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Moudgil P, Pandita S, Kumar R, Khasa V, Dash SS, Bangar YC, Jindal N. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii in pigs in Haryana, India. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:136-143. [PMID: 37946694 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13091] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common food-borne parasitic zoonosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in Haryana, India. METHODS AND RESULTS Serum samples were collected from 429 pigs from three agroclimatic zones (I-III) of Haryana and analysed for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 106 animals (24.7%), with the highest seropositivity in zone II (31.3%) followed by zone III (24.4%) and zone I (18.3%). Risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were farm size (higher in large-sized farms), age (higher in pigs >1 year of age), sex (higher in males), type of feeding (higher in combination of homemade and hotel waste) and housing (higher in free-ranging pigs). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study testify to the exposure of pigs (of all agro-climatic zones) to T. gondii. Hence, the observations are of significant medical and veterinary importance for devising and implementing control measures to check the dissemination of toxoplasmosis to pigs and eventually to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Moudgil
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Sakshi Pandita
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Vipin Khasa
- State Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Sonipat, Haryana, India
| | - Spandan Shashwat Dash
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Yogesh C Bangar
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Naresh Jindal
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
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Milton AAP, Das S, Ghatak S, Srinivas K, Priya GB, Angappan M, Prasad MCB, Wahlang L, Sailo B, Lalhruaipuii L, Singh M, Garam GB, Sen A. Seroepidemological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in Northeastern India. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298357. [PMID: 38377066 PMCID: PMC10878514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298357] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. are critical tissue-dwelling foodborne zoonotic parasites associated with pork consumption and pig rearing. Despite being a major pig-rearing region in the country, Northeastern India has not undergone any investigation regarding the presence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs. Therefore, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. and identify associated risk factors in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in the northeastern region of India. In a cross-sectional serological survey, 400 pigs from 400 households across five northeastern states of India underwent testing for the seroprevalence of porcine toxoplasmosis and trichinellosis. Serum samples (80 from each state) were analyzed using commercially available ELISA assays. Data on backyard farm characteristics and various management aspects were collected, and risk factors linked with prevalence were analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that the apparent and true prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies were 45% (40.12-49.88, 95% CI) and 45.7% (40.7-50.69, 95% CI), respectively. As for anti- Trichinella antibodies, both the apparent and true prevalence were 0.75% (-0.1-1.6, 95% CI). The univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that age above 24 months (OR 7.20, 95% CI 2.45-23.71), exposure to cats (OR = 5.87, 95% CI 2.55-14.05), and farms operating for breeding purposes (OR = 5.60, 95% CI 3.01-11.04) were significant risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii. This study marks the initial documentation of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities in Northeastern India. The results emphasize the significance of these parasites as foodborne zoonotic threats in the region, potentially posing substantial public health risks, especially within tribal and rural communities. The insights derived from this research could be valuable in formulating targeted preventive and control strategies against T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs, not only in this region but also in areas with similar rearing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. P. Milton
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Samir Das
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - S. Ghatak
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - K. Srinivas
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - G. Bhuvana Priya
- College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya, India
| | - M. Angappan
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - M. C. B. Prasad
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - L. Wahlang
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Blessa Sailo
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | | | - Mahak Singh
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - G. B. Garam
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development, Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - A. Sen
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
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de Martinis C, Pucciarelli A, Ottaiano M, Pellicanò R, Baldi L, Veneziano V, Sgroi G, Boccia F, Carbone C, Cardillo L, Fusco G. Toxoplasma gondii Investigation of Home-Reared Pigs through Real-Time PCR and Digital Droplet PCR: A Very Low Prevalence. Pathogens 2023; 12:882. [PMID: 37513729 PMCID: PMC10384325 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoon that can infect both animals and humans. The main route of human infection is the consumption of the raw or undercooked meat of several animal species, including pigs. Although T. gondii represents a public health concern, control during slaughter is not mandatory, leading to a lack of information on the impact on human contagion as well as poor data availability in domestic animals intended for human consumption. We studied the presence of T. gondii in home-reared pigs, an unconventional type of farming subjected to stringent breeding conditions dictated by Italian regulation. Thus, the diaphragms, livers and masseter muscles from 480 pigs in Napoli Province (Italy) were analyzed using real-time PCR and digital droplet PCR. The results showed four matrices that tested positive for T. gondii with very low protozoan loads (0.62%), belonging to three different animals. The low density of the animals (the maximum was four animals per farm) and the biosafety farming features decisively contributed to the bioexclusion of this pathogen. Comparing these results to intensive and extensive farm data, lower exposure to the parasite was revealed, suggesting that this farming method might mitigate the risk of human exposure through meat consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio de Martinis
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessia Pucciarelli
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Ottaiano
- Regional Observatory of Epidemiology and Biostatistic, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Pellicanò
- Regional Observatory of Epidemiology and Biostatistic, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana Baldi
- Regional Observatory of Epidemiology and Biostatistic, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, 80137 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sgroi
- Unit of Wildlife, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Boccia
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Napoli 3 Sud, Unit of Animal Health, Department of Prevention, 80059 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) Napoli 3 Sud, Unit of Animal Health, Department of Prevention, 80059 Naples, Italy
| | - Lorena Cardillo
- Unit of Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Unit of Virology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Naples, Italy
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Kuruca L, Belluco S, Vieira-Pinto M, Antic D, Blagojevic B. Current control options and a way towards risk-based control of Toxoplasma gondii in the meat chain. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Potential risk factors for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in finishing pigs on conventional farms in the Netherlands. Porcine Health Manag 2022; 8:27. [PMID: 35701849 PMCID: PMC9195196 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-022-00272-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes a substantial human disease burden worldwide. Ingesting improperly cooked pork containing T. gondii is considered one of the major sources of human infection in Europe and North America. Consequently, control of T. gondii infections in pigs is warranted. The European Food Safety Authority advised to perform serological monitoring of pigs and to conduct farm audits for the presence of risk factors. Serological monitoring was implemented in several Dutch slaughterhouses, one to six blood samples (a total of 5134 samples) were taken from each delivery of finishing pigs and samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Using these test results, a cross-sectional study was initiated to assess the association between the within-herd T. gondii seroprevalence and the presence of risk factors for T. gondii infections at 69 conventional finishing pig farms in the Netherlands. RESULTS A multivariable model showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) association with twelve potential risk factors: type of farm, presence of dogs, presence of ruminants, use of boots, use of shower and farm clothing, mode of rodent control, bedding accessibility for rodents, presence of cats, type of drinking water, heating of the feed, use of goat whey and shielding of birds. CONCLUSIONS Serological monitoring of finishing pigs for T. gondii in slaughterhouses can be used to identify the presence of T. gondii risk factors on Dutch conventional finishing pig farms and seems a valuable tool to guide and monitor the control of T. gondii in pork production.
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Betić N, Karabasil N, Djurković-Djaković O, Ćirković V, Bobić B, Branković Lazić I, Djordjević V, Klun I. Seroprevalence, Direct Detection and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pigs in Serbia, and Influence of Biosecurity Measures. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10051069. [PMID: 35630511 PMCID: PMC9146795 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10051069] [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: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumption of Toxoplasma gondii contaminated pork is a major risk factor for human infection. We thus conducted a cross-sectional survey on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in a representative sample of slaughter pigs from throughout Serbia and examined the influence of farm biosecurity-related risk factors on infection. In addition, direct detection of the parasite (by mouse bioassay) or its DNA was performed in the hearts of a subset of seropositive sows. The overall seroprevalence in the sample of 825 pigs as determined by the modified agglutination test (MAT) was 16.5%. Older age and inadequate rodent control were independent infection risk factors for pigs. In a subset of 581 pigs with complete biosecurity-related data, in addition to older age, smallholders’ finishing type farms (as opposed to farrow-to-finish), multispecies farming, and origin from Western and Central and South-Eastern Serbia (vs. the Northern region), all increased the risk of infection, while the absence of disinfection boot-dips in front of each barn and Belgrade district origin (vs. the Northern region) were associated with a 62% and 75% lower risk of infection, respectively. Evidence of viable parasites was obtained in 13 (41.9%) of the 31 bioassayed sow hearts, of which by isolation of brain cysts in seven, by detection of T. gondii DNA in an additional four, and by serology in another two. Recovery of brain cysts mostly (5/7) from sows with a MAT titre of ≥1:100 indicates the risk for consumers. These results highlight the public health risk from pork consumption and point to mandatory use of professional rodent control services, abstaining from multispecies farming, keeping disinfection boot-dips clean and freshly refilled, as well as strict implementation of zoo-hygienic measures on smallholders’ farms as specific farm biosecurity measures needed for its reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Betić
- Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.B.); (I.B.L.); (V.D.)
