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Milton AAP, Das S, Ghatak S, Srinivas K, Priya GB, Angappan M, Prasad MCB, Wahlang L, Sailo B, Lalhruaipuii L, Singh M, Garam GB, Sen A. Seroepidemological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in Northeastern India. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298357. [PMID: 38377066 PMCID: PMC10878514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. are critical tissue-dwelling foodborne zoonotic parasites associated with pork consumption and pig rearing. Despite being a major pig-rearing region in the country, Northeastern India has not undergone any investigation regarding the presence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs. Therefore, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. and identify associated risk factors in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in the northeastern region of India. In a cross-sectional serological survey, 400 pigs from 400 households across five northeastern states of India underwent testing for the seroprevalence of porcine toxoplasmosis and trichinellosis. Serum samples (80 from each state) were analyzed using commercially available ELISA assays. Data on backyard farm characteristics and various management aspects were collected, and risk factors linked with prevalence were analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that the apparent and true prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies were 45% (40.12-49.88, 95% CI) and 45.7% (40.7-50.69, 95% CI), respectively. As for anti- Trichinella antibodies, both the apparent and true prevalence were 0.75% (-0.1-1.6, 95% CI). The univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that age above 24 months (OR 7.20, 95% CI 2.45-23.71), exposure to cats (OR = 5.87, 95% CI 2.55-14.05), and farms operating for breeding purposes (OR = 5.60, 95% CI 3.01-11.04) were significant risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii. This study marks the initial documentation of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities in Northeastern India. The results emphasize the significance of these parasites as foodborne zoonotic threats in the region, potentially posing substantial public health risks, especially within tribal and rural communities. The insights derived from this research could be valuable in formulating targeted preventive and control strategies against T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs, not only in this region but also in areas with similar rearing practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. P. Milton
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Samir Das
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - S. Ghatak
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - K. Srinivas
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - G. Bhuvana Priya
- College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya, India
| | - M. Angappan
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - M. C. B. Prasad
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - L. Wahlang
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Blessa Sailo
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | | | - Mahak Singh
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - G. B. Garam
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary & Dairy Development, Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh, India
| | - A. Sen
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
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Roy M, Mishra V, Mitra P, Umbardand Y, Sapate V, Khan W, Deshmukh AS. Serological and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Domestic Pigs Intended for Human Consumption and Potential Occupational Hazard to Pig Farmers in India. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2024; 21:99-108. [PMID: 37943604 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0073] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an important food-borne zoonotic parasite, poses a worldwide public health hazard. Domestic pigs are considered one of the main intermediate hosts in the zoonotic transmission of T. gondii. To date, seroepidemiological information on T. gondii in domestic pigs in India is very scarce, and there are no reports of occupational hazards to pig farmers in this country. Here, we aimed at estimating the occurrence of T. gondii (antibodies and parasite DNA) in slaughtered pigs and pig farmers in Central India. Seroprevalence was determined in 410 serum samples from slaughtered pigs and 103 sera from pig farmers using an in-house prepared antigen-based modified agglutination test (MAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and indirect-fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 200 pigs (up to 48.8%, confidence interval [95% CI]: 40.4-52.2) and 44 pig farmers (up to 42.7%, 95% CI: 35.6-47.3) using MAT, ELISA, and IFAT. Inter-rater agreement showed an excellent agreement (kappa κ = 0.9) among the different serological tests suggesting similar detection potential of these tests. Recently acquired infections in all seropositive subjects were determined using IgG avidity testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IgG avidity showed that 20 (10.3%) of slaughtered pigs and 8 (19.5%) pig farmers had a recently acquired infection. PCR for B1 and 529 repeats was performed in the heart tissues of slaughtered pigs and the blood cells of pig farmers. T. gondii DNA was detected in 14 (7.2%) slaughtered pigs and 5 (12.2%) pig farmers. Univariate analysis revealed that adult animals (>1 year), cats and rodents on the farm, and outdoor access are common factors (p ≤ 0.05) associated with T. gondii infection in pigs. Our results indicate that T. gondii is widely distributed in slaughtered pigs and pig farmers at risk of infection, highlighting a potential zoonotic transmission and health risk to consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Roy
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Veena Mishra
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pallabi Mitra
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Yeshwant Umbardand
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - Vaishnavi Sapate
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - Waqar Khan
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - Abhijit S Deshmukh
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
