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Arias-Pacheco C, Perin PP, de Oliveira Andrade L, Gomes JS, Oliveira WJ, Mendonça TO, de Oliveira Zolla N, Cavallieri AC, da Silva DA, Castilho PM, de Barros LD, Garcia JL, Lux Hoppe EG. Toxoplasma gondii infection in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in Brazil. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:222. [PMID: 38801539 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08248-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis that affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Wild animals can act as intermediate hosts of this pathogen; thus, this study aims to detect Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. For this, 72 wild European brown hares were captured from July 2020 to June 2022 in three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul. The diagnostic of Toxoplasma gondii infection was performed by bioassay in mouse, histopathology in Hematoxylin-Eosin-stained tissue sections (brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, and small intestine), serology by IFAT, and molecular techniques by conventional PCR and qPCR. The combined prevalence of the different diagnostic methods was 51.4% (37/72, CI= 40.1 - 62.6 %), and there was no statistical difference between sexes, age range, or geographical region of the hosts. Mouse bioassay was the technique that detected more positive hares. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. These animals act as reservoirs and potential infection source for carnivores and other wild and domestic animals, including humans, thus contributing to perpetuate the disease cycle in São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul States. Research such as the present study is necessary to raise awareness about the role of animals in the disease cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Arias-Pacheco
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Patricia Parreira Perin
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Lívia de Oliveira Andrade
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Jonathan Silvestre Gomes
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Wilson Junior Oliveira
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Talita Oliveira Mendonça
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Natália de Oliveira Zolla
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Cavallieri
- Laboratory of Protozoology, Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, State University of Londrina, São Paulo, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Douglas Aparecido da Silva
- Laboratory of Protozoology, Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, State University of Londrina, São Paulo, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Pablo Menegon Castilho
- Laboratory of Protozoology, Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, State University of Londrina, São Paulo, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary Medicine Department, Federal University of Lavras, Londrina, MG, 37203-202, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Laboratory of Protozoology, Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, State University of Londrina, São Paulo, PR, 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Estevam G Lux Hoppe
- Parasitic Diseases Laboratory (LabEPar), Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, 14884-900, Brazil.
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Brito RMDM, de Lima Bessa G, Bastilho AL, Dantas-Torres F, de Andrade-Neto VF, Bueno LL, Fujiwara RT, Magalhães LMD. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in South America: occurrence, immunity, and fate of infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:461. [PMID: 38115102 PMCID: PMC10729521 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. Toxoplasma gondii infections are of great concern for public health, and their impact is usually most severe in pregnant women and their foetuses, and in immunocompromised individuals. Displaying considerable genetic diversity, T. gondii strains differ widely according to geographical location, with archetypal strains predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere and non-archetypal (atypical) strains, with highly diverse genotypes, found mainly in South America. In this review, we present an overview of the identification and distribution of non-archetypal strains of T. gondii. Special attention is paid to the strains that have been isolated in Brazil, their interaction with the host immunological response, and their impact on disease outcomes. The genetic differences among the strains are pivotal to the distinct immunological responses that they elicit. These differences arise from polymorphisms of key proteins released by the parasite, which represent important virulence factors. Infection with divergent non-archetypal strains can lead to unusual manifestations of the disease, even in immunocompetent individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Lazoski Bastilho
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Luisa M D Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Khalife S, El Safadi D. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughtered chickens in Tripoli, Lebanon. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 46:100941. [PMID: 37935542 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that has a wide range of intermediate hosts. It infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans and birds. The latter typically pick up the infection by ground feeding, and people can contract the parasite from eating undercooked chicken meat. In recent years, investigations into T. gondii infection in poultry have been reported worldwide. However, there is no epidemiological data regarding the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in chicken in Lebanon. Thus, the current investigation was carried out to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in chicken destined for human consumption in the Tripoli district of Lebanon. For this, a cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2021 and February 2022. Blood samples were collected from 400 chickens in four poultry abattoirs in Tripoli. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to test sera for T. gondii antibodies. The association of T. gondii seroprevalence with potential risk factors was assessed using the Chi-square test. Multivariate analysis was used to confirm the association. The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies reported in this study was 13% (52/400); it was higher in the free-range chicken group (19.3%, 29/150) than in the caged group (9.2%, 23/250) (OR = 2.365; 95% CI: 1.311-4.267) (P = 0.004). The wet season and the presence of cats in the poultry farms were significantly associated with an increased seropositivity to T. gondii infection (P ≤ 0.0001). Given the occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in slaughtered chicken in this area, the consumption of raw or undercooked chicken meats may pose a serious threat to public health and highlight the need to implement appropriate precautionary strategies to halt the spread of T. gondii to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khalife
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Tripoli, Lebanon.