| | - Nedjeljko Karabasil
- Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Olgica Djurković-Djaković
- Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (O.D.-D.); (V.Ć.); (B.B.)
| | - Vladimir Ćirković
- Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (O.D.-D.); (V.Ć.); (B.B.)
| | - Branko Bobić
- Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (O.D.-D.); (V.Ć.); (B.B.)
| | - Ivana Branković Lazić
- Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.B.); (I.B.L.); (V.D.)
| | - Vesna Djordjević
- Institute of Meat Hygiene and Technology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.B.); (I.B.L.); (V.D.)
| | - Ivana Klun
- Centre of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia; (O.D.-D.); (V.Ć.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-11-2685-788
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Puchalska M, Wiśniewski J, Klich D, Gołąb E, Jańczak D, Sokołowska J, Urbańska K, Anusz K. A serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii in polish pigs from organic farms, other housing systems and in pigs of different age groups. Acta Vet Scand 2022; 64:3. [PMID: 35130949 PMCID: PMC8822955 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-022-00623-4] [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: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The consumption of raw or undercooked meat, especially pork, and offal containing infective tissue cysts is suspected to be a significant route of infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Although the use of “animal-friendly pig production systems” ensuring direct contact with the natural environment offers ethical benefits, it limits the ability to ensure animal health; it may also increase the probability of infections by pathogens such as T. gondii, and thus their entry into the food chain. This study determines the seroprevalence of T. gondii in pigs from different housing systems and farms with different hygiene standards in Poland, as well as among pigs of different age groups from farms with high hygiene standards. In total 760 pig serum samples were examined for the presence of specific antibodies using the PrioCHECK® Toxoplasma Ab porcine commercial ELISA test (Prionics, Switzerland). Results Test results with PP ≥ 20% were regarded as positive, as indicated by the manufacturer. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 193 of 760 (25.4%) tested sera. Regarding different housing systems, antibodies were found in 117 pigs: of these, 52.6% (61/116) were from organic farms, 40.9% (47/115) from farms with low hygiene standards, 5.4% (9/167) from farms with high hygiene standards and 0% (0/40) from a farm with a high level of biosecurity. Regarding age groups, antibodies were found in 76 animals on farms with high hygiene standards: 11.1% (7/63) were pigs younger than 3 months, 0% (0/60) aged 3–4 months, 12.3% (7/57) aged 5–6 months (final fattening stage) and 43.7% (62/142) were sows aged 9 months and older. Conclusions Antibodies to T. gondii were most often found in pigs from organic and low-hygiene farms, as well as in pigs aged 9 months and older. Meat derived from seropositive animals can pose a potential source of infection for humans. As maternal antibodies to T. gondii can be present in the blood of piglets aged up to 3–4 months, serological examination is unjustified in piglets up to this age.
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Papatsiros VG, Athanasiou LV, Kostoulas P, Giannakopoulos A, Tzika E, Billinis C. Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Swine: Implications for Public Health. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:823-840. [PMID: 34491108 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, due to Toxoplasma gondii, is a parasitic disease with global importance. Among livestock, chronic T. gondii infection has been reported in higher rates in pigs and small ruminants, but with subclinical infections in case commonly encountered in pigs. Seroprevalence in the global pig population ranges according to the age or species of pigs, geographical distribution, production programs, and systems. Generally, T. gondii infections are noticed in low prevalence rates in conventional pig farms with high hygiene standards. In contrast, higher prevalence is common on free-ranging farms, outdoor or backyard small pig fams, as well as in farmed or hunted wild boars. The T. gondii average worldwide seroprevalence in pigs is reported to be 13% in Europe, 21% in Africa, 25% in North America, 21% in Asia, and 23% in South America. Human toxoplasmosis outbreaks have been correlated with the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, especially from infected pigs or wild boars, as well as of contaminated drinking water. The risk of infection in processed pork products is lower compared with fresh pork, as meat processing can reduce or inactivate T. gondii tissue cysts. Hence, the prevalence of T. gondii in the pig population may be a useful indicator of the risk of human toxoplasmosis associated with the consumption of pork products. The lack of obligatory screening methods at farm level for the detection of antibodies in farmed animals or the viable T. gondii in carcasses at slaughterhouse level increases the risk of contaminated pork or meat products. For this reason, the application of biosecurity and surveillance programs at farm level is very important to prevent a T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios G Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Polychronis Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Epidemiology & Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Eleni Tzika
- Farm Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in domestic pigs raised from Cuba. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:2897-2903. [PMID: 34313806 PMCID: PMC8370946 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.
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Eppink DM, Wisselink HJ, Krijger IM, van der Giessen JWB, Swanenburg M, van Wagenberg CPA, van Asseldonk MAPM, Bouwknegt M. Effectiveness and costs of interventions to reduce the within-farm Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence on pig farms in the Netherlands. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:44. [PMID: 34311779 PMCID: PMC8311922 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00223-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is recognized as one of the major foodborne pathogens with a high human disease burden. To control T. gondii infections in pigs, European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) advises serological testing of pigs and audits of pig farms to identify risk factors for T. gondii infection. In line with this approach, the aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness and costs of intervention measures implemented to reduce the T. gondii seroprevalence on finishing pig farms in the Netherlands. A crossover clinical trial was conducted at five case farms were their own control and the cross-over moment was the implementation of interventions to reduce risk factors. Each of the case farms had a farm-specific intervention strategy with one principal intervention measure (neutering of cats, professional rodent control or covering food storage). RESULTS All finishing pig farms (n = 5) showed a reduction in T. gondii seroprevalence within one year of implementing the intervention strategy. Cat neutering (n = 3) and feed coverage (n = 1) showed statistically significant reductions in seroprevalence. Rodent control (n = 1) did not show a statistically significant reduction. The estimated reduction in seroprevalence in response to the neutering of cats and feed coverage were 67 and 96 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our work demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the within-farm T. gondii seroprevalence within one year after interventions were implemented to reduce T. gondii risk factors. This information is essential and encouraging for policy makers, food business operators, and farmers to implement in their risk assessment and to apply to food safety control systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Inge M Krijger
- Kennis- en Adviescentrum Dierplagen, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Barroso P, García-Bocanegra I, Acevedo P, Palencia P, Carro F, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Almería S, Dubey JP, Cano-Terriza D, Vicente J. Long-Term Determinants of the Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in a Wild Ungulate Community. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2349. [PMID: 33317081 PMCID: PMC7764155 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan which infects warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans, worldwide. In the present study, the epidemiology of T. gondii was studied in the wild ungulate host community (wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer) of Doñana National Park (DNP, south-western Spain) for 13 years (2005-2018). We assessed several variables which potentially operate in the medium and long-term (environmental features, population, and stochastic factors). Overall, the wild ungulate host community of DNP had high seroprevalence values of T. gondii (STG; % ± confidence interval (CI) 95%; wild boar (Sus scrofa) 39 ± 3.3, n = 698; red deer (Cervus elaphus) 30.7 ± 4.4, n = 423; fallow deer (Dama dama) 29.7 ± 4.2, n = 452). The complex interplay of hosts and ecological/epidemiological niches, together with the optimal climatic conditions for the survival of oocysts that converge in this area may favor the spread of the parasite in its host community. The temporal evolution of STG oscillated considerably, mostly in deer species. The relationships shown by statistical models indicated that several factors determined species patterns. Concomitance of effects among species, indicated that relevant drivers of risk operated at the community level. Our focus, addressing factors operating at broad temporal scale, allows showing their impacts on the epidemiology of T. gondii and its trends. This approach is key to understanding the epidemiology and ecology to T. gondii infection in wild host communities in a context where the decline in seroprevalence leads to loss of immunity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Barroso
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (I.G.-B.); (D.C.-T.)