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Amouei A, Mizani A, Hanafi-Bojd AA, Jafari-Koshki T, Sarvi S, Aghayan SA, Amuei F, Nayeri Chegeni T, Daryani A. Global epidemiology and spatial distribution of Toxoplasma gondii in goats: Protocol for a systematic review and Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290012. [PMID: 38157349 PMCID: PMC10756507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii, a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite causes toxoplasmosis in humans and many species of domestic and wild animals. T. gondii instigates significant economic losses in sheep and goat farming industry and can lead to abortion, stillbirth, congenital malformations and neonatal losses. The objective of this protocol is to evaluate worldwide seroprevalence of T. gondii exposure in goats using Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis and geographic information system (GIS). METHODS A comprehensive literature search will be conducted using search engines, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, EMBASE, PROSPERO Register and, Google Scholar without date and language restrictions. The authors search for cross-sectional studies that determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in goats. Two reviewers will independently screen, selected studies; also, they will extract data, and assess the risk of bias. In case(s) of disagreement, a consensus will be reached with the help of a third author. The Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis will use to estimate country and worldwide true seroprevalence of T. gondii, which is consist of the sensitivity and specificity of the applied serological assays. The obtained data will be used to identify country-level risk factors associated with T. gondii exposure using GIS in the ArcGIS software. DISCUSSION The systematic review produced from this protocol will provide the true prevalence rate and spatial distribution T. gondii exposure in goats both regionally and globally using Bayesian hierarchical and GIS analysis. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020107928.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Amouei
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Mazandaran Central Veterinary Laboratory, Medical Sciences, Veterinary Administration of Mazandaran Province, Sari, Iran
| | - Azadeh Mizani
- Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ali Hanafi-Bojd
- Department of Medical Entomology &Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tohid Jafari-Koshki
- Department of Statistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sargis A. Aghayan
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute of Biology, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Fateme Amuei
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Tooran Nayeri Chegeni
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Potential risk factors for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in finishing pigs on conventional farms in the Netherlands. Porcine Health Manag 2022; 8:27. [PMID: 35701849 PMCID: PMC9195196 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-022-00272-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes a substantial human disease burden worldwide. Ingesting improperly cooked pork containing T. gondii is considered one of the major sources of human infection in Europe and North America. Consequently, control of T. gondii infections in pigs is warranted. The European Food Safety Authority advised to perform serological monitoring of pigs and to conduct farm audits for the presence of risk factors. Serological monitoring was implemented in several Dutch slaughterhouses, one to six blood samples (a total of 5134 samples) were taken from each delivery of finishing pigs and samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Using these test results, a cross-sectional study was initiated to assess the association between the within-herd T. gondii seroprevalence and the presence of risk factors for T. gondii infections at 69 conventional finishing pig farms in the Netherlands. RESULTS A multivariable model showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) association with twelve potential risk factors: type of farm, presence of dogs, presence of ruminants, use of boots, use of shower and farm clothing, mode of rodent control, bedding accessibility for rodents, presence of cats, type of drinking water, heating of the feed, use of goat whey and shielding of birds. CONCLUSIONS Serological monitoring of finishing pigs for T. gondii in slaughterhouses can be used to identify the presence of T. gondii risk factors on Dutch conventional finishing pig farms and seems a valuable tool to guide and monitor the control of T. gondii in pork production.
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Quarter of pig farmers readily viewed information on Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs provided in a data exchange system of a Dutch slaughter company. Prev Vet Med 2021; 193:105410. [PMID: 34139402 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105410] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a food safety hazard causing a substantial human disease burden. Because infected pig meat is estimated to attribute 12 % to this disease burden, it is important to control T. gondii infection in pigs. Providing pig farmers with information on T. gondii infection in general, and more specific on the status on their farm, could motivate them to take actions. In this study, we analysed the strategy pig farmers used to view specific T. gondii information provided for the first time on webpages in an existing data exchange system of a Dutch pig slaughter company. The available information for farmers comprised a webpage displaying the farm-level T. gondii seroprevalence and a webpage with information on risk sources and control measures for T. gondii infection in pigs and on human health consequences of a T. gondii infection. A total of 1404 owners of pig farms logged in the data exchange system. Of these, a quarter viewed the webpage with information on T. gondii seroprevalence, and about of third of them also viewed the webpage with the information on risk sources and control measures. T. gondii seroprevalence exceeded 2.0 % at only 0.6 % of these 1404 farms. The seroprevalence level on a particular farm neither influenced the likelihood of the farmer viewing the webpage with the T. gondii seroprevalence, nor the likelihood of them continuing to the webpage with the additional information. In the days when the pop-up message was included, the number of views registered on the seroprevalence and the additional information webpages rose nine and two times, respectively. Since the majority of views was in the period with a pop-up message pointing to this information we conclude that a targeted pop-up might help to transfer needed information to farmers with higher T. gondii seroprevalence at farm-level. More general, our study provides valuable insight into pig farmers' viewing strategies of new information on food safety hazards provided in a slaughter data exchange system.
