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Khan MY, Barlaam A, Gazzonis AL, Ferrari N, Giangaspero A. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats from South Punjab Province, Pakistan. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101018. [PMID: 38644047 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101018] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Layyah District in South Punjab Province of Pakistan offers the most intensive caprine economy in the country; its Indus riverine and desert environment makes the area peculiar and worthy of specific investigations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgG-antibody in goats in serum samples and the potential risk factors. The prevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated using a two-stage sample design. All caprine farms in the study area were stratified by size, and from these 110 were randomly selected. Twelve goats (>1-year-old) were selected from each farm and a total of 1320 serum samples were collected and tested by ELISA. A questionnaire on the conditions and management practices of each farm was administered to 110 farmers. Four hundred and sixteen out of 1320 sera samples (31.5%) were found positive and 89% of the flock had at least one seropositive goat. The proportion of seropositive goats tested within each flock ranged from 8.3% to 83.3%. with several factors contributing to this heterogeneity. Goat age played a significant role in the presence of cats. Significant interactions were related to goat farms having floor of dirt and kitten presence. Moreover, age class, abortion history and water source supply were modulated by owner education levels. This is the first study to determine the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in goats sera in Layyah district and the largest carried out so far in Pakistan. The remarkable presence of T. gondii among goats in areas where goat farming plays a significant economic role may pose a production threat to the small-stock industry, as well as to public health and food safety. Therefore, investigations to identify high-risk goat populations are highly recommended in order to facilitate the implementation of local control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Yaser Khan
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy; Para Veterinary Institute, Layyah Campus, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, 54000, Karor Lal Eason, Lahore 31100, Pakistan.
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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2
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Castillo AP, Miranda JVO, Fonseca PLC, Silva SDO, Lopes REN, Spanhol VC, Moreira RG, Nicolino RR, Queiroz DC, de Araújo E Santos LCG, Dos Santos APS, Rivetti HAA, Martins-Duarte ES, de Almeida Vitor RW, Dos Reis JKP, Aguiar RS, da Silveira JAG. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and co-infections in stray cats in Brazil. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107056. [PMID: 37913970 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The zoonotic virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19), has been identified in cats. Notably, most positive cases were in cats that had close contact with infected humans, suggesting a role for humans in animal transmission routes. Previous studies have suggested that animals with immune depletion are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. To date, there is limited evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in stray and free-range cats affected by other pathogens. In this study, we investigated infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in stray cats from an urban park in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. From February to September 2021, 78 mixed-breed cats were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and hemopathogens using molecular analysis at Américo Renné Giannetti Municipal Park, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgG in T. gondii. None of the animals in this study showed any clinical signs of infections. The SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA was detected in 7.7 % of cats, and a whole virus genome sequence analysis revealed the SARS-CoV-2 Delta lineage (B.1.617.2). Phylogenetic analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2 isolated from cats was grouped into the sublineage AY.99.2, which matches the epidemiological scenario of COVID-19 in the urban area of our study. Leishmania infantum was detected and sequenced in 9 % of cats. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 23.1 %. Hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 7.7 % of the cats, with Mycoplasma haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum being the most common. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae were detected in 38.5 % of the cats, FeLV was detected in 17,9 %, and none of the cats studied tested positive for FIV. This study reports, for the first time, the SARS-CoV-2 infection with whole-genome sequencing in stray cats in southeastern Brazil and co-infection with other pathogens, including Bartonella spp. and Feline leukemia virus. Our study observed no correlation between SARS-CoV-2 and the other detected pathogens. Our results emphasize the importance of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats to characterize their epidemiological role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinforce the importance of zoonotic disease surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisleidy Pérez Castillo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil; Laboratório de PROTOVET, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Joao Victor Oliveira Miranda
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Paula Luize Camargos Fonseca
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Soraia de Oliveira Silva
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rosálida Estevam Nazar Lopes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Viviane Campos Spanhol
- Laboratório de Retroviroses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rennan Garcias Moreira
- Centro de Laboratórios Multiusuários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rafael Romero Nicolino
- Departamento de Epidemiologia e Defesa Sanitária Animal, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel Costa Queiroz
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Luiza Campos Guerra de Araújo E Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Anna Pio Soares Dos Santos
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Hugo Adriano Araújo Rivetti
- Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, Prefeitura de Belo Horizonte, R. Édna Quintel, 173 - São Bernardo, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-705, Brazil