| | - Dima El Safadi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Madlala T, Adeleke VT, Okpeku M, Tshilwane SI, Adeniyi AA, Adeleke MA. Screening of apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA1), dense granule protein-7 (GRA7) and rhoptry protein-16 (ROP16) antigens for a potential vaccine candidate against Toxoplasma gondii for chickens. Vaccine X 2023; 14:100347. [PMID: 37519774 PMCID: PMC10384181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii known to infect almost all animals, including birds and humans globally. This disease has impacted the livestock industry and public health, where infection of domestic animals increases the zoonotic risk of transmission of infection to humans, threatening public health. Hence the need to discover novel and safe vaccines to fight against toxoplasmosis. In the current study, a novel multiepitope vaccine was designed using immunoinformatics techniques targeting T. gondii AMA1, GRA7 and ROP16 antigens, consisting of antigenic, immunogenic, non-allergenic and cytokine inducing T-cell (9 CD8+ and 15 CD4+) epitopes and four (4) B-cell epitopes fused together using AAY, KK and GPGPG linkers. The tertiary model of the proposed vaccine was predicted and validated to confirm the structural quality of the vaccine. The designed vaccine was highly antigenic (antigenicity = 0.6645), immunogenic (score = 2.89998), with molecular weight of 73.35 kDa, instability and aliphatic index of 28.70 and 64.10, respectively; and GRAVY of -0.363. The binding interaction, stability and flexibility were assessed with molecular docking and dynamics simulation, which revealed the proposed vaccine to have good structural interaction (binding affinity = -106.882 kcal/mol) and stability when docked with Toll like receptor-4 (TLR4). The results revealed that the Profilin-adjuvanted vaccine is promising, as it predicted induction of enhanced immune responses through the production of cytokines and antibodies critical in blocking host invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabile Madlala
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Victoria T. Adeleke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Selaelo I. Tshilwane
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Adebayo A. Adeniyi
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, P.O Box 370111, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Matthew A. Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
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Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from birds in the world: A systematic review. Exp Parasitol 2023; 248:108480. [PMID: 36863682 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is one of the most important foodborne pathogens that infects a large number of vertebrate species and has a cosmopolitan distribution. Birds as intermediate hosts are very important in the life cycle of T. gondii and they can be a main source of infection for humans and felids, as well as other animals. Most species of birds feed from the ground and are the best indicator for soil contamination with T. gondii oocysts. Hence, T. gondii strains isolated from birds can represent different genotypes circulating in the environment and their main predators and consumers. The recent systematic review tries to represent the population structure of T. gondii in birds around the world. Six English language databases were searched from 1990 to 2020 to find the related studies and overall, 1275 isolates of T. gondii were separated from the analyzed samples in birds. The results of our study revealed that atypical genotypes were predominant (58.8%, 750 out of 1275). Types II, III, and I had less frequency with prevalence rates of 23.4%, 13.8%, and 2%, respectively. No isolates of Type I were reported from Africa. Summarizing ToxoDB genotypes circulating in birds around the world manifested that ToxoDB #2 was the most common (101/875), followed by ToxoDB #1 (80/875), and #3 (63/875). Totally, the results of our review represented the high genetic diversity of T. gondii with circulating non-clonal strains in birds from South and North America, while clonal parasites with low genetic diversity were predominant in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
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Andreopoulou M, Schares G, Koethe M, Chaligiannis I, Maksimov P, Joeres M, Cardron G, Goroll T, Sotiraki S, Daugschies A, Bangoura B. Prevalence and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in different types of poultry in Greece, associated risk factors and co-existence with Eimeria spp. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:97-111. [PMID: 36308531 PMCID: PMC9816277 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07701-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of public health importance, infecting all warm-blooded animals, including chickens. Undercooked chicken meat or relevant products such as sausages could lead to human infections. In free-range, organic and slow-growth farming systems where the susceptibility period for chickens is extended, more knowledge about potential risk factors is essential. This study is the first seroepidemiological survey in different regions and types of chicken farms in Greece, using a major tachyzoite surface antigen-based ELISA (TgSAG1), combined with magnetic-capture PCR (mc-PCR) and bioassay for the isolation of strains from the chickens' tissues. Potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in these hosts were also investigated. Additionally, the co-existence of T. gondii