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de Oliveira UV, de Magalhães VCS, Costa SCL, Allaman IB, Munhoz AD. Fluctuations of antibody serum titers for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in naturally infected crossbred cows during gestation. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2023; 45:e003023. [PMID: 38162819 PMCID: PMC10756150 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm003023] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the fluctuations of antibody serum titers for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in naturally infected crossbred cows during gestation and to investigate transplacental transmission of T. gondii; 51 cows were monitored during pregnancy by monthly serologic testing by indirect fluorescent antibody test. 33 cows were seronegative for both N. caninum and T. gondii, 10 were seropositive only for N. caninum, 5 were seropositive only for T. gondii, and 3 were seropositive for both N. caninum and T. gondii. In both protozoan infections, great variation in antibody levels in pregnant cows was observed, and there was significant increase (p<0.05) in the comparison between the averages of serological titration per trimester. There was a significant correlation (p<0.05) between month and probability of seropositivity for T. gondii. We conclude that pregnancy influences antibody titers of crossbred cows naturally infected with N. caninum and/or T. gondii, and that serologic testing for T. gondii in pregnant cows from the sixth month of gestation onward may decrease the number of false negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sônia Carmen Lopo Costa
- Veterinarian, Departamento de Agricultura e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, Brasil.
| | - Ivan Bezerra Allaman
- Zootechnics, Departamento de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil.
| | - Alexandre Dias Munhoz
- Veterinarian, Departamento de Agricultura e Meio Ambiente, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, BA, Brasil.
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2
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Mazwi KD, Kolo FB, Jaja IF, Bokaba RP, Ngoshe YB, Hassim A, Neves L, van Heerden H. Serological Evidence and Coexposure of Selected Infections among Livestock Slaughtered at Eastern Cape Abattoirs in South Africa. Int J Microbiol 2023; 2023:8906971. [PMID: 38077996 PMCID: PMC10708957 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8906971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic infections were investigated in a cross-sectional study on asymptomatic livestock slaughtered in abattoirs in the Eastern Cape. Antibodies against Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Toxoplasma gondii, and the coexposure were investigated in sera using serological tests. A total of 565 animals comprising of 280 cattle, 200 sheep, and 85 pigs were screened using RBT, iELISA, CFT, and AMOS-PCR. The Mast® Toxoreagent test and iELISA were used for the detection of T. gondii and C. burnetii, respectively. The Brucella positivity based on at least two tests was 4.3% (12/280), 1.0% (2/200), and 0.0% (0/85) in cattle, sheep, and pigs, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity of 37.90% (106/280), 1.50% (3/200), and 7.10% (6/85) was observed in cattle, sheep, and pigs, respectively. Coxiella burnetii seropositivity of 26.40% (74/280), 15.00% (30/200), and 2.40% (2/85) was observed in cattle, sheep, and pigs, respectively. Coexposure was detected in cattle for positivity against C. burnetii and T. gondii 40.54%, Brucella spp. and T. gondii 1.35%, and Brucella spp. and C. burnetii 4.05%. Coexposure for Brucella spp., C. burnetii, and T. gondii 4.05% was detected in cattle. Coexposure of Brucella spp. and C. burnetii 6.67% was detected in sheep. The AMOS-PCR identified B. abortus in cattle and a mixed infection of B. abortus and B. melitensis in sheep in 64.71% seropositive samples. To our knowledge, the coexposure of Brucella spp., T. gondii, and C. burnetii in cattle has not been reported. Coexposure of Brucella spp. and C. burnetii in cattle and sheep is significant as it results in reproductive losses and constitutes an infectious risk to humans. The detection of antibodies against multiple zoonotic infections in livestock from abattoirs has implications for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. D. Mazwi
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - F. B. Kolo
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - I. F. Jaja
- Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, University of South Africa, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - R. P. Bokaba
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Y. B. Ngoshe
- Epidemiology Section, Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - A. Hassim
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - L. Neves
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - H. van Heerden
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa
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Jia T, Zhang TH, Yu LM, Wang ZR, Zheng WB, Liu Q, Zhu XQ, Wang ZB, Gao WW. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and cattle in Shanxi Province, North China. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2023; 43:100897. [PMID: 37451755 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, posing significant economic losses to the livestock industry. As a major livestock province, little is known of the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and cattle in Shanxi Province, North China. In this study, a total of 1962 blood samples from cattle (n = 978) and sheep (n = 984), collected from 11 administrative cities in Shanxi Province, were examined for antibodies against T. gondii by using the indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits commercially available. The results showed that antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 306 of the 978 cattle serum samples (31.29%, 95% CI 28.38-34.19), ranging from 12.64% to 60.00% among the different cities. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep was 17.78% (175/984, 95% CI 15.40-20.17), ranging from 2.22% to 41.11% among the different administrative cities. The T. gondii seroprevalence was associated with the management mode and geographical location. This is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in cattle and sheep in Shanxi Province, North China, which provides baseline data to plan future control strategies for T. gondii infection in this province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jia
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Tian-Hong Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Lin-Mei Yu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Zi-Rui Wang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.
| | - Zhong-Bing Wang
- Veterinary laboratory, Shanxi Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Taiyuan, China.
| | - Wen-Wei Gao
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China.