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
| | - Pablo Palencia
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
| | | | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (I.G.-B.); (D.C.-T.)
| | - Sonia Almería
- Division of Virulence Assessment, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA), Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN), Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA;
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Building 1001, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA;
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (I.G.-B.); (D.C.-T.)
| | - Joaquín Vicente
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, UCLM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
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12
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Romanelli PR, Matos AMRND, Pinto-Ferreira F, Caldart ET, Oliveira JSD, Anteveli G, Jeanfelice BCDS, Stolf RL, Sanches TF, Silva MKE, Minho AP, Cavalcante ACR, Freire RL, Mitsuka-Breganó R, Navarro IT. Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections and factors associated in goats in the Parana state, Southern Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e003620. [PMID: 33053053 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and their associated factors among goats in farms from the Paraná state, South Brazil. The serological analysis was performed by indirect ELISA on 629 goat serum samples collected from 32 farms distributed in five mesorregions from the state. Seropositivity was observed in 30.7% of the animals for T. gondii, 6.3% for N. caninum, and 3.0% for both agents. Final multiple regression models showed that the use of assisted reproduction decreased the chance of seropositivity for T. gondii (PR=0.70) and the slaughtering site on the farm (PR=2.03) increased it. To N. caninum, the supplying concentrated feed to animals (OR=4.80) and animal pre-weaning death (OR=9.96) increased the chance of seropositivity. The variables associated with these seropositivities suggest deficiencies in sanitation and reproductive management. In addition, it recognizes critical points of infection for animal production management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Roberto Romanelli
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Fernanda Pinto-Ferreira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Eloiza Teles Caldart
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Juliana Silva de Oliveira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Gabriela Anteveli
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | | | - Rafael Luiz Stolf
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Tainá Favoreto Sanches
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Mariana Kassab E Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | | | | | - Roberta Lemos Freire
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Regina Mitsuka-Breganó
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - Italmar Teodorico Navarro
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina - UEL, Londrina, PR, Brasil
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Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in extensively raised Iberian pigs in Spain. Prev Vet Med 2019; 175:104854. [PMID: 31790931 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104854] [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: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pigs reared under extensive farming conditions are currently in high commercial demand because they are associated with high-quality products. Nevertheless, the risk of contact with different pathogens of animal and public health concern is also higher in extensive production systems. Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent zoonotic pathogen and transmission by contaminated pork is likely one of the main routes of human toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence, risk factors and spatial distribution of T. gondii on extensive Iberian pig herds in Spain. Sera from 2245 Iberian pigs from 114 herds were collected between 2015 and 2017 and analyzed using a commercial ELISA. The apparent individual prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii was 24.1 % (542/2245) and the estimated true seroprevalence was 24.3 % (CI95 %: 22.5-26.1). Seropositivity was detected in 86.0 % (98/114; CI95 %: 77.4-91.1) of 114 herds analyzed. A multi-level logistic regression model showed that T. gondii infection was significantly more frequent in sows than in fattening pigs (OR: 2.6; CI95 %: 1.5-4.8) and in herds with more than three cats compared to no cats (OR: 2.9; CI95 %: 1.1-8.7). Our results indicate a widespread but heterogenous distribution of T. gondii in extensively reared Iberian pig herds, which may have important implications for public health through the consumption of undercooked or improperly cured pork products.
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Cubas-Atienzar AI, Hide G, Smith JE. Mat Seroprevalence Infers Low Rates of Toxoplasma gondii in Domestic Pigs from Yucatan, Mexico. J Parasitol 2019. [DOI: 10.1645/18-188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Isabel Cubas-Atienzar
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, U.K
| | - Geoff Hide
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, U.K
| | - Judith Elisabeth Smith
- Biomedical Research Center, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT, U.K
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15
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Swanenburg M, Gonzales JL, Bouwknegt M, Boender GJ, Oorburg D, Heres L, Wisselink HJ. Large-scale serological screening of slaughter pigs for Toxoplasma gondii infections in The Netherlands during five years (2012-2016): Trends in seroprevalence over years, seasons, regions and farming systems. Vet Parasitol 2019; 276S:100017. [PMID: 32904761 PMCID: PMC7458374 DOI: 10.1016/j.vpoa.2019.100017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The seroprevalence of T. gondii in slaughter pigs was between 1.4% and 2.8%. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in slaughter pigs showed a peak in winter. Pigs from organic farms had a higher seroprevalence of T. gondii.
Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of the parasitic disease toxoplasmosis, which is an important foodborne zoonosis. Eating undercooked meat of infected animals, including pigs, has been considered the major transmission route of T. gondii to humans. Therefore, it is urgent to develop and implement intervention measures in the pork meat chain to reduce risks of acquiring a T. gondii infection. Proposed measures for control of T. gondii in pigs include serological testing of pigs and audits of pig farms on risk factors for T. gondii infection. So far, these ideas have not been tested in practice. In order to generate knowledge about the epidemiology and seroprevalence of T. gondii, as a basis for developing a surveillance system, we studied the long term seroprevalence over years, farming systems and regions, and seasonal patterns of T. gondii seroprevalence in Dutch slaughter pigs. During a five year study period from 2012 to 2016, serum samples were routinely collected in five Dutch pig slaughterhouses. The sera were tested in an ELISA for the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma. In total 226,340 serum samples were collected and tested during the study period. The observed seroprevalence varied over years, with the highest overall seroprevalence in 2014 (2.8%) and the lowest in 2016 (1.4%). A higher seroprevalence was observed in pigs from organic farms compared to pigs from conventional farms. The overall risk of infection was on average 2.63 times significantly (p < 0.001) higher for organically raised pigs than for conventionally raised pigs. A seasonal pattern in seroprevalence was observed: the results showed a dominant annual periodicity with a seroprevalence peak in winter around week 1 and a minimum seroprevalence in summer around week 27. To our knowledge, this is the first large scale study on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in slaughter pigs. In comparison to other European serological studies, the observed seroprevalence seems to be relatively low. However, care is needed when comparing the results with other studies because of differences in test setup, the number of samples and time period of sampling. The results can be used as a starting point for developing a surveillance system for T. gondii, and for implementation of intervention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Swanenburg
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author.