and Eimeria spp. infections was assessed to elucidate epidemiological links between these two protozoan infections. Overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 9.5%. Of the backyard chickens sampled, 41.2% were seropositive and 70% of the organic and free-range layer farms had at least one T. gondii seropositive hen. No serologically positive broilers were found, although mc-PCR revealed a positive sample, highlighting the importance of accurate early-infection direct detection of T. gondii infections to ensure public health. T. gondii isolates obtained by mouse bioassay were genotyped. All belonged to type II (ToxoDB#3) as confirmed also by microsatellite typing. Production system, type of nutrition, and feeding system automation were identified as the most significant risk factors, while no association was found between the presence of cats and T. gondii seropositivity as calculated on both a farm level and per individual bird sampled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Andreopoulou
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany ,Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization ELGO-DIMITRA, 57001 Thessaloniki, Thermi Greece
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Koethe
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ilias Chaligiannis
- Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pavlo Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Maike Joeres
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Garance Cardron
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Tina Goroll
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Smaro Sotiraki
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization ELGO-DIMITRA, 57001 Thessaloniki, Thermi Greece
| | - Arwid Daugschies
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Berit Bangoura
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY USA
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Witter R, Pena HFJ, Maia MO, da Costa Freitas L, Almeida SLH, de Aguiar DM, Igarashi M, Alves BF, Gennari SM, Pacheco RC. First report on the isolation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii strains from free-range chickens in the state of Mato Grosso, Midwestern Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 80:101725. [PMID: 34847458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, 51 strains of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were isolated from free-range chickens in the state of Mato Grosso, Midwestern Brazil, upon conducting bioassays in mice, and genotyped them using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and 11 markers, including SAG1, SAG2 (5'3'SAG2 and alt. SAG2), SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3. Fifty isolates were completely genotyped revealing 17 genotypes of T. gondii as follows: 12 matched using ToxoDB PCR-RFLP with the previously reported genotypes, including #6 type BrI (n = 4), #8 type BrIII (n = 7), #11 type BrII (n = 3), #14 (n = 1), #19 (n = 1), #41 (n = 1), #99 (n = 1), #109 (n = 4), #116 (n = 1), #140 (n = 2), #166 (n = 9), #190 (n = 1); and five genotypes have not been described before [#313 (n = 6), #314 (n = 1), #315 (n = 1), #316 (n = 1), #317 (n = 1)]. Moreover, mixed infections were identified in five isolates (TgCkBrMT8, TgCkBrMT9, TgCkBrMT33, TgCkBrMT38, and TgCkBrMT41). Additionally, genotype #190 was reported for the first time in chickens from Brazil. Our results corroborate with previous studies on T. gondii isolates identified in chickens from Brazil, thereby confirming their diversity, a typicality, and possibility of co-infection due to different T. gondii strains present in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Witter
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias-PPGVET, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária-FAVET, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Rondônia-IFRO campus Jaru, Jaru, RO, Brazil
| | - Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal-VPS, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-FMVZ, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maerle Oliveira Maia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias-PPGVET, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária-FAVET, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Leodil da Costa Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias-PPGVET, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária-FAVET, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Sayanne Luns Hatum Almeida
- Programa de Residência Uniprofissional em Medicina Veterinária-PRUMV, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária-FAVET, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias-PPGVET, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária-FAVET, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Michelle Igarashi
- Faculdade de Medicina -FM, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Bruna Farias Alves
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal-VPS, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-FMVZ, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal-VPS, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia-FMVZ, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina e Bem-Estar Animal, Universidade de Santo Amaro - UNISA, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Richard Campos Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias-PPGVET, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária-FAVET, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso-UFMT, Cuiabá, MT, Brazil.