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Jiang Y, Xin S, Ma Y, Zhang H, Yang X, Yang Y. Low Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Sheep and Isolation of a Viable Strain from Edible Mutton from Central China. Pathogens 2023; 12:827. [PMID: 37375517 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sheep are highly susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii, and miscarriage is the main clinical feature. This study investigated 227 sheep samples (210 myocardial tissues from slaughterhouses, 6 ewe serum samples, 3 aborted fetuses, and 8 dead lambs from veterinary clinics) from central China for T. gondii infection. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the modified agglutination test (MAT). PCR was performed to detect T. gondii DNA in the tissue samples. The results showed that four samples were seropositive (MAT titer ≥ 1:100), with a seroprevalence of 1.8% (4/227). The seropositive samples included two myocardial samples from a slaughterhouse, one ewe and its aborted fetus from a veterinary clinic. The results revealed that 7 out of 207 (3.4%) sheep tissue samples were PCR-positive, including two myocardial tissue samples from slaughterhouses, three aborted fetuses, and two lambs from veterinary clinics. Toxoplasma gondii vertical transmission had occurred in two of three pairs of ewes and her pups. One viable T. gondii strain (TgSheepCHn14) was isolated from the myocardial tissues of sheep from a slaughterhouse. Tachyzoites were obtained from cell cultures at 70 days following seeding in the brains and lungs of mice. This strain was non-lethal to Swiss mice. The number of parasite brain cysts in mice decreased with time post-infection (p < 0.05). Overall, the prevalence of T. gondii in the sheep samples was low. Although the samples were scattered, and not from planned collections, the current study detected T. gondii antibodies and DNA in aborted fetuses, indicating that vertical transmission could occur and maintain the parasites in sheep herds without exogenous infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibao Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Shilin Xin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yiheng Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yurong Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
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Maia ARA, Bezerra RA, Silva SS, Álvares FBV, Santos CDSAB, Alves CJ, Clementino IJ, Feitosa TF, Vilela VLR, Azevedo SSD. Herd-level based seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii in cows in the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2023; 32:e017222. [PMID: 37194788 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to determine the herd and animal levels seroprevalence and associated factors for Toxoplasma gondii infections in cattle from the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. Herds (n = 434) and cows aged ≥ 24 months (n = 1,895) were randomly selected, and serum samples were tested with the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using as cutoff of 64. Of the 434 farms investigated, 197 had at least one seropositive cow (prevalence of 49.0%; 95% CI = 44.3%-53.8%), and the prevalence at animal level was 18.0% (95% CI = 5.3%-21.1%). The antibody titers ranged from 64 to 1024, with the most frequent titers being 64 (10.8%) and 128 (3.7%). The risk factors identified were property located in Sertão region (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07), property located in Agreste/Zona da Mata regions (OR = 2.00), animal purchasing (OR = 2.68), herd size of 34-111 animals (OR = 2.91) and herd size > 111 animals (OR = 6.97). The results suggest the wide distribution of T. gondii infections in cattle throughout the state of Paraíba, and the risk factors identified are not possible to correct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Rafaela Alves Maia
- Unidade Acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Roberto Alves Bezerra
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Doenças Infectocontagiosas, Instituto Federal da Paraíba - IFPB, Sousa, PB, Brasil
| | - Samara Santos Silva
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Doenças Infectocontagiosas, Instituto Federal da Paraíba - IFPB, Sousa, PB, Brasil
| | | | | | - Clebert José Alves
- Unidade Acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
| | - Inácio José Clementino
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB, Areia, PB, Brasil
| | - Thais Ferreira Feitosa
- Laboratório de Imunologia e Doenças Infectocontagiosas, Instituto Federal da Paraíba - IFPB, Sousa, PB, Brasil
| | | | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Unidade Acadêmica de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande - UFCG, Patos, PB, Brasil
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Liu YM, Zhang YY, Wang L, Wang HY, Li CH, Jiang YH, Sun WW. Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Raw Milk and Sera of Cows in China. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101079. [PMID: 36297135 PMCID: PMC9611966 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide food-borne protozoa that has harmful influences on animal and human health. Raw milk containing T. gondii has been considered as one of the possible infectious sources for humans. Although China is one of the world’s leading milk consumers, there is still no study to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in raw cow milk in China; especially for cows in rural areas. Thus, we conducted this study to examine the specific anti-T. gondii IgG-antibody in the raw milk and sera of domestic cows in China. In total, 894 cows were randomly selected from rural areas in northeastern China. The positive rate of T. gondii in the milk and serum samples were 6.38% (57/894) and 7.16% (64/894), respectively. Moreover, a history of abortion (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.11–3.72, p = 0.022) was identified as the only risk factor for T. gondii infection in the studied cows. This study investigated the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the raw milk and sera of cows in China; it provided timely and useful data for public health and food safety, especially in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Min Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin 132101, China
| | - Yang-Yang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin 132101, China
| | - Lu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Intelligent Research Center of Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Hai-Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin 132101, China
| | - Chun-Hua Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin 132101, China
| | - Yu-Hang Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Wu-Wen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
- Correspondence:
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Akbar H, Shabbir MZ, Ullah U, Rashid MI. Serological Investigation of Bovine Toxoplasmosis Using Commercial and Indigenous ELISA Kits While Validating Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA Kit. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162067. [PMID: 36009657 PMCID: PMC9405383 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by T. gondii infection. The main aims of this study were to assess the seropositivity to toxoplasmosis of an exotic breed of cattle (n = 400) from different farms using the Latex Agglutination Test, validate the Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit with the help of the commercially available ELISA kit and compare the efficacy of the LAT and Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit for assessing seropositivity of cattle to toxoplasmosis. Four hundred cattle sera were collected from an exotic breed of cattle in Pakistan. These sera were evaluated through an LAT and Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit. Of 400 samples, 90 were elected and screened through a commercially available ELISA kit. The sensitivity and specificity of the Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit came out to be 100% and 96.15%, and in LAT, it was found as 26.31% and 61.53%, respectively. The Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit revealed 29.75% (119/400) seropositivity, 6% less than that found through LAT. The results of this study show that Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit is a highly accurate and reliable serodiagnostic tool to diagnose bovine toxoplasmosis. Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis in warm-blooded vertebrates, globally. The main aims of this study were to assess the seropositivity to toxoplasmosis of an exotic breed of cattle (n = 400) from different farms using the Latex Agglutination Test and validate Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit. Of a total of 400 cattle sera that were evaluated by LAT, 143 (35.75%) were found positive. Based on these data, 90 samples (n = 60 seronegative by LAT; n = 30 seropositive by LAT) were elected for screening through a commercially available ELISA kit. The same 90 samples were screened through a Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit for validation purposes. Of 90 samples, 40 were seropositive in the Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit (100% sensitivity), and 38 were seropositive in a commercially available ELISA kit. All 50 samples in the Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit (96.15% specificity) were also seronegative in the commercially available ELISA kit. Hence, the sensitivity and specificity of the Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit came out to be 100% and 96.15%, and in LAT, it was found as 26.31% and 61.53%, respectively. Therefore, the Cattle Toxo IgG ELISA kit is a highly reliable serodiagnostic tool to diagnose bovine toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haroon Akbar
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (S.-u.-R.); (H.A.)
