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Castillo-Castillo JM, Rufino-Moya PJ, Martínez-Moreno Á, Salvador Castaño Á, Martínez-Moreno FJ, Leva RZ. Revealing the Prevalence of Toxoplasma in Sierra Morena's Wild Boar: An ELISA-Based Study Using Meat Juice. Pathogens 2024; 13:281. [PMID: 38668236 PMCID: PMC11053865 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040281] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This research work focused on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boar from the Sierra Morena region. We conducted an ELISA analysis using meat juice samples. A total of 892 samples from six hunting seasons (2013-2019) were collected from the provinces that constitute the Sierra Morena Mountain range. These samples were analyzed using the Pigtype® ELISA kit, specifically developed for detecting T. gondii in meat juice. The overall prevalence of T. gondii in Sierra Morena was 23.2%. The highest prevalences were observed in Córdoba (31.6%) and Jaén (25.9%). These provinces exhibit the highest density of wild boar as well as the greatest presence of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Further in-depth studies are necessary, but it appears that the presence of wild felids and scavenger behavior may be associated with this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Francisco Javier Martínez-Moreno
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal (Parasitología), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Edificio de Sanidad Animal, Campus de Rabanales, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz km 396, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (J.M.C.-C.); (P.J.R.-M.); (Á.M.-M.); (Á.S.C.); (R.Z.L.)
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Wijburg SR, Montizaan MGE, Kik MJL, Joeres M, Cardron G, Luttermann C, Maas M, Maksimov P, Opsteegh M, Schares G. Drivers of infection with Toxoplasma gondii genotype type II in Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris). Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:30. [PMID: 38263195 PMCID: PMC10804655 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In September 2014, there was sudden upsurge in the number of Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) found dead in the Netherlands. High infection levels with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii were demonstrated, but it was unclear what had caused this increase in cases of fatal toxoplasmosis. In the present study, we aimed to gain more knowledge on the pathology and prevalence of T. gondii infections in Eurasian red squirrels in the Netherlands, on the T. gondii genotypes present, and on the determinants of the spatiotemporal variability in these T. gondii infections. The presence of the closely related parasite Hammondia hammondi was also determined. METHODS Eurasian red squirrels that were found dead in the wild or that had died in wildlife rescue centres in the Netherlands over a period of seven years (2014-2020) were examined. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to analyse tissue samples for the presence of T. gondii and H. hammondi DNA. Toxoplasma gondii-positive samples were subjected to microsatellite typing and cluster analysis. A mixed logistic regression was used to identify climatic and other environmental predictors of T. gondii infection in the squirrels. RESULTS A total of 178 squirrels were examined (49/178 T. gondii positive, 5/178 H. hammondi positive). Inflammation of multiple organs was the cause of death in 29 squirrels, of which 24 were also T. gondii polymerase chain reaction positive. Toxoplasma gondii infection was positively associated with pneumonia and hepatitis. Microsatellite typing revealed only T. gondii type II alleles. Toxoplasma gondii infection rates showed a positive correlation with the number of days of heavy rainfall in the previous 12 months. Conversely, they showed a negative association with the number of hot days within the 2-week period preceding the sampling date, as well as with the percentage of deciduous forest cover at the sampling site. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasma gondii infection in the squirrels appeared to pose a significant risk of acute mortality. The T. gondii genotype detected in this study is commonly found across Europe. The reasons for the unusually high infection rates and severe symptoms of these squirrels from the Netherlands remain unclear. The prevalence of T. gondii in the deceased squirrels was linked to specific environmental factors. However, whether the increase in the number of dead squirrels indicated a higher environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts has yet to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Wijburg
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie Van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Margriet G E Montizaan
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marja J L Kik
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Pathology, Veterinair Pathologisch Diagnostisch Centrum, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maike Joeres
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Garance Cardron
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christine Luttermann
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Miriam Maas
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie Van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pavlo Maksimov
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Marieke Opsteegh
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Antonie Van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany.
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Scherrer P, Ryser-Degiorgis MP, Frey CF, Basso W. Toxoplasma gondii Infection in the Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) in Switzerland: Seroprevalence, Genetic Characterization, and Clinicopathologic Relevance. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:126-138. [PMID: 37909405 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00077] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidian parasite able to infect all warm-blooded animals and humans. Rodents are one of the most important intermediate hosts for T. gondii, but little is known about infection in beavers and its clinical relevance. Toxoplasmosis was not considered an important waterborne disease until recently, but with increased outbreaks in humans and animals this perspective has changed. Serum samples from 247 Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) collected from 2002 to 2022 were tested for antibodies to T. gondii by a commercial ELISA. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 113 (45.8%) beavers. Higher weight and proximity to urban areas were found to be significant predictors for seropositivity. Additionally, T. gondii DNA was detected in 23/41 brain tissue samples by real-time PCR. Histopathologic examination of brain sections revealed inflammatory changes in 26/40 beavers, mainly characterized by encephalitis, meningitis, choroid plexitis, or a combination of them. In six of these cases the lesions were in direct association with parasitic stages. With an adapted nested PCR multilocus sequence typing and in silico restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis approach, three different T. gondii genotypes were detected in brain samples: the clonal Type II strain (ToxoDB 1), a Type II variant (ToxoDB 3), and a novel genotype exhibiting both Type II and I alleles in a further animal. Toxoplasma gondii infections in beavers have epidemiologic and clinical significance. The high seroprevalence indicates frequent contact with the parasite, and as competent intermediate hosts they may play an important role, contributing to maintaining the life cycle of T. gondii in semiaquatic habitats. In addition, although most beavers appear to develop subclinical to chronic disease courses, acute and fatal outcomes, mainly characterized by encephalitis and generalized infection, do also occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Scherrer
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Kautto AH, Olsen A, Wallander C, Vågsholm I. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in northern Sweden: a cross-sectional study from 2014. Acta Vet Scand 2023; 65:53. [PMID: 38087328 PMCID: PMC10717472 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-023-00717-7] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan that can infect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The infection with T. gondii, is of particular concern due to its potential impact on human and animal health. In Sweden, semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) is an important species both economically and culturally, but susceptibility to Toxoplasma infection and seroprevalence in reindeer herds remain relatively understudied. RESULTS A total of 528 reindeer, sampled at two slaughterhouses in Sweden in 2014, were investigated for antibodies to T. gondii. Specific antibodies to T. gondii were found in 5 of 209 (2.3%) tested adult reindeer and in 6 of 308 (1.9%) tested calves, giving an apparent total prevalence of 2.1% (95% confidence interval 1.1-3.8%). None of four putative risk factors studied (sex, age, type of grazing area, county) were statistically associated with T. gondii seroprevalence. CONCLUSIONS Swedish semi-domesticated reindeer are exposed to T. gondii and may harbour infectious tissue cysts. To mitigate the risk of T. gondii infection in consumers, reindeer meat should be frozen or cooked thoroughly before consumption. The global climate change may influence the seroprevalence and possible associated risk factors for T. gondii in reindeer. To be able to manage the risk and get better advice to the consumers there is a need for further investigations covering the whole spectra of herding conditions for reindeer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arja Helena Kautto
- Department for Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Ultuna, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Abbey Olsen
- Section for Animal Welfare and Disease Control, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Camilla Wallander
- Department for Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Ultuna, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ivar Vågsholm
- Department for Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Ultuna, Uppsala, Sweden
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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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