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Miura AC, Barros LDD, Minutti AF, Martins TA, Sasse JP, Nino BDSL, Garcia JL. Evaluation of quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts shed by cats. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e016621. [PMID: 34878069 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Felines are definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii and can shed oocysts in their feces, contaminating the environment. Sporulated oocysts are highly resistant to the environment and have higher infectivity, which are attributed to many toxoplasmosis outbreaks. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique for the detection of T. gondii oocysts shed by cats. Twelve cats from a previous vaccine experiment were challenged orally with 600 cysts of the TgDoveBr8 strain on day 72. Fecal samples were collected daily using the centrifugal flotation technique, with microscopic examination (Sheather technique) and qPCR for 20 days after the challenge. Cats from all groups shed oocysts in their feces. Five negative cats in the Sheather were positive according to qPCR on the 3rd day post-inoculation (dpi). Oocysts were detected on the 4th dpi using the Sheather; however, there was no statistical difference between the two methods (p=0.1116). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in oocyst shedding between the groups according to the Sheather technique (p=0.6534) and qPCR (p=0.9670). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that qPCR can be used as an alternative to the Sheather to detect and quantify T. gondii oocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Miura
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Ana Flávia Minutti
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Thais Agostinho Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - João Pedro Sasse
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Beatriz de Souza Lima Nino
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Laboratório de Protozoologia Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
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Costa WLGD, Barbosa IMFN, Prado DPGD, Domann N, Rezende HHA. A systematic review of Toxoplasma gondii genotypes in Gallus gallus domesticus worldwide: The focus is Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2440-2450. [PMID: 34227255 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii was initially classified in three main lineages related to its virulence: Types I, II, and III. The recombination of genes during sexual cycle in felids gut led to more than 200 genotypes, found in ToxoDB database, using 11 RFLP markers. Free-range chickens are good bioindicators of soil contamination with T. gondii oocysts. In this sense, there are systematic reviews regarding data of genetic characterization of this parasite in felines and ruminants, but not in chickens heretofore, what makes this work necessary. A systematic review of the literature was performed with papers published prior to September 21, 2020. The main inclusion criteria were the presence of T. gondii genotypes, isolated strictly from free-range chickens, in experimental works. Initially, a total of 1,343 studies related to the terms were identified on databases and 30 studies were selected to be systematically reviewed. A total of 561 isolates of T. gondii from 6,356 free-range chickens were analyzed for genotyping, revealing 190 genotypes. ToxoDB #59 and #2 were the most frequent in America, #1 was the most frequent in Africa and three atypical isolates from genotype ToxoDB #9 were found in Asia. There is no data from Europe and Oceania. The majority of studies were Brazilian (16/30). A total of 68 RFLP genotypes were recognized among the 561 isolates' DNAs analyzed from the 30 studies. Some studies showed new genotypes never described before, which reinforces the idea that in some years even more new genotypes will be identified, due to gradual genetic recombination. A large number of undefined genotypes makes it necessary to perform Nested PCR technique when genotyping. Moreover, the lack of data in Continents such as Europe, Asia, and Oceania makes it necessary to perform new isolating and genotyping studies in these places.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Natália Domann
- Academic Unit of Health Sciences, Biomedicine Department, Federal University of Jatai (UFJ), Jatai, Goias, Brazil
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Casartelli-Alves L, Pereira SA, Ferreira LC, de Macedo Couto R, Schubach TMP, Amendoeira MRR, da Silva RC, Langoni H, Millar PR, Menezes RC. Genetic and histopathological characterization of Toxoplasma gondii genotypes isolated from free-range chickens reared in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:665-677. [PMID: 33415402 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-07011-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to genetically characterize Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from free-range chickens reared in the metropolitan region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to evaluate the morbidity and histological changes associated with these isolates in mice. A mouse bioassay was used to isolate T. gondii from a pool of tissue samples (brain, heart, and thigh muscles) collected from 163 chickens. The 36 isolates