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Hashemi SM, Mahmoodi S, Mehravaran A, Mirahmadi H, Khabisi SA, Alijani E, Solgi R. Serological and molecular evaluation of toxoplasmosis in patient undergoing chemotherapy for malignancies in southeast of Iran. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Mohd Noor Keeflee SNK, Wan Mohd Zain WNA, Mohd Nor MN, Jamion NA, Yong SK. Growth and metal uptake of spinach with application of co-compost of cat manure and spent coffee ground. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05086. [PMID: 33015401 PMCID: PMC7522383 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cat manure (CM) possesses high level of nutrients for growing food crop. However, animal manure may contain toxic elements that may contaminate food crop. Spent coffee ground (SCG) may be used to reduce mobility of heavy metals and reduce crop uptake. In this study, SCG was composted with CM for 31 days to produce a co-compost (SCG-CM) for growing spinach (Spinacia oleracea). The growth rate of spinach was assessed until its maturity, and the metal uptake of spinach shoot was determined thereafter using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The effect of soil treatment with SCG-CM on the height and elemental composition of spinach were compared with that of chicken manure compost (CMC). The prepared composts were primarily organic matter (72.9–81.4 % w/w) with the rest are ash (13.3–23.4 % w/w) and moisture (1.2–2.6 % w/w). Zinc content in SCG-CM (1261 ± 0.1 mg/kg) is significantly higher than that of soil and CMC (p < 0.05) and has exceeded the maximum permissible limit set by European Union Standard (2002) and the Malaysian Compost Quality Standard and Guidelines (2000). Matured spinach reached maximum plant height after 33 days. The amendment of SCG-CM significantly increased the height of spinach (32 ± 6 cm) compared to that of CMC (13 ± 1 cm) (p < 0.05). However, contents of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were not increased for spinach grown in the SCG-CM-amended soil, and the level of those elements are below permissible limit set by the Malaysian Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985. This study shows that SCG-CM is effective in improving yield without causing accumulation of toxic trace elements in spinach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wan Nur Azra Wan Mohd Zain
- Soil Assessment and Remediation Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Nuruddin Mohd Nor
- Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 77300 Merlimau, Jasin, Melaka, Malaysia
| | - Nurul' Ain Jamion
- School of Chemistry and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Negeri Sembilan Branch, Kuala Pilah Campus, 72000 Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.,Research Centre for Sustainability Science & Governance (SGK), Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Soon Kong Yong
- Soil Assessment and Remediation Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
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van Wagenberg CPA, van Asseldonk MAPM, Bouwknegt M, Wisselink HJ. Behavioural factors of Dutch pig producers related to control of toxoplasma gondii infections in pigs. Prev Vet Med 2020; 176:104899. [PMID: 31982804 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.104899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a food safety hazard which causes a substantial human disease burden. Infected pig meat is a common risk source of toxoplasmosis. Therefore, it is important to control T. gondii infections in pigs. Improving farm management to control the introduction risk likely contributes to that aim. A pig producer only implements control measures when he or she is aware of the underlying problem, wants to solve it, and is able to solve it. If a pig producer is not implementing appropriate control measures, behavioural change interventions can be introduced to overcome constraining behavioural factors. To aid in designing behaviour change interventions, this study analysed behavioural factors of Dutch pig producers in terms of capability, opportunity and motivation to control T. gondii infections in pigs. Key risk sources analysed focused on the life cycle of T. gondii, with cats as primary host, rodents as intermediate host, and uncovered feed as an important risk source. A survey was conducted among Dutch pig producers. Responses were analysed using descriptive and cluster analysis. Results showed that around 80% of the 67 responding pig producers was aware of key risk sources of T. gondii infections in pigs. Respondents also rated risk sources that are not known to increase the risk of T. gondii infections in pigs as somewhat important. Many respondents did not know about potential consequences of a T. gondii infection in pigs on human health. Two third expected some impact on pig performance, which is incorrect because T. gondii generally does not make pigs ill. Most respondents indicated to have the motivation and opportunity to control the risk sources cats, rodents and uncovered feed. Three pig producer clusters were identified: one with higher capability to control rodents, one with lower motivation to control rodents and cats and to cover feed storages, and one with lower scores on the importance of rodent control for pigs, human health and farm profit. We conclude that, although many pig producers have knowledge about risk sources for and consequences of T. gondii infections in pigs, the public health impact and risks of T. gondii infections in pigs are not yet common knowledge among all Dutch pig producers. Furthermore, Dutch pig producers differ in opportunity and motivation to control T. gondii infections. Targeted interventions to address these specific constraining behavioural factors can help to improve the control of T. gondii infections in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Henk J Wisselink
