1
|
Dini FM, Caffara M, Magri A, Cantori A, Luci V, Monno A, Galuppi R. Sentinels in the shadows: Exploring Toxoplasma gondii and other Sarcocystidae parasites in synanthropic rodents and their public health implications. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100939. [PMID: 38655448 PMCID: PMC11035367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Synanthropic rodents play a crucial role in maintaining the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii in anthropized regions and can serve as indicators of environmental oocyst contamination. This investigation aimed to explore the occurrence of T. gondii infection within synanthropic rodent populations using a molecular diagnostic technique targeting the 18S rDNA gene, which is generic for Coccidia, with subsequent specific PCR confirmation. We examined 97 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), 67 black rats (R. rattus), 47 house mice (Mus musculus), and 1 common shrew (Sorex araneus). PCR tests were conducted on the brain, heart, and tongue tissues. PCR tested positive in at least one of the examined tissues in 26 R. norvegicus (26.8%), 13 R. rattus (19.4%), and 13 M. musculus (27.6%). Sequencing comparisons by BLAST allowed us to identify four different species of cyst-forming Apicomplexa. In particular, T. gondii DNA was detected in 13 (6.1%) rodents, Hammondia hammondi (including H. hammondi-like organisms) in 36 (17%) subjects, Besnoitia sp. (in two cases identified as B. besnoiti) in 8 (3.7%), and Sarcocystis gigantea in two (0.94%). Rodents from peri-urban and urban environments can act as indicators of environmental contamination by oocysts of apicomplexan parasites with cats as definitive hosts, such as T. gondii, H. hammondi, and S. gigantea, the latter of which has never been previously recorded in rodents. Moreover, the presence of B. besnoiti, a parasite with an unidentified definitive host in Europe, sheds light on the potential role of these hosts as infection sentinels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Monica Caffara
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Alice Magri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Alessia Cantori
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Valentina Luci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Antonio Monno
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Esmaeilifallah M, Sadraei J, Pirestani M, Kalantari R. Molecular characterization and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in free-living animals in Iran: Effect of One Health. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100808. [PMID: 36436895 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
To understand the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii, this parasite's genetic diversity distribution in free-living hosts is essential. This research's objective is the molecular genotyping of T. gondii isolates from the brain and muscles of Columbidae, Corvidae, Rattus, and Felidae of Mianeh County, East-Azerbaijan Province, Northwest Iran. Three hundred fifty samples were taken. For the genotyping of T. gondii, the GRA6 gene was amplified and digested by the Tru1I (MseI) enzyme. Results of RFLP were confirmed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In total, 52%, 34%, 24%, and 50% of Columbidae, Corvidae, Rattus, and Felidae were positive for T. gondii DNA, respectively. All isolated Columbidae were identified as genotype III (100%). Also, 94.1% and 5.9% of Corvidae isolates, 84.4% and 15.6% of the Rattus isolates, and 51.7% and 48.3% of the Felidae isolates belonged to genotypes III and II, respectively. This study is the first to evaluate genetic similarity and phylogenetic analysis between many definitive and intermediated hosts in northwestern Iran. The finding indicates that the T. gondii cycle is maintained among these hosts. As a result, their presence in the environment can be a risk factor for transmitting the infection to humans. Due to demographic and geographic differences in various regions, further studies are required to determine the genetic population structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Esmaeilifallah
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Javid Sadraei
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Kalantari
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Galeh TM, Sarvi S, Hosseini SA, Daryani A. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from rodents in the world: A systematic review. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:943-957. [PMID: 33825346 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most frequent food-borne infections in humans caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Rodents, as intermediate and reservoir hosts, play key role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis; because they are the main source of infection for the Felidae family members and establish the parasite life cycle. Hence, the infectious isolates of T. gondii in rodents may be the main genotypes infecting the environment, humans and animals. Our review aimed to present the population structure of T. gondii in these mammals. To access the relevant studies, six English language databases were systematically searched from 1990 to 2019. Finally, 3,395 samples of rodents were analysed for the genotyping data and 118 isolates were separated from the samples. The results of the present study showed that atypical genotypes were dominant with a frequency of 65.2% of the total isolates (77 out of 118). Clonal Types II, III and I had less frequency, respectively. Type I clonal isolates were identified only from Asia. The examination of genotypes circulating in rodents around the world revealed that ToxoDB #1 or #3 (Type II) were the most common, followed by ToxoDB #9 and #2, respectively. Overall, our data showed low genetic diversity of T. gondii with circulating clonal strains in rodents compare to the isolates from Europe, North America and Africa, while non-clonal