obtained were genetically characterized by restriction fragment polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the SAG1, 5'-3'SAG2, aSAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3 genomic regions. Seventeen atypical genotypes were identified and nine of them were reported for the first time. All identified genotypes caused clinical signs and histological changes in mice, with the majority being associated with high cumulative morbidity (65%) and severe or very severe histological changes (76%). The exclusive identification of atypical genotypes, with a predominance of new genotypes, indicates great genetic diversity of T. gondii in the region studied. In addition, the finding that all identified genotypes caused clinical signs and often severe histological changes in mice suggests potentially relevant virulence of these strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Casartelli-Alves
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandro Antonio Pereira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luiz Cláudio Ferreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo de Macedo Couto
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tânia Maria Pacheco Schubach
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Costa da Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade do Oeste Paulista, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio Langoni
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Riddell Millar
- Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Prof. Hernani Pires de Melo, 101, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Caldas Menezes
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Avenida Brasil, 4365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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11
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Costa DF, Madeira RP, Torrecilhas AC, Nascimento H, Ribeiro KS, Paraboni MLR, Rizzo LV, Silveira C, Burnier MN, Lowen MS, Garcia JL, Gava R, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Commodaro AG, Belfort R. Ocular Disease in Mice Inoculated with Pork Heart Samples Infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 30:463-469. [PMID: 32976068 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1807024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We analyzed the frequency, viability, and genetic characteristics of T. gondii in pork heart samples.Methods: Thirty-five fresh pork samples were purchased in a slaughterhouse in Erechim city. The DNA was extracted and qPCR was performed. T. gondii genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP analysis. Positive samples were digested and inoculated in mice for viability analysis.Results: Our results showed that T. gondii DNA was detected in 25.7% of the pork heart samples and genotyping revealed one new atypical strain. The viability analyses demonstrated that 40% of mice presented clinical signs of T. gondii infection. qPCR was positive in the lung, liver, and brain of mice that presented clinical signs of T. gondii infection. Also, the histopathology analysis showed retinal disorganization, retinal detachment, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis in the eyes analyzed.Conclusion: Our findings have shown that pork eat from southern Brazil may contain live T. gondii that could be associated with toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deise F Costa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Montreal, Canada
| | - Rafael Pedro Madeira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Diadema, Brazil
| | | | - Heloisa Nascimento
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Miguel N Burnier
- Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marcia Serva Lowen
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Protozoology Laboratory, Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade Estadual De Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Gava
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Parasites and Fungi, Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Parasites and Fungi, Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Occurrence of Atypical and New Genotypes of Toxoplasma Gondii in Free-Range Chickens Intended for Human Consumption in Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2020; 65:774-778. [PMID: 32141021 PMCID: PMC7223798 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-020-00194-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the present study was to detect and genotype T. gondii in free-range chickens destined to human consumption in Alagoas state, Brazil. Methods Two hundred blood samples were collected from free-range chickens and submitted to indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Brain tissue from 14 animals randomly selected were subjected to mouse bioassay. Positive samples in mouse bioassay were submitted to PCR and genotyped by PCR–RFLP. Results Out of two hundred blood samples from chickens, 72 (36%) samples were considered positive by IFAT. Two T. gondii strains were isolated, both being characterized as atypical and classified as #146 and a new genotype, named #279 in ToxoDB database. Conclusions Our results showed a sero-occurrence of T. gondii in free-range chickens intended for humans, and the genetic diversity of the parasite in Brazil, with a new genotype described.