| | - Erica S Martins-Duarte
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Wagner de Almeida Vitor
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jenner Karlisson Pimenta Dos Reis
- Laboratório de Retroviroses, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renato Santana Aguiar
- Laboratório de Biologia Integrativa, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Júlia Angélica Gonçalves da Silveira
- Laboratório de PROTOVET, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
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3
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Evangelista FF, de Laet Sant'Ana P, Ferreira WC, Ferreira TA, Dos Santos ML, de Souza AH, de Andrade FAL, da Silva DA, de Barros LD, Colli CM, Nogueira-Melo GA, Costa IN, Falavigna-Guilherme AL. The Brazilian Toxoplasma gondii strain BRI caused greater inflammation and impairment in anxiogenic behavior in mice, which was reverted by rosuvastatin treatment. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:64. [PMID: 38117414 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08038-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of rosuvastatin treatment on anxiety-related behavior and short- and long-term memory impairment in mice infected with acute RH and BRI strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Balb/C mice were infected intraperitoneally and after 2 h, oral treatment with rosuvastatin (40 mg/kg/day) was initiated for 4 days. Behaviors related to anxiety and locomotion were evaluated in the open field (OF), and short- and long-term memory through the novel object recognition test (NOR). At the end of the experiments, peritoneal fluid, brain, liver, and lung were collected for T. gondii DNA quantification and histopathological analysis. Infection with BRI strain reduced the dwell time and central locomotion in the OF (p < 0.05), indicating anxiogenic type behavior, while treatment with rosuvastatin reversed this response (p < 0.05). RH strain infection did not alter any behavior in the OF (p > 0.05) and both strains impaired short- and long-term memory (NOR test), but with no significant treatment effect (p > 0.05). The BRI strain was shown to be more damaging in relation to anxiogenic type behavior when compared to the RH strain (p < 0.05), whereas rosuvastatin reduced this damaging effect in BRI. The treatment reduced the parasite load in the peritoneal lavage, liver, and lung of animals infected with both acute strains; however, it significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the inflammatory process only in BRI-infected and treated animals, showing that non-archetypal genotypes are more damaging in rodents. This suggests that rosuvastatin may be a drug with great therapeutic potential against T. gondii mainly to reduce damage from virulent strains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, State University of Londrina (UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
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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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5
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Condoleo R, Rombolà P, Palumbo R, Santori D, Serra S, Tonon S, Bosco A, Sezzi E. Toxoplasma gondii in sheep: Serological occurrence at slaughterhouse level in Italy and environmental risk factors. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1057277. [PMID: 37035804 PMCID: PMC10076628 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1057277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease affecting a wide range of species, including humans, and can be responsible for important clinical manifestations such as abortion and neurological signs. Sheep show a remarkable susceptibility to its causative agent, Toxoplasma gondii, and zoonotic transmission may occur in case of consumption of undercooked meat obtained from infected animals. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in sheep can significantly vary on a geographical basis, as shown by numerous surveys conducted worldwide. To investigate environmental and climate conditions that may affect the likelihood of ovine infection, 405 serum samples from selected sheep raised in 91 farms were collected from two abattoirs, with each abattoir receiving animals from two regions (1/Tuscany-Latium and 2/Campania-Basilicata). The seroprevalence of infection in all examined animals was 53.8%. Young animals (n = 165) had a lower likelihood of being T. gondii positive compared to the adults (OR = 0.21), and the seropositive rate of animals slaughtered in abattoir 2 was significantly higher than that of animals slaughtered in abattoir 1 (60.5 vs. 43.2%, p < 0.01). The significant bioclimatic variables (p < 0.05) associated with the presence of T. gondii antibodies were related to areas with a lower range of temperature and higher precipitation. In conclusion, this study expands on the interpretation of serological data, with the inclusion of environmental and climatic variables, as possible risk factors in the spread of toxoplasmosis in the study area. These findings provide novel insights to support public health measures, such as risk-based control plan, and contribute to a "One Health" approach, taking into account the environmental and climatic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Condoleo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Condoleo
| | - Pasquale Rombolà
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Palumbo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Santori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Tonon
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Bosco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Erminia Sezzi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e Toscana, Rome, Italy