| | - Muhammad Zubair Shabbir
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ubaid Ullah
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
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Gossner A, Hassan MA. Transcriptional Analyses Identify Genes That Modulate Bovine Macrophage Response to Toxoplasma Infection and Immune Stimulation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:437. [PMID: 33014886 PMCID: PMC7508302 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is highly prevalent among livestock species. Although cattle are generally resistant to Toxoplasma strains circulating in Europe and North America, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we report that bovine bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) pre-stimulated with interferon gamma (IFNγ) restricts intracellular Toxoplasma growth independently of nitric oxide. While Toxoplasma promoted the expression of genes associated with alternative macrophage activation and lipid metabolism, IFNγ abrogated parasite-induced transcriptional responses and promoted the expression of genes linked to the classical macrophage activation phenotype. Additionally, several chemokines, including CCL22, that are linked to parasite-induced activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling were highly expressed in Toxoplasma-exposed naïve BMDMs. A chemical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway antagonist (IWR-1-endo) significantly reduced intracellular parasite burden in naïve BMDMs, suggesting that Toxoplasma activates this pathway to evade bovine macrophage anti-parasitic responses. Congruently, intracellular burden of a mutant Toxoplasma strain (RHΔASP5) that does not secrete dense granule proteins into the host cell, which is an essential requirement for parasite-induced activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, was significantly reduced in naïve BMDMs. However, both the Wnt/β-catenin antagonist and RHASPΔ5 did not abolish parasite burden differences in naïve and IFNγ-stimulated BMDMs. Finally, we observed that parasites infecting IFNγ-stimulated BMDMs largely express genes associated with the slow dividing bradyzoite stage. Overall, this study provides novel insights into bovine macrophage transcriptional response to Toxoplasma. It establishes a foundation for a mechanistic analysis IFNγ-induced bovine anti-Toxoplasma responses and the counteracting Toxoplasma survival strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Gossner
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Musa A Hassan
- Division of Infection and Immunity, The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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9
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Immediate Interferon Gamma Induction Determines Murine Host Compatibility Differences between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00027-20. [PMID: 32014892 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00027-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rodents are critical for the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii to the definitive feline host via predation, and this relationship has been extensively studied as a model for immune responses to parasites. Neospora caninum is a closely related coccidian parasite of ruminants and canines but is not naturally transmitted by rodents. We compared mouse innate immune responses to N. caninum and T. gondii and found marked differences in cytokine levels and parasite growth kinetics during the first 24 h postinfection (hpi). N. caninum-infected mice produced significantly higher levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) by as early as 4 hpi, but the level of IFN-γ was significantly lower or undetectable in T. gondii-infected mice during the first 24 hpi. "Immediate" IFN-γ and IL-12p40 production was not detected in MyD88-/- mice. However, unlike IL-12p40-/- and IFN-γ-/- mice, MyD88-/- mice survived N. caninum infections at the dose used in this study. Serial measures of parasite burden showed that MyD88-/- mice were more susceptible to N. caninum infections than wild-type (WT) mice, and control of parasite burdens correlated with a pulse of serum IFN-γ at 3 to 4 days postinfection in the absence of detectable IL-12. Immediate IFN-γ was partially dependent on the T. gondii mouse profilin receptor Toll-like receptor 11 (TLR11), but the ectopic expression of N. caninum profilin in T. gondii had no impact on early IFN-γ production or parasite proliferation. Our data indicate that T. gondii is capable of evading host detection during the first hours after infection, while N. caninum is not, and this is likely due to the early MyD88-dependent recognition of ligands other than profilin.
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Gomes DFC, Krawczak FDS, Oliveira CHSD, Ferreira Júnior Á, Fernandes ÉKK, Lopes WDZ, Sevá ADP, Gennari SM. Toxoplasma gondii in cattle in Brazil: a review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 29:e015719. [PMID: 32049142 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612019106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan that is frequently found in both humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this review was to list important aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle in Brazil. The frequency of occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in Brazilian cattle ranges from 1 to 89.1%, depending on the region evaluated, based on data from 1978 to 2018. However, some characteristics of T. gondii infection in cattle remain uncertain, such as the role of meat intake in transmitting the parasite to humans. Most information regarding T. gondii infection among Brazilian cattle is limited to evaluations of the frequency of occurrence of antibodies. About 70% of the diagnoses of infection in these ruminants in Brazil are made via the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Nevertheless, little is known about the population structure of this protozoan in cattle. It is necessary to expand the studies on toxoplasmosis in cattle, in order to better understand T. gondii infection in these animals and its implications for Brazilian public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella Ferreira Cordeiro Gomes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Setor de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - Felipe da Silva Krawczak
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Setor de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - Cairo Henrique Sousa de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Setor de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, Goiânia, GO, Brasil.,Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento, 3º Serviço de Inspeção de Produtos de Origem Animal, Goiás, GO, Brasil
| | - Álvaro Ferreira Júnior
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Setor de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - Éverton Kort Kamp Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência Animal, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás - UFG, Goiânia, GO, Brasil