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13
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Epidemiologic significance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in chickens ( Gallus domesticus): the past decade. Parasitology 2020; 147:1263-1289. [PMID: 32660653 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Domestic free-range chickens (Gallus domesticus) are excellent sentinels of environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts because they feed on the ground. Chickens can be easily infected with T. gondii; however, clinical toxoplasmosis is rare in these hosts. Chickens are comparatively inexpensive and thus are good sentinel animals for T. gondii infections on the farms. Here, the authors reviewed prevalence, the persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. gondii strains isolated from chickens worldwide for the past decade. Data on phenotypic and molecular characteristics of 794 viable T. gondii strains from chickens are discussed, including new data on T. gondii isolates from chickens in Brazil. This paper will be of interest to biologists, epidemiologists, veterinarians and parasitologists.
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14
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Chaklu M, Tarekegn ZS, Birhan G, Dagnachew S. Toxoplasma gondii infection in backyard chickens (Gallus domesticus): Seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Northwest Ethiopia. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 21:100425. [PMID: 32862906 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Limited data is accessible about the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in backyard (free-range) chickens in Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2018 to April 2019 to estimate the seroprevalence and assess associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in backyard chickens in Northwest Ethiopia. Serum samples were collected from 384 backyard chickens. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were assayed using Toxo-Latex slide agglutination test. Seropositivity for T. gondii antibodies was confirmed in 72.4% of 384 birds. Altitude, presence of cat and dog around the house, age, breed and water source were considered as potential risk factors (p < .05) associated with Toxoplasma seropositivity in this study. But, sex was not identified as a predictor for Toxoplasma infection even though higher seroprevalence was observed in females (73.7%) than males (69.3%). In conclusion, this study indicates a high prevalence of T. gondii infection in backyard chickens in Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, further works on epidemiology, bioassay, isolation and genetic characterization of the pathogen are imperative. It also warrants an action to prevent and control T. gondii infection in backyard chickens that could serve as an important intermediate host and pose a potential threat for consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meselu Chaklu
- Alage Agricultural TVET College, Department of Animal Health, Ziway, Ethiopia
| | | | - Girma Birhan
- University of Gondar, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Ethiopia
| | - Shimelis Dagnachew
- University of Gondar, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Ethiopia
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Wang R, Zhao N, Zhang H, Wang F, Li H, Liu Y, Zhao X, Zhang X. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Chicken Hearts from Farmers' Markets and Supermarkets in the Tai'an Region of China. J Food Prot 2020; 83:338-341. [PMID: 31967482 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-19-374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The detection of Toxoplasma gondii in quick-frozen chickens is a good indicator of the possible transmission risk that this parasite poses to human consumers. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of T. gondii in quick-frozen chicken hearts using a nested PCR assay. Heart samples (n = 720) from farmers' markets and supermarkets in the Tai'an region, People's Republic of China, were collected, and the DNA extracted was analyzed for the presence of T. gondii. The overall prevalence of T. gondii in all samples was 10.7%, but the rates for samples from farmers' markets (19.2%) and supermarkets (2.2%) were significantly different (P < 0.01). Nested PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism genotyping was performed on the 77 positive samples based on the T. gondii SAG3 and GRA6 gene loci. SAG3 genotyping revealed a mixed infection rate of 89.6% for type I and type I/II strains, and GRA6 genotyping revealed an infection rate of 98.7% for type I strains. Our results revealed a high prevalence of T. gondii in chicken hearts from farmers' markets, and most strains were mainly type I strains. Further studies are needed to determine whether quick-frozen chicken hearts are involved in disease transmission to human consumers in this area. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibiao Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningning Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangkun Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumin Liu
- Shandong Huamutianyuan Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Co., 1 Gangxing 3 Road, Jinan, Shandong Province 250101, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Taian City, Shandong Province 271018, People's Republic of China (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2500-7957 [X.Zhang])
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, People's Republic of China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Street, Taian City, Shandong Province 271018, People's Republic of China (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2500-7957 [X.Zhang])
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16
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Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in Free-Ranging Chickens from the Caribbean. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:738-744. [PMID: 31111358 PMCID: PMC6908547 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite capable of infecting a wide range of hosts. Free-range chickens are important sentinels in the epidemiology of this parasite as they feed from the ground and are likely to ingest oocysts shed in the faeces of infected cats. Atypical strains of T. gondii are known to dominate in South America where they are associated with more severe disease in humans, yet relatively little is known about the strains circulating in neighbouring Caribbean islands.
