1
|
Pereira MA, Nóbrega C, Mateus TL, Almeida D, Oliveira A, Coelho C, Cruz R, Oliveira P, Faustino-Rocha A, Pires MJ, Mesquita JR, Vala H. An Antibody-Based Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Infection in Client-Owned Cats from Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2327. [PMID: 37508104 PMCID: PMC10376655 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are obligate intracellular protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of hosts worldwide. However, information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in cats from Portugal is limited. Thus, this study aims to evaluate anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalence in client-owned cats from Portugal and to identify risk factors using a panel of well-characterized sera. A total of 183 domestic cats were sampled and screened for antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum using commercial ELISA assays, and their owners answered an online questionnaire designed to obtain background information. The overall anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum seroprevalences were 13.1% (CI: 8.97-18.77) and 3.8% (CI: 1.87-7.68), respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that living strictly indoors was a significant protection factor (cOR: 0.053; CI: 0.005-0.627), and the presence of a chronic disease a significant risk factor (cOR: 3.106; CI: 1.062-9.082) to T. gondii seroprevalence. When performing multivariate analysis, only chronic disease (aOR: 57.527; CI: 1.7-1976.7) and seropositivity to N. caninum (aOR: 7.929; CI:0.8-82.9) were found to be a significant risk factor to anti-T. gondii antibodies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of N. caninum seropositivity in cats from Portugal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aires Pereira
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), R. da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Carmen Nóbrega
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Teresa L Mateus
- CISAS-Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Àlvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS) Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- EpiUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Almeida
- ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Andreia Oliveira
- Escola Superior Agrária de Ponte de Lima, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua D. Mendo Afonso, 147 Refóios do Lima, 4990-706 Ponte de Lima, Portugal
- Hospital Veterinário de Gaia, Rua Voltinha 82, 4415-369 Pedroso, Portugal
| | - Catarina Coelho
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS) Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Rita Cruz
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- EpiUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Faustino-Rocha
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, Department of Zootechnics, School of Sciences and Technology, University of Évora, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
| | - Maria J Pires
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- EpiUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Rua das Taipas, n° 135, 4050-091 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Vala
- Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior Agrária de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Campus Politécnico, Repeses, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sultana S, González-Parra G, Arenas AJ. Dynamics of toxoplasmosis in the cat's population with an exposed stage and a time delay. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2022; 19:12655-12676. [PMID: 36654016 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We propose a new mathematical model to investigate the effect of the introduction of an exposed stage for the cats who become infected with the T. gondii parasite, but that are not still able to produce oocysts in the environment. The model considers a time delay in order to represent the duration of the exposed stage. Besides the cat population the model also includes the oocysts related to the T. gondii in the environment. The model includes the cats since they are the only definitive host and the oocysts, since they are relevant to the dynamics of toxoplasmosis. The model considers lifelong immunity for the recovered cats and vaccinated cats. In addition, the model considers that cats can get infected through an effective contact with the oocysts in the environment. We find conditions such that the toxoplasmosis disease becomes extinct. We analyze the consequences of considering the exposed stage and the time delay on the stability of the equilibrium points. We numerically solve the constructed model and corroborated the theoretical results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Sultana
- Department of Mathematics, New Mexico Tech, New Mexico, 87801, USA
| | | | - Abraham J Arenas
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mathematical Modeling of Toxoplasmosis Considering a Time Delay in the Infectivity of Oocysts. MATHEMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/math10030354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we study the effect of the introduction of a time delay on the dynamics of toxoplasmosis. This time delay is the elapsed time from when oocysts become present in the environment and when they become infectious. We construct a mathematical model that includes cats and oocysts in the environment. We include the effect of oocysts, since they are crucial for the dynamics of toxoplasmosis. The likelihood of the acquisition of Toxoplasma gondii infection depends on the environmental load of the parasite. Furthermore, the model considers the possibility of vaccination of the feline host. In the mathematical model, we consider directly the infection of cats through the oocysts shed by other cats. We prove that the basic reproduction number R0 is a secondary parameter that determines the global dynamics of toxoplasmosis in cat populations. We study the effect of the time delay on the stability of the steady states. We find that the time delay cannot change the stability of the endemic state, which is an important result from the biological point of view. Numerical simulations are performed to support the theoretical results and obtain further insight into understanding toxoplasmosis dynamics in cat populations.