| | - Anaiá da Paixão Sevá
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brasil
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Curso de Mestrado em Medicina e Bem-Estar Animal, Universidade Santo Amaro - UNISA, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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11
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Dong H, Lu YY, Su RJ, Wang YH, Wang MY, Jiang YB, Yang YR. Low prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in dairy cattle from China's central region. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:315. [PMID: 30340586 PMCID: PMC6194598 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1629-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan that can infect humans and other animals, including cattle. Cattle are one of the world’s main sources of meat, and people who consume raw or undercooked meat and milk of cattle infected with T. gondii can become infected. In this study, a total of 5292 dairy cattle serum samples, collected from 17 cities (Henan Province, China) from January 2015 to September 2017, were screened for antibodies against T. gondii. Results Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 1.93% (102/5292) (95% CI, 1.56–2.30) of dairy cattle using a modified agglutination test (cut-off 1:100). The results showed that geographic location and season may be risk factors for T. gondii infection of cattle (P < 0.05), and the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cattle along the Yellow River is higher than other areas. Conclusions This is the first large-scale investigation on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in cattle from Central China. This survey shows that the T. gondii infection rate of dairy cattle is low; however, these findings provide additional information on the epidemiology of Chinese T. gondii. The possibility of dairy cattle exposure to T. gondii in Central China can not be ignored, and the consumption of raw or undercooked beef or milk may pose a risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Dong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Yao Lu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Jing Su
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Hua Wang
- Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Meng Yao Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Bao Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Rong Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Rizzo H, Villalobos EMC, Meira Júnior EB, Marques EC, Beraldi F, Gregory L. Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e anti-Neospora caninum em ovinos com distúrbios reprodutivos e fatores de risco. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-4174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência, sinais clínicos e fatores de risco associados a soropositividade para Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em ovinos. Foram utilizados 294 animais com histórico de distúrbios reprodutivos de 28 fazendas do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, diagnosticados através da imunofluorescência indireta (1:64 e 1:50). A ocorrência de T. gondii foi de 29,9% (88/294) e de N. caninum 18% (53/294), sendo 3,7% (11/294) dos ovinos soropositivos para ambos. Observou-se com maiores chances à infecção pelo T. gondii: ovinos mestiços (p=0,04), Santa Inês (p=0,006), fornecimento de pastagem (p<0,001) ou associada a concentrado (p<0,001), uso exclusivamente de monta natural (p=0,002, OR=2,28 e IC95%=1,37-3,79) e a presença de aves nas propriedades (p=0,001). Na infecção por N. caninum essa chance aumentou em: fêmeas (p=0,031), propriedades sem aprisco (p<0,001) e sistema de criação semi-intensivo (p<0,001). Em relação ao histórico de problemas reprodutivos, ovelhas infectadas pelo N. caninum e T. gondii apresentaram redução da chance de apresentarem abortamento (p=0,044) e repetição de estro (p=0,025) respectivamente. O T. gondii esteve mais presente sorologicamente que o N. caninum em ovinos com histórico de distúrbios reprodutivos e apesar de suas semelhanças, diferiram epidemiologicamente em aspectos relacionados as características da criação como raça, sexo, sistema de criação, tipo de alimentação e manejo reprodutivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huber Rizzo
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil
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High seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in goats in Jharkhand state of India. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2018; 12:61-68. [PMID: 31014811 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an important food borne zoonosis worldwide. Although goat meat constitutes an important dietary protein source, improperly cooked meat is a potential source of infection to humans. Data on prevalence of toxoplasma in goat is scanty from India. Serological detection is the practical option for prevalence studies on T. gondii, as no biological stage of the parasite is present in the clinical materials from the intermediate hosts. The present study was undertaken in the Jharkhand state of India which is largely inhabited by economically weaker aborigine population, who depend largely on animal husbandry for livelihood. A total of 445 serum samples were collected for testing, which represented goats under intensive and free range system of rearing. T. gondii specific IgG antibodies were detected in 42.47% (n = 189) samples by rSAG1 based indirect ELISA. The seroprevalence data were analyzed in respect of age, sex, breed of the goats and altitude of the study area as well as rearing conditions of the animals to establish correlation, if any. Though age and sex of the animals had a direct correlation with infection, the same could not be established with the other factors. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic ELISA were compared with IFAT, as well as with a commercially available ELISA kit. The rSAG1-ELISA had 92.66% sensitivity and 90.67% specificity with a positive predictive value of 86.77% and negative predictive value 94.92% when compared with IFAT, whereas when compared with the commercial ELISA kit, 87.50% sensitivity and 90.91% specificity with a positive predictive value of 91.30% and negative predictive value 86.96% were observed. Inter rater agreement (kappa) was calculated. rSAG1-ELISA showed good agreement with IFAT (kappa = 0.824) and commercially available ELISA Kit (kappa = 0.783). Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, revealed a larger area under curve (AUC) of 0.99 (95%CI, 0.97-1.0) when compared with IFAT as gold standard and a highest relative sensitivity 91.30 (95% CI 72-98.3) and specificity 1.0 (95% CI 85.2-100) for the cut off value of 0.6005. The present study revealed high seroprevalence of T. gondii in goats from Jharkhand, which has public health significance.
