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Bouchard É, Bonin M, Sharma R, Hernández-Ortiz A, Gouin GG, Simon A, Leighton P, Jenkins E. Use of stable isotopes to reveal trophic relationships and transmission of a food-borne pathogen. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2812. [PMID: 38307906 PMCID: PMC10837197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53369-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Predators in food webs are valuable sentinel species for zoonotic and multi-host pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii. This protozoan parasite is ubiquitous in warm-blooded vertebrates, and can have serious adverse effects in immunocompromised hosts and foetuses. In northern ecosystems, T. gondii is disproportionately prevalent in Inuit people and wildlife, in part due to multiple routes of transmission. We combined data on T. gondii infection in foxes from Nunavik (northern Québec, Canada) with stable isotope data tracking trophic relationships between foxes and several of their main prey species. Red (Vulpes vulpes) and Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) carcasses were collected by local trappers from 2015 to 2019. We used magnetic capture PCR to detect DNA of T. gondii in heart and brain tissues, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect antibodies in blood. By linking infection status with diet composition, we showed that infected foxes had a higher probability of consuming aquatic prey and migratory geese, suggesting that these may be important sources of T. gondii transmission in the Arctic. This use of stable isotopes to reveal parasite transmission pathways can be applied more broadly to other foodborne pathogens, and provides evidence to assess and mitigate potential human and animal health risks associated with T. gondii in northern ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada.
- Research Group on Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2L 2W5, Canada.
| | - Michaël Bonin
- Département de Biologie, Centre d'études nordiques, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Adrián Hernández-Ortiz
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Géraldine-G Gouin
- Nunavik Research Centre, Makivvik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, QC, J0M 1C0, Canada
| | - Audrey Simon
- Research Group on Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Patrick Leighton
- Research Group on Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique de l'Université de Montréal et du CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, QC, H2L 2W5, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5B4, Canada
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Tschritter CM, V. C. de Groot P, Branigan M, Dyck M, Sun Z, Lougheed SC. A new multiplexed magnetic capture-Droplet digital PCR tool for monitoring wildlife population health and pathogen surveillance. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10655. [PMID: 37915804 PMCID: PMC10616740 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic stressors are exacerbating the emergence and spread of pathogens worldwide. In regions like the Arctic, where ecosystems are particularly susceptible, marked changes are predicted in regional diversity, intensity, and patterns of infectious diseases. To understand such rapidly changing host-pathogen dynamics and mitigate the impacts of novel pathogens, we need sensitive disease surveillance tools. We developed and validated a novel multiplexed, magnetic capture, and ddPCR tool for the surveillance of multiple pathogens in polar bears, a sentinel species that is considered susceptible to climate change and other stressors with a pan-Arctic distribution. Through sequence-specific magnetic capture, we concentrated five target template sequences from three zoonotic bacteria (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Francisella tularensis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) and two parasitic (Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp.) pathogens from large quantities (<100 g) of host tissue. We then designed and validated two multiplexed probe-based ddPCR assays for the amplification and detection of the low-concentration target DNA. Validations used 48 polar bear tissues (muscle and liver). We detected 14, 1, 3, 4, and 22 tissue positives for E. rhusiopathiae, F. tularensis, M. tuberculosis complex, T. gondii, and Trichinella spp., respectively. These multiplexed assays offer a rapid, specific tool for quantifying and monitoring the changing geographical and host distributions of pathogens relevant to human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marsha Branigan
- Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesGovernment of the Northwest TerritoriesInuvikNorthwest TerritoriesCanada
| | - Markus Dyck
- Department of EnvironmentGovernment of NunavutIgloolikNunavutCanada
| | - Zhengxin Sun
- Department of BiologyQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
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Matas Méndez P, Fuentes Corripio I, Montoya Matute A, Bailo Barroso B, Grande Gómez R, Apruzzese Rubio A, Ponce Gordo F, Mateo Barrientos M. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Endangered Wild Felines ( Felis silvestris and Lynx pardinus) in Spain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2488. [PMID: 37570297 PMCID: PMC10417606 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The wildcat (Felis silvestris) and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) are important species in Spain, considered as near-threatened and endangered, respectively. Both can be infected by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can cause morbidity and mortality in transplacentally-infected or immunocompromised mammals. The data on the prevalence of this parasite in wild populations of these species in Spain are outdated. The objective of this study was to update information and evaluate the role of these felines in parasite epidemiology and the potential impact of the parasite on their conservation. Blood and fecal samples were collected from captured animals, as well as the tongue, diaphragm, and spleen, from animals killed in road accidents in central Spain. An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect parasite antibodies in serum, microscopy and molecular analysis were used to detect oocysts in feces, and molecular analysis was used to determine the existence of tissue cysts. Seroprevalence was 85% in wildcats and 45% in lynx, and parasite DNA was detected in the feces of one wildcat and in tissue samples from 10 wildcats and 11 Iberian lynxes. These results highlight the epidemiological importance and high risk of T. gondii infection in animals and humans in the studied areas. Considering feline susceptibility to infection, monitoring programs are needed to assess the health status of wild felines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Matas Méndez
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28691 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Isabel Fuentes Corripio
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (I.F.C.); (B.B.B.)