Collapse
|
5
|
Chen L, Zhao ZJ, Meng QF. Detection of Specific IgG-Antibodies Against Toxoplasma gondii in the Serum and Milk of Domestic Donkeys During Lactation in China: A Potential Public Health Concern. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:760400. [PMID: 34746030 PMCID: PMC8566817 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.760400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide zoonotic protozoan. Donkeys are often susceptible to many pathological agents, acting as carriers of pathogens for other animal species and humans. However, data on the prevalence of T. gondii in donkeys during lactation and on the status of antibodies against T. gondii in donkey milk are lacking. A cross-sectional study evaluated the variation of the anti-T. gondii antibodies in the blood and milk of domestic donkeys during lactation. A total of 418 domestic donkeys were randomly selected from the Shandong province, eastern China from January 2019 to March 2020. The anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 11.72% (49/418) serum and 9.81% (41/418) milk samples using a commercial ELISA kit, respectively. There was a very high consistency between the serum and milk (Spearman’s coefficient = 0.858, p-value < 0.0001 and Kendall’s tau = 0.688, p-value < 0.0001), particularly at the 45th to 60th day of lactation. The present results of the statistical analysis showed that the history of abortion (p = 0.026; adjusted OR = 2.20; 95% CI: 1.15–4.20) and cat in the house (p = 0.008; adjusted OR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.26–4.44) were significantly associated with T. gondii infection in the domestic donkeys. This is the first report to detect antibodies against T. gondii in donkey milk in China. These results indicate a potential risk of humans contracting the infection through the consumption of raw milk from the naturally infected donkeys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Chen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gongzhuling, China
| | - Zi-Jian Zhao
- Institute of Agro-food Technology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Antibody kinetics and exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in cats: a seroepidemiological study. Int J Parasitol 2020; 51:291-299. [PMID: 33359204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Domestic cats are the most important definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, the agent of an important global zoonosis. Serial sera from cats orally inoculated either withT. gondii tissue cysts (n = 3) or sporulated oocysts (n = 3) and from 65 client-owned cats, plus sera from 1,757 client-owned cats presented to veterinarians in Switzerland were analysed for an antibody response to T. gondii by ELISA. Risk factors for seropositivity and prevalence were estimated with a generalised linear and beta regression model. The first model examined the association of an OD405 value as the dependent variable, with gender, age, and outside access as possible independent variables. In the second model, we first analysed the data assuming a bimodal distribution representing two overlapping distributions of OD405 values from positive and negative cats, enabling the assignment of a probability of true infection status to each cat. Mean probabilities of true infection status across groups represent an estimate of true prevalence. These probabilities were then regressed against age, gender and outside access. Antibody kinetics in cats orally inoculated with tissue cysts, shedding oocysts, did not differ significantly from those of cats inoculated with sporulated oocysts without detectable oocyst excretion, suggesting extraintestinal parasite invasion and exposure to tachyzoites in both situations at an early stage of infection. Analysis of serial serum samples suggested a persisting long-term humoral immune response. Of the client-owned cats, 42.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 40.1-44.6) had a positive true infection status. This was higher (56.3% (95% CI: 53.2-59.6)) in cats with outside access than in those without (22.1% (95% CI: 18.9-25.4)). In the first model, the factors age (P < 0.0001), gender (male: P = 0.046), and outside access (P < 0.0001) were independently associated with significantly higher OD405 values. In the second model, the probability of having a positive true infection status increased with age (P < 0.0001), was higher with outside access (P < 0.0001) and in outdoor male cats (P = 0.0006).
Collapse
|
7
|
USE OF CLINDAMYCIN IN PALLAS' CATS [ OTOCOLOBUS ( FELIS) MANUL] TO REDUCE JUVENILE TOXOPLASMOSIS-ASSOCIATED MORTALITY RATES. J Zoo Wildl Med 2020; 51:39-45. [PMID: 32212544 DOI: 10.1638/2018-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pallas' cat [Otocolobus (Felis) manul] experiences a high mortality rate from toxoplasmosis. During the period 2006-2016, the overall mortality rate for this species from all causes during the first year of life was 71.59% in European Association of Zoos and Aquaria institutions, with the most significant infectious cause from systemic toxoplasmosis (20.6%) as confirmed by postmortem examination and histopathology. Clindamycin was used starting in 2014 in two collections that had previously experienced 100% mortality rates by toxoplasmosis in kittens less than one year of age, covering key Toxoplasma gondii exposure periods for kittens (n = 17) as a prophylactic measure. This protocol resulted in a 67.03% (95% confidence interval 41.76-78.61%) reduction in the first year mortality rate over a two-year period to 5.88% in those animals treated.