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da Silva Ramos T, de Jesus Pena HF, Dos Santos Junior AG, de Faria Santos LMJ, Cademartori BG, Oliveira S, Gennari SM, da Silva Ramos Rocha A, da Rosa Farias NA. Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from herds of sheep in southern Brazil reveals the archetypal type II genotype and new non-archetypal genotypes. Parasitol Int 2017; 67:59-63. [PMID: 28344154 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that, in Brazil and South America, strains of Toxoplasma gondii are often genotypically and biologically different from those found in countries on other continents. The objective of this study was to genotypically characterize T. gondii isolates from naturally infected sheep in herds in the southern region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, by means of the polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Five T. gondii isolates obtained from sheep in five municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul were used. Application of multilocus PCR-RFLP multilocus using 12 genetic markers (SAG1, 5'3' SAG2, alt. SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, c22-8, c29-2, GRA6, L358, PK1, APICO and CS3) revealed four different genotypes in the five isolates studied: clonal type II (TgOvBrRS4), type BrIV (TgOvBrRS2 and TgOvBrRS3) and two new non-archetypal genotypes, ToxoDB-RFLP#270 and #271 (TgOvBrRS1 and TgOvBrRS5, respectively). The genotype structure found in the T. gondii isolates from naturally infected sheep in the southern region of Brazil was revealed to have high diversity. This study confirms the presence of rare circulation of the clonal type II genotype in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana da Silva Ramos
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, University Campus, CEP 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Hilda Fátima de Jesus Pena
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, CEP 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Alceu Gonçalves Dos Santos Junior
- Postgraduate Veterinary Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas, University Campus, CEP 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Laura Maria Jorge de Faria Santos
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, University Campus, CEP 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Beatris Gonzales Cademartori
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, University Campus, CEP 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Solange Oliveira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, CEP 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, CEP 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andréa da Silva Ramos Rocha
- Health Sciences Center, Catholic University of Pelotas, Campus I, Rua Gonçalves Chaves 373, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Nara Amélia da Rosa Farias
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Pelotas, University Campus, CEP 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Neospora caninum Recruits Host Cell Structures to Its Parasitophorous Vacuole and Salvages Lipids from Organelles. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2015; 14:454-73. [PMID: 25750213 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00262-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, which cause the diseases toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, respectively, are two closely related apicomplexan parasites. They have similar heteroxenous life cycles and conserved genomes and share many metabolic features. Despite these similarities, T. gondii and N. caninum differ in their transmission strategies and zoonotic potential. Comparative analyses of the two parasites are important to identify the unique biological features that underlie the basis of host preference and pathogenicity. T. gondii and N. caninum are obligate intravacuolar parasites; in contrast to T. gondii, events that occur during N. caninum infection remain largely uncharacterized. We examined the capability of N. caninum (Liverpool isolate) to interact with host organelles and scavenge nutrients in comparison to that of T. gondii (RH strain). N. caninum reorganizes the host microtubular cytoskeleton and attracts endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, lysosomes, multivesicular bodies, and Golgi vesicles to its vacuole though with some notable differences from T. gondii. For example, the host ER gathers around the N. caninum parasitophorous vacuole (PV) but does not physically associate with the vacuolar membrane; the host Golgi apparatus surrounds the N. caninum PV but does not fragment into ministacks. N. caninum relies on plasma lipoproteins and scavenges cholesterol from NPC1-containing endocytic organelles. This parasite salvages sphingolipids from host Golgi Rab14 vesicles that it sequesters into its vacuole. Our data highlight a remarkable degree of conservation in the intracellular infection program of N. caninum and T. gondii. The minor differences between the two parasites related to the recruitment and rearrangement of host organelles around their vacuoles likely reflect divergent evolutionary paths.
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Sarvi S, Daryani A, Rahimi MT, Aarabi M, Shokri A, Ahmadpour E, Mizani A, Sharif M. Cattle toxoplasmosis in Iran: a systematic review and meta–analysis. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2015; 8:120-6. [DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(14)60301-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Verhelst D, De Craeye S, Entrican G, Dorny P, Cox E. Parasite distribution and associated immune response during the acute phase of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:293. [PMID: 25511864 PMCID: PMC4279818 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-014-0293-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many countries, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a major cause of reproductive disorders and abortions in the sheep industry, and therefore responsible for important financial and economic losses. In addition, undercooked infected lamb is an important risk factor for human toxoplasmosis. In the present study, the initial phase of the infection was investigated: the parasite's entry site, the subsequent distribution of the parasite and the host-immune response. RESULTS Parasite DNA was already detected in the cranial small intestinal mucosa the first days after oral infection with T. gondii tissue cysts. Simultaneously, high IFN-gamma and IL-12 responses were induced mainly in the mesenteric lymph nodes. The emergence of IgG1 (at 8dpi), and IgG2 (at 11 dpi) was accompanied by a decrease or even disappearance of the IFN-gamma and IL-12 response in the Peyers' patches (PP), PBMC's and popliteal LN's. Meanwhile the parasite DNA could be recovered from most mucosal and systemic tissues to become undetectable in the small intestine, popliteal LN, PBMC and spleen 3 weeks pi. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that parasites enter the cranial small intestine the first days after infection and that after an increase the first two weeks after infection, the parasite DNA levels in the intestine drop below the detection limit three weeks after infection. This coincides with an increase in parastic-specific serum IgG1 and IgG2 and a decrease of the antigen-specific IFN-gamma response in PP, PBMC and popliteal LN. We suggest a role for IFN-gamma and IL-12 in controlling the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfien Verhelst
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stéphane De Craeye
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Operational Direction Communicable and Infectious Diseases, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK.
| | - Pierre Dorny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Eric Cox
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Maciel B, Moura R, Carvalho F, Costa E, Albuquerque G. Identification and genetic characterization of a new Brazilian genotype of Toxoplasma gondii from sheep intended for human consumption. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:567-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Juránková J, Basso W, Neumayerová H, Baláž V, Jánová E, Sidler X, Deplazes P, Koudela B. Brain is the predilection site of Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally inoculated pigs as revealed by magnetic capture and real-time PCR. Food Microbiol 2014; 38:167-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2013.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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20
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Juránková J, Opsteegh M, Neumayerová H, Kovařčík K, Frencová A, Baláž V, Volf J, Koudela B. Quantification of Toxoplasma gondii in tissue samples of experimentally infected goats by magnetic capture and real-time PCR. Vet Parasitol 2013; 193:95-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Revised: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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21
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Macedo MFSBD, Macedo CABD, Ewald MPDC, Martins GF, Zulpo DL, Cunha IALD, Taroda A, Cardim ST, Su C, Garcia JL. Isolation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii from pregnant dairy cows (Bos taurus) slaughtered. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2012; 21:74-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612012000100016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The current study aimed to evaluate serology, and isolate and genotype Toxoplasma gondii strains from pregnant dairy cows, slaughtered in an abattoir for human consumption, and their fetuses. Blood from 60 pregnant dairy cows and blood and tissue samples (brain, lung, heart, and liver) from their fetuses were collected and analyzed in a mouse bioassay. Antibodies against T. gondii were observed in 48.3% of cows and 3.7% of fetuses (IFAT, titers ≥ 50 for cows and 25 for fetuses were considered positive). Fourteen fetuses (23.3%) and six cows (10.0%) were identified as positive in the bioassay. T. gondii was isolated from a blood sample of a cow older than 4 years old in the 6th month of pregnancy, and from a blood sample of a fetus in the 6th month of gestation. These isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as being of T. gondii and both strains showed type II alleles for all PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) markers tested. T. gondii type II strain from cattle was isolated for the first time in Brazil. The current study also showed that transplacental transmission of T. gondii naturally occurs in dairy cows (23.3%) from Southern Brazil.