| | - Ana Montoya Matute
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Begoña Bailo Barroso
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (I.F.C.); (B.B.B.)
| | - Rebeca Grande Gómez
- Technical Assistence, General Direction of Natural Environment and Biodiversity, Ministry of Sustainable Development, Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha, 45007 Toledo, Spain; (R.G.G.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Ariadna Apruzzese Rubio
- Technical Assistence, General Direction of Natural Environment and Biodiversity, Ministry of Sustainable Development, Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha, 45007 Toledo, Spain; (R.G.G.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Francisco Ponce Gordo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo Barrientos
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Migratory Wild Birds as Potential Long-Distance Transmitters of Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030478. [PMID: 36986400 PMCID: PMC10051421 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide distributed zoonotic protozoan capable of infecting a wide range of mammals (including humans) and birds as intermediate hosts. Migratory wild birds, through interconnecting countries along their flyways, can play a role in the spatial spread of T. gondii and could contribute to its sylvatic cycle. Additionally, hunted wild birds used for meat consumption could represent a further source of human infection. To determine the presence of T. gondii in wild birds, a total of 50 individuals belonging to the Anseriformes and Charadriiformes orders were sampled during the 2021–2022 hunting season in Northern Italy. Cardiac muscle samples of three Northern shovelers (Anas clypeata), two wild mallards (A. platyrhynchos), one Eurasian teal (A. crecca), and one Northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) were positive for the molecular detection of T. gondii based on a targeted amplification of the B1 gene. A 14% (7/50) overall positivity was observed in the sampled population. Results from this study suggest a moderate exposure of wild aquatic birds to T. gondii, highlighting the importance of a further characterization of T. gondii in its wildlife hosts.
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Engel L, Hamedy A, Koethe M. Direct detection and quantification of Toxoplasma gondii in meat samples from feral raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Germany by magnetic-capture real-time PCR. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:307-313. [PMID: 36401669 PMCID: PMC9816176 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07730-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Because the number of wild raccoons in Germany is increasing constantly, it appears to be economic reasonable to use their meat as food. For this purpose, it is essential to generate data regarding the pathogen load of the meat to be consumed and handled. It is known that raccoons, particularly in Germany, show a high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii. Because serological data only indicates contact of a host to a parasite additional direct detection is needed to prove presence of parasitic stages in particular tissues. Therefore, a total of 150 samples from raccoons with known serostatus were tested and quantified using magnetic-capture real-time PCR for Toxoplasma gondii. As it represents potentially consumption-relevant parts of raccoons, meat from forelimb and hindlimb was examined. Samples were stratified into three groups based on the animals' serostatus (each 50 negative, low positive, and high positive). All samples from seronegative animals were found negative by MC-PCR as well. In a total of 56 meat samples from 100 seropositive animals, T. gondii DNA was detected. Statistically significant more samples were positive by MC-PCR in the high positive than in the low positive serostatus group (38/50 vs. 18/50, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, samples from the former group were also found to have statistically significant higher DNA equivalent values compared to samples from the low positive serostatus group (p < 0.0001). These results suggest that meat from seropositive raccoons may contain considerable numbers of T. gondii presenting a potential public health risk for humans whilst handling and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Engel
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Ahmad Hamedy
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Koethe
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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Omonijo AO, Mukaratirwa S. Knowledge and practices on consumption of free-range chickens in selected rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with focus on zoonotic transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 55:9. [PMID: 36527523 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03393-3] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Chickens are a host to a variety of pathogens of zoonotic importance and this depends more on the husbandry system practiced. Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp which are more prevalent in free-range chickens (FRC) can be acquired by humans via the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat (muscle) and/or viscera contaminated with infective stages of T. gondii and Toxocara spp. This study aimed to assess knowledge and practices on the household consumption of FRC meat and viscera by rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa, as a risk factor in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens with special emphasis on T. gondii and Toxocara spp. A cross-sectional study was conducted on twenty (20) randomly selected households in four selected communities located on the northern coast (Gingindlovu and Ozwathini) and southern coast (uMzinto and Shongweni) of KZN province using a semi-structured questionnaire. To determine the presence of selected zoonotic pathogens in FRC, birds were purchased from randomly selected households in the study localities for sacrifice. Brain tissues were collected and subjected to molecular detection of T. gondii using TOX4 and TOX5 primers while other tissues and organs that were collected were subjected to molecular detection of Toxocara spp using Nem 18S primers. Questionnaire data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Descriptive and chi-square statistics were used to assess knowledge and practices related to FRC consumption and zoonosis transmission. Molecular results showed four positive samples for T. canis from Gingindlovu (n = 1), uMzinto (n = 1), and Shongweni (n = 2). The role of FRC consumption in zoonosis transmission is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adejumoke Oluwatosin Omonijo
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Oye - Ekiti, Oye - Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. .,School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Samson Mukaratirwa
- School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical and Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, KN0101, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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Zrelli S, Amairia S, Jebali M, Gharbi M. Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Tunisian free-range chicken meat and their offal. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3561-3567. [PMID: 36181540 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07680-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/07/2022]
Abstract
Free-range chickens are infected by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) mainly when they pick-up their food from the ground. The present study was performed to estimate the molecular prevalence of T. gondii in free-range chicken meat (breast and thigh muscles) and their offal (heart and gizzard). The molecular characterization and the phylogeny of T. gondii amplicons were also investigated. Two PCRs were compared, the first targeting B1 gene and a nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer ITS-1 gene. Among the 60 tested birds, 47 free-range chickens had at least one positive PCR, i.e., a prevalence of 78.3% (95% CI: 67.9-88.7%). The prevalence of T. gondii infection in muscles and organs analyzed by specific PCR targeting B1 gene (43.3%; 95% CI: 37-49.6%) was significantly higher than those analyzed for ITS-1 gene detection (15%; 95%CI: 10.4-19.5%) (p < 0.001). Heart samples had the highest T. gondii infection prevalence, as well as targeting either B1 gene (48.3%; 95% CI: 35.6-60.9%) or ITS-1 gene (21.6%; 95% CI: 11.2-32%). The present study showed that the consumption of undercooked free-range chicken meat represents a high risk for seronegative pregnant women. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed homology with wild and domestic birds and domestic mammals and a large geographic distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Zrelli
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de La Recherche Et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia. .,Département Des Productions Animales, Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie, Université de Carthage, 1054, Carthage, Tunisia.