parasites with high genetic diversity were dominant in South America and Asia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student of Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Su C. Epidemiological Significance of Toxoplasma Gondii Infections in Wild Rodents: 2009-2020. J Parasitol 2021; 107:182-204. [PMID: 33662119 DOI: 10.1645/20-121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Rodents are one of the most important intermediate hosts for T. gondii because they are preyed on by cats, who in turn excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in their feces and thus spread the infection. Information on T. gondii infections is spread in numerous reports and is not easily accessible to readers. Here, we review prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of T. gondii infections in wild rodents worldwide. Data are tabulated by country, by each rodent species alphabetically, and chronologically. Recent genetic diversity of T. gondii strains in rodents is critically evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-0845
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cabral AD, Su C, Soares RM, Gennari SM, Sperança MA, da Rosa AR, Pena HFJ. Occurrence and diversity of Sarcocystidae protozoa in muscle and brain tissues of bats from São Paulo state, Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2021; 14:91-96. [PMID: 33537206 PMCID: PMC7840805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Studies on infectious and emerging diseases caused by bats have been increasing worldwide due to their well-recognised status as a reservoir species for various infectious agents as well as their close relationship to humans and animals. This study reports the molecular frequency and diversity of the parasites belonging to the Sarcocystidae family in bats in São Paulo state, Brazil. A total of 2892 tissue samples (brain and pectoral muscle/heart homogenates) from 1921 bats belonging to 36 species were collected, and the Sarcocystidae protozoan 18S ribosomal RNA encoding genes (18S rDNA) were detected by nested PCR and Sanger sequencing. The relative prevalence of Sarcocystidae species was 4.7% (91/1921) among 16 bat species, including insectivorous (n = 65), frugivorous (n = 13) and nectarivorous (n = 11) bats. From 66 sequenced positive samples, 50 were found to be suitable for analysis. Ten samples from insectivorous and nectarivorous bats showed 100% similarity with Neospora caninum (n = 1), Hammondia hammondi (n = 1), Cystoisospora canis (n = 1), Nephroisospora eptesici (n = 1), Sarcocystis (Frenkelia) glareoli (n = 1), and Toxoplasma gondii (n = 5). The 45 non-T. gondii samples revealed 15 different 18S rDNA alleles with identities varying from 96.1 to 100% with several Sarcocystidae species, which might suggest that bats can harbour a large variety of Sarcocystidae organisms. From the five T. gondii-positive tissue samples, three samples from two different bat specimens of the insectivorous Eumops glacinus were characterised using 11 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, revealing the non-archetypal ToxoDB genotypes #6 (type BrI), which is one of the most prevalent in different hosts and regions from Brazil, and #69. We recommend the inclusion of T. gondii as a differential diagnosis for rabies and other neurological syndromes in bats. Molecular detection of Sarcocystidae protozoa in 4.7% (91/1921) bats from Brazil. From 36 bat species examined, 16 were positive for Sarcocystidae protozoa. Results suggest large diversity of Sarcocystidae species in bats. Toxoplasma gondii ToxoDB-RFLP genotypes type BrI and #69 revealed for two bats. T. gondii should be included as a differential diagnosis for rabies in bats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline Diniz Cabral
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Rodrigo Martins Soares
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcia Aparecida Sperança
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH), Universidade Federal do ABC, Rua Arcturus, 03, CEP 09606-045, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Ruckert da Rosa
- Controle de Zoonoses (CCZ), Laboratório de Zoonoses e Doenças Transmitidas por Vetores (LabZoo), Rua Santa Eulália, 86, CEP 02031-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Corresponding author. Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando M. de Paiva, 87, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Galeh TM, Sarvi S, Montazeri M, Moosazadeh M, Nakhaei M, Shariatzadeh SA, Daryani A. Global Status of Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence in Rodents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:461. [PMID: 32851037 PMCID: PMC7411222 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent infections in humans and animals caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Rodents, as intermediate and reservoir hosts, play a key role in the maintenance and transmission of T. gondii. They can be contaminated and maintain the parasite in the form of cysts in their bodies, demonstrating an infection source for their offsprings, predators (particularly felids), and other animals. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis study was carried out to evaluate the global seroprevalence of T. gondii in these mammals. For achieving the purpose of the current study, six English databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) were systematically searched for related studies from 1970 to 2018. Finally, a total of 52,372 records were screened, 105 records including 26,221 rodents were incorporated in the present study. By random effect models, the overall seroprevalence was calculated at 6% (95% CI = 6-7%), with the highest amount was observed in Africa (24%) and South America (18%), and the lowest amount in Europe (1%). The subgroup data analysis by gender manifested that the prevalence of Immunoglobulin G antibodies did not differ between genders (P > 0.05). Due to the significant heterogeneity, meta-regression models were applied based on serological techniques and continental regions; however, the obtained values were not statistically significant (P = 0.480 and P = 0.295, respectively). The present study revealed a relatively low level of T. gondii seroprevalence in rodents; however, if they were the main food source for their predators, they would cause high transmission of T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Montazeri