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB, Lelystad, the Netherlands
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Montes de Oca DP, Neyen Lammel M, Cavia R. Small-mammal assemblages in piggeries in a developing country: relationships with management practices and habitat complexity. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr19199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextPig production is increasing in developing countries and is increasing the coexistence of different production systems regarding management practices. Small mammals can cause major economic and sanitary problems on pig farms. The interactions among small mammals, production practices and habitat complexity have been sparsely studied.
AimsThe aim was to compare small-mammal assemblages on extensive and intensive pig-production systems, and to analyse the relationship with environmental characteristics and management practices.
MethodsSeasonal live-trapping of small mammals within 18 farms (under intensive or extensive management) was performed in central Argentina, simultaneously with a survey of environmental and management practices. Multiple regression analyses were performed to assess the relation between infestation levels and environmental characteristics.
Key results In total, 472 small mammals were captured, including the exotic murids Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus and Mus musculus, three native sigmodontines, namely, Akodon azarae, Oligoryzomys flavescens and Oxymycterus rufus, and two native marsupials, namely, Didelphis albiventris and Lutreolina crassicaudata. The location of waste deposits, the density of cats, the frequency of rodent control and the way pig food was stored influenced wild small-mammal abundance; exotic rodent species were lower when the density of cats increased. Rattus norvegicus was more abundant where rodent control was not frequent or null, contrary to M. musculus. Both species were more abundant in food and pig sheds, whereas native species were associated with vegetated areas outside of sheds. Also, A. azarae was associated with the density of pigs. Didelphis albiventris was more abundant on extensive farms, whereas L. crassicaudata was captured on intensive farms.
Conclusions Small-mammal abundance did not respond to the type of production system per se, but exotic species abundance was influenced by management decisions. The most important human behaviours related to exotic rodent infestation were the possession of cats, the frequency of rodent control and the way waste and pig feed were managed.
Implications Our findings highlighted the need for integrated studies on factors influencing the dynamics of rodent populations in commercial piggery systems, for the development of effective pest management. Management recommendations need to assess environmental complexity and human behaviour as important moderators of the population dynamics of small mammal species in and around piggeries.
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Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in extensively raised Iberian pigs in Spain. Prev Vet Med 2019; 175:104854. [PMID: 31790931 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.104854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pigs reared under extensive farming conditions are currently in high commercial demand because they are associated with high-quality products. Nevertheless, the risk of contact with different pathogens of animal and public health concern is also higher in extensive production systems. Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent zoonotic pathogen and transmission by contaminated pork is likely one of the main routes of human toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence, risk factors and spatial distribution of T. gondii on extensive Iberian pig herds in Spain. Sera from 2245 Iberian pigs from 114 herds were collected between 2015 and 2017 and analyzed using a commercial ELISA. The apparent individual prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii was 24.1 % (542/2245) and the estimated true seroprevalence was 24.3 % (CI95 %: 22.5-26.1). Seropositivity was detected in 86.0 % (98/114; CI95 %: 77.4-91.1) of 114 herds analyzed. A multi-level logistic regression model showed that T. gondii infection was significantly more frequent in sows than in fattening pigs (OR: 2.6; CI95 %: 1.5-4.8) and in herds with more than three cats compared to no cats (OR: 2.9; CI95 %: 1.1-8.7). Our results indicate a widespread but heterogenous distribution of T. gondii in extensively reared Iberian pig herds, which may have important implications for public health through the consumption of undercooked or improperly cured pork products.