| | - Safa Amairia
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de La Recherche Et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mounir Jebali
- Division Contrôle Sanitaire et Vétérinaire - DGH Subsistances- DG Santé Militaire - Min. Déf.-Base Militaire Ksar Saïd, 2009, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de La Recherche Et de L'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Bouchard É, Sharma R, Hernández-Ortiz A, Buhler K, Al-Adhami B, Su C, Fenton H, G-Gouin G, Roth JD, Rodrigues CW, Pamak C, Simon A, Bachand N, Leighton P, Jenkins E. Are foxes (Vulpes spp.) good sentinel species for Toxoplasma gondii in northern Canada? Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:115. [PMID: 35365191 PMCID: PMC8972674 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In changing northern ecosystems, understanding the mechanisms of transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is essential to protect the health of vulnerable animals and humans. As high-level predators and scavengers, foxes represent a potentially sensitive indicator of the circulation of T. gondii in environments where humans co-exist. The objectives of our research were to compare serological and molecular assays to detect T. gondii, generate baseline data on T. gondii antibody and tissue prevalence in foxes in northern Canada, and compare regional seroprevalence in foxes with that in people from recently published surveys across northern Canada. Methods Fox carcasses (Vulpes vulpes/Vulpes lagopus, n = 749) were collected by local trappers from the eastern (Labrador and Québec) and western Canadian Arctic (northern Manitoba, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories) during the winters of 2015–2019. Antibodies in heart fluid were detected using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in hearts and brains using a magnetic capture DNA extraction and real-time PCR assay. Results Antibodies against T. gondii and DNA were detected in 36% and 27% of foxes, respectively. Detection of antibodies was higher in older (64%) compared to younger foxes (22%). More males (36%) than females (31%) were positive for antibodies to T. gondii. Tissue prevalence in foxes from western Nunavik (51%) was higher than in eastern Nunavik (19%). At the Canadian scale, T. gondii exposure was lower in western Inuit regions (13%) compared to eastern Inuit regions (39%), possibly because of regional differences in fox diet and/or environment. Exposure to T. gondii decreased at higher latitude and in foxes having moderate to little fat. Higher mean infection intensity was observed in Arctic foxes compared to red foxes. Fox and human seroprevalence showed similar trends across Inuit regions of Canada, but were less correlated in the eastern sub-Arctic, which may reflect regional differences in human dietary preferences. Conclusions Our study sheds new light on the current status of T. gondii in foxes in northern Canada and shows that foxes serve as a good sentinel species for environmental circulation and, in some regions, human exposure to this parasite in the Arctic. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05229-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. .,Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
| | - Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Adrián Hernández-Ortiz
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kayla Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Batol Al-Adhami
- Centre for Food-Borne and Animal Parasitology, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Heather Fenton
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | | | - James D Roth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Carla Pamak
- Nunatsiavut Research Centre, Nain, NL, Canada
| | - Audrey Simon
- Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bachand
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Patrick Leighton
- Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Stollberg KC, Schares G, Mayer-Scholl A, Hrushetska I, Diescher S, Johne A, Richter MH, Bier NS. Comparison of Direct and Indirect Toxoplasma gondii Detection and Genotyping in Game: Relationship and Challenges. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081663. [PMID: 34442742 PMCID: PMC8399173 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of game as a source of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in humans is largely unknown. New data on the presence of T. gondii in game hunted in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany, were obtained by direct and indirect detection (ELISA). DNA extracted either directly (5 g heart or foreleg muscle, DE) or after acid pepsin digestion (50 g heart, PD) or enriched by magnetic capture (50 g heart, MC) was examined by real-time PCR (qPCR). ELISA revealed seroprevalences of 20% in wild boar (Sus scrofa), 11% in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 6% in red deer (Cervus elaphus). T. gondii DNA was detected by at least one direct detection method in 12% of wild boar, 6% of roe deer, 2% of fallow deer (Dama dama) and 2% of red deer. In both, positive wild boar and roe deer, T. gondii type II specific alleles were the most prevalent, as assessed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The highest proportion of positive animals was detected by MC qPCR, followed by PD qPCR with a similar proportion of positive findings. Investigation of 50 g of heart muscle revealed a significantly higher proportion of positive qPCR results than analysis of 5 g (p = 0.048). An association between seropositivity and direct detection was evident in wild boar and roe deer (p < 0.001). Infectivity of T. gondii DNA–positive samples was confirmed by bioassay (4/4), providing evidence that game could represent a relevant source of viable T. gondii posing a risk for human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaya C. Stollberg
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Safety in the Food Chain, 10589 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Gereon Schares
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Iryna Hrushetska
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Susanne Diescher