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Fatemeh Zahra Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Nakhaei
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Shariatzadeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Azimi T, Pourmand MR, Fallah F, Karimi A, Mansour-Ghanaie R, Hoseini-Alfatemi SM, Shirdoust M, Azimi L. Serosurvey and molecular detection of the main zoonotic parasites carried by commensal Rattus norvegicus population in Tehran, Iran. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:60. [PMID: 32704233 PMCID: PMC7374959 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rattus norvegicus are reservoirs for transmission of various zoonotic parasites, and they have become a threat to public health worldwide. Given the large number and the significant presence of R. norvegicus throughout the city of Tehran, this study aims to assess the frequency of zoonotic parasites carried by commensal rodents wandering in Tehran, Iran. The study considered the north, south, west, east, and center regions of Tehran for the purposes of this study. The serological tests were applied in order to detect effective antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), Babesia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. using a commercial qualitative rat ELISA kit. The frequency of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) was surveyed by using the conventional PCR method. Furthermore, nested PCR was employed to detect the presence of Giardia spp. and Leishmania spp. in commensal R. norvegicus dispersed in Tehran. Results Approximately, 76% of the 100 R. norvegicus tested were infected with at least one zoonotic parasite, indicating the significant frequency of parasites within the study areas. Seroreactivity against T. vaginalis, Babesia spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 5%, 0%, and 1% of the R. norvegicus tested, respectively. T. gondii DNA was detected in 32 out of 100 (32%) R. norvegicus. In addition, Leishmania spp. and Giardia spp. DNA were found in 18 out of 100 (18%) and 76 out of 100 (76%) R. norvegicus investigated, respectively. T. vaginalis with 15% and T. gondii with 70% had the highest frequency of parasites among the R. norvegicus collected from the western and northeastern regions of Tehran, respectively. Moreover, Giardia spp. with 95% and Leishmania spp. with 30% had the highest frequency in the east and center districts, respectively. Conclusion The findings showed a wide geographical dissemination of Giardia spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Leishmania spp. in R. norvegicus within five districts of Tehran. In contrast, other parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp. infection were rarely detected in Rattus populations. No evidence for the circulation of Babesia spp. was found in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taher Azimi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Pourmand
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fallah
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Karimi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roxana Mansour-Ghanaie
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Mahsan Hoseini-Alfatemi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shirdoust
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Azimi
- Pediatric Infections Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 15468-15514, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains shaped by commensal communities of small mammals. Int J Parasitol 2018; 49:267-275. [PMID: 30578812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Commensal rodent species are key reservoirs for Toxoplasma gondii in the domestic environment. In rodents, different T. gondii strains show variable patterns of virulence according to host species. Toxoplasma gondii strains causing non-lethal chronic infections in local hosts will be more likely to persist in a given environment, but few studies have addressed the possible role of these interactions in shaping the T. gondii population structure. In addition, the absence of validated techniques for upstream detection of T. gondii chronic infection in wild rodents hinders exploration of this issue under natural conditions. In this study, we took advantage of an extensive survey of commensal small mammals in three coastal localities of Senegal, with a species assemblage constituted of both native African species and invasive species. We tested 828 individuals for T. gondii chronic infection using the modified agglutination test for antibody detection in serum samples and a quantitative PCR assay for detection of T. gondii DNA in brain samples. The infecting T. gondii strains were genotyped whenever possible by the analysis of 15 microsatellite markers. We found (i) a very poor concordance between molecular detection and serology in the invasive house mouse, (ii) significantly different levels of prevalence by species and (iii) the autochthonous T. gondii Africa 1 lineage strains, which are lethal for laboratory mice, only in the native African species of commensal small mammals. Overall, this study highlights the need to reconsider the use of MAT serology in natural populations of house mice and provides the first known data about T. gondii genetic diversity in invasive and native species of small mammals from Africa. In light of these results, we discuss the role of invasive and native species, with their variable adaptations to different T. gondii strains, in shaping the spatial structure of T. gondii genetic diversity in Africa.