| | - Jose L. Gonzales
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | | | - Gert Jan Boender
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Derk Oorburg
- Vion, Boseind 15, 5281 RM Boxtel, the Netherlands
| | | | - Henk J. Wisselink
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, the Netherlands
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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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Foroutan M, Fakhri Y, Riahi SM, Ebrahimpour S, Namroodi S, Taghipour A, Spotin A, Gamble HR, Rostami A. The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vet Parasitol 2019; 269:42-52. [PMID: 31079827 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is an important disease with worldwide distribution. Infection can occur from ingesting raw or undercooked infected meat, and among food animal species, pork is known to be one of the main sources of meat-borne infection. Here, we present results of the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the global T. gondii seroprevalence in pigs. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were comprehensively searched for relevant studies published between January 1, 1990 and October 25, 2018. We used a random effects model to calculate pooled seroprevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and analyzed data from five continents. We also conducted subgroup and meta-regression analyses to evaluate the effects of geographical and climate variables on pooled seroprevalence rates. Among 1542 publications identified, 148 studies containing 150 datasets were included in the meta-analysis, and comprised 148,092 pigs from 47 countries. The pooled global T. gondii seroprevalence in pigs was estimated to be 19% (95%CI, 17-22%; 23,696/148,092), with the lowest seroprevalence in Europe (13%; 10-15%) and highest seroprevalence in Africa (25%; 17-34%) and North America (25%; 19-33%). The seropositivity rates in Asia and South America regions were (21%, 16-26%) and (23%; 17-30%), respectively. A significantly higher T. gondii seroprevalence was associated with higher mean annual temperature and lower geographical latitude. The presence of cats on farms was identified as a potential risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity (OR, 1.41; 95%CI, 1.00-2.02). Our findings highlight the importance of pigs as a possible source of human T. gondii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Soheil Ebrahimpour
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Somayeh Namroodi
- Department of Environmental sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - H Ray Gamble
- National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; mmunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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18
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Felin E, Hälli O, Heinonen M, Jukola E, Fredriksson-Ahomaa M. Assessment of the feasibility of serological monitoring and on-farm information about health status for the future meat inspection of fattening pigs. Prev Vet Med 2018; 162:76-82. [PMID: 30621901 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Current macroscopic meat inspection cannot detect the most common pork-borne pathogens (Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica and Toxoplasma gondii). Furthermore, food chain information (FCI) may not provide sufficient data for visual-only inspection, which is supposed to be the common way of inspection of pigs in the European Union. Our observational study aimed to evaluate the serological monitoring and the clinical evaluation of on-farm health status of pigs and assess the feasibility of these data as part of the FCI in meat inspection. We studied the serological status of Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp. and T. gondii in pigs during the fattening period. Additionally, we evaluated the association between on-farm health status and meat inspection findings. On 57 indoor fattening pig farms in Finland, we collected blood samples (mean of 20 pigs/farm) and assessed the on-farm health (coughing, tail biting, lameness) at the end of the fattening period. We visited 34 of these farms also at the beginning of the fattening for sampling and on-farm health evaluation of the same pigs. Meat inspection results were obtained after slaughter for all 57 farms. Salmonella seroprevalence was low at the end of the fattening period: it was 17.6%, 10.6% or 1.9%, with the cut-off values of OD15% (recommended by the test manufacturer), OD20% (used by Danish monitoring programme) and OD40% (used by German monitoring programme), respectively. The overall seroprevalence of Salmonella spp. and Yersinia spp. increased significantly (P < 0.001) during the fattening period (from 8.1% to 17.2% and from 30.3% to 72.3%, respectively), while the seroprevalence of T. gondii remained low (<1%). The within-farm seroprevalences of Salmonella spp. and Yersinia spp. differed significantly between the farms and this farm-level serological data could be used as FCI for risk-based decisions to improve food safety. Such potentially feasible decisions could include additional carcass testing, carcass decontamination, carcass processing, slaughtering arrangements and improved biosecurity measures at the farm. However, risk mitigation targets and procedures must be carefully adjusted for each pathogen regarding also economic aspects. Tail biting observed on farm was associated with partial carcass condemnations and arthritis at slaughter. This information could be included in the FCI and used when making decisions regarding meat inspection procedure: visual-only or additional inspections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Felin
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O Box 66, 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Outi Hälli
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 SAARENTAUS, Finland.
| | - Mari Heinonen
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Paroninkuja 20, 04920 SAARENTAUS, Finland.
| | - Elias Jukola
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O Box 66, 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Maria Fredriksson-Ahomaa
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O Box 66, 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
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19
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Vergara A, Marangi M, Caradonna T, Pennisi L, Paludi D, Papini R, Ianieri A, Giangaspero A, Normanno G. Toxoplasma gondii Lineages Circulating in Slaughtered Industrial Pigs and Potential Risk for Consumers. J Food Prot 2018; 81:1373-1378. [PMID: 30019961 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-17-496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan zoonotic protozoan parasite, and the consumption of raw or undercooked pig meat is one of the most important sources of T. gondii infection. Three predominant lineages, types I, II, and III, are widespread in Europe. Although still poorly understood, a relationship between each type and the severity of illness represents a public health issue. To gain further knowledge of the genotypes in circulation and of the potential risk for consumers, one heart sample and one diaphragm sample (206 total) were taken from each of 103 pig carcasses at an abattoir in Italy. Then, we used 529-bp repetitive element PCR and a B1 real-time PCR high-resolution melting assay coupled with sequencing to detect and genotype T. gondii isolates. T. gondii DNA was detected in 14 pigs (13.6%, 95% confidence interval = 7 to 20.2%), and types I (3.9%), II (5.8%), and III (3.9%) were identified. We found that heart tissue had a significantly higher PCR positivity rate for T. gondii than did diaphragm tissue. This is Europe's largest study on genotyping of T. gondii from pigs, and it demonstrates that all three main lineages are present in carcasses of industrially reared pigs in Italy. There is a potential risk to consumers of infection with any or all of the three lineages, and the related clinical consequences should be taken into account. This study suggests that monitoring of T. gondii types in meat is essential, especially in meat that is traditionally eaten raw or that is minimally processed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vergara
- 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marianna Marangi
- 2 Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Caradonna
- 2 Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Luca Pennisi
- 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Domenico Paludi
- 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Roberto Papini
- 3 Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; and
| | - Adriana Ianieri
- 4 Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- 2 Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Normanno
- 2 Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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20
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Condoleo R, Rinaldi L, Sette S, Mezher Z. Risk Assessment of Human Toxoplasmosis Associated with the Consumption of Pork Meat in Italy. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2018; 38:1202-1222. [PMID: 29098702 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan disease and has a broad range of hosts, including humans and several wild and domestic animals. The human infection is mostly acquired through the consumption of contaminated food and pork meat has been recognized as one of the major sources of transmission. There are, however, certain fundamental differences between countries; therefore, the present study specifically aims to evaluate the exposure of the Italian population to Toxoplasma gondii through the ingestion of several types of pork meat products habitually consumed in Italy and to estimate the annual number of human infections within two subgroups of the population. A quantitative risk assessment model was built for this reason and was enriched with new elements in comparison to other similar risk assessments in order to enhance its accuracy. Sensitivity analysis and two alternative scenarios were implemented to identify the factors that have the highest impact on risk and to simulate different plausible conditions, respectively. The estimated overall average number of new infections per year among adults is 12,513 and 92 for pregnant women. The baseline model showed that almost all these infections are associated with the consumption of fresh meat cuts and preparations (mean risk of infection varied between 4.5 × 10-5 and 5.5 × 10-5 ) and only a small percentage is due to fermented sausages/salami. On the contrary, salt-cured meat products seem to pose minor risk but further investigations are needed to clarify still unclear aspects. Among all the considered variables, cooking temperature and bradyzoites' concentration in muscle impacted most the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Condoleo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Roma, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II,", Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefania Sette
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l'analisi dell'economia agraria, Centro di Ricerca per gli Alimenti e la Nutrizione, Roma, Italy
| | - Ziad Mezher
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Roma, Italy
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Pablos-Tanarro A, Ortega-Mora LM, Palomo A, Casasola F, Ferre I. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Iberian pig sows. Parasitol Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5837-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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22
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Pipia AP, Varcasia A, Dessì G, Panzalis R, Gai C, Nonnis F, Veronesi F, Tamponi C, Scala A. Seroepidemiological and biomolecular survey on Toxoplasma gondii infection on organic pig farms. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:1637-1641. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Toxoplasma gondii infection and biosecurity levels in fattening pigs and sows: serological and molecular epidemiology in the intensive pig industry (Lombardy, Northern Italy). Parasitol Res 2018; 117:539-546. [PMID: 29299685 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5736-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan affecting animals and humans. One of the major routes of human infection is through the consumption of raw or under-cooked meat, particularly of certain animal species, including pigs. Although T. gondii represents an important public health issue, its control at slaughter is not mandatory. Consequently, available information on T. gondii infection in domestic animals destined for human consumption is scarce. Thus, an epidemiologic survey was designed to update information on T. gondii infection in pigs from intensive production. Fattening pigs and sows from conventional farms were sampled. Sera were tested with a commercial ELISA for anti-T. gondii antibodies, whereas molecular analysis by 529 bp repetitive element PCR and B1 real-time PCR with subsequent genotyping was performed on heart samples. Statistical analysis was carried out to detect farm management features and sanitary procedures enhancing the risk of infection. At the farm level, 63.6% (7/11) of farms housing sows and 6.7% (1/15) housing fattening pigs scored positive, with individual prevalences of 8.6% (13/151) in sows and 0.5% (1/219) in fattening pigs. T. gondii DNA was detected in eight sows and one fattening pig, and sequencing revealed the presence of all three genotypes (types I, II, and III). Furthermore, the decrease in the biosecurity level enhanced the risk of infection within a farm. The present survey outcomes confirm the spread of T. gondii infection in pig farms in an area of intensive swine production. The application of stricter sanitary procedures may contribute to a further reduction of infection.