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Annette Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Martin H. Richter
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Nadja S. Bier
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Minutti AF, Gonçalves Vieira FE, Sasse JP, Martins TA, de Seixas M, Tosi Cardim S, de Barros LD, Garcia JL. Comparison of serological and molecular techniques to detect Toxoplasma gondii in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Vet Parasitol 2021; 296:109515. [PMID: 34242913 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to compare different indirect and direct diagnostic techniques to diagnose Toxoplasma gondii in free-range chickens. Samples of 386 chickens obtained from 24 Paraná properties were used for serological analysis by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), modified agglutination test (MAT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Animals positive by IFAT and/or MAT had their tissues submitted to the mouse bioassay, and those who were positive in this technique had their blood, tissues, and acidic pepsin tissue digestion submitted to PCR (conventional, nested, and quantitative-PCR (qPCR)). One hundred and nineteen chickens (30.8 %) were positive in at least one of the serological tests, being 102 (26.4 %) in the IFAT, 64 (16.6 %) in the MAT, and 62 (16.0 %) in the ELISA. The IFAT was used as a gold standard, and the MAT showed higher sensitivity (46.0 %) and specificity (94.0) compared to ELISA (43.5 % and 93.6 %, respectively). Ninety samples of eighteen chickens positive in the mouse bioassay were subjected to PCR, and according to molecular tests, the conventional PCR detected the T. gondii DNA in 30 % (27/90) of the samples, in 38.8 % (35/90) with nested-PCR and 40.0 % (36/90) with real-time. According to molecular analyzes, the sensitivity was higher in ITS1 nested-PCR (69.4 %) and specificity in conventional PCR-529bp (90.7 %), using the qPCR as the gold standard. MAT and ELISA had similarities in concordance analyzes. The IFAT was the serological technique with the highest agreement with the mouse bioassay, and serological tests in parallel showed to be a good screening option for the isolation of T. gondii in chick tissues. The PCR markers effectively detected the parasite DNA, and the heart was the tissue with the highest number of positives samples. The conventional PCR had sensitivity similar to nested-PCR and qPCR and could be a cheaper alternative to diagnose T. gondii infection in chicken tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flávia Minutti
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 km 380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - João Pedro Sasse
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 km 380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Thais Agostinho Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 km 380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Mércia de Seixas
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 km 380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Tosi Cardim
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Norte do Paraná - UNOPAR, Arapongas, PR, Brazil
| | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 km 380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 km 380, 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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Kakakhel MA, Wu F, Anwar Z, Saif I, Akbar NU, Gul N, Ali I, Feng H, Wang W. The presence of Toxoplasma gondii in soil, their transmission, and their influence on the small ruminants and human population: A review. Microb Pathog 2021; 158:104850. [PMID: 33766632 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The ecosystem approach has been developed since the 1940s. An ecosystem is a community of living organism and their interaction and conjugation with abiotic factors of the environment. The ecosystem is not endemic to the aquatic environment only but, the terrestrial environment is also considered to be a part of an ecosystem. Soil act as mother role for the survival of different microorganism. The Toxoplasma gondii oocysts stay survive for a long time in the soil. This presence of these oocysts might critically enhance the success of this parasite in two ways. First, this parasite can widespread; second, it can create a lot of consequences regarding animals and their economic value. Soil contamination caused by Toxoplasma gondii Y is a significant and profound issue for animals and public health. Therefore, the current study was aimed to summarize and correlate the soil and parasite, their transmission, infection, and some aspects related to T. gondii. The small animals are pose at a high risk therefore, it was concluded that some preventive measures should be taken to keep secure itself from zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Adnan Kakakhel
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Fasi Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan; National Research Center for Conservation of Ancient Wall Paintings and Earthen Sites, Conservation Institute, Dunhuang Academy, Dunhuang, Gansu, 736200, PR China
| | - Zahid Anwar
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Resources and Utilization of Jiangxi, School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, 330031, PR China
| | - Irfan Saif
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Noor Ul Akbar
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Naila Gul
- Department of Zoology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ihsan Ali
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi province, 710069, PR China
| | - Huyuan Feng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Wanfu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Activities and Stress Adaptations, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; National Research Center for Conservation of Ancient Wall Paintings and Earthen Sites, Conservation Institute, Dunhuang Academy, Dunhuang, Gansu, 736200, PR China; Key Scientific Research Base of Conservation for Ancient Mural, State Administration for Cultural Heritage, Dunhuang, 736200, Gansu, PR China.