Collapse
|
9
|
Rêgo WMF, Costa JGL, Baraviera RCA, Pinto LV, Bessa GL, Lopes REN, Silveira JAG, Vitor RWA. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from free-living wild birds rescued in Southeastern Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 7:432-438. [PMID: 30479944 PMCID: PMC6240670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies carried out in Brazil have shown that strains from the same Toxoplasma gondii genotype can infect humans, domestic animals (dogs and cats) and animals slaughtered for human consumption (pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens), suggesting a common infection route. However, little is known about the importance of free-living wild birds within this epidemiological context. The objective of this work was to isolate, genotype, and evaluate the virulence for mice of new isolates of T. gondii obtained from free-living wild birds from the state of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. From August 2016 to June 2017, T. gondii was isolated from the hearts and brains collected from 6 out of 45 free-living wild birds, namely, a roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), a campo flicker (Colaptes campestris), a southern caracara (Caracara plancus) and a tropical screech-owl (Megascops choliba), all rescued in Belo Horizonte. One isolate was obtained from a toco toucan (Ramphastos toco), rescued in Cristiano Otoni, and another was obtained from southern caracara, rescued in Santa Luzia. Five different genotypes were identified by PCR-RFLP. A unique genotype was shared in two different isolates obtained from a southern caracara and a toco toucan. This genotype has never been previously described in any other host or place. Three isolates were classified as of intermediary virulence and three isolates as avirulent for mice. The combined analysis of alleles ROP18/ROP5 (a serine/threonine kinase, and a polymorphic pseudokinase, respectively) was effective in determining the virulence of five of all the isolates with the exception of that from R. magnirostris. Atypical isolates of T. gondii obtained from free-living wild birds rescued in the state of Minas Gerais share the same genotypes of strains that infect humans, domestic animals, and animals slaughtered for human consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W M F Rêgo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - J G L Costa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - R C A Baraviera
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - L V Pinto
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - G L Bessa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - R E N Lopes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - J A G Silveira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - R W A Vitor
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ICB-UFMG), CEP, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Brouat C, Diagne CA, Ismaïl K, Aroussi A, Dalecky A, Bâ K, Kane M, Niang Y, Diallo M, Sow A, Galal L, Piry S, Dardé ML, Mercier A. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in commensal rodents sampled across Senegal, West Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:32. [PMID: 30016257 PMCID: PMC6050035 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2018036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Risks related to Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans remain poorly known in Senegal. Although rodent surveys could help to assess the circulation of T. gondii, they have seldom been set up in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to examine Toxoplasma seroprevalence in rodents from villages and towns across Senegal. Rodents were sampled in 40 localities using a standardised trapping protocol. Detection of T. gondii antibodies was performed on 1205 rodents, using a modified agglutination test (MAT) technique. Seroprevalence data were analysed depending on geography, the local rodent community, and individual characteristics of the rodent hosts. We found 44 seropositive rodents from four different species (Mastomys erythroleucus, Mastomys natalensis, Mus musculus domesticus, Rattus rattus). Toxoplasma seroprevalence was low, averaging 4% in the localities. Higher Toxoplasma seroprevalence (up to 24%) was found in northern Senegal, a region known to be the heart of pastoral herding in the country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carine Brouat
- CBGP, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Univ. Montpellier, 755 avenue du campus Agropolis, 34988 Montferrier-sur-Lez cedex, France
| | - Christophe Amidi Diagne
- CBGP, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Univ. Montpellier, 755 avenue du campus Agropolis, 34988 Montferrier-sur-Lez cedex, France - BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, Campus de Bel-Air, BP 1386, Dakar CP 18524, Senegal
| | - Khadija Ismaïl
- UMR-S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, INSERM, Univ. Limoges, 2 rue du Dr Marcland, 87025 Limoges, France
| | - Abdelkrim Aroussi
- UMR-S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, INSERM, Univ. Limoges, 2 rue du Dr Marcland, 87025 Limoges, France
| | - Ambroise Dalecky
- LPED, IRD, Aix Marseille Univ., Centre St Charles, case 10, 3 place Victor Hugo, CS 80249, 13331 Marseille cedex 03, France
| | - Khalilou Bâ
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, Campus de Bel-Air, BP 1386, Dakar CP 18524, Senegal