Collapse
|
8
|
TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN ARCTIC FOXES (VULPES LAGOPUS): A LONG-TERM MARK-RECAPTURE SEROLOGIC STUDY AT KARRAK LAKE, NUNAVUT, CANADA. J Wildl Dis 2019; 55:619-626. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-06-144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
9
|
Calero-Bernal R, Gennari SM. Clinical Toxoplasmosis in Dogs and Cats: An Update. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:54. [PMID: 30863754 PMCID: PMC6399377 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the globally distributed protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (phylum Apicomplexa); the disease can be clinically important for almost all homeothermic animals, including birds and humans. Toxoplasmosis course involves general clinical signs, such as fever, anorexia, or dyspnea, and more specific signs with neural, respiratory, cutaneous, or ocular involvement. Because of the wide range of clinical signs, the diagnosis in domestic and pet animals can be complicated. Hence, this review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of some scarcely discussed aspects of toxoplasmosis, such as ocular and cutaneous manifestations, congenital infections, influence of T. gondii genotype on clinical toxoplasmosis, and recent findings regarding differential diagnosis. This review could be of special interest to clinicians and researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Saluvet Group, Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Solange M. Gennari
- Program of Master's in Animal Medicine and Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ferreira SCM, Torelli F, Klein S, Fyumagwa R, Karesh WB, Hofer H, Seeber F, East ML. Evidence of high exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging and captive African carnivores. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2018; 8:111-117. [PMID: 30740303 PMCID: PMC6356113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an ubiquitous intracellular protozoan parasite. Mammals and birds are intermediate hosts and felid species are definitive hosts. In most human altered habitats the domestic cat is the predominant definitive host. Current knowledge of T. gondii infection in African ecosystems is limited. This study aimed to assess exposure to T. gondii in wild carnivores in the Serengeti ecosystem in East Africa. Carnivores can be infected by the consumption of tissue cysts when feeding on infected animals and by incidental ingestion of oocysts from environmental contamination. Incidental ingestion should occur regardless of a species’ diet whereas the consumption of cysts should increase the chance of infection in carnivorous species. This predicts higher seropositivity in carnivorous than in insectivorous carnivores and lower seropositivity in juvenile carnivores with a long dependency on milk than in adults. We found high seropositivity in carnivorous species: 100% (15 of 15 samples) in adult African lions, 93% (38 of 41 samples) in adult spotted hyenas and one striped hyena sample was positive, whereas all four samples from the insectivorous bat-eared fox were negative. Juvenile hyenas (11 of 19 sera) had significantly lower seropositivity than adults (38 of 41 sera). Long-term monitoring of spotted hyenas revealed no significant difference in seropositivity between two periods (1988–1992 and 2000 to 2016). Identical results were produced in lion and hyena samples by a commercial multi-species ELISA (at serum dilution 1:10) and an in-house ELISA based on a recombinant T. gondii protein (at serum dilution 1:100), making the latter a useful alternative for small amounts of serum. We suggest that diet, age and lifetime range are factors determining seropositivity in carnivores in the Serengeti ecosystem and suggest that the role of small wild felids in the spread of T. gondii in the African ecosystem warrants investigation. Most Serengeti lions and spotted hyenas had anti-T. gondii antibodies. Spotted hyenas' seropositivity remains similar in two time periods across 28 years. The proportion of seropositive juvenile spotted hyenas was lower than in adults. No evidence of infection in 4 wild bat-eared foxes, which are insectivorous canids. An in-house ELISA permits the use of small amounts of serum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susana Carolina Martins Ferreira
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred Kowalke Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesca Torelli
- Department of Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Humboldt University Berlin, Invalidenstraße 110, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Klein
- Department of Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Fyumagwa
- Serengeti Wildlife Research Centre, Tanzania, Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, PO Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - William B Karesh
- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY, NY, 10460, USA.,Ecohealth Alliance, 460 West 34th Street - 17th Floor, New York, NY, 10001, USA
| | - Heribert Hofer
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred Kowalke Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, 14195, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustrasse 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Seeber
- Department of Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marion L East