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12
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Experimental infection with Toxoplasma gondii in broiler chickens (Gallus domesticus): seroconversion, tissue cyst distribution, and prophylaxis. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:593-603. [PMID: 33415386 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06984-x] [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: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread zoonotic protozoan that infects most species of mammals and birds, including poultry. This study aimed to investigate the course of T. gondii infection and the efficacy of diclazuril and Artemisia annua in preventing infection in experimentally infected chickens. Seventy-five 1-month-old chickens, female and male, were randomly divided into five groups (n = 15 each) as follows: (1) uninfected untreated (negative control, NC); (2) infected with T. gondii genotype II/III isolated from a wild cat (group WC); (3) infected with T. gondii genotype II isolated from a domestic cat (group DC); (4) infected with T. gondii domestic cat strain and treated with the anticoccidial diclazuril (group DC-D); and (5) infected with T. gondii domestic cat strain and treated with the medicinal plant Artemisia annua (group DC-A). Clinical signs, body temperature, mortality rate, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, hematological parameters, and the presence of T. gondii-specific IgY antibodies were recorded in all groups. Five chickens per group were euthanized 28 days post-infection (p.i.) and their brains, hearts, and breast muscle tested for T. gondii by mouse bioassay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No clinical signs related to the experimental infection were observed throughout the study period. T. gondii-specific antibodies were detected by day 28 p.i., but not in all infected chickens. Overall, T. gondii DNA was detected (bioassay or tissue digests) in all infected and untreated chickens (10/10), while viable parasite (bioassay) was isolated from 7 out of 10 chickens. The parasite was most frequently identified in the brain (7/10). There were no differences in the T. gondii strains regarding clinical infection and the rate of T. gondii detection in tissues. However, higher antibody titers were obtained in chickens infected with T. gondii WC strain (1:192) comparing with T. gondii DC strain (1:48). A. annua reduced replication of the parasite in 3 out of 5 chickens, while diclazuril did not. In conclusion, broiler chickens were resistant to clinical toxoplasmosis, irrespective of the strain (domestic or wild cat strain). The herb A. annua presented prophylactic efficacy by reduced parasite replication. However, further studies are required aiming at the efficacy of diclazuril and A. annua for the prevention of T. gondii infection in chickens using quantitative analysis methods.
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Su C. Epidemiologic significance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in turkeys, ducks, ratites and other wild birds: 2009-2020. Parasitology 2021; 148:1-30. [PMID: 33070787 PMCID: PMC11010194 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020001961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Wild and domestic avian species are important in the epidemiology of T. gondii infections because felids prey on them and excrete millions of oocysts in the environment, disseminating the infection. Herbivorous birds are also excellent sentinels of environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts because they feed on the ground. Toxoplasma gondii infections in birds of prey reflect infections in intermediate hosts. Humans can become infected by consuming undercooked avian tissues. Here, the authors reviewed prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. gondii strains isolated from turkeys, geese, ducks, ratites and avian species (excluding chickens) worldwide 2009-2020. Genetic diversity of 102 T. gondii DNA samples isolated worldwide is discussed. The role of migratory birds in dissemination of T. gondii infection is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
| | - F. H. A. Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
| | - C. K. Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
| | - O. C. H. Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
| | - C. Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN37996-0845, USA
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14
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Almeria S, Dubey JP. Foodborne transmission of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the last decade. An overview. Res Vet Sci 2020; 135:371-385. [PMID: 33148402 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease of global distribution and importance. It is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the only species in the Toxoplasma genus. This parasite can infect most warm-blooded animals, including humans and livestock. Main routes of transmission are by ingestion of tissue cysts in raw or undercooked meat of infected animals, ingestion of raw vegetables or water contaminated with T. gondii oocysts from cat feces, and transplacental. Around one-third of human beings are chronically infected with T. gondii. Most infections appear to be asymptomatic in immunocompetent persons, but toxoplasmosis can be fatal to the fetus and immunocompromised adults. Water and foodborne outbreaks have been caused by this parasite worldwide, but few are well documented. Importantly, T. gondii is a parasite of high importance in animal health, causing reproductive failure, particularly in small ruminants, and clinical toxoplasmosis in many species. This overview discusses the knowledge of T. gondii infections in the last decade focusing on the foodborne transmission of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Almeria
- Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Division of Virulence Assessment, Laurel, MD 20708, USA.