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Ahaduzzaman M, Hasan T. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats from different geographical regions of the world: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3790-3822. [PMID: 36345796 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which significantly impact small ruminant productivity, international animal trade and transboundary movement of animal across the globe. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) in sheep and goats is widely studied in many parts of the world and there is a lack of comprehensive information on prevalence estimates considering the global and regional perspectives. The aim of the study was to use systematic review and meta-analysis methods to estimate the global and regional pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats, as well as factors that influence prevalence estimations. Relevant articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep and/goats were searched in five electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and ProQuest. After the publications were checked to verify they fit the inclusion criteria, a total of 225 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, reflecting data from 70 countries/regions. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effect meta-analysis model. Overall, the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 33.86% (95% CI: 30.47-37.25%) in sheep and 31.78% (95% CI: 28.99-34.58%) in goats, with significant variation in prevalence estimates across geographical locations (p < .001). Substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 75%) was observed in most pooled seroprevalence estimates. The T. gondii infection in global sheep and goat population showed uptrend over the period. This information would be useful for epidemiologist, health authorities and farmers in order to plan future T. gondii survey and infection management strategies both locally and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ahaduzzaman
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjila Hasan
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
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Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughtered domestic ruminants in Northwest Ethiopia: occurrence, bioassay and virulence assessment. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:429-439. [DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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8
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de Moura CEBR, de Sá Jayme V, de Oliveira Monteiro CM, Lopes WDZ, Soares VE, Rossi GAM, Gambarini ML, de Castro AM, de Souza JY, de Oliveira VSF, de Amaral Leal A, Arnhold E, Teixeira WFP. Spatial distribution and risk factors for sheep toxoplasmosis in Goiás, Brazilian Cerrado Region. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 26:100625. [PMID: 34879937 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100625] [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: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution and risk factors for infection by Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in the state of Goiás, located in the central-western region of Brazil. Through the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was analyzed in 1000 blood serum samples obtained from sheep in all macro and micro regions of the state of Goiás. Data related to sex, age of the animals, size of the farm, type of farm, water source, veterinary assistance, replacement of the herd, presence of domestic cats, presence of wild cats and presence of other wild animals were obtained at the sampling time. The differences between the seroprevalences obtained in relation to the variables analyzed were estimated using Pearson's chi-square test (χ2). The odds ratio (OR) values for each risk factor evaluated were statistically analyzed with a confidence interval of 95%. Positivity for IgG anti-T. gondii was observed (titer ≥64) in 34.3% (343/1000) of the samples, which ranged from 26.9% (31/115) to 44.2% (53/120) and from 21.8 (12/55) to 55.2% (16 / 29), respectively in the analyzed mesoregions and microregions. In all investigated regions of the State of Goiás, serum-reactive animals were detected with the age of the animals, the source of water, the form of replacement of the herd and the presence of domestic cats and wild animals risk factors statistically associated with the occurrence of T. gondii in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valéria de Sá Jayme
- School of Veterinary and Zootechnics, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Caio Marcio de Oliveira Monteiro
- School of Veterinary and Zootechnics, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | - Welber Daniel Zanetti Lopes
- School of Veterinary and Zootechnics, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Maria Lúcia Gambarini
- School of Veterinary and Zootechnics, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria de Castro
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Yonara de Souza
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Arnhold
- School of Veterinary and Zootechnics, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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9
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Azimi K, Amouei A, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Shams N, Mizani A, Hosseini SA, Salehi S, Safari-Kharyeki MR, Chegeni TN, Hosseininejad Z, Daryani A. Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Ruminants Aborted Fetuses in Northern Iran Using Molecular and Bioassay Techniques. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 16:229-235. [PMID: 34557237 PMCID: PMC8418659 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v16i2.6273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite that infects a wide range of warm-blooded species. This study aimed to obtain further information on the role of T. gondii infection in ruminant abortion (sheep, goats and cattle) using bioassay and PCR methods in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Methods: Overall, 104 aborted fetuses (52 bovine, 48 ovine, 4 caprine) were collected at different stages of gestation during the lambing seasons in various parts of Mazandaran Province from Mar 2016 to May 2017. Brains of 104 aborted fetuses were bioassayed in female BALB/c mice. DNA was extracted from all brain samples using phenol-chloroform-isoamyl Alcohol instructions. RE gene was used for detection all of T. gondii DNA by conventional PCR assay. Results: The results of the bioassayed samples were negative because no tachyzoites or cyst were observed in the peritoneal and brain specimens of the mice. The detection of T. gondii DNA was confirmed by observation of a 529 bp band in 15 out of 104 fetuses (14.4%). The highest prevalence rate of T. gondii detected from sheep (16.6%) followed by cattle (13.4%) and goats (0%). The highest prevalence of the infection was observed in east area, while the lowest prevalence of the infection was observed in west area. Conclusion: T. gondii infection may partly be responsible for abortion and economic losses in livestock husbandry in this region. Therefore, further additional researches such as genotyping T. gondii and designing control strategies for improving management in livestock flocks are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Azimi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Amouei
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nemat Shams
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Azadeh Mizani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeid Salehi
- Mazandaran Provincial Veterinary Department, Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Tooran Nayeri Chegeni