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred Kowalke Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ossani R, Borges H, Souza A, Sartor A, Miletti L, Federle M, Moura A. Toxoplasma gondii in milk of naturally infected dairy ewes on west mesoregion of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-9177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii in the milk of dairy sheep in the Western mesorregion of state of Santa Catarina by bioassay (22 milk samples from eight ewes seropositive; IFA ≥256) and PCR [for the detection of agent in the brains of mice inoculated on bioassay and directly from milk (108 samples from 42 seropositive ewes (IFA, ≥64) in different lactation periods)]. T. gondii DNA was detected in mice brains inoculated with milk from eight sheep (a sample of the 45th day of lactation and seven in the collection of 90th day) and directly from the milk in samples of the second collection (90 days) in five animals. Taking into account both assays, from a total of 42 ewes in lactation and seropositive for T. gondii, 30.95% (13/42) of the animals presented evidences of T. gondii presence in milk. Positive PCR samples were sequenced and the results confirmed ≥97% identity with the membrane antigen P22 gene of T. gondii. The results showed that T. gondii is present in the milk of sheep, representing a possible source of infection to humans through the consumption of milk "in natura" and/or derivatives, besides the possibility of lactogenic transmission to lambs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R.A. Ossani
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - A.P. Souza
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - A.A. Sartor
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - L.C. Miletti
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - M. Federle
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - A.B. Moura
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Novel Fitc-Labeled Igy Antibody: Fluorescence Imaging Toxoplasma Gondii In Vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:852. [PMID: 28404997 PMCID: PMC5429814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00930-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by T. gondii and can create serious health problems in humans and also worldwide economic harm. Because of the clinical and veterinary importance of toxoplasmosis, its timely and accurate diagnosis has a major impact on disease-fighting strategies. T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1), an immunodominant-specific antigen, is often used as a diagnostic tool. Therefore, the aim of this study was the optimization of novel fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling of the SAG1-specific IgY antibody to show the potential for immunofluorescence imaging of T. gondii in vitro. The specificity of IgY antibodies was controlled by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the concentration of the IgY antibody was detected using a spectrophotometer. The optimum incubation time and FITC concentration were determined with a fluorescence spectrometer. The obtained FITC-labeled IgY was used for marking T. gondii tachyzoites, which were cultured in vitro and viewed using light microscopy. The interaction of the fluorescence-labeled antibody and the T. gondii tachyzoites was examined with a fluorescence microscope. In this study, for the first time, a FITC-labeled anti-SAG1 IgY antibody was developed according to ELISA, fluorescence spectrometer, and fluorescence imaging of cell culture. In the future, the obtained FITC-labeled T. gondii tachyzoites’ specific IgY antibodies may be used as diagnostic tools for the detection of T. gondii infections in different samples.
Collapse
|
13
|
Dual congenital transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona in a late-term aborted pup from a chronically infected southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). Parasitology 2015; 143:276-88. [PMID: 26494610 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015001377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis neurona are protozoan parasites with terrestrial definitive hosts, and both pathogens can cause fatal disease in a wide range of marine animals. Close monitoring of threatened southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) in California allowed for the diagnosis of dual transplacental transmission of T. gondii and S. neurona in a wild female otter that was chronically infected with both parasites. Congenital infection resulted in late-term abortion due to disseminated toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma gondii and S. neurona DNA was amplified from placental tissue culture, as well as from fetal lung tissue. Molecular characterization of T. gondii revealed a Type X genotype in isolates derived from placenta and fetal brain, as well as in all tested fetal organs (brain, lung, spleen, liver and thymus). This report provides the first evidence for transplacental transmission of T. gondii in a chronically infected wild sea otter, and the first molecular and immunohistochemical confirmation of concurrent transplacental transmission of T. gondii and S. neurona in any species. Repeated fetal and/or neonatal losses in the sea otter dam also suggested that T. gondii has the potential to reduce fecundity in chronically infected marine mammals through parasite recrudescence and repeated fetal infection.