| | - J P Dubey
- USA Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Building 1001, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
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15
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Development of an in vivo model for Toxoplasma gondii infections in chickens and turkeys simulating natural routes of infection. Vet Parasitol 2019; 276:108956. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.108956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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16
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Stelzer S, Basso W, Benavides Silván J, Ortega-Mora L, Maksimov P, Gethmann J, Conraths F, Schares G. Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in farm animals: Risk factors and economic impact. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00037. [PMID: 32095611 PMCID: PMC7033994 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Felids, including domestic cats, are definitive hosts that can shed oocysts with their feces. In addition to infections that occur by accidental oral uptake of food or water contaminated with oocysts, it is assumed that a large proportion of affected humans may have become infected by consuming meat or other animal products that contained infective parasitic stages of T. gondii. Since farm animals represent a direct source of infection for humans, but also a possible reservoir for the parasite, it is important to control T. gondii infections in livestock. Moreover, T. gondii may also be pathogenic to livestock where it could be responsible for considerable economic losses in some regions and particular farming systems, e.g. in areas where the small ruminant industry is relevant. This review aims to summarize actual knowledge on the prevalence and effects of infections with T. gondii in the most important livestock species and on the effects of toxoplasmosis on livestock. It also provides an overview on potential risk factors favoring infections of livestock with T. gondii. Knowledge on potential risk factors is prerequisite to implement effective biosecurity measures on farms to prevent T. gondii infections. Risk factors identified by many studies are cat-related, but also those associated with a potential contamination of fodder or water, and with access to a potentially contaminated environment. Published information on the costs T. gondii infections cause in livestock production, is scarce. The most recent peer reviewed reports from Great Britain and Uruguay suggest annual cost of about 5-15 million US $ per country. Since these estimates are outdated, future studies are needed to estimate the present costs due to toxoplasmosis in livestock. Further, the fact that T. gondii infections in livestock may affect human health needs to be considered and the respective costs should also be estimated, but this is beyond the scope of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Stelzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - W. Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - J. Benavides Silván
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León) Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
| | - L.M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - P. Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - J. Gethmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - F.J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - G. Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
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Bachand N, Ravel A, Leighton P, Stephen C, Ndao M, Avard E, Jenkins E. Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in terrestrial and marine wildlife harvested for food in Nunavik, Canada. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:155. [PMID: 30944016 PMCID: PMC6448294 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoan parasite, infects mammals and birds worldwide. Infection in humans is often asymptomatic, though illnesses can occur in immunocompromised hosts and the fetuses of susceptible women infected during pregnancy. In Nunavik, Canada, 60% of the Inuit population has measurable antibodies against T. gondii. Handling and consumption of wildlife have been identified as risk factors for exposure. Serological evidence of exposure has been reported for wildlife in Nunavik; however, T. gondii has not been detected in wildlife tissues commonly consumed by Inuit. METHODS We used a magnetic capture DNA extraction and real-time PCR protocol to extract and amplify T. gondii DNA from large quantities of tissues (up to 100 g) of 441 individual animals in Nunavik: 166 ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), 156 geese (Branta canadensis and Chen caerulescens), 61 ringed seals (Pusa hispida), 31 caribou (Rangifer tarandus) and 27 walruses (Odobenus rosmarus). RESULTS DNA from T. gondii was detected in 9% (95% CI: 3-15%) of geese from four communities in western and southern Nunavik, but DNA was not detected in other wildlife species including 20% (95% CI: 12-31%) of ringed seals and 26% (95% CI: 14-43%) of caribou positive on a commercial modified agglutination test (MAT) using thawed heart muscle juice. In geese, tissue parasite burden was highest in heart, followed by brain, breast muscle, liver and gizzard. Serological results did not correlate well with tissue infection status for any wildlife species. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection, quantification, and characterization of DNA of T. gondii (clonal lineage II in one goose) from wildlife harvested for food in Nunavik, which supports the hypothesis that migratory geese can carry T. gondii into Nunavik where feline definitive hosts are rare. This study suggests that direct detection methods may be useful for detection of T. gondii in wildlife harvested for human consumption and provides data needed for a quantitative exposure assessment that will determine the risk of T. gondii exposure for Inuit who harvest and consume geese in Nunavik.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Bachand
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7H 5B4 Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S 2M2 Canada
| | - André Ravel
- Groupe de Recherche en épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S 2M2 Canada
| | - Patrick Leighton
- Groupe de Recherche en épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S 2M2 Canada
| | - Craig Stephen
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7H 5B4 Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4 Canada
| | - Momar Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, J.D. MacLean Tropical Diseases Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada
| | - Ellen Avard
- Nunavik Research Center, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7H 5B4 Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique, Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S 2M2 Canada
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18