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Stelzer S, Basso W, Benavides Silván J, Ortega-Mora L, Maksimov P, Gethmann J, Conraths F, Schares G. Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in farm animals: Risk factors and economic impact. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00037. [PMID: 32095611 PMCID: PMC7033994 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Felids, including domestic cats, are definitive hosts that can shed oocysts with their feces. In addition to infections that occur by accidental oral uptake of food or water contaminated with oocysts, it is assumed that a large proportion of affected humans may have become infected by consuming meat or other animal products that contained infective parasitic stages of T. gondii. Since farm animals represent a direct source of infection for humans, but also a possible reservoir for the parasite, it is important to control T. gondii infections in livestock. Moreover, T. gondii may also be pathogenic to livestock where it could be responsible for considerable economic losses in some regions and particular farming systems, e.g. in areas where the small ruminant industry is relevant. This review aims to summarize actual knowledge on the prevalence and effects of infections with T. gondii in the most important livestock species and on the effects of toxoplasmosis on livestock. It also provides an overview on potential risk factors favoring infections of livestock with T. gondii. Knowledge on potential risk factors is prerequisite to implement effective biosecurity measures on farms to prevent T. gondii infections. Risk factors identified by many studies are cat-related, but also those associated with a potential contamination of fodder or water, and with access to a potentially contaminated environment. Published information on the costs T. gondii infections cause in livestock production, is scarce. The most recent peer reviewed reports from Great Britain and Uruguay suggest annual cost of about 5-15 million US $ per country. Since these estimates are outdated, future studies are needed to estimate the present costs due to toxoplasmosis in livestock. Further, the fact that T. gondii infections in livestock may affect human health needs to be considered and the respective costs should also be estimated, but this is beyond the scope of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Stelzer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - W. Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - J. Benavides Silván
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León) Grulleros, 24346 León, Spain
| | - L.M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - P. Maksimov
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - J. Gethmann
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - F.J. Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - G. Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
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Foroutan M, Fakhri Y, Riahi SM, Ebrahimpour S, Namroodi S, Taghipour A, Spotin A, Gamble HR, Rostami A. The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vet Parasitol 2019; 269:42-52. [PMID: 31079827 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is an important disease with worldwide distribution. Infection can occur from ingesting raw or undercooked infected meat, and among food animal species, pork is known to be one of the main sources of meat-borne infection. Here, we present results of the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the global T. gondii seroprevalence in pigs. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were comprehensively searched for relevant studies published between January 1, 1990 and October 25, 2018. We used a random effects model to calculate pooled seroprevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and analyzed data from five continents. We also conducted subgroup and meta-regression analyses to evaluate the effects of geographical and climate variables on pooled seroprevalence rates. Among 1542 publications identified, 148 studies containing 150 datasets were included in the meta-analysis, and comprised 148,092 pigs from 47 countries. The pooled global T. gondii seroprevalence in pigs was estimated to be 19% (95%CI, 17-22%; 23,696/148,092), with the lowest seroprevalence in Europe (13%; 10-15%) and highest seroprevalence in Africa (25%; 17-34%) and North America (25%; 19-33%). The seropositivity rates in Asia and South America regions were (21%, 16-26%) and (23%; 17-30%), respectively. A significantly higher T. gondii seroprevalence was associated with higher mean annual temperature and lower geographical latitude. The presence of cats on farms was identified as a potential risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity (OR, 1.41; 95%CI, 1.00-2.02). Our findings highlight the importance of pigs as a possible source of human T. gondii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Riahi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Soheil Ebrahimpour
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Somayeh Namroodi
- Department of Environmental sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Adel Spotin
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - H Ray Gamble
- National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; mmunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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de Wit LA, Croll DA, Tershy B, Correa D, Luna-Pasten H, Quadri P, Kilpatrick AM. Potential public health benefits from cat eradications on islands. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007040. [PMID: 30763304 PMCID: PMC6392314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats (Felis catus) are reservoirs of several pathogens that affect humans, including Toxoplasma gondii. Infection of pregnant women with T. gondii can cause ocular and neurological lesions in newborns, and congenital toxoplasmosis has been associated with schizophrenia, epilepsy, movement disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. We compared seroprevalence of T. gondii and risk factors in people on seven islands in Mexico with and without introduced cats to determine the effect of cat eradication and cat density on exposure to T. gondii. Seroprevalence was zero on an island that never had cats and 1.8% on an island where cats were eradicated in 2000. Seroprevalence was significantly higher (12-26%) on the five islands with cats, yet it did not increase across a five-fold range of cat density. Having cats near households, being male and spending time on the mainland were significant risk factors for T. gondii seroprevalence among individuals, whereas eating shellfish was protective. Our results suggest that cats are an important source of T. gondii on islands, and eradicating, but not controlling, introduced cats from islands could benefit human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz A. de Wit