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Hutchinson JP, Wear AR, Lambton SL, Smith RP, Pritchard GC. Survey to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii
infection in British sheep flocks. Vet Rec 2011; 169:582. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.d5764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Hutchinson
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) - Newcastle; Whitley Road NE12 9SE UK
| | - A. R. Wear
- Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) - Newcastle; Whitley Road NE12 9SE UK
| | - S. L. Lambton
- AHVLA - Weybridge; Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - R. P. Smith
- AHVLA - Weybridge; Woodham Lane, New Haw Addlestone Surrey KT15 3NB UK
| | - G. C. Pritchard
- AHVLA - Bury St Edmunds; Rougham Hill, Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk IP33 2RX UK
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Villena I, Durand B, Aubert D, Blaga R, Geers R, Thomas M, Perret C, Alliot A, Escotte-Binet S, Thébault A, Boireau P, Halos L. New strategy for the survey of Toxoplasma gondii in meat for human consumption. Vet Parasitol 2011; 183:203-8. [PMID: 21864981 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring of Toxoplasma infection in animals destined for human consumption is a great challenge for human toxoplasmosis prevention. This study aimed to compare results obtained from a naturally infected population of sheep using different tests and targeting an original matrix: meat samples and muscle fluids collected at the slaughterhouse. A commercial ELISA test was performed on diaphragm fluids from 419 ovine carcasses collected at the slaughterhouse. A MAT (modified agglutination test) was performed on heart fluids obtained from the same animals. In addition, all hearts were bioassayed in mice. Serological test agreement, the relative sensitivity of ELISA MAT and mouse bioassay as well as a correlation between titres and parasite isolation probability were statistically evaluated. The overall agreement (kappa coefficient=0.64) of ELISA on diaphragm fluids and MAT on heart fluids is substantial and subsequently both tests can be used for epidemiological studies. Relative sensitivity was higher for MAT performed on cardiac fluids (90%) than ELISA on diaphragm fluid (61%). For both serological tests, relative sensitivity is lower in lambs younger than 12 months. Relative sensitivity of mouse inoculation was 42%. A significant correlation was obtained between increasing MAT titres and probability to isolate live parasite from the heart. When the fluid titre was higher than 1:16, parasites were isolated in 65% of cases. When it was lower, isolation failed in 95% of the cases. According to our results, cardiac fluids appear to be a relevant matrix for toxoplasmosis survey in meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Villena
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, EA3800, IFR53, CHU Reims, Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), Reims, USC Epitoxo, Anses Lerpaz, France.
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Transplacental transmission in cattle: is Toxoplasma gondii less potent than Neospora caninum? Parasitol Res 2011; 108:1235-41. [PMID: 21203773 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2172-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We compared the transplacental-transmission ability of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in cattle. One uninfected pregnant heifer served as control, while three were inoculated with N. caninum K9WA strain and four with T. gondii RH strain at their midgestational period. Both infected groups showed clinical signs and antibodies either to N. caninum or T. gondii, while the control animal was normal. Two (50%) Toxoplasma dams aborted on days 6 and 11 postinoculation. T. gondii tachyzoites were found in various organs of those dams that had abortions but not in their fetuses. Two Neospora dams did not abort but gave birth to subclinically infected calves. The remaining two Toxoplasma dams and one from Neospora group became recumbent. Those two dams and their fetuses showed disseminated Toxoplasma DNA, but no Neospora DNA was found. Our findings suggest that maternal toxoplasmosis could be a cause of abortion and congenital toxoplasmosis in cattle, especially when they are infected by virulent strains.
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Toxoplasma gondii: Infection natural congenital in cattle and an experimental inoculation of gestating cows with oocysts. Exp Parasitol 2011; 127:277-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2010] [Revised: 08/08/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Gilot-Fromont E, Aubert D, Belkilani S, Hermitte P, Gibout O, Geers R, Villena I. Landscape, herd management and within-herd seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in beef cattle herds from Champagne-Ardenne, France. Vet Parasitol 2009; 161:36-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Revised: 11/29/2008] [Accepted: 12/04/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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27
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Risk factors for toxoplasmosis in pigs bred in Sicily, Southern Italy. Vet Parasitol 2009; 161:1-8. [PMID: 19246158 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Revised: 12/24/2008] [Accepted: 01/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs raised and slaughtered in Sicily, Southern Italy, and to evaluate the risk factors associated with the infection. Samples were collected in seven slaughterhouses and on-site on 274 raising farms across Sicily, in the period from January 2006 until March 2007. For each sampled pig born and raised in Sicily, information was obtained on gender, age, origin, final destination of meat and farm management. Data on the farm included: farming type, presence of cats and dogs, rodent control by rodenticides, cleaning methods, water supply, altitude and herd size.T. gondii-specific antibodies were detected using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Institut Pourquier, France).Antibodies against T. gondii were found in 16.3% of Sicilian pigs. The lowest seroprevalence, 7%, was found in the age group 5-7 months (market pig) and the highest, 19%, in the age group >24 months. Risk factors for seropositivity were: age 11-24 months compared to younger (OR 5.62; CI 1.52-20.8); farrow-to-finish farming type (OR 6.85; CI 1.87-25.01) compared to finishing and farrow-to-breed type; less than 50 pigs on the farm (OR 6.8; CI 1.76-26.2); no use of rodenticides (OR 2.71; CI 1.10-6.64), use of water coming from private sources (especially wells; OR 2.8; CI 1.03-7.72).Pigs raised in Sicily shows a high prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii. Pre-harvesting interventions to lower the risk of locally produced meat consumption for consumers should point as soon as possible to increase hygienic condition on the farm, by carefully removing waste with automatic cleaning and reducing biohazard by rodent control. Consumers must receive information on the correct handling and cooking locally produced pork meat derivatives.