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Sharma R, Parker S, Al-Adhami B, Bachand N, Jenkins E. Comparison of tissues (heart vs. brain) and serological tests (MAT, ELISA and IFAT) for detection of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected wolverines ( Gulo gulo) from the Yukon, Canada. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00046. [PMID: 32095617 PMCID: PMC7034044 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important parasitic zoonosis worldwide. Many human and animal surveys use serological assays based on Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection in serum, a matrix that is not routinely available from wildlife. Commonly used serological assays have rarely been validated for use with fluids other than serum, nor validated for their performance in wildlife species. New molecular assays, such as magnetic capture DNA extraction and real-time PCR (MC-qPCR), offer high sensitivity for detection of T. gondii DNA in tissues. The aims of this study were to (1) assess prevalence of T. gondii DNA based on MC-qPCR detection in brain and heart of naturally infected wolverines (Gulo gulo) from the Yukon, Canada (2) compare two matrices [heart fluid (collected from thawed heart) and filter eluate (eluted from blood soaked filter paper)] for antibody detection in the same species, and (3) evaluate the performance of three serological tests [modified agglutination test (MAT), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT)] to detect naturally infected wolverines as determined by MC-qPCR. DNA of T. gondii was detected in heart and/or brain in 16 of 68 wolverines (24%, 95% CI: 15.0-34.8). Tissue prevalence and infection intensity was higher in heart [16 positives, mediantachyzoites equivalents per gram (TEG) =1221] compared to brain (10 positives, median TEG = 347). Heart fluid (HF) and filter eluates (FE) performed equally well in ELISA and IFAT in terms of relative sensitivity, but HF performed better with MAT. ELISA and IFAT had higher relative sensitivity (94%) and relative specificity (100%) compared to MAT (relative sensitivity 75% and relative specificity 92%). Overall, our findings indicate that the parasite burden in naturally infected wolverines was higher in heart compared to brain, heart fluid performed better than filter paper eluate for serological testing using MAT, and both IFAT and ELISA had higher relative sensitivity, relative specificity, and accuracy compared to MAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Sarah Parker
- Centre for Applied Epidemiology, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Batol Al-Adhami
- Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Saskatoon Laboratory, 116 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 2R3, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bachand
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
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Sağlam Metiner P, Can H, Ayyıldız Tamiş D, Karakavuk M, Kımız Geboloğlu I, Gülçe İz S, Atalay Şahar E, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Gürüz Y, Deliloğlu Gürhan Sİ, Döşkaya M. The use of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites produced in HeLa cells adhered to Cytodex 1 microcarriers as antigen in serological assays: an application of microcarrier technology. Cytotechnology 2019; 71:91-105. [PMID: 30607647 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-018-0269-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii can infect nearly all warm-blooded animals, including humans. In the laboratory diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, serological tests have importance in detecting antibody response. Traditionally T. gondii tachyzoites grown in vivo are being used as an antigen source in serological assays. Currently, tachyzoites produced in vitro are being tested as an antigen source in order to decrease animal use. Microcarrier technology allowed us to grow anchorage-dependent host cells on microcarrier suspension in short time and approximately 10 times more than traditional flask technique. The ability of T. gondii tachyzoites to grow in host cells adhered to microcarriers has not been analyzed yet. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel in vitro culture method to produce T. gondii tachyzoites abundantly using HeLa cells adhered to Cytodex 1 microcarriers. Initially, the growth of HeLa cells adhered to Cytodex 1 was analyzed using RPMI 1640, DMEM, and EMEM. Next, HeLa cells with a concentration of 1 × 105 cells/ml and 2 × 105 cells/ml were adhered to Cytodex 1 and grown in spinner flasks. Then, T. gondii tachyzoites were inoculated with 1:1 and 2:1 cell:tachyzoite ratios to HeLa cells adhered to microcarriers in spinner flaks. During continuous production in spinner flasks, tachyzoites were harvested at the 2nd, 4th, and 7th day of culture and the quality of antigens produced from these tachyzoites were tested in ELISA and Western Blotting using sera of patients with toxoplasmosis. The optimization studies showed that finest HeLa inoculation value was 2 × 105 cells/ml using RPMI 1640, and the cell:tachyzoite ratio to obtain the highest tachyzoite yield (17.1 × 107) was 1:1 at the 4th day of inoculation. According to the results of ELISA comparing HeLa cell and mouse derived antigens, the highest correlation with mouse antigen was achieved at the 4th day of HeLa cell culture with 1:1 HeLa:tachyzoite ratio (P < 0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity ratios of ELISA were 100%. In addition, Western blotting banding patterns of the antigen derived at the 4th day of HeLa cell culture with 1:1 HeLa:tachyzoite ratio was comparable with mouse derived antigen. Overall, this novel methodology can be an alternative source of antigen in diagnostic assays, decrease animal use for antigen production, and contribute to the solution of ethical and economic problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Sağlam Metiner
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - Duygu Ayyıldız Tamiş
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ilgın Kımız Geboloğlu
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sultan Gülçe İz
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Esra Atalay Şahar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
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Nicholas B, Ravel A, Leighton P, Stephen C, Iqbal A, Ndao M, Konecsni K, Fernando C, Jenkins E. Foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) as sentinels for parasitic zoonoses, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella nativa, in the northeastern Canadian Arctic. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2018; 7:391-397. [PMID: 30370219 PMCID: PMC6199765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Outbreaks of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. have been recurring for decades among Inuit of Nunavik, northeastern Canada. Contact with wildlife has been identified as a risk factor for Inuit exposure to T. gondii, but reservoirs have yet to be confirmed based on direct detection of DNA or organism. Similarly, little is known about the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in wildlife species of Nunavik other than walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) and bears (Ursus americanus, Ursus maritimus). Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were targeted as possible sentinels for T. gondii and Trichinella spp. because of their high trophic position within the Arctic food chain as carnivorous scavengers. A total of 39 red foxes were sampled from four communities in southern and western Nunavik between November 2015 and September 2016. For the first time in wildlife, a novel magnetic capture DNA extraction and real-time PCR technique was used to isolate and detect T. gondii DNA from the heart and brain of foxes. A double separatory funnel digestion method followed by multiplex PCR was used to recover and genotype larvae of Trichinella spp. from tongues of foxes. Seroprevalence based on detection of antibodies to T. gondii was 41% (95% CI: 27-57%) using a commercially available modified agglutination test (MAT). Detection of DNA of T. gondii and larvae of Trichinella nativa (T2) occurred in 44% (95% CI: 28-60%) and 36% (95% CI: 21-51%) of foxes, respectively. Coinfection with both T. nativa and T. gondii occurred among 23% (95%CI: 13-38%) of foxes which can be attributed to co-transmission from prey and scavenged species in their diet. There was only moderate agreement between T. gondii serology and direct detection of T. gondii DNA using the MC-PCR technique (Kappa test statistic: 0.321), suggesting that using both methods in tandem can increase the sensitivity of detection for this parasite. These findings show that foxes are good sentinels for circulation of parasitic zoonoses in terrestrial northern ecosystems since they are highly exposed, show measurable indicators of infection and do not serve as exposure sources for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bachand Nicholas