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseininejad
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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10
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Acosta ICL, Gennari SM, Grisi Filho JHH, Chiebao DP. From weaning to breeding age: Presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 24:100531. [PMID: 34024361 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sheep are intermediate hosts of the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic parasite that that may cause abortion and reproductive losses in this species. Previous studies have shown that its prevalence is high in sheep herds in Brazil, but no information from the state of Espírito Santo was available. The aim of this study was to improve the epidemiological data in different regions of this state by analyzing occurrences of anti-T. gondii antibodies in young female sheep, before reproductive age, using IFAT (cutoff ≥64). In addition, variables relating to these animals and farm management were investigated for significance of associations. A total of 312 sheep, aged 3 to 12 months, on five farms in five municipalities, were sampled. Among these 312 animals, 135 (43.26%) were reactive, and 70 positive sheep (51.8%) presented high titers (more than three times the cutoff).Eight-month-old sheep presented the lowest occurrence and 7 and 11-month-old sheep, the highest. At least one animal was positive in each municipality, thus confirming the endemic status of toxoplasmosis in sheep in this region. None of the variables analyzed, relating to animals and herds, presented any association with T. gondii occurrence (p > 0.05). The number of females that were close to sexual maturity (12 months) and which were reactive to T. gondii was less than 50%. These ewes would probably be more susceptible to reproductive problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Cunha Lima Acosta
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil; Programa de Monitoramento da Biodiversidade Aquática na Área Ambiental I Rede Rio Doce Mar/Projeto Albatroz, Instituto Albatroz, Santos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil; Program of Post-Graduation in Veterinary Medicine, University of Santo Amaro, SP, Rua Prof. Eneas Siqueira Neto, 340, São Paulo, SP CEP 04829-900, Brazil
| | - José Henrrique Hildebrand Grisi Filho
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pontes Chiebao
- Research Center for Animal Health, Biological Institute, Av. Conselheiro Rodrigues Alves, 1252, São Paulo, SP CEP 04014-900, Brazil
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11
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Maia MO, Maia MO, Silva ARSD, Gomes AAD, Aguiar DMD, Pacheco RDC, Costa AJD, Santos-Doni TRD. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, Western Brazilian Amazon. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 74:101599. [PMID: 33260021 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to carry out a seroepidemiological study of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies in serum samples from sheep intended for human consumption in the Rondônia state, in the Western Brazilian Amazon, and identify possible risk factors associated with seropositivity. The analysis of the 616 sheep serum samples revealed animal-level seroprevalence of T. gondii in the order of 52.4 % and of N. caninum of 60.6 %. Prevalence of co-infections was 33.4 %. The herd-level seroprevalence was 100 % for both the parasites. Applying of multivariate logistic regression analysis, test of the association between seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and the potential predictors showed that feed, fetal malformation, abortion, neurological problems (lambs), presence of rodents were the significant (P < 0.05) predictors. The variables presence of rodents, cats, wild animals and main activity showed statistical association (P < 0.05) with the seroprevalence of N. caninum. Due to the high prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum found in this study, the absence of specific slaughterhouses for sheep and raw or undercooked sheep meat for human consumption we concluded that sheep can represent an important source of infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maerle Oliveira Maia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FAVET) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Moura de Aguiar
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FAVET) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Richard de Campos Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias (PPGVET) da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária (FAVET) da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | | | - Thaís Rabelo Dos Santos-Doni
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Unaí, MG, Brazil.
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12
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Molecular detection of the B1 gene of Toxoplasma gondii in blood samples of female sheep and goats in Tebessa, northeastern Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 72:101530. [PMID: 32836008 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a parasitic zoonosis of crucial medical and veterinary importance. It is mainly diagnosed by serological methods which are limited by insufficient sensitivity. Therefore, it is necessary to rely on direct detection of the parasite. The present study was aimed for direct detection of the parasite DNA in the blood samples of sheep and goats using PCR targeting the B1 gene. The study was carried out in 20 small ruminant farms between 2016 and 2018 in Tebessa region, part of north-eastern Algeria, and concerned 227 and 91 aborted female sheep and goats respectively. DNA of T. gondii was detected in 35.24 % and 18.68 % blood samples of sheep and goats respectively (p < 0.001). Molecular prevalence was higher in 13-24 month old female sheep (93.33 %) than 1-12 month old female sheep (14.37 %) (p < 0.0001). While, in goats no significant difference was observed in relation to age. Female sheep that aborted between 1-60 days of gestation were found to be more infected (46.41 %) compared to females that aborted between 61-120 days of gestation (12.16 %) (p < 0.001). Whereas, female goats that aborted between 61-120 days of gestation were found to be more infested (30.77 %) compared to females that aborted between 1-60 days of gestation (16.67 %) (p < 0.001). This study revealed that small ruminants are highly infected with T. gondii, which represents a major risk for the consumer in Tebessa. Further studies are needed to improve our knowledge of the different genotypes of T. gondii infecting small ruminant population.