| | - Mamadou Kane
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, Campus de Bel-Air, BP 1386, Dakar CP 18524, Senegal
| | - Youssoupha Niang
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, Campus de Bel-Air, BP 1386, Dakar CP 18524, Senegal
| | - Mamoudou Diallo
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, Campus de Bel-Air, BP 1386, Dakar CP 18524, Senegal
| | - Aliou Sow
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, Campus de Bel-Air, BP 1386, Dakar CP 18524, Senegal
| | - Lokman Galal
- UMR-S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, INSERM, Univ. Limoges, 2 rue du Dr Marcland, 87025 Limoges, France
| | - Sylvain Piry
- CBGP, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Univ. Montpellier, 755 avenue du campus Agropolis, 34988 Montferrier-sur-Lez cedex, France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- UMR-S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, INSERM, Univ. Limoges, 2 rue du Dr Marcland, 87025 Limoges, France
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- UMR-S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, INSERM, Univ. Limoges, 2 rue du Dr Marcland, 87025 Limoges, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Santos SV, Pena HF, Talebi MG, Teixeira RH, Kanamura CT, Diaz-Delgado J, Gennari SM, Catão-Dias JL. Fatal toxoplasmosis in a southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides
) from São Paulo state, Brazil: Pathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular characterization. J Med Primatol 2017; 47:124-127. [DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stéfanie Vanessa Santos
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology; Department of Pathology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Hilda F.J. Pena
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Mauricio G. Talebi
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) - Campus Diadema; Diadema; São Paulo Brazil
| | | | | | - Josué Diaz-Delgado
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology; Department of Pathology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Solange M. Gennari
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology; Department of Pathology; School of Veterinary Medicine; University of São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hide G. Role of vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in prevalence of infection. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2016; 14:335-44. [PMID: 26807498 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2016.1146131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is a highly successful pathogen that infects around 30% of the global human population. Additionally, it is able to infect all warm blooded animals with high prevalence. This is surprising as it is a parasite of the cat and can only complete its full sexual cycle in that host. This review examines the important key routes of transmission: infective oocysts from the cat, ingestion of raw infected tissue and vertical transmission. The latter route of transmission has traditionally been thought to be rare. In this review, this assumption is examined and discussed in the light of the current literature. The available evidence points to the possibility that vertical transmission occurs frequently in natural populations of mice however the evidence in sheep is currently ambivalent and controversial. In humans, the situation appears as though vertical transmission may be rare although there is still much that is unexplained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoff Hide
- a Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre and Biomedical Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences , University of Salford , Salford , UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Haq SZ, Abushahama MS, Gerwash O, Hughes JM, Wright EA, Elmahaishi MS, Lun ZR, Thomasson D, Hide G. High frequency detection ofToxoplasma gondiiDNA in human neonatal tissue from Libya. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2016; 110:551-557. [DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trw064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
|
14
|
Sousa I, Pena H, Santos L, Gennari S, Costa F. First isolation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii from free-range chickens on São Luis island, Maranhão state, Brazil, with a new genotype described. Vet Parasitol 2016; 223:159-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
15
|
Ruffolo BB, Toledo RDS, Martins FDC, Bugni FM, Costa LD, Marana ERM, Navarro IT, Garcia JL, Su C, Freire RL. ISOLATION AND GENOTYPING OF Toxoplasma gondii IN SERONEGATIVE URBAN RATS AND PRESENCE OF ANTIBODIES IN COMMUNICATING DOGS IN BRAZIL. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 58:28. [PMID: 27074322 PMCID: PMC4826081 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of rodents in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis was investigated in
Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil. One hundred and
eighty-one Rattus rattus and one Mus musculus were
caught in 37 places. Blood and tissues were collected and submitted to the indirect
fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and the bioassay. Serum samples from 61 contacting
dogs were also collected. Sixteen rats (8.8%) were positive for Toxoplasma
gondii, but just two of them were positive by serology and bioassay test.