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Kofoed KG, Vorslund-Kiær M, Nielsen HV, Alban L, Johansen MV. Sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Danish pigs. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2017; 10:136-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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De Berardinis A, Paludi D, Pennisi L, Vergara A. Toxoplasma gondii, a Foodborne Pathogen in the Swine Production Chain from a European Perspective. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2017; 14:637-648. [PMID: 28759251 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2017.2305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a foodborne zoonosis transmitted by Toxoplasma gondii, a cosmopolitan protozoan that infects humans through exposure to different parasite stages, in particular by ingestion of tissue cysts or tachyzoites contained in meat, primary offal (viscera), and meat-derived products or ingestion of environmental sporulated oocysts in contaminated food or water. The pig is an important species for infection: raw or undercooked pork consumption not subject to treatment able to inactivate the parasite represents a risk to consumers' health. Broadening knowledge of transmission ways and prevalence concerning this important pathogen in swine, together with a thorough acquaintance with hazard management are key elements to avoid T. gondii spreading within the swine production chain. This review aims to illustrate why toxoplasmosis should be regarded as a veterinary public health issue through a careful description of the parasite, routes of infection, and inactivation treatments, highlighting the main prevention lines from pig breeding to pork consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Domenico Paludi
- 1 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo , Teramo, Italy
| | - Luca Pennisi
- 2 Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection, University of Teramo , Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Vergara
- 2 Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection, University of Teramo , Teramo, Italy
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Wu F, Wang YL, Yang Z, Li XL, Li ZR, Lin Q. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii in Slaughter Pigs in Shaanxi Province, Northwestern China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:517-519. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-lin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-lai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, People's Republic of China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, People's Republic of China
| | - Zong-ren Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, People's Republic of China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Qinghai University, Xining, People's Republic of China
- College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Qinghai University, Xining, People's Republic of China
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Simon J, Kurdzielewicz S, Jeanniot E, Dupuis E, Marnef F, Aubert D, Villena I, Poulle ML. Spatial distribution of soil contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in relation to the distribution and use of domestic cat defecation sites on dairy farms. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:357-367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Papini R, di Ciccio P, Marangi M, Ghidini S, Zanardi E, Vergara A, Giangaspero A, Nardoni S, Rocchigiani G, Mancianti F, Ianieri A. Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in Carcasses of Pigs Reared in Intensive Systems in Northern Italy. J Food Prot 2017; 80:515-522. [PMID: 28207292 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and to genetically characterize its isolates in carcasses of industrial fattening pigs, blood, diaphragm, and heart samples were collected from 375 carcasses of pigs slaughtered to be processed for Parma ham production. Pigs had been bred on approved farms (n = 75) located in the so-called Food Valley in Italy. Sera were examined for immunoglobulin G antibodies to T. gondii by modified agglutination test (MAT). Both heart and diaphragm samples from seropositive carcasses were processed for the presence of T. gondii DNA (B1 locus) by real-time PCR and high resolution melting (HRM) assay. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 2.1% of pig carcasses, with titers from 1:10 to 1:320. T. gondii DNA was detected in all (eight) seropositive carcasses and in 11 (5 heart and 6 diaphragm samples) of 16 samples; that is, it was detected in heart tissue in two subjects, in diaphragm tissue in three subjects, and in both muscle tissues in three subjects. Toxoplasma genotypes were determined in seven of eight carcasses: type III was identified in four carcasses, type II in two, and both III and II in one carcass. The serological findings and the molecular detection of T. gondii strains suggest that cured meat products obtained from industrially bred pigs may be potential sources of toxoplasmosis for humans. Our results provide novel, important information regarding the seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of T. gondii in intensively reared pigs within this specific region of Italy, particularly because Parma ham from this region is known and consumed worldwide. On-farm preventive measures combined with slaughterhouse monitoring of carcasses of pigs bred for cured meat production should never be overlooked to prevent the introduction of T. gondii into the food chain and to ensure safety for consumers of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Papini
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Pierluigi di Ciccio
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Marianna Marangi
- 3 Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Sergio Ghidini
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Emanuela Zanardi
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Vergara
- 4 Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, SP 18, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- 3 Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, degli Alimenti e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Simona Nardoni
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Guido Rocchigiani
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- 1 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Adriana Ianieri
- 2 Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Parma, Via del Taglio 10, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Limon G, Beauvais W, Dadios N, Villena I, Cockle C, Blaga R, Guitian J. Cross-Sectional Study of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pig Farms in England. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2017; 14:269-281. [PMID: 28186826 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2016.2197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ingestion of undercooked meat has been proposed as an important source of human Toxoplasma gondii infection. To ascertain the contribution of meat consumption to the risk of human infection, estimates of the prevalence of infection in meat-producing animals are required. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess T. gondii infection in pigs raised in England, to identify risk factors for infection, and to compare performance of two serological tests: modified agglutination test (MAT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blood samples from 2071 slaughter pigs originating from 131 farms were collected and 75 (3.6%) were found to be positive by MAT. Positive pigs originated from 24 farms. A subset of samples (n = 492) were tested using ELISA, and a significant disagreement (p < 0.001) was found between the two tests. An empirical Bayes approach was used to estimate the farm-level prevalence and the probability of each individual farm having at least one positive animal, considering the uncertainty arising from the sampling strategy and the imperfect test performance. The adjusted farm-level prevalence was 11.5% (95% credible interval of positive farms 8.4-16.0%). Two different criteria were used for classifying farms as infected: (1) ≥50% probability of having at least one infected pig (n = 5, 6.8%) and (2) ≥10% probability (n = 15, 20.5%). Data on putative risk factors were obtained for 73 farms. Using a 10% cutoff, the relative risk (RR) of infection was higher in farms where cats have direct access to pigs' food (RR = 2.6; p = 0.04), pigs have outdoor access (RR = 3.0; p = 0.04), and farms keeping ≤200 pigs (RR = 3.9; p = 0.02), with strong collinearity between the three variables. The findings suggest a low level of T. gondii infection in the farms studied, most of which are likely to send to slaughter batches comprising 100% uninfected pigs. These results provide key inputs to quantitatively assess the T. gondii risk posed by pork to consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Limon
- 1 The Royal Veterinary College , Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Beauvais
- 1 The Royal Veterinary College , Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Nikolaos Dadios
- 1 The Royal Veterinary College , Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Villena
- 2 French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES-USC EpiToxo), University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne , Reims, France
| | - Charlotte Cockle
- 1 The Royal Veterinary College , Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Radu Blaga
- 3 Université Paris-Est, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, ENVA, Anses, UPEC, USC INRA, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Javier Guitian
- 1 The Royal Veterinary College , Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
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Seroprevalence and parasite load of Toxoplasma gondii in Mexican hairless pig (Sus scrofa) tissues from the Southeast of Mexico. Vet Parasitol 2016; 229:45-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Herrero L, Gracia MJ, Pérez-Arquillué C, Lázaro R, Herrera M, Herrera A, Bayarri S. Toxoplasma gondii: Pig seroprevalence, associated risk factors and viability in fresh pork meat. Vet Parasitol 2016; 224:52-59. [PMID: 27270390 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted on 161 fattening pig farms located in Aragón (Northeast Spain). Serum samples from 1200 pigs were tested for antibodies against T. gondii by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Antibodies to T. gondii (≥1:20) were detected in 301 pigs (24.52%). The seroprevalence observed in the present study indicates a widespread exposure to T. gondii, as seropositive pigs were found in 96.67% of the farms studied although low pig titers were determined. Risk factors associated with T. gondii seroprevalence were presence of cats in or around the farms, presence of dogs around the facilities, low number of animals in the farms, poor hygiene and bad maintenance of the farms. Finally, it was observed that where rodent baits were used, Toxoplasma prevalence was lower. Risk management measures including control of cats and rodents on the farms, among others, could help to reduce the observed prevalence levels. By mouse bioassay, T. gondii was detected in 73.7% and isolated from 42.1% of seropositive pigs and a significant relation between the titers of pigs and the presence and viability of T. gondii in the tissues was found. The detection of T. gondii is not possible by currently practiced meat inspection. Nevertheless, the increased probability of detecting viable forms of T. gondii in tissues of pigs with titers ≥1: 80 could be used as the cutoff for discriminating higher risk animals, and could be used as an effective control tool for the industry of cured meat products. In practical terms, we propose that this value could be used as a critical limit in the HACCP system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Herrero
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Jesús Gracia
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Consuelo Pérez-Arquillué
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Regina Lázaro
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Herrera
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Antonio Herrera
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Susana Bayarri
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Ciencia de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2-(Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), C/Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite in pork produced in France, and to determine infection risk factors. An innovative survey was designed based on annual numbers of slaughtered pigs from intensive and outdoor farms in France. A total of 1549 samples of cardiac fluids were collected from pig hearts to determine seroprevalence using a Modified Agglutination Test. Of those, 160 hearts were bio-assayed in mice to isolate live parasites. The overall seroprevalence among fattening pigs was 2·9%. The adjusted seroprevalence in pigs from intensive farms was 3·0%; the highest in sows (13·4%); 2·9% in fattening pigs and 2·6% in piglets. Adjusted seroprevalence in fattening animals from outdoor farms was 6·3%. Strains were isolated from 41 animals and all were genotyped by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism as type II. Risk-factor analysis showed that the risk of infection was more than three times higher for outdoor pigs, and that sows' risk was almost five times higher than that of fattening animals. This study provides further evidence of extensive pork infection with T. gondii regardless of breeding systems, indicating that farm conditions are still insufficient to guarantee 'Toxoplasma-free pork'.