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Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans and domestic animals in Samsun province, Turkey. Trop Anim Health Prod 2008; 40:311-5. [PMID: 18509937 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-007-9101-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Konnai S, Mingala CN, Sato M, Abes NS, Venturina FA, Gutierrez CA, Sano T, Omata Y, Cruz LC, Onuma M, Ohashi K. A survey of abortifacient infectious agents in livestock in Luzon, the Philippines, with emphasis on the situation in a cattle herd with abortion problems. Acta Trop 2008; 105:269-73. [PMID: 18243149 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2007.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Revised: 12/03/2007] [Accepted: 12/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the Philippines, insufficient consideration has been given to the implementation of systematic control measures against major abortifacient infectious agents in livestock. To elucidate the epidemiology of abortifacient infectious agents in livestock, the prevalence of four abortifacient agents was assessed. Initially, a total of 96 cattle including 17 cows with history of abortion were examined in a herd in Luzon at the request of the farm owner. Six (35.3%) of the 17 aborting cows were found to be serologically positive for Neospora caninum (N. caninum), whereas the seroprevalence in non-aborting cows was 15.9% (10/63). Four of the 6 serologically positive aborting cows were also RT-PCR-positive for bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Two (12.5%) of the 16 bulls examined were also found to be infected with BVDV, suggesting a putative risk factor of transmission via semen. Based on sequence analysis, the isolates detected belong to BVDV type 1b group. Furthermore, an epidemiological survey of abortifacient infectious agents was conducted with various species of livestock from herds located in Luzon. Out of the 105 water buffalo samples collected, 4 (3.8%) were indicated positive to N. caninum, 2 (1.9%) to Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and 2 (1.9%) to Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi). The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in goat and sheep were 23.6% (21/89) and 26.3% (10/38), respectively. BVDV was not detected in these herds. The findings of this exploratory study indicate a relationship between infection and bovine abortion and that a lager study is required to statistically confirm this relationship.
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Innes EA, Bartley PM, Maley SW, Wright SE, Buxton D. Comparative host–parasite relationships in ovine toxoplasmosis and bovine neosporosis and strategies for vaccination. Vaccine 2007; 25:5495-503. [PMID: 17367899 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Revised: 01/24/2007] [Accepted: 02/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are important causes of reproductive loss in ruminant species worldwide. Both parasites cause disease during pregnancy that may result in foetal death or birth of live congenitally infected offspring. T. gondii is also an important human pathogen with the main risk groups including pregnant women and immuno-compromised individuals, although clinical disease has also been observed in outbreaks among immuno-competent people. While the two parasites are closely related there are distinct differences between the two in their interactions with different host species and subsequent clinical outcome. This paper discusses the respective host-parasite relationships in ovine toxoplasmosis and bovine neosporosis and how the immune response may be host-protective, parasite-protective or contribute to disease pathogenesis, and how this knowledge may help in the development of more effective and targeted vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh EH26 OPZ, United Kingdom.
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Vesco G, Buffolano W, La Chiusa S, Mancuso G, Caracappa S, Chianca A, Villari S, Currò V, Liga F, Petersen E. Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep in Sicily, southern Italy. Vet Parasitol 2007; 146:3-8. [PMID: 17383099 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2006] [Revised: 02/04/2007] [Accepted: 02/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the burden of Toxoplasma gondii-infections in sheep in Sicily, southern Italy and the risk factors for infection. Sera from 1961 sheep were collected just before slaughtering from 62 farms located in 8 out of 9 Sicilian administrative districts. The sera were analysed for Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sheep less than 4 weeks old were further analysed by ELISA for Toxoplasma-specific IgM-antibodies. Data on farm size and location were obtained from slaughterhouse sanitary reports and through structured telephone interviews of the veterinary officers from public health districts. The overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasma-specific IgG-antibodies were 49.9% (937/1876) by ELISA. Eighty-seven (54/62) percent of the farms had at least one Toxoplasma-positive animal. All the farms fed the animals outdoor on pasture and only one was claiming organic farming. Having cats on the farm, age of the animals, farm size and the use of surface water sources for drinking were all significantly associated with T. gondii-infected animals on the farm. T. gondii infection in mutton used for human consumption is very prevalent, and eating unprocessed sheep and lamb meat has a high risk of transmitting infections to humans. The presence of cats on the farm, farm size and using surface water as drinking water for the animals were risk factors for infection in sheep, with age as a significant confounder.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Vesco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia, Via Gino Marinuzzi, 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy.
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Innes EA, Vermeulen AN. Vaccination as a control strategy against the coccidial parasitesEimeria,ToxoplasmaandNeospora. Parasitology 2007; 133 Suppl:S145-68. [PMID: 17274844 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182006001855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasitesEimeriaspp.Toxoplasma gondiiandNeospora caninumare significant causes of disease in livestock worldwide andT. gondiiis also an important human pathogen. Drugs have been used with varying success to help control aspects of these diseases and commercial vaccines are available for all three groups of parasites. However, there are issues with increasing development of resistance to many of the anti-coccidial drugs used to help control avian eimeriosis and public concerns about the use of drugs in food animals. In addition there are no drugs available that can act against the tissue cyst stage of eitherT. gondiiorN. caninumand thus cure animals or people of infection. All three groups of parasites multiply within the cells of their host species and therefore cell mediated immune mechanisms are thought to be an important component of host protective immunity. Successful vaccination strategies for bothEimeriaandToxoplasmahave relied on using a live vaccination approach using attenuated parasites which allows correct processing and presentation of antigen to the host immune system to stimulate appropriate cell mediated immune responses. However, live vaccines can have problems with safety, short shelf-life and large-scale production; therefore there is continued interest in devising new vaccines using defined recombinant antigens. The major challenges in devising novel vaccines are to select relevant antigens and then present them to the immune system in an appropriate manner to enable the induction of protective immune responses. With all three groups of parasites, vaccine preparations comprising antigens from the different life cycle stages may also be advantageous. In the case ofEimeriaparasites there are also problems with strain-specific immunity therefore a cocktail of antigens from different parasite strains may be required. Improving our knowledge of the different parasite transmission routes, host-parasite relationships, disease pathogenesis and determining the various roles of the host immune response being at times host-protective, parasite protective and in causing immunopathology will help to tailor a vaccination strategy against a particular disease target. This paper discusses current vaccination strategies to help combat infections withEimeria,ToxoplasmaandNeosporaand recent research looking towards developing new vaccine targets and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Edinburgh EH26 OPZ, UK.