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Su C. Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 286:109195. [PMID: 32979682 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, control, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in sheep in the past decade. There is debate and uncertainty concerning repeat congenital infection as evidenced by finding T. gondii DNA in progeny of chronically infected sheep. However, there is no concrete evidence that T. gondii is the cause of repeated abortions in sheep. Recent data concerning pathogenesis of abortion in acutely infected sheep are reviewed. PCR-RFLP typing of T. gondii DNA derived from viable T. gondii isolates or tissues of infected sheep revealed low genetic diversity in sheep in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America but high diversity in South America. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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14
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Dubey J, Murata F, Cerqueira-Cézar C, Kwok O, Su C. WITHDRAWN: Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: the last decade. Vet Parasitol X 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vpoa.2020.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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15
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Valencio BA, Alves BF, Bezerra RA, Vilela VLR, Feitosa TF, Amaku M, Azevedo SS, Gennari SM. Longitudinal study of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in female lambs from Paraíba State, Brazil. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Aktaş MS, Aydın Ö. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in Erzurum province, Eastern Anatolia region, Turkey. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH 2020; 21:126-129. [PMID: 32849892 PMCID: PMC7430368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis causes economic losses due to abortion, neonatal death and reproductive diseases in infected sheep. Erzurum is one of the most important cities in Turkey where sheep farming is done. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and related risk factors in sheep brought to the slaughterhouse in Erzurum province of Eastern Anatolia region, Turkey. METHODS Nine-hundred and sixty sheep brought to slaughterhouse from Erzurum center and districts were used in this study. The data on age, breed, abortion history of sheep and whether or not they had contact with cats were recorded. The presence of T. gondii antibodies was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit in blood samples taken from sheep just before slaughter. RESULTS According to the study results, 44 (4.58%) of 960 sheep were found to be seropositive. Seroprevalence was found to be highest in the ≥2<3 age group with 5.29% (P>0.05), and it was more common in Akkaraman breed compared to Morkaraman breed (P<0.01). It was determined that 43 (97.73%) of the 44 seropositive sheep had contact with cats (P<0.01) and 12 of them (27.27%) had abort history. CONCLUSION The study results identify the presence of T. gondii in the sheep from Erzurum province of Eastern Anatolia region, Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Aktaş
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Ö. Aydın
- Ph.D. Student in Veterinary Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, 25240, Erzurum, Turkey
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17
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Tagwireyi WM, Etter E, Neves L. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals in southeastern South Africa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 86:e1-e6. [PMID: 31714140 PMCID: PMC6852261 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v86i1.1688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major neglected parasitic infection occurring in settings of extreme poverty in Africa. Apart from causing reproductive failure in animals it is also a significant zoonotic concern. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T. gondii infection in cats, chickens, goats, sheep and pigs in the southeast of South Africa, of which little is known. Sera was obtained from 601 domestic animals including 109 cats, 137 chickens, 128 goats, 121 sheep and 106 pigs managed under different production systems in different agro-ecological regions and evaluated by the Toxoreagent, a latex agglutination test for T. gondii antibody detection. Household-level and animal-level data were collected by interviewing animal owners and/or herders using a closed-ended questionnaire. The study revealed an overall farm seroprevalence of 83.33% (125/150 farms) with the highest rate of infection for the parasite found in sheep with 64.46% (78/121), followed by goats with 53.91% (69/128), pigs with 33.96% (36/106), cats with 32.11% (35/109 cats) and chickens with 33.58% (46/137). The risk factors that were found to be statistically significant (p 0.05) to different species of seropositivites were age, location, climate, animal production system, rodent control, seropositive cat, cat-feed access and cat faecal disposal. The relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii detected in this region suggests that domestic animals may pose a substantial public health risk through the consumption of T. gondii-infected raw meat as well as via contact with cat faeces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whatmore M Tagwireyi
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.
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18
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Epidemiological Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Commercial Sheep Flock in an Endemic Area for Ocular Toxoplasmosis in Southern Brazil. Acta Parasitol 2019; 64:514-519. [PMID: 31187391 DOI: 10.2478/s11686-019-00081-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii is a widely distributed parasite and of great importance to human and animal health. METHODS The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies and risk factors associated with the infection in sheep in the Northwest region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; this region has a very high rate of human ocular toxoplasmosis. Ovine sera were tested by the modified agglutination test (cut-off 1:25). RESULTS T. gondii antibodies were detected in 70.2% (224 of 319). According to the logistic regression, the most significant factors associated were age and cat access to food stock facility. CONCLUSION Preventive measures are discussed to reduce the risk of transmission of this zoonosis.