Collapse
|
14
|
Boughattas S. Toxoplasmainfection and milk consumption: Meta-analysis of assumptions and evidences. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2015; 57:2924-2933. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1084993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
15
|
Lappin MR, VanLare KA, Seewald W, Roycroft LM, Scorza AV, King S, Roberts ES. Effect of oral administration of cyclosporine on Toxoplasma gondii infection status of cats. Am J Vet Res 2015; 76:351-7. [PMID: 25815576 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.76.4.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether anti-inflammatory doses of cyclosporine activate Toxoplasma gondii in chronically infected cats or potentiate infection in cats exposed for the first time. ANIMALS 30 T gondii-negative cats. PROCEDURES Cats were assigned to 1 of 3 groups (10 cats/group). Group 1 (control) cats were administered a placebo for 126 days; group 2 cats were administered a placebo for 84 days, followed by cyclosporine at 7.5 mg/kg/d, PO, for 42 days; and group 3 cats were administered cyclosporine at 7.5 mg/kg/d, PO, for 126 days. Cats were orally inoculated with T gondii on day 42. Results for fecal flotations, PCR assays, and histologic examinations and IgM and IgG titers were analyzed. Cyclosporine concentrations were measured on selected days. RESULTS All cats were infected by T gondii and developed signs of self-limiting gastrointestinal tract infection. Group 3 had the highest incidence and severity of CNS and pulmonary histopathologic findings typical of toxoplasmosis. One cat in group 3 died of systemic toxoplasmosis; that cat had a cyclosporine concentration of 1,690 ng/mL. Group 2 cats infected with T gondii before cyclosporine administration did not have repeated oocyst shedding. Group 3 cats shed fewer oocysts for a shorter time than did control cats of group 1. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Oral administration of cyclosporine in accordance with the protocol for this study did not potentiate the enteroepithelial phase of T gondii infection. Cats with high cyclosporine blood concentrations at the time of primary T gondii infection may be at risk of developing systemic toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in Sheep and Goat Milk in Northwest of Iran by PCR-RFLP. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2013. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.8201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
17
|
Dehkordi FS, Borujeni MRH, Rahimi E, Abdizadeh R. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in raw caprine, ovine, buffalo, bovine, and camel milk using cell cultivation, cat bioassay, capture ELISA, and PCR methods in Iran. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2013; 10:120-5. [PMID: 23441913 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2012.1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in animal milk samples in Iran. From a total of 395 dairy herds in three provinces of Iran, 66 bovine, 58 ovine, 54 caprine, 33 buffalo, and 30 camel herds were studied, and from these parts of Iran, 200 bovine, 185 ovine, 180 caprine, 164 buffalo, and 160 camel milk samples were collected from various seasons. Samples were tested for Toxoplasma gondii by cell line culture, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Only the results of cell line cultivation were confirmed by bioassay in cat. Results indicated that all herds were infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The culture method showed that 51 out of 889 milk samples (5.73%) were positive for Toxoplasma gondii, and all 51 positive culture results were positive with bioassay in cat. The Fars province had the highest prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (6.84%). The ELISA test showed that 41 milk samples (4.61%) were positive for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, while the PCR showed that 46 milk samples were positive for Toxoplasma gondii. The results showed higher sensitivity of PCR and higher specificity of ELISA. Caprine had the highest (10%) and camel had the lowest (3.12%) prevalence rate of parasite. The summer season had the highest (76.47%) but winter (3.92) had the lowest incidence of Toxoplasma gondii. This study is the first prevalence report of direct detection of Toxoplasma gondii in animal milk samples in Iran.
Collapse
|
18
|
Bezerra MJG, Kim PCP, Moraes ÉPBX, Sá SG, Albuquerque PPF, Silva JG, Alves BHLS, Mota RA. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the milk of naturally infected goats in the Northeast of Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis 2013; 62:421-4. [PMID: 24034351 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to detect the genomic DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in milk samples from naturally infected goats in the state of Pernambuco, (Brazil). In total, 248 blood serum samples were collected and processed from lactating goats and then submitted to a search for antibodies to T. gondii through the indirect immunofluorescence reaction. Samples with a score of 64 or more were considered positive. In total, 248 milk samples were collected and processed from the same group of goats in order to study the DNA of T. gondii using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. In the serum samples, 56/248 (22.58%) of the animals were positive, whereas the DNA of the parasite was detected in 15/248 (6.05%) of the milk samples. Five of these 15 samples were animals who were also positive in the serology. This study reports the first occurrence of the elimination of T. gondii from the milk of naturally infected goats in the north-east of Brazil. It is suggested that the consumption of in natura goat milk may constitute a potential risk to the health of milk consumers in this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J G Bezerra
- Médico Veterinário da Superintendência de Desenvolvimento do Nordeste - SUDENE, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - P C P Kim
- Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - É P B X Moraes
- Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - S G Sá
- Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - P P F Albuquerque
- Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - J G Silva
- Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - B H L S Alves
- Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - R A Mota
- Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hartmann K, Addie D, Belák S, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink H, Frymus T, Gruffydd-Jones T, Hosie MJ, Lloret A, Lutz H, Marsilio F, Möstl K, Pennisi MG, Radford AD, Thiry E, Truyen U, Horzinek MC. Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 15:631-7. [PMID: 23813830 PMCID: PMC11148961 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13489228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OVERVIEW Toxoplasma gondii infection is common in cats, but the clinical disease is rare. Up to 50% of cats, especially free-roaming ones, have antibodies indicating infection and the presence of cystic stages. DISEASE SIGNS Clinical signs only appear in few cats when they become immunosuppressed - in these situations cystic stages can be reactivated. Commonly affected are the central nervous system (CNS), muscles, lungs and eyes. HUMAN INFECTION: Cats can pose a risk for humans when they shed oocysts. However, this happens only once in their lifetime, usually only for 3-10 days after ingestion of tissue cysts. Thus, cats that have antibodies to T gondii no longer shed oocysts, and do not pose a risk to humans.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bresciani KDS, Galvão ALB, Vasconcellos ALD, Soares JA, Matos LVSD, Pierucci JC, Neto LDS, Rodrigues TO, Navarro IT, Gomes JF, Costa AJD. Relevant aspects of human toxoplasmosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.7243/2052-5958-1-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
21
|
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common parasitic infections of humans and other warmblooded animals. It has been found worldwide and nearly one-third of humans have been exposed to the parasite. Congenital infection occurs when a woman becomes infected during pregnancy and transmits the parasite to the foetus. Besides congenital infection, humans become infected by ingesting food or water contaminated with sporulated oocysts from infected cat faeces or through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked or uncooked meat. Food animals (pigs, chickens, lambs and goats) become infected by the same routes, resulting in meat products containing tissue cysts, which can then infect consumers. Toxoplasma infection is common in food animals in the United States. Implementation of management factors such as biosecure confinement housing are important in reducing the levels of infection in animals destined for human consumption.