Antibodies were found in nine (4.9%) rats. Tissues of nine rats bioassayed were
positive and four isolates were obtained. Restriction fragment length polymorphism
(RFLP) analysis was performed using 12 markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG2-alt, C22-8, C29-2,
L358, PK1, BTUB, GRA6, SAG3, Apico, CS3). Genotyping revealed that the four strains
isolated from this study have been isolated before in cats and chickens from Brazil.
None of the isolates was identified like clonal archetypal T-types I, II, and III.
The rats presented lower serologic Toxoplasma gondii prevalence
(8.8%) compared to contacting dogs (70.5%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bergamo Ruffolo
- Programa de pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, , , , ,
| | - Roberta dos Santos Toledo
- Programa de pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, , , , ,
| | | | - Felipe Monteiro Bugni
- Programa de pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, , , , ,
| | - Letícia da Costa
- Programa de pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, , , , ,
| | - Elizabete Regina Marangoni Marana
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, , , ,
| | - Italmar Teodorico Navarro
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, , , ,
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, , , ,
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States,
| | - Roberta Lemos Freire
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil, , , ,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Species or local environment, what determines the infection of rodents by Toxoplasma gondii? Parasitology 2013; 141:259-68. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182013001522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYToxoplasmosis is largely present in rural areas but its spatial distribution in this environment remains poorly known. In particular, it is unclear if areas of high density of cats, the only hosts excreting Toxoplasma gondii, constitute foci of high prevalence. To improve our understanding of the spatial distribution of T. gondii in rural areas, we performed a serological survey in rodents from two villages in France. We trapped 710 rodents including commensal rats and meadow or forest voles and mice. The presence of T. gondii was examined using PCR, mice inoculation and modified agglutination test for antibodies (MAT). We conducted multivariate and discriminant analyses to identify biological, ecological or spatial variables that could explain T. gondii serology in rodents. We then used a logistic regression to assess the relative influence of each explanatory variable. Overall seroprevalence was 4·1%. Commensal-rats were more infected (12·5%) than non-commensal species (3·7%). However, the major determinant of the risk of infection was the distance to the nearest farm (OR = 0·75 for 100 m), which explained the risk in all species or non-commensal species only. We contrast the role of species characteristics and that of the local environment, and discuss the risk of environmental contamination for humans.
Collapse
|
17
|
Mercier A, Garba M, Bonnabau H, Kane M, Rossi JP, Darde ML, Dobigny G. Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in urban rodents: a survey in Niamey, Niger. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 108:399-407. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-0276108042013002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Madougou Garba
- Centre Regional AGRHYMET; Universite Abdou Moumouni; Direction Generale de la Protection des Vegetaux
| | | | - Mamadou Kane
- Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations
| | | | | | - Gauthier Dobigny
- Centre Regional AGRHYMET; International de Baillarguet Montferrier-sur-Lez
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Evers F, Garcia JL, Navarro IT, Zulpo DL, Nino BDSL, Ewald MPDC, Pagliari S, Almeida JCD, Freire RL. Diagnosis and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii in horses from Brazilian slaughterhouses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 22:58-63. [PMID: 23538498 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612013005000009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and to isolate the parasite from the brains of horses processed at slaughterhouses in Brazil. We collected brain and blood samples from 398 horses of various ages, from six Brazilian states. Serum samples were evaluated by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT cut-off titre ≥ 1:64), and brains were submitted to mouse bioassay. Among the 398 horses, positivity for T. gondii was identified in 46 (11.6%) by IFAT and in 14 (3.5%) by mouse bioassay. In 12 of those 14 bioassays, mice were positive only by IFAT (cut-off titre ≥ 1:16), T. gondii being isolated in the remaining two. Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of 18S rDNA to differentiate among T. gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis neurona, we found that two of the 14 brains were positive for T. gondii only. For genotyping of the two isolates and the PCR-positive brain, we performed PCR-RFLP based on 13 markers, and SAG2 all samples were Toxoplasma gondii type I. Collectively, IFAT of horse sera and mouse bioassay identified positivity in 60 (15%) of the samples. Our results show that some horses sent to slaughter in Brazil have been exposed to T. gondii.
