Effect of Dexamethasone in Neospora Caninum Seropositive Calves

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dexamethasone (DXM) on clinical parameters, absolute and differential leukocyte count, specific IgG titers, IFN-γ production and parasitemia in beef calves seropositive to Neospora caninum. Fifteen calves were assigned to four experimental groups as follow: group A: 4 sero- positive calves treated with DXM; group B: 4 seropositive calves without DXM; group C: 3 seronegative calves treated with DXM, and group D: 4 seronegative calves without DXM treatment. The absolute leukocyte count was higher in both groups A and C in the 3rd day after the first dose of DXM mainly due to a significant neutrophilia (p<0.05). No changes in the total specific IgG titers or ratios between their subisotypes or antibodies against NcGRA7 and NcSAG4 antigens were observed in calves from group A com- pared with those in group B (p>0.05). Similarly, IFN-γ levels did not change among experimental groups (p>0.05). DNA was de- tected in calves from groups A and B at 7 Days Post Administra- tion (dpa) and from group A at 14 dpa. Even when DXM adminis- tration induced hemotological parameter changes, no reactivation of Neospora-infection was observed according to specific IgG titers and presence of the parasite on leukocytes in naturally seropositive beef male calves.