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McAllister MM, Björkman C, Anderson-Sprecher R, Rogers DG. Evidence of point-source exposure to Neospora caninum and protective immunity in a herd of beef cows. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000; 217:881-7. [PMID: 10997162 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2000.217.881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether cows with evidence of previous infection with Neospora caninum were less likely to abort or give birth prematurely during an outbreak of neosporosis, compared with herdmates with evidence of primary infection. DESIGN Cohort study. ANIMALS 208 pregnant beef cows. PROCEDURES Aborted fetuses and calves born prematurely were examined during an outbreak of neosporosis in a herd of beef cows. Sera were collected from all cows during the outbreak and again 71 days later. Cows were classified into groups on the basis of normal and abnormal reproductive outcomes. Sera were examined, using an avidity ELISA procedure for N caninum, and results were compared between groups and among time points. RESULTS Antibody concentrations decreased significantly and IgG avidity values increased significantly over time. During the outbreak, cows with normal reproductive outcomes were significantly more likely to have high IgG avidity values than cows with abnormal reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The herd had numerous abortions and premature births with evidence of recent point-source exposure to N caninum. Therefore, to reduce risk of transmission of N caninum to cattle, attempts should be made to prevent canine feces from contaminating feed, especially feedstuffs used to prepare mixed rations for cattle. Cows with evidence of previous exposure to N caninum were less likely to abort or give birth prematurely during the outbreak than cows with primary infections with N caninum; this finding suggests development of protective immunity in previously infected cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M McAllister
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana 61802, USA
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Jungersen G, Jensen L, Riber U, Heegaard PM, Petersen E, Poulsen JS, Bille-Hansen V, Lind P. Pathogenicity of selected Toxoplasma gondii isolates in young pigs. Int J Parasitol 1999; 29:1307-19. [PMID: 10576580 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(99)00078-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenicity in 7-week-old pigs to five different Toxoplasma gondii strains of various host species origin was compared after i.v. inoculation of 10(4) tachyzoites. Additionally, one group of pigs was inoculated i.v. with 10(6) tachyzoites of the reference strain, SSI 119. In response to the infection a significant effect of T. gondii tachyzoite inoculation dose as well as differences among strains could be observed in several parameters. The 10(6)-dose inoculated pigs showed variable degrees of clinical illness and recurrent episodes of fever 4-17 days p.i., while pigs of four of the 10(4) tachyzoite inoculated groups experienced a short-lived rise in body temperature from day 6-8 p.i. without any apparent illness or inappetence. Control pigs and pigs infected with the least pathogenic strain had normal body temperature throughout the experiment. In all inoculated pigs, T. gondii-specific IgM and IgG antibodies appeared from day 8-10 and 10-17 p.i., respectively. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and the acute phase protein haptoglobin were decreased or increased, respectively, in response to the infection. Differential leukocyte count on peripheral blood revealed a significant lymphocytopenia on day 6 p.i. equal to both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, but shifting towards a reduced ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T-cells from day 8-14 p.i. In the 10(6)-dose inoculated pigs a considerable increase in zymosan induced and spontaneous oxidative burst capacity of peripheral blood leukocytes was observed from 6 days p.i. compared with control pigs. Oxidative burst capacity was not examined for other pigs. In conclusion, several useful parameters to identify differences in T. gondii pathogenicity other than mortality were identified. Furthermore, even at low doses, significant differences between recently collected Danish T. gondii field isolates were demonstrated after i.v. inoculation in young pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Jungersen
- Danish Veterinary Laboratory, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Osawa T, Wastling J, Maley S, Buxton D, Innes EA. A multiple antigen ELISA to detect Neospora-specific antibodies in bovine sera, bovine foetal fluids, ovine and caprine sera. Vet Parasitol 1998; 79:19-34. [PMID: 9777723 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(98)00156-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a cyst-forming coccidian parasite recently identified as a cause of abortion in cattle. The epidemiology of neosporosis is poorly understood, partly because accurate diagnosis of infection is difficult. In this paper we describe the development of a multiple antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies to N. caninum in sera from cattle, sheep and goats as well as from bovine foetal fluids. A water-soluble fraction (wsf) of sonicated NC-1 strain tachyzoites was used as the antigen in the ELISA. Minimum optical density (OD) values that were considered to be Neospora antibody-positive, that is, the cut-off OD values were determined separately for bovine maternal sera, bovine foetal fluids, ovine sera and caprine sera; they were 0.40, 0.17, 0.23 and 0.41 OD, respectively. The ELISA gave a high signal/noise ratio, giving good sensitivity and specificity, correlating well with the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) currently used to diagnose Neospora infection in cattle, sheep and goats. In both the ELISA and immunoblot analysis using the same antigen, there was no significant cross-reactivity with sera from cattle, sheep or goats that had been infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The ELISA also showed no cross-reactivity in sera from cattle infected with Sarcocystis cruzi, Babesia divergens, B. bovis and B. bigemina. The wsf fraction of sonicated N. caninum tachyzoites used in this ELISA can be easily prepared and may be more sensitive than a single antigen ELISA, whilst still retaining good specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Osawa
- Moredun Research Institute, International Research Centre, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK
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