranging from 3.2% in the southern region ( Vogel et al., 2006) to 15% in the northeast region ( Uzeda et al., 2007), except BMS-754807 molecular weight for a higher
seroprevalence of 29% in Rondônia, in the Amazon region ( Aguiar et al., 2004) and 31–32% in Campo Grande, in the central region of the country ( Andreotti et al., 2009). Although positive association was found between seropositivity for T. gondii and the age of the animals, such association was not found for N. caninum only, as previously reported by other studies ( Figliuolo et al., 2004, Romanelli et al., 2007 and Spilovská et al., 2009), suggesting that vertical transmission could occur in sheep farms, similar to bovine infections. In addition, ovine experimental neosporosis was clinically and histopathologically related to the clinical outcome observed in bovines ( McAllister et al., 1996), and fetal injuries were similar to those caused by T. gondii ( Dubey, 1990). However, despite the high sensitivity of sheep to experimental Bay 11-7085 N. caninum infection and relatively high seroprevalence evidenced by parasite exposure in different
regions, neosporosis seems not be a common cause of abortion in naturally exposed sheep, having a minor impact on reproduction and less economic losses as compared to cattle ( Spilovská et al., 2009). In conclusion, T. gondii and N. caninum infections are present in sheep of this region, as determined by serological screening assays as ELISA and IFAT and supported by immunoblot. However, higher occurrence was evidenced for toxoplasmosis, emphasizing the need for a regular monitoring of this infection due to its zoonotic potential and its reproductive disorders leading to economic losses in Brazilian ovine flocks. For neosporosis, sheep farmers should be instructed about the presence of the parasite in the flock, its risk factors and potential abortifacient role in sheep.