Methods In this study, hearts and brains were collected from free-range chickens in Antigua and Barbuda (n = 45), Dominica (n = 76) and Trinidad (n = 41), and DNA was extracted for nested ITS1 PCR and PCR–RFLP. Sera were collected and screened for antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT).
Results Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 20.5, 38.2 and 17.1% of chickens in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Trinidad, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was also detected by PCR in 24.4, 17.1 and 17.1% of chickens, respectively, giving an overall prevalence of 31.1, 42.1, and 29.3% for each of the 3 island nations. Results of PCR–RFLP revealed 2 new atypical genotypes (designated ToxoDB #281 and #282) and one Type III (ToxoDB #2) in chickens from Antigua. Partial genotyping of a further 8 isolates (7 from Antigua and one from Trinidad) revealed different allele-types at five or more markers for 7 of the isolates, suggesting atypical genotypes. Conclusions This is the first study to report the prevalence of T. gondii in free-range chickens in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago. It is also the first to report the presence of atypical genotypes in Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago.
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Paraboni MLR, Costa DF, Silveira C, Gava R, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Belfort R, Commodaro AG. A new strain of Toxoplasma gondii circulating in southern Brazil. J Parasit Dis 2019; 44:248-252. [PMID: 32174731 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-019-01155-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, an outbreak of human toxoplasmosis was identified in Santa Maria city, Southern Brazil. However, the suspected vehicle of Toxoplasma gondii contamination in this region remains unclear. This study was conduct to analyze whether pork meat samples collected in supermarkets from Santa Maria city, RS, could be infected with T. gondii. Thus, we analyzed the presence of T. gondii DNA in 20 pork hearts, 20 pork tongues and 20 sausages. DNA was extracted from each sample and real-time PCR was performed using 529-bp and B1 markers. T. gondii genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. T. gondii DNA was detected in 2 of 20 (10%) heart samples and in 1 of 20 (5%) tongue samples using 529-bp marker. Besides, those 2 (10%) heart samples also were positive for T. gondii using B1 marker. All sausage samples were negative for both markers. Genotyping revealed a new atypical genotype in the pork meat. Our findings were not able to confirm whether these food samples were involved in some outbreak. However, we can conclude that food samples containing T. gondii can be displayed in Santa Maria supermarkets. In addition, a new T. gondii genotype was identified circulating in southern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Lúcia Romani Paraboni
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, Botucatu Street, 821, 1st floor, São Paulo, 04023-062 Brazil.,2Universidade Regional Integrada Alto Uruguai e Missões, Sete de Setembro Avenue, 1621, Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul 99709-910 Brazil
| | - Deise Fialho Costa
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, Botucatu Street, 821, 1st floor, São Paulo, 04023-062 Brazil
| | - Claudio Silveira
- Clinica Silveira, Sete de Setembro Avenue, 1502, Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul 99709-290 Brazil
| | - Ricardo Gava
- 4Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Parasites and Fungi, Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Dr. Arnaldo Avenue, 351, 8th floor, São Paulo, 01246-902 Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola
- 4Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Parasites and Fungi, Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Dr. Arnaldo Avenue, 351, 8th floor, São Paulo, 01246-902 Brazil
| | - Rubens Belfort
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, Botucatu Street, 821, 1st floor, São Paulo, 04023-062 Brazil
| | - Alessandra G Commodaro
- 1Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, Botucatu Street, 821, 1st floor, São Paulo, 04023-062 Brazil