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Papatsiros VG, Athanasiou LV, Stougiou D, Papadopoulos E, Maragkakis GG, Katsoulos PD, Lefkaditis M, Kantas D, Tzika ED, Tassis PD, Boutsini S. Cross-Sectional Serosurvey and Risk Factors Associated with the Presence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Pigs in Greece. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:48-53. [PMID: 26771899 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide reported zoonotic infection caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii. Pigs may become infected by ingesting feed or water contaminated with cat faeces, by cannibalism, and/or by eating infected rodents. T. gondii infected edible tissues of pigs are a source of infection for humans. This study was undertaken to detect seropositivity of pigs against T. gondii and identify possible risk factors as well as to compare two serological methods. METHODS A total of 609 blood samples were collected from 10% of the sows from 65 pig farms located in mainland Greece. Information about the geographical location, size, and biosecurity level of the herd was recorded. Samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii employing the indirect fluorescent antibody test and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Twenty-six positive samples were detected (4.3%) in 17 out of the 65 farms tested (26.2%). The average seroprevalence in affected herds was 26.8% (95% confidence interval 21.0-32.6%). Among the categorical data evaluated, the biosecurity level (odds ratio 0.17, p < 0.01) and the geographical characteristics (odds ratio 13.55, p < 0.05) significantly affected the presence of toxoplasmosis in the herd. Toxoplasmosis was recorded in significantly higher percentages in mountainous farms as compared to lowlands (p < 0.05) and in those with poor biosecurity levels than in those with very good (p < 0.05). A very good agreement (κ = 0.958) was observed between the two serological methods. CONCLUSION The presence of antibodies in pigs is indirect information on the risk of the infection and an indication of the necessity of biosecurity measures to be taken in order to control infection at least in the areas at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios G Papatsiros
- 1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- 1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Despina Stougiou
- 2 National Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Centre of Athens Veterinary Institutions , Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- 3 Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Giorgios G Maragkakis
- 1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Katsoulos
- 4 Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Menelaos Lefkaditis
- 5 Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kantas
- 6 Department of Animal Production, Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly , Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni D Tzika
- 4 Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Tassis
- 4 Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sofia Boutsini
- 2 National Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Centre of Athens Veterinary Institutions , Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
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Bacci C, Vismarra A, Mangia C, Bonardi S, Bruini I, Genchi M, Kramer L, Brindani F. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in free-range, organic pigs in Italy using serological and molecular methods. Int J Food Microbiol 2015; 202:54-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Gebremedhin EZ, Kebeta MM, Asaye M, Ashenafi H, Di Marco V, Vitale M. First report on seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs in Central Ethiopia. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:59. [PMID: 25880071 PMCID: PMC4363341 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0384-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widely prevalent cyst forming Apicomplexan parasites with significant impact on animal production particularly in sheep, goats and pigs. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the seroprevalence and to assess risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs. A systematic random sampling technique was used to collect 402 blood samples from pigs in Central Ethiopia. Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) was used to test sera. A questionnaire survey was made to assess potential risk factors and knowledge of farm attendants about toxoplasmosis. Results An overall seroprevalence of 32.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27.6%-36.9%] was found. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that extensively managed pigs (39.7%) are nearly twice (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:=1.91, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.63) at higher risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis than intensively managed pigs (30.5%). Pigs supplied with feed containing animal byproducts had nearly four times (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: 2.01, 7.36) higher risk of acquiring T. gondii infection. Most of the farm attendants had little knowledge of health risks due to cats, neither to human nor to animals. Absence of rodent control, high neonatal mortality and history of abortion were found among herds of the studied pig farms. Conclusions T. gondii infections in pigs are wide spread. Extensive management systems and pig feed types containing animal byproducts are independent predictors of T. gondii seropositivity. The high seroprevalence suggests that pigs might serve as an important source of T. gondii infection for people. This is the first report of seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in pigs in Ethiopia. Further studies are warranted for designing appropriate prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo University, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, P. O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia.
| | | | - Mebratu Asaye
- Gondar University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Hagos Ashenafi
- Department of Parasitology and Pathology, Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia.
| | - Vincenzo Di Marco
- Italian National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis at Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Maria Vitale
- Italian National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis at Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Palermo, Italy.