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Stelzer S, Basso W, Benavides Silván J, Ortega-Mora L, Maksimov P, Gethmann J, Conraths F, Schares G. Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in farm animals: Risk factors and economic impact. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00037. [PMID: 32095611 PMCID: PMC7033994 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Felids, including domestic cats, are definitive hosts that can shed oocysts with their feces. In addition to infections that occur by accidental oral uptake of food or water contaminated with oocysts, it is assumed that a large proportion of affected humans may have become infected by consuming meat or other animal products that contained infective parasitic stages of T. gondii. Since farm animals represent a direct source of infection for humans, but also a possible reservoir for the parasite, it is important to control T. gondii infections in livestock. Moreover, T. gondii may also be pathogenic to livestock where it could be responsible for considerable economic losses in some regions and particular farming systems, e.g. in areas where the small ruminant industry is relevant. This review aims to summarize actual knowledge on the prevalence and effects of infections with T. gondii in the most important livestock species and on the effects of toxoplasmosis on livestock. It also provides an overview on potential risk factors favoring infections of livestock with T. gondii. Knowledge on potential risk factors is prerequisite to implement effective biosecurity measures on farms to prevent T. gondii infections. Risk factors identified by many studies are cat-related, but also those associated with a potential contamination of fodder or water, and with access to a potentially contaminated environment. Published information on the costs T. gondii infections cause in livestock production, is scarce. The most recent peer reviewed reports from Great Britain and Uruguay suggest annual cost of about 5-15 million US $ per country. Since these estimates are outdated, future studies are needed to estimate the present costs due to toxoplasmosis in livestock. Further, the fact that T. gondii infections in livestock may affect human health needs to be considered and the respective costs should also be estimated, but this is beyond the scope of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Stelzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - W. Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - J. Benavides Silván
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León) Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
| | - L.M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - P. Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - J. Gethmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - F.J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - G. Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
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Abd El-Razik KA, Barakat AMA, Hussein HA, Younes AM, Elfadaly HA, Eldebaky HA, Soliman YA. Seroprevalence, isolation, molecular detection and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii from small ruminants in Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2018; 42:527-536. [PMID: 30538350 PMCID: PMC6261144 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-018-1029-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Detection of T. gondii infection with touchy and particular strategies is a key advance to control and prevent toxoplasmosis. Genotyping can explain the virulence, epidemiology and setting up new methodologies for diagnosis and control in human and animals. The point of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of T. gondii in sheep and goat in Egypt and to comprehend the genetic variety of T. gondii isolates circling in Egypt. Blood samples were gathered from 113 ewes and 95 she-goats from three Egyptian governorates (Cairo, Giza and Al-Sharkia). Also blood and tissue samples were gathered from 193 sheep and 51 goats from Cairo and Giza abattoirs. All samples were assayed serologically utilizing ELISA and OnSite Toxo IgG/IgM Rapid test cassettes (OTRT) tests and the tissue samples of the seropositive animals were digested and microscopically examined then bio-assayed in mice as viability test. All the T. gondii isolates undergo molecular identification using PCR and genotyped utilizing nPCR/RFLP analysis of SAG2 gene. The total seropositivity of live sheep and goat was 47.15 and 39.2% utilizing ELISA and OTRT respectively. Concerning abattoirs, seropositivity, positive microscopic examination, mice viability from sheep samples were 47.1%, 37.3% and 44.1% respectively while that of goats were 45.5%, 33.3% and 48.6% respectively. Eighteen T. gondii isolates were affirmed utilizing PCR. Genotyping confirmed 10 isolates (55.5%) as type II, 6 (33.3%) as type III and 2 (11.1%) as atypical genotypes. Type II and III are the genotypes mostly circling among small ruminants in Egypt and this is most significance for the public health in Egypt.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hany A. Hussein
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Hassan A. Elfadaly
- Department of Zoonotic Diseases, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hazem A. Eldebaky
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yousef A. Soliman
- Central Lab for Evaluation of Vet. Biologics (CLEVB), Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt