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7H 5B4, Canada
| | - A. Ravel
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Département de pathologie et microbiologie, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - P. Leighton
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - C. Stephen
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7H 5B4, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - A. Iqbal
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, J.D. MacLean Tropical Diseases Centre, McGill University, Montréal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - M. Ndao
- National Reference Centre for Parasitology, J.D. MacLean Tropical Diseases Centre, McGill University, Montréal, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - K. Konecsni
- Centre for Foodborne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency Saskatoon Laboratory, 116 Veterinary Rd., Saskatoon, S7N 2R3, Canada
| | - C. Fernando
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7H 5B4, Canada
| | - E. Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7H 5B4, Canada
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Toxoplasma gondii infections in chickens – performance of various antibody detection techniques in serum and meat juice relative to bioassay and DNA detection methods. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:751-762. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Hiob L, Koethe M, Schares G, Goroll T, Daugschies A, Bangoura B. Experimental Toxoplasma gondii and Eimeria tenella co-infection in chickens. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:3189-3203. [PMID: 28983740 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The widespread apicomplexan parasites Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) are important pathogens with high prevalence in poultry. The aim of our study was the investigation of mutual influences in co-infected chickens, focusing on immune response and course of infection. Two separate trials were performed using in total 96 1-day-old chickens, divided into four study groups: group NC (negative control, uninfected), group PC-T (oral or intramuscular infection with T. gondii oocysts (trial 1) or tachyzoites (trial 2), respectively), group PC-E (oral infection with E. tenella (trial 1) or E. tenella and Eimeria acervulina (trial 2)), and group TE (co-infection). T. gondii and Eimeria infections were validated by different parameters, and cytokine expression in the gut and spleen was investigated. T. gondii-specific antibodies were detected earliest 4 days post infection (p.i.) by immunoblot and direct DNA detection was possible in 22.1% of all tissue samples from infected chickens. Eimeria spp. merogony seemed to be enhanced by co-infection with T. gondii, interestingly without marked differences in oocyst excretion between co-infected and Eimeria spp. mono-infected chickens. An increase of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Th1- (IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α) and Th2-related cytokines (IL-10) mainly in groups PC-E and TE was observed, however, without statistically significant differences between co-infection and single infection with Eimeria. In conclusion, most of the measurable immune response could be attributed to Eimeria infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on co-infection experiments of T. gondii with Eimeria spp. in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lysanne Hiob
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, University Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - M Koethe
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Centre for Veterinary Public Health, University Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - G Schares
- Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - T Goroll
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, University Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - A Daugschies
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, University Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - B Bangoura
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, University Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wyoming, 1174 Snowy Range Road, Laramie, WY, 82070, USA
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Jiang S, He Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Jiang L, Wang Z, Zhu Q, Ma X. Assessment of self-produced PCR methods for the detection ofToxoplasma gondiiDNA in meat. J Food Saf 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shoufu Jiang
- Department of Parasitic Disease Control; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Shanghai 200336 China
| | - Yanyan He
- Department of Parasitic Disease Control; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Shanghai 200336 China
| | - Yaoguang Zhang
- Department of Parasitic Disease Control; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Shanghai 200336 China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Parasitic Disease Control; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Shanghai 200336 China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Parasitic Disease Control; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Shanghai 200336 China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Parasitic Disease Control; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Shanghai 200336 China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Parasitic Disease Control; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Shanghai 200336 China
| | - Xiaojiang Ma
- Department of Parasitic Disease Control; Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Shanghai 200336 China
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Sá SG, Lima DCV, Silva LTR, Pinheiro Júnior JW, Dubey JP, Silva JCR, Mota RA. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among turkeys on family farms in the state of Northeastern Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2016; 61:401-5. [PMID: 27078666 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2016-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in turkeys and chickens on family farms in the semi-arid region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. In order to do so, 204 sera samples from turkeys were analyzed using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) and 322 sera samples from chickens were assessed using the Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA). Twenty-eight properties contained turkeys and 23 of these properties also contained chickens. The relative frequency of positive turkeys was 11% (21/204), with 46.6% (13/28) of the properties containing at least one positive turkey. The frequency of positive chickens was 25.8% (83/322), with 95.6% (22/23) of the properties containing at least one positive chicken. Based on the results of the present study, it was possible to conclude that turkeys can serve as an indicator of environmental contamination by oocysts of T. gondii. However, they are less effective than chickens bred in the same conditions. The increasing demand from consumers for naturally produced products should worry local sanitary authorities due to the high prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii found in this type of rearing system, particularly among chickens.
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Opsteegh M, Schares G, Blaga R, van der Giessen J. Experimental studies on Toxoplasma gondii in the main livestock species (GP/EFSA/BIOHAZ/2013/01) Final report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2016.en-995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Opsteegh
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) the Netherlands
| | | | - Radu Blaga
- National Veterinary School of Alfort (ENVA ‐JRU BIPAR) France
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