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Guo M, Dubey JP, Hill D, Buchanan RL, Gamble HR, Jones JL, Pradhan AK. Prevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in meat animals and meat products destined for human consumption. J Food Prot 2015; 78:457-76. [PMID: 25710166 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-14-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is responsible for approximately 24% of all estimated deaths attributed to foodborne pathogens in the United States. Human infection results from accidental ingestion of oocysts from the environment, in water, or on insufficiently washed produce or from consumption of raw or undercooked meat products that contain T. gondii tissue cysts. This review focused on studies of T. gondii in meat because many human T. gondii infections are acquired through consumption of raw or undercooked meat. Prevalence of T. gondii is higher in conventionally reared pigs, sheep, and poultry than in cattle and is greater in meat products from organic than from conventionally reared meat animals because of outdoor access, which poses substantially greater opportunities for exposure to infected rodents, wildlife, and oocyst-contaminated feed, water, or environmental surfaces. Risk factors related to T. gondii exposure for livestock include farm type, feed source, presence of cats, methods of rodent and bird control, methods of carcass handling, and water quality. This review serves as a useful resource and information repository for informing quantitative risk assessment studies for T. gondii infection in humans through meat consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA
| | - Dolores Hill
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA
| | - Robert L Buchanan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Center for Food Safety and Security Systems, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - H Ray Gamble
- Fellowships Office, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Jones
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA
| | - Abani K Pradhan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Center for Food Safety and Security Systems, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
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Sharma RN, Tiwari K, Chikweto A, DeAllie C, Bhaiyat MI. Prevalence of Antibodies to <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> and <i>Neospora caninum</i> in Pigs in Grenada, West Indies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ojvm.2015.56019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Felin E, Jukola E, Raulo S, Fredriksson-Ahomaa M. Meat Juice Serology and Improved Food Chain Information as Control Tools for Pork-Related Public Health Hazards. Zoonoses Public Health 2014; 62:456-64. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Felin
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | | | - S. Raulo
- Finnish Food Safety Authority; Zoonosis Centre; Helsinki Finland
| | - M. Fredriksson-Ahomaa
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
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Gebremedhin EZ, Yunus HA, Tesfamaryam G, Tessema TS, Dawo F, Terefe G, Di Marco V, Vitale M. First report of Toxoplasma gondii in camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Ethiopia: bioassay and seroepidemiological investigation. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:222. [PMID: 25266944 PMCID: PMC4189602 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-014-0222-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis is a major public health concern in many countries of the world. A cross-sectional and follow up experimental study designs were used for seroepidemiological and bioassay studies, respectively from November 2012 to April 2013. The objectives were to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection, to assess risk factors and to isolate the parasite from camels in the Fentale district, Ethiopia. A direct agglutination test (DAT) and indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to test camel sera. Hearts and tongues (each 25 g) from 31 seropositive camels were bioassayed in mice. Associations between seroprevalence and potential risk factors (collected using a questionnaire survey) were analyzed using logistic regression. Results An overall T. gondii prevalence of 49.62% (220/455) by DAT and 40.49% (179/451) by indirect ELISA test were detected. Herd level seroprevalence of 96.77% (30/31) (95% CI: 83.30– 99.92) by DAT was recorded and it was significantly higher in areas where wild felids are present (P = 0.038). Multivariable logistic regression showed that the likelihood of acquiring T. gondii infection was significantly higher in camels in the Ilala pastoral association [PA] (82.26%) (Adjusted Odds ratio [aOR] = 10.8; P < 0.001) than camels in the Galcha PA (31.43%), in camels of ≥ 8 years old (56.52%; aOR = 1.88; P = 0,033) than camels of ≤ 4 years old (34.26%) and in areas where domestic cats are present (aOR = 4.16; P = 0.006). All camel owners were uneducated, handle aborted fetus with bare hands, and drink raw camel milk. DAT and ELISA tests had moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.41). Viable T. gondii were isolated from 16.13% (5/31) of DAT positive camels. One DAT positive but ELISA negative camel sample gave a cyst positive result. Conclusions T. gondii infection of camels in the study district is widespread. Age, presence of domestic cats and study PA are independent predictors of T. gondii seropositivity. Isolation of viable parasites from edible tissues of camels and the very poor knowledge of pastoralists about toxoplasmosis suggest the need for prevention of toxoplasmosis through bio-security measures, education and further investigation to unravel the impact of camel toxoplasmosis deserves consideration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-014-0222-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Schlüter D, Däubener W, Schares G, Groß U, Pleyer U, Lüder C. Animals are key to human toxoplasmosis. Int J Med Microbiol 2014; 304:917-29. [PMID: 25240467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely sucessfull protozoal parasite which infects almost all mamalian species including humans. Approximately 30% of the human population worldwide is chronically infected with T. gondii. In general, human infection is asymptomatic but the parasite may induce severe disease in fetuses and immunocompromised patients. In addition, T. gondii may cause sight-threatening posterior uveitis in immunocompetent patients. Apart from few exceptions, humans acquire T. gondii from animals. Both, the oral uptake of T. gondii oocysts released by specific hosts, i.e. felidae, and of cysts persisting in muscle cells of animals result in human toxoplasmosis. In the present review, we discuss recent new data on the cell biology of T. gondii and parasite diversity in animals. In addition, we focus on the impact of these various parasite strains and their different virulence on the clinical outcome of human congenital toxoplasmosis and T. gondii uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schlüter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Walter Däubener
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Uwe Groß
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Eye Clinic, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
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Ferroglio E, Bosio F, Trisciuoglio A, Zanet S. Toxoplasma gondii in sympatric wild herbivores and carnivores: epidemiology of infection in the Western Alps. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:196. [PMID: 24766665 PMCID: PMC4012061 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that is able to infect almost all warm blooded animals. In Europe, the domestic cat is the main definitive host. Worldwide, 6 billion people are infected with this parasite. The goal of our research is to evaluate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in wild animals from a previously unsampled area in Northern Italy where 0.1% of women seroconvert during pregnancy each year. Methods We sampled and tested skeletal muscle and central nervous system tissue of 355 wild animals by PCR (n = 121 roe deer Capreolus capreolus, n = 105 wild boar Sus scrofa, n = 94 red fox Vulpes vulpes, n = 22 alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra, n = 13 red deer Cervus elaphus). Results The overall prevalence of infection with T. gondii was 10.99% (confidence interval (CI) 95% 8.14%-14.67%). A higher rate of infection was recorded in carnivores and omnivores (red fox 20.21%, CI 95% 13.34%-29.43%; wild boar 16.19%, CI 95% 10.36%-24.41%) compared to ruminants (2.48%, CI 95% 0.85%-7.04% in roe deer; 0.00%, CI 95% 0.00%-22.81% in red deer, and 0.00% alpine chamois (CI 95% 0.00%-14.87%) confirming the importance of tissue cysts in transmitting infection. Conclusions The relatively high prevalence of T. gondii DNA in highly consumed game species (wild boar and roe deer) gives valuable insights into T. gondii epidemiology and may contribute to improve prevention and control of foodborne toxoplasmosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezio Ferroglio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, via L, da Vinci 44 10095, Grugliasco, (TO), Italy.
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Feitosa TF, Vilela VLR, de Melo LRB, de Almeida Neto JL, Souto DVDO, de Morais DF, Athayde ACR, Azevedo SS, Pena HFDJ. Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in slaughtered pigs from Northeast, Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:305-9. [PMID: 24703253 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies, to identify associated risk factors and to isolate T. gondii from slaughtered pigs in Paraíba State, Brazil. A total of 190 pigs from public slaughterhouses were used in the study. An indirect immunofluorescence test was used to detect antibodies, and the isolation of T. gondii was performed with a bioassay in mice based on tissues from seropositive animals. A total of 50 g of brain, heart and tongue tissue from 37 positive pigs with titres ≥ 1:64 was ground, digested with acidic pepsin and inoculated into mice. The prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 19.5% (95% CI: 14.1%; 25.8%) (37/190), with titres ranging from 1:64 to 1:2048. Viable T. gondii parasites were isolated from 13 of the 37 (35.1%; 95% CI: 20.2%; 52.5%) seropositive pigs. We found that the virulence of the isolates varied; three of these isolates were able to kill all of the inoculated mice. The risk factors for infection were extensive husbandry and feeding with leftovers. The prevalence of antibodies to N. caninum in pigs was 3.2% (95% CI: 1.2%; 6.7%) (6/190), with titres ranging from 1:100 to 1:3200. None of the variables studied were considered to be risk factors for N. caninum. These results show that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in swine is high in Paraíba State, that the percentage of viable T. gondii parasites recovered from these animals is also high and that infection by this parasite is closely related to the management of swine. Despite the low prevalence of N. caninum in pigs, further studies are necessary to determine the importance of this parasite for the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Ferreira Feitosa
- Programa de pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, UFCG, Patos, PB CEP 58.708-110, Brazil.
| | - Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela
- Programa de pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, UFCG, Patos, PB CEP 58.708-110, Brazil
| | - Lídio Ricardo Bezerra de Melo
- Programa de pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, UFCG, Patos, PB CEP 58.708-110, Brazil
| | - João Leite de Almeida Neto
- Programa de pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, UFCG, Patos, PB CEP 58.708-110, Brazil
| | - Diego Vagner de Oliveira Souto
- Programa de pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, UFCG, Patos, PB CEP 58.708-110, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Célia Rodrigues Athayde
- Programa de pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, UFCG, Patos, PB CEP 58.708-110, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Santos Azevedo
- Programa de pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, UFCG, Patos, PB CEP 58.708-110, Brazil
| | - Hilda Fátima de Jesus Pena
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil
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Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in cattle and pigs in Ibadan, Nigeria. J Parasit Dis 2013; 39:309-14. [PMID: 26064025 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-013-0350-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important food borne parasitic zoonoses. However, data on Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals mostly used for human consumption in Nigeria are scarce. We thus conducted a survey on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in a representative sample of cattle and pigs in farms and the abattoirs between June and December 2012. Sera from 210 cattle (both sexes) and 302 pigs (both sexes), were examined for T. gondii specific IgG antibodies by indirect Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The seroprevalences determined were 13.91 % in cattle and 29.14 % in pigs. The antibody levels ranged from 0.499 to 2.103 in cattle, and 0.544 to 3.020 in pigs. The prevalence of IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies was positively correlated with the age. The seroprevalences (26.23 %) and (36.54 %) for adult cattle and pigs respectively, were higher compared to younger groups. However the difference was not significant (P > 0.05) in cattle but significant (P < 0.05) in pigs. In Nigeria, exposure to raw or undercooked foods is a risk factor for T. gondii infection. Knowledge of the prevalence of toxoplasmosis will help to target prevention efforts.
