Neospora caninum and Repeated Abortions in Humans
Author Information
Author(s): Eskild Petersen, Morten Lebech, Lene Jensen, Peter Lind, Martin Rask, Peter Bagger, Camilla Bjorkman, Arvid Uggla
Primary Institution: Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hypothesis
Does Neospora caninum, a parasite known to cause repeated abortions in cattle, also cause repeated abortions in humans?
Conclusion
The study found no evidence of N. caninum infection in women with repeated abortions.
Supporting Evidence
- No antibodies to N. caninum were detected in any of the serum samples tested.
- Only one specimen reacted with the N. caninum antigen, but it was considered unspecific.
- Three serum specimens tested positive for T. gondii antibodies, but no cross-reactivity with N. caninum was found.
Takeaway
Scientists wanted to see if a parasite that causes abortions in cows could also cause them in women, but they didn't find any evidence of it.
Methodology
Serum samples from 76 women with repeated abortions were tested for antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii.
Limitations
The study could not define a proper cut-off for the assay, and only one specimen showed reactivity that was considered unspecific.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 19 to 41 years with a history of repeated abortions.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website