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Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from pigs for human consumption. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1593-1599. [PMID: 30852640 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06274-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to isolate and genotype strains of T. gondii from pigs slaughtered for human consumption in South Brazil. Blood and tissues (heart, diaphragm, liver, tongue, and masseter) from 400 animals were collected at two slaughterhouses. Sera were obtained, and antibodies against T. gondii were detected by both indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT). The tissues of animals that tested positive in MAT, IFAT, or both (cut-off ≥ 64) were bioassayed. Twenty-six (6.5%) of the 400 animals were positive by serology. A total of 18 (69.2%) out of those 26 were positive in the mouse bioassay. The isolates were characterized by using 10 PCR-RFLP genetic markers. Fourteen isolates were fully genotyped, and four isolates were genotyped using nine of the 10 markers. All isolates belonged to ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #206. The present study reports on genotype #206 in pigs for the first time, and it confirms the atypical nature of the Brazilian T. gondii isolates. Additionally, even with low levels of antibodies detected in pig herds, pork presents a T. gondii infection risk for humans.
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Schlaen A, Colombero D, Ormaechea S, Ladeveze E, Rudzinski C, Ingolotti M, Couto C, Rudzinski M. Regional Differences in the Clinical Manifestation of Ocular Toxoplasmosis Between the Center and Northeast of Argentina. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2018; 27:722-730. [PMID: 29953310 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2018.1484494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To compare the clinical characteristics of patients with active episodes of ocular toxoplasmosis from three provinces, Misiones, Santa Fe, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis from three databases of four tertiary referral uveitis centers were reviewed. Collected data included presentation of the retinochoroiditis, location of the active lesions, associated inflammatory ocular signs and complications. Results: Three hundred thirty-four patients were included in this study. Bilateral involvement of the ocular disease occurred in 26 patients in Misiones (35.14%), 21 patients (12.8%) in Santa Fe, and 9 patients in Buenos Aires (9.4%) (p < 0.001). Extensive retinitis was observed in 49 patients (66.2%) in Misiones, 39 patients (23.8%) in Santa Fe, and 12 patients (12.5%) in Buenos Aires (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate that there are differences in the clinical characteristics of ocular toxoplasmosis in patients from Misiones, Santa Fe, and Buenos Aires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Schlaen
- a Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires City , Argentina.,b Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Austral , Buenos Aires , Derqui-Pilar , Argentina
| | - Daniel Colombero
- c Oftalmología Global , Rosario , Province of Santa Fe , Argentina.,d Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Nacional de Rosario , Rosario , Province of Santa Fe , Argentina
| | - Soledad Ormaechea
- b Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Austral , Buenos Aires , Derqui-Pilar , Argentina
| | - Emilio Ladeveze
- c Oftalmología Global , Rosario , Province of Santa Fe , Argentina
| | - Cesar Rudzinski
- e Rudzinski Oftalmología , Oberá , Province of Misiones , Argentina
| | - Mariana Ingolotti
- b Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Universitario Austral , Buenos Aires , Derqui-Pilar , Argentina
| | - Cristóbal Couto
- a Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires City , Argentina
| | - Marcelo Rudzinski
- f Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Católica de las Misiones (UCAMI) , Posadas , Province of Misiones , Argentina.,g Consultorio de uveítis y glaucoma , Oberá , Misiones , Argentina.,h CONICET, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Investigación de Ciencias de la Salud - Universidad Católica de las Misiones , Posadas , Province of Misiones , Argentina
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