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
Toxoplasmosis in humans and animals in Brazil: high prevalence, high burden of disease, and epidemiology. Parasitology 2012; 139:1375-424. [PMID: 22776427 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182012000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Infections by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii are widely prevalent in humans and animals in Brazil. The burden of clinical toxoplasmosis in humans is considered to be very high. The high prevalence and encouragement of the Brazilian Government provides a unique opportunity for international groups to study the epidemiology and control of toxoplasmosis in Brazil. Many early papers on toxoplasmosis in Brazil were published in Portuguese and often not available to scientists in English-speaking countries. In the present paper we review prevalence, clinical spectrum, molecular epidemiology, and control of T. gondii in humans and animals in Brazil. This knowledge should be useful to biologists, public health workers, veterinarians, and physicians. Brazil has a very high rate of T. gondii infection in humans. Up to 50% of elementary school children and 50-80% of women of child-bearing age have antibodies to T. gondii. The risks for uninfected women to acquire toxoplasmosis during pregnancy and fetal transmission are high because the environment is highly contaminated with oocysts. The burden of toxoplasmosis in congenitally infected children is also very high. From limited data on screening of infants for T. gondii IgM at birth, 5-23 children are born infected per 10 000 live births in Brazil. Based on an estimate of 1 infected child per 1000 births, 2649 children with congenital toxoplasmosis are likely to be born annually in Brazil. Most of these infected children are likely to develop symptoms or signs of clinical toxoplasmosis. Among the congenitally infected children whose clinical data are described in this review, several died soon after birth, 35% had neurological disease including hydrocephalus, microcephaly and mental retardation, 80% had ocular lesions, and in one report 40% of children had hearing loss. The severity of clinical toxoplasmosis in Brazilian children may be associated with the genetic characteristics of T. gondii isolates prevailing in animals and humans in Brazil.
Collapse
|
21
|
Muradian V, Ferreira LR, Lopes EG, de Oliveira Esmerini P, de Jesus Pena HF, Soares RM, Gennari SM. A Survey of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Urban Rodents from Brazil. J Parasitol 2012; 98:128-34. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-2817.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
22
|
Wendte JM, Gibson AK, Grigg ME. Population genetics of Toxoplasma gondii: new perspectives from parasite genotypes in wildlife. Vet Parasitol 2011; 182:96-111. [PMID: 21824730 PMCID: PMC3430134 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoal parasite, is well-known for its global distribution and its ability to infect virtually all warm-blooded vertebrates. Nonetheless, attempts to describe the population structure of T. gondii have been primarily limited to samples isolated from humans and domesticated animals. More recent studies, however, have made efforts to characterize T. gondii isolates from a wider range of host species and geographic locales. These findings have dramatically changed our perception of the extent of genetic diversity in T. gondii and the relative roles of sexual recombination and clonal propagation in the parasite's lifecycle. In particular, identification of novel, disease-causing T. gondii strains in wildlife has raised concerns from both a conservation and public health perspective as to whether distinct domestic and sylvatic parasite gene pools exist. If so, overlap of these cycles may represent regions of high probability of disease emergence. Here, we attempt to answer these key questions by reviewing recent studies of T. gondii infections in wildlife, highlighting those which have advanced our understanding of the genetic diversity and population biology of this important zoonotic pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jered M. Wendte
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA
| | - Amanda K. Gibson
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Stillwater, OK, 74074, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Prevalence and co-infection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Apodemus sylvaticus in an area relatively free of cats. Parasitology 2011; 138:1117-23. [PMID: 21756421 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011000904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent worldwide and can infect a remarkably wide range of hosts despite felids being the only definitive host. As cats play a major role in transmission to secondary mammalian hosts, the interaction between cats and these hosts should be a major factor determining final prevalence in the secondary host. This study investigates the prevalence of T. gondii in a natural population of Apodemus sylvaticus collected from an area with low cat density (<2·5 cats/km2). A surprisingly high prevalence of 40·78% (95% CI: 34·07%-47·79%) was observed despite this. A comparable level of prevalence was observed in a previously published study using the same approaches where a prevalence of 59% (95% CI: 50·13%-67·87%) was observed in a natural population of Mus domesticus from an area with high cat density (>500 cats/km2). Detection of infected foetuses from pregnant dams in both populations suggests that congenital transmission may enable persistence of infection in the absence of cats. The prevalences of the related parasite, Neospora caninum were found to be low in both populations (A. sylvaticus: 3·39% (95% CI: 0·12%-6·66%); M. domesticus: 3·08% (95% CI: 0·11%-6·05%)). These results suggest that cat density may have a lower than expected effect on final prevalence in these ecosystems.
Collapse
|