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Prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in fattening pigs farm from Yucatan, Mexico. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:231497. [PMID: 23841058 PMCID: PMC3690204 DOI: 10.1155/2013/231497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in pig-fattening farms from Yucatan, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a two-stage sampling. There were 429 pigs sampled from 39 farms randomly selected. Blood samples were collected to obtain DNA and serum. The presence of IgM and IgG antibodies was determined by indirect ELISA. Prevalence was estimated by diagnostic test. Potential risk factors to be included in a marginal logistic regression were tested by chi-square or Fisher. The prevalence of IgM and IgG was 92.5% (397/429) (CI 89.9–95.1%) and 95.8% (411/429) (CI 93.7–97.8%), respectively. Regarding PCR, a prevalence of 50.8% (218/429) (CI 45.9–55.6%) was found. The logistic regression showed an association with herd size and type of feeder (P < 0.05). The risk of a case in farms with ≤400 pigs was 27.9 times higher than in farms with >400 pigs. The manual feeder was a significant protective factor associated with the seropositive against T. gondii. Results indicate a high circulation of T. gondii in pig-fattening farms from Yucatan, finding an increased risk of infection for those farms with less than 400 animals and automatic feeders.
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Veronesi F, Ranucci D, Branciari R, Miraglia D, Mammoli R, Fioretti DP. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection on finishing swine reared in the Umbria region, central Italy. Zoonoses Public Health 2011; 58:178-84. [PMID: 20553442 DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2010.01336.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide zoonotic protozoan parasite and pork is considered the major meat source of Toxoplasma infection in humans. To determine the prevalence of infection of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs reared in the Umbria Region (central Italy), blood samples of 960 pigs from 10 different farms (96 for each farm) were randomly collected and tested for antibodies (IgG) against T. gondii using an IFA assay. Sera were screened at 1/16 titrr and the endpoint titre was determined. Farm management questionnaires were completed and used to develop descriptive statistics on the tested farms as well as to determine measures of association for risk factors for the presence of T. gondii-seropositive pigs. A total of 155 seropositive pigs (16.14%) were identified; within herds prevalence ranged from 8.33 to 25%. The statistical analysis identified all-in-all-out housing and cleaning method as risk factors for Toxoplasma infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Veronesi
- Department of Biopathological Science and Hygiene of Animal and Food Productions, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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46
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Technical specifications on harmonised epidemiological indicators for public health hazards to be covered by meat inspection of swine. EFSA J 2011. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Valença RMB, Mota RA, Anderlini GA, Faria EBD, Cavalcanti ÉF, Albuquerque PPF, S. Neto OLD, Guerra MMP. Prevalência e fatores de risco associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em granjas suinícolas tecnificadas no Estado de Alagoas. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2011. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-736x2011000200005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objetivou-se com este estudo calcular a prevalência e identificar os fatores de risco associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em suínos criados em granjas tecnificadas no Estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Para compor a amostra do estudo de prevalência foram utilizados 342 suínos, sendo 312 matrizes e 30 varrões, oriundos de sete granjas de ciclo completo e distribuídas em cinco municípios do Estado de Alagoas. O exame sorológico para a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii foi realizado através da técnica de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI), utilizando-se anticorpos anti-IgG-suíno conjugado ao isotiocianato de fluoresceína. A análise dos fatores de risco foi realizada por meio da aplicação de questionários constituídos por perguntas objetivas referentes ao criador, às características gerais da propriedade, ao manejo produtivo, reprodutivo e sanitário. Determinou-se uma prevalência de 26,9% (92/342) de suínos soropositivos. O fator associado à infecção foi a introdução de reprodutores nas granjas nos últimos cinco anos (p=0,014; OR=1,83; IC=1,13-2,96). Concluiu-se que a infecção por Toxoplasma gondii encontra-se disseminada em suínos criados em granjas tecnificadas no Estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Recomenda-se o controle da população de gatos, a realização de práticas de limpeza e higienização das instalações e realização de testes laboratoriais para diagnóstico da infecção por T. gondii nos animais a serem introduzidos no plantel como medidas de redução dos índices de infecção na região estudada.
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Tao Q, Wang Z, Feng H, Fang R, Nie H, Hu M, Zhou Y, Zhao J. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection on pig farms in central China. J Parasitol 2010; 97:262-4. [PMID: 21506784 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2646.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes severe diseases in mammals, including humans, around the world. In China, pork is the main meat source; accordingly, T. gondii in pigs is considered an important source for human toxoplasmosis. Understanding the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in pig farms is thus important for control of the disease in humans. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the epizootiology of T. gondii infections in pig farms in central China by assessing the seroprevalence and risk factors of this disease. In the present study, 3,558 sera samples were collected from pigs in 37 large-scale pig farms in this region and tested by AG-ELISA. The total seroprevalence was 24.5%, with the greatest prevalence in breeding pigs. The risk factors for toxoplasmosis suggest that high frequency of the contact of pigs with cats (P ≤ 0.01; IC 95%), high density of pig breeding (P ≤ 0.01; IC 95%), the presence of mosquitoes and flies (P ≤ 0.01; IC 95%), semi-patency pens (P ≤ 0.05; IC 95%), and low frequency of scavenging (P ≤ 0.01; IC 95%) were all associated with seroprevalence. In addition, the use of sulfonamides (P ≤ 0.01; IC 95%) significantly decreased seroprevalence. This is the first report of anti- T. gondii antibodies in pigs on large-scale pig farms in central China. The findings will provide useful information for designing control strategies of toxoplasmasis in pig farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
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Putignani L, Mancinelli L, Del Chierico F, Menichella D, Adlerstein D, Angelici MC, Marangi M, Berrilli F, Caffara M, di Regalbono DAF, Giangaspero A. Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii presence in farmed shellfish by nested-PCR and real-time PCR fluorescent amplicon generation assay (FLAG). Exp Parasitol 2010; 127:409-17. [PMID: 20920501 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Revised: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in edible farmed shellfish, 1734 shellfish specimens i.e., 109 Crassostrea gigas (6 pools), 660 Mytilus galloprovincialis (22 pools), 804 Tapes decussatus (28 pools) and 161 Tapes philippinarum (6 pools), were collected from the Varano Lagoon (Apulia, Italy). Shellfish from 62 pools were subjected to two molecular techniques: a nested-PCR assay, and a fluorescent amplicon generation (FLAG) real-time PCR assay, both based on the multi-copy B1 target, were performed. One pooled sample of gills from C. gigas and one pooled sample of haemolymphs from T. decussatus were assessed as positive for T. gondii DNA by both techniques. The results demonstrated the presence of T. gondii in edible farmed C. gigas and T. decussatus and indicate that there may be a considerable health threat involved in eating contaminated raw shellfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Putignani
- Unità di Microbiologia, Bambino Gesù, Ospedale Pediatrico e Istituto di Ricerca, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165 Roma, Italy
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García-Bocanegra I, Simon-Grifé M, Dubey JP, Casal J, Martín GE, Cabezón O, Perea A, Almería S. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii in domestic pigs from Spain. Parasitol Int 2010; 59:421-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2010.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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