Collapse
|
22
|
Lappin MR. Update on the diagnosis and management of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats. Top Companion Anim Med 2011; 25:136-41. [PMID: 20937495 DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2010.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Lappin
- Colorado State University, Clinical Sciences, 300 West Drake Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
|
24
|
Arenas AJ, González-Parra G, Villanueva Micó RJ. Modeling toxoplasmosis spread in cat populations under vaccination. Theor Popul Biol 2010; 77:227-37. [PMID: 20304000 DOI: 10.1016/j.tpb.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 07/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we present an epidemiological model to study the transmission dynamics of toxoplasmosis in a cat population under a continuous vaccination schedule. We explore the dynamics of toxoplasmosis at the population level using a mathematical model that includes the effect of oocyst, since the probability of acquisition of Toxoplasma Gondii infection depends on the environmental load of the parasite. This model considers indirectly the infection of prey through the oocyst shedding by cats. We prove that the basic reproduction number R(0) is a threshold value that completely determines the global dynamics and the outcome of the disease. Numerical computer simulations are presented to investigate different scenarios. These simulations show the effectiveness of a constant vaccination program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abraham J Arenas
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Universidad de Córdoba, Montería, Colombia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Troxel MT. Infectious Neuromuscular Diseases of Dogs and Cats. Top Companion Anim Med 2009; 24:209-20. [DOI: 10.1053/j.tcam.2009.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
26
|
Sakamoto CAM, da Costa AJ, Gennari SM, Pena HFJ, Toniollo GH, Lopes WDZ, Bichuette MA, Betini CM, Amarante AFT, Bresciani KDS. Experimental infection of pregnant queens with two major Brazilian clonal lineages of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:1311-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1558-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
27
|
Surveillance and monitoring of Toxoplasma in humans, food and animals - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Biological Hazards. EFSA J 2007. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2007.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
|
28
|
Fusco G, Rinaldi L, Guarino A, Proroga YTR, Pesce A, Giuseppina DM, Cringoli G. Toxoplasma gondii in sheep from the Campania region (Italy). Vet Parasitol 2007; 149:271-4. [PMID: 17764846 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2007.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2006] [Revised: 06/30/2007] [Accepted: 07/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted in order to evaluate, irrespective of abortion, the Toxoplasma gondii infection in pastured sheep from the Campania region of southern Italy. A geographical information system was used in order to uniformly sample the ovine farms (n=117) throughout the entire region. Blood and milk samples were collected from 10 adult sheep (>18 months) on each farm (total number=1170 sheep). Serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies to T. gondii using a commercial indirect fluorescent antibody test. For each farm, the 10 milk samples collected were pooled in order to obtain a single milk sample per farm (total number=117 milk samples). The 77.8% (91/117) of the farms and the 28.5% (333/11,170) of the sheep resulted positive by serology. In addition, the presence of T. gondii DNA was detected by PCR in 4 milk samples out of the 117 examined (3.4%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Sezione di Caserta, via Jervolino 19, 81029 Tuoro, Caserta, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Roelke ME, Johnson WE, Millán J, Palomares F, Revilla E, Rodríguez A, Calzada J, Ferreras P, León-Vizcaíno L, Delibes M, O'Brien SJ. Exposure to disease agents in the endangered Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardinus). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2007; 54:171-178. [PMID: 32214935 PMCID: PMC7087597 DOI: 10.1007/s10344-007-0122-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2007] [Revised: 06/19/2007] [Accepted: 06/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is the most endangered felid species in the world. Lynx populations have decreased dramatically in size and distribution in the last four decades, thus becoming increasingly vulnerable to catastrophic events such as epizooties. From 1989 to 2000, serum samples were obtained from 48 free-ranging lynx captured in the Doñana National Park (DNP, n = 31) and mountains of Sierra Morena (SM, n = 17) in southern Spain. Samples were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline/canine parvovirus (FPV/CPV), feline coronavirus, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus and canine distemper virus (CDV) and for FeLV p27 antigen, to document baseline exposure levels. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 44% of lynx, with a significantly greater prevalence in DNP (61%) than in SM (12%). In DNP, prevalence was significantly higher in adult (81%) than in juvenile and sub-adult (41%) lynx, but no such difference was observed in SM. Low prevalences (≤11%) of minimally positive titres were found for FHV-1, FCV and FPV/CPV. This, combined with the lack of evidence for exposure to CDV, FIV and FeLV, suggests that these lynx populations are naïve and might be vulnerable to a disease outbreak in the future. Because of the reduced size of lynx populations, the documented low level of genetic variation (particularly in the DNP population) coupled with the recently documented state of immune depletion in a majority of necropsied lynx, it is important to better understand the threat and potential impact that disease agents might pose for the conservation of this endangered species. Future surveillance programs must include possible disease reservoir hosts such as domestic cats and dogs and other wild carnivores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melody E Roelke
- 1Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, SAIC-Frederick, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 USA
| | - Warren E Johnson
- 2Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 USA
| | - Javier Millán
- 3Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francisco Palomares
- 3Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eloy Revilla
- 3Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Alejandro Rodríguez
- 3Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Javier Calzada
- 4Departamento de Biología Ambiental y Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Huelva, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Pablo Ferreras
- 5IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Luis León-Vizcaíno
- 6Infectious Diseases Area, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Miguel Delibes
- 3Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Stephen J O'Brien
- 2Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, National Cancer Institute, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Afonso E, Thulliez P, Gilot-Fromont E. Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in an urban population of domestic cats (Felis catus). Int J Parasitol 2006; 36:1373-82. [PMID: 16989836 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2006] [Revised: 06/15/2006] [Accepted: 07/27/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects humans and animal species worldwide. The relative importance of each potential transmission route in the complex life cycle of this coccidia is largely unknown, due to the lack of studies taking into account all routes simultaneously. In this study, we analyzed the transmission of T. gondii in an urban population of stray cats captured between 1993 and 2004. Analyzing prevalence, our aim was to determine which factors influence transmission in this population. Specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected using the modified agglutination test. Firstly, we analyzed the kinetics of antibody titers in cats captured several times, using mixed linear models and correspondence analysis. We showed that antibody titers did not vary significantly with time and that titer 40 was the best threshold to separate individuals into two serological groups. Overall, prevalence was only 18.6%, thus transmission of T. gondii is infrequent in this population. As expected, a highly significant association was detected between age and presence of IgG antibodies. Prevalence was lowest in kittens aged 3-4 months, suggesting that newborn kittens may carry maternal antibodies and that vertical transmission is rare. After taking into account the effect of age, logistic regression showed that antibody carriage was related to factors that possibly related to the survival of oocysts: localization in the study site, origin of the cats, maximal temperatures and rain. Our results suggest that in this population, vertical transmission is rare, low predation limits prevalence, and oocyst survival is a determining factor in the risk of infection. We discuss the more general importance of conditions determining oocyst survival in the life cycle of T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eve Afonso
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive (UMR 5558), CNRS, Univ. Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bresciani KDS, Gennari SM, Serrano ACM, Rodrigues AAR, Ueno T, Franco LG, Perri SHV, Amarante AFT. Antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats from Brazil. Parasitol Res 2006; 100:281-5. [PMID: 16941188 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-006-0262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2006] [Accepted: 06/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii was determined in 400 domestic cats (Siamese, Persian, and undetermined breeds) from the Municipality of Araçatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil, through the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Of the 400 cats, 100 were seropositive to T. gondii (25%, titer > or =64) and 98 to N. caninum (24.5%, titer > or =16). The rate of seropositive cats for T. gondii was correlated with age (chi(2)=35.7; p<0.001), with a higher number of infected animals at older ages. Of the 219 cats younger than 1-year-old, 13.2% were seropositive for T. gondii, while 39.2% were positive in the 181 older animals. The presence of N. caninum was also correlated with age (/(2)=8.8; p<0.01), with 18.7% (41/219) and 31.5% (57/181) of positive animals at ages below and above 12-month, respectively. An association between the occurrences of both protozoa in the felines was also observed (chi(2)=19.6; p<0.001).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K D S Bresciani