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Matilla F, Velleman Y, Harrison W, Nevel M. Animal influence on water, sanitation and hygiene measures for zoonosis control at the household level: A systematic literature review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006619. [PMID: 30001331 PMCID: PMC6057674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs) have a significant impact on the livelihoods of the world's poorest populations, which often lack access to basic services. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programmes are included among the key strategies for achieving the World Health Organization's 2020 Roadmap for Implementation for control of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). There exists a lack of knowledge regarding the effect of animals on the effectiveness of WASH measures. OBJECTIVES This review looked to identify how animal presence in the household influences the effectiveness of water, hygiene and sanitation measures for zoonotic disease control in low and middle income countries; to identify gaps of knowledge regarding this topic based on the amount and type of studies looking at this particular interaction. METHODS Studies from three databases (Medline, Web of Science and Global Health) were screened through various stages. Selected articles were required to show burden of one or more zoonotic diseases, an animal component and a WASH component. Selected articles were analysed. A narrative synthesis was chosen for the review. RESULTS Only two studies out of 7588 met the inclusion criteria. The studies exemplified how direct or indirect contact between animals and humans within the household can influence the effectiveness of WASH interventions. The analysis also shows the challenges faced by the scientific community to isolate and depict this particular interaction. CONCLUSION The dearth of studies examining animal-WASH interactions is explained by the difficulties associated with studying environmental interventions and the lack of collaboration between the WASH and Veterinary Public Health research communities. Further tailored research under a holistic One Health approach will be required in order to meet the goals set in the NTDs Roadmap and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Matilla
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yael Velleman
- Policy and Campaigns Department, WaterAid, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Harrison
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mandy Nevel
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
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Amdouni Y, Rjeibi MR, Rouatbi M, Amairia S, Awadi S, Gharbi M. Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in slaughtered ruminants (sheep, goats and cattle) in Northwest Tunisia. Meat Sci 2017; 133:180-184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ibrahim HM, Mohamed AH, El-Sharaawy AA, El-Shqanqery HE. Molecular and serological prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women and sheep in Egypt. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2017; 10:996-1001. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 08/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Venturi SS, da Silva AF, Frazão-Teixeira E, de Oliveira FC, Consalter A, Padilha FG, Fonseca ABM, Ferreira AMR. Characterization of the zoonotic potential of Toxoplasma gondii in horses from Rio de Janeiro State. Acta Trop 2017; 171:159-162. [PMID: 28377222 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a survey on the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in horses from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. From 2012 to 2013, a total of 624 blood samples were collected from horses from the eight regions comprising Rio de Janeiro State (Baixadas Litorâneas, Serrana, Norte Fluminense, Noroeste Fluminense, Centro-Sul, Metropolitana, Médio Paraíba, and Costa Verde). All sera samples were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies by performing the modified agglutination test with a cut-off of 1:25. Positive serology for T. gondii was detected in 22.8% (142/624) of the horses studied. Seropositivity was detected in all regions sampled; furthermore, statistical significance was observed when all locations were compared at once. The Médio Paraíba region had the highest number of positive animals 54.76% (23/42) in the Bonferroni correction among Costa Verde, Centro Sul, Metropolitana, and Serrana (p<0.001). Seropositivity was 39.58% (38/96) in Norte Fluminense, which was the second most prevalent region. The results indicated that the T. gondii parasite is widely distributed in horses in Rio de Janeiro State and represents a risk to public and animal health. These findings emphasize the need to increase control and prevention of this disease in horses.
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Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats and sheep raised in the State of Piauí in northeast Brazil. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Nunes ACBT, Silva EMVD, Oliveira JAD, Yamasaki EM, Kim PDCP, Almeida JCD, Nunes KB, Mota RA. Application of different techniques to detect Toxoplasma gondii in slaughtered sheep for human consumption. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2015; 24:416-21. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612015076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep slaughtered in the state of Alagoas, Brazil, by means of different diagnosis techniques. Serum samples and tissues from 100 slaughtered sheep were used. To detect antibodies, the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) was used, and tissues from seropositive animals (cut-off ≥1:64) were submitted to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). To assess the concordance between the direct techniques, the kappa test was used. In the IFAT, it was observed that 14% (14/100) of the ovine samples were serum-positive. In the PCR, 21.43% (3/14) of the animals were positive and in IHC, it was observed that 7.14% (1/14) were positively stained for T. gondii in cerebral tissue. Histopathologically, the predominant finding was the presence of mononuclear cell infiltrate in the heart and a perivascular cuff in the cerebrum and cerebellum. The concordance between the direct diagnosis techniques was moderate (k=0.44). Thus, it is important to use different direct techniques in diagnosing toxoplasmosis in naturally infected sheep.
