Vet Med Sci. 2026 May;12(3):e70981. doi: 10.1002/vms3.70981.
ABSTRACT
Neospora caninum (protozoa: Apicomplexa) is a major cause of economic losses in bovine production systems due to reproductive failure and abortion in cows. Although there is evidence of camelids being exposed to N. caninum, the importance of these animals in the parasite’s life cycle is unclear. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted for the first time to assess the seroprevalence of N. caninum in camels to improve understanding of the epidemiology of the disease and identify factors influencing its prevalence. Relevant scientific articles were retrieved from three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar without time limitations up to 1 August, 2025. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I2-statistic. Sources of heterogeneity were explored through subgroup and meta-regression analyses. A funnel plot, along with Begg’s and Egger’s tests, was used to detect publication bias. A total of 32 articles, including data on 12,749 camels, published between 1998 and 2025, met the final eligibility criteria. The pooled prevalence of N. caninum in camelids was 10% (95% CI: 7%-12%) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 93.75%, p < 0.0001). The highest seroprevalence was detected in Old World camelids at 14% (95% CI: 10%-19%), indicating greater susceptibility to N. caninum exposure. Higher prevalence rates were observed in Europe (14%, 95% CI: 7%-26%) and Asia (12%, 95% CI: 8%-18%) than in Australia (2%, 95% CI: 0%-8%). No significant differences in N. caninum seroprevalence were found between age groups, genders, host species, or diagnostic methods. The funnel plot and Begg’s and Egger’s tests indicated no substantial publication bias (Egger’s test: p = 0.07). Despite the relatively low seroprevalence of N. caninum in camelids, the present results indicate a wide distribution of this parasite worldwide. Further research is warranted to investigate the role of camels in the life cycle of N. caninum.
PMID:42084849 | DOI:10.1002/vms3.70981