- Departamento de Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Odontologia, UNESP-Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana, 793, CEP 16050-680, Araçatuba, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Corbellini LG, Smith DR, Pescador CA, Schmitz M, Correa A, Steffen DJ, Driemeier D. Herd-level risk factors for Neospora caninum seroprevalence in dairy farms in southern Brazil. Prev Vet Med 2006; 74:130-41. [PMID: 16343669 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2005.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2004] [Revised: 10/28/2005] [Accepted: 11/04/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was used to test the relationship between herd seroprevalence to Neospora caninum and various potential herd-level risk factors in 60 dairy farms located in two distinct regions in southern Brazil. Thirty farms were randomly selected from within each region. A questionnaire was designed to summarize each farm's production system as it might relate to N. caninum transmission. The questionnaire contained 105 closed questions relating to general characteristics of the farms, farm facilities, management, source of food and water, herd health, environment and biosecurity, which included questions relevant to N. caninum transmission, including presence and number of dogs and other animals, purchase of animals and contact with man. Serum samples were collected from 40% of animals in each farm and N. caninum antibodies were detected by immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The association between potential risk factors and the probability of an animal being seropositive was modeled using a generalized estimation equations (GEE) logistic regression model. The model accounted for multilevel correlation of data from multiple animals within herds. The mean (+/-S.D.) number of animals in the 60 herds was 64.5 (+/-45.6), ranging from 20 to 280 females. Blood samples were collected from 1549 animals. The size of the farms varied from 4 to 100 ha (mean 30.1+/-25.9 ha). At least one dog was found in 57 of the 60 dairy farms (95%). The mean number of dogs was 3.1 (+/-1.9), ranging from 0 to 10. All females were raised on pasture. For all cattle sampled, N. caninum seroprevalence was 17.8%. Overall, 93.3% of herds (56/60) had at least one seropositive animal identified. Four variables were significantly associated with N. caninum sero-response in the 57 dairy farms, which were included in the final multivariable model: the number of dogs on the farm, farm area (hectares), feeding pooled sources of colostrum and region. The odds of a cow being seropositive increased 1.13 times for each additional dog present on the farm (P=0.021). Cattle from farms that fed calves colostrum pooled from multiple cows had 1.79 times greater odds for being seropositive for N. caninum (P<0.003). The probability of being seropositive was inverse to the area of the farms, such that cattle had 0.92 times the odds to be seropositive (P=0.014) for each additional 10 ha of farmland. Finally, cattle from farms in region one had 0.71 times the odds to be seropositive than cattle from region two (P=0.035). Results of this study suggest that several risk factors may explain why dairy cattle in Brazil may become exposed to N. caninum. However, further investigation of these factors is necessary because the purpose of this study was to refine and generate hypotheses on N. caninum transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis G Corbellini
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, CEP 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
The tachyzoite-induced cycle of Toxoplasma gondii was studied in 46 cats. Tachyzoites of the M-7741 or Me-49 strain of T. gondii were administered orally to cats by pouring into the mouth or by stomach tube, or by intraintestinal inoculation. Ten weaned cats that had been inoculated with tachyzoites directly in the intestine were killed 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, or 25 days later, and their tissues were studied histologically and bioassayed in mice. Toxoplasma gondii was demonstrable in the blood of 8 cats and in other tissues of all these 10. Four out of five 1- to 8-day-old cats fed tachyzoites by stomach tube became infected with T. gondii, and 1 became ill because of toxoplasmosis. All 19 weaned cats fed tachyzoites (poured into the mouth) became infected, and 6 died of acute toxoplasmosis 9-15 days after being fed T. gondii. Six out of 12 weaned cats fed tachyzoites by stomach tube became infected but were asymptomatic. Overall, 12 out of 26 cats observed for 19 days or more shed oocysts with a prepatent period (pp) of 19 days or more, with the sole exception of 1 cat that shed oocysts with a pp of 5 days. Enteroepithelial stages of T. gondii were not found in any cat before oocysts were shed. Cats shed up to 360 million oocysts in a day, and oocysts were shed for 4-6 days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- Parasite Biology, Epidemiology and Systematics Laboratory, Building 1001, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA.
| |
Collapse
|