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Hammond-Aryee K, Van Helden LS, Van Helden PD. The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in the Western Cape, South Africa. Onderstepoort J Vet Res 2015; 82:e1-e5. [PMID: 26842365 PMCID: PMC6238717 DOI: 10.4102/ojvr.v82i1.993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in a sample of 292 merino sheep farmed in a semi-intensive manner in the Overberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa, was investigated. Antibody seroprevalence was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Of the total sample, 23 sheep tested positive for T. gondii antibodies (8%; 95% CI: 4.7688-10.9846). There was no statistically significant relationship between seroprevalence and age of the sheep. The highest seroprevalence was found in sheep between 28 and 40 months old; a total of 19 sheep were seropositive by 40 months. No seropositive sheep were found in the age group between 16 and 28 months. The seroprevalence reported in this study is higher than what has previously been reported for the Western Cape (6%) and across South Africa on average (4.7%). As sheep farming is economically significant in South Africa, the presence of T. gondii amongst sheep may pose a production threat to the small-stock industry as well as to public health and food security. We therefore recommend further surveillance to identify high-risk animal populations so that local control measures can be put in place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Hammond-Aryee
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, SA MRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical and Tuberculosis Research, Stellenbosch University.
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Bitome Essono PY, Dechaume-Moncharmont FX, Mavoungou J, Obiang Mba R, Duvallet G, Bretagnolle F. Distribution and abundance of hematophagous flies (Glossinidae, Stomoxys, and Tabanidae) in two national parks of Gabon. Parasite 2015; 22:23. [PMID: 26187781 PMCID: PMC4506487 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2015023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to minimize risks of pathogen transmission with the development of ecotourism in Gabon, a seasonal inventory has been performed in five contrasted biotopes in Ivindo (INP) and Moukalaba-Doudou (MDNP) National Parks. A total of 10,033 hematophagous flies were captured. The Glossinidae, with six different species identified, was the most abundant group and constitutes about 60% of the captured flies compared to the Stomoxys (6 species also identified) and Tabanidae with 28% and 12%, respectively. The Glossinidae showed a higher rate of capture in primary forest and in research camps. In INP, the Stomoxys showed a higher rate of capture in secondary forest and at village borders, whereas in MDNP the Stomoxys were captured more in the savannah area. Thus, each fly group seemed to reach maximum abundance in different habitats. The Glossinidae were more abundant in primary forest and near research camps while Stomoxys were more abundant in secondary forest and savannah. The Tabanidae did not show a clear habitat preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Yannick Bitome Essono
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Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6282-Biogéosciences 6 Boulevard Gabriel 21000
Dijon France
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Institut de Recherche en Écologie Tropicale (IRET-CENAREST) BP 13354 Libreville Gabon
| | | | - Jacques Mavoungou
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Institut de Recherche en Écologie Tropicale (IRET-CENAREST) BP 13354 Libreville Gabon
| | - Régis Obiang Mba
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Centre de Recherche Médicale de Lambaréné, Albert Schweitzer BP 118 Lambaréné Gabon
| | - Gérard Duvallet
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UMR 5175 CEFE, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, Route de Mende 34199
Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - François Bretagnolle
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Université de Bourgogne, UMR 6282-Biogéosciences 6 Boulevard Gabriel 21000
Dijon France
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Medeiros ADD, Andrade MDMC, Vítor RWDA, Andrade-Neto VFD. Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in meat and dairy goat herds in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2014; 23:481-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612014088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is the main causative agent of abortion in small ruminants. Goats are among the animals that are most susceptible to this protozoon, and the disease that it causes leads to significant economic losses and has implications for public health, since presence of the parasite in products of goat origin is one of the main sources of human infection. Because of the significant economic impact, there is an urgent need to study the prevalence of T. gondii infection among goats in Sertão do Cabugi, which is the largest goat-producing region in Rio Grande do Norte. In the present study, the ELISA assay was used to test 244 serum samples from nine farms, located in four different municipalities in the Sertão do Cabugi region, which is an important goat-rearing region. The results showed that the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 47.1% and that there was a significant association between positivity and the variables of age (≥ 34 months), location (Lajes, Angicos and Afonso Bezerra) and farm (all the farms). The avidity test was applied to all the 115 ELISA-positive samples to distinguish between acute and chronic infection. One hundred and three samples (89.6%) displayed high-avidity antibodies, thus indicating that most of the animals presented chronic infection, with a consequent great impact on the development of the goat production system and a risk to human health.
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Cosendey-KezenLeite RIJ, de Oliveira FCR, Frazão-Teixeira E, Dubey JP, de Souza GN, Ferreira AMR, Lilenbaum W. Occurrence and risk factors associated to Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Trop Anim Health Prod 2014; 46:1463-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-014-0667-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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