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Donald A. Croll
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Bernie Tershy
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Dolores Correa
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Hector Luna-Pasten
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Paulo Quadri
- Department of Environmental Studies, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - A. Marm Kilpatrick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
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Pablos-Tanarro A, Ortega-Mora LM, Palomo A, Casasola F, Ferre I. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Iberian pig sows. Parasitol Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5837-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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15
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Simon J, Kurdzielewicz S, Jeanniot E, Dupuis E, Marnef F, Aubert D, Villena I, Poulle ML. Spatial distribution of soil contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in relation to the distribution and use of domestic cat defecation sites on dairy farms. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:357-367. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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van Asseldonk M, van Wagenberg CPA, Wisselink HJ. Break-even analysis of costs for controlling Toxoplasma gondii infections in slaughter pigs via a serological surveillance program in the Netherlands. Prev Vet Med 2017; 138:139-146. [PMID: 28237229 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a food safety hazard which causes a substantial human disease burden and cost-of-illness. Infected pig meat is a common source of toxoplasmosis. A break-even analysis was conducted to estimate the point for which the intervention cost at fattening pig farms equaled the cost of averted human disease burden and cost-of-illness minus the costs of a T. gondii surveillance program. The surveillance program comprised serological testing of blood samples taken at slaughter. Break-even points were determined given alternative levels of the effectiveness of the intervention program (10% up to 90% in steps of 10%), the value of an averted DALY (20,000, 50,000 and 80,000 Euro), and threshold of sample prevalence for a farm to be under intervention (5% up to 50% out of 20 samples in steps of 5%). Since test characteristics are a determining factor in the break-even analysis, and literature is inconclusive concerning sensitivity (se) and specificity (sp) of the serological test kit used, two alternative sets of assumptions were analysed. The estimated maximum costs of an intervention if only benefits for domestic consumers were accounted amounted approximately 2981 Euro (se=98.9% and sp=92.7%) versus 4389 Euro (se=65.2% and sp=97.4%) per year per fattening pig farm under intervention assuming an effectiveness of 50%, 50,000 Euro per averted DALY and threshold T. gondii sample prevalence of 5% for a farm to be under intervention. Since almost 80% of the gross domestic production is exported corresponding break-even values increased up to 12,034 Euro and 18,366 Euro if benefits for consumers abroad were included as well. Empirical research to strengthen the knowledge about the efficacy of a farm intervention measures is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M van Asseldonk
- Wageningen Economic Research, Wageningen UR, The Netherlands.
| | | | - H J Wisselink
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen UR, The Netherlands
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Seroprevalence and parasite load of Toxoplasma gondii in Mexican hairless pig (Sus scrofa) tissues from the Southeast of Mexico. Vet Parasitol 2016; 229:45-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Slany M, Reslova N, Babak V, Lorencova A. Molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in pork meat from different production systems in the Czech Republic. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 238:252-255. [PMID: 27693960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a major public health issue, due to the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, mainly in pork. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of T. gondii in pigs and wild boars bred in different production systems in the Czech Republic using ELISA and qPCR methods. Our results show that T. gondii infection is widespread in pigs and wild boars bred and slaughtered in the Czech Republic and that there is a higher exposure to T. gondii in backyard slaughter operations and organic pig farming, indicating a potential risk for meat consumption. Additionally, genotyping of amplified loci for Type II suggests the presence of one clonal genotype circulating in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Slany
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Food Safety and Feed, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Nikol Reslova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Food Safety and Feed, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Babak
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Food Safety and Feed, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Lorencova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Food Safety and Feed, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Wallander C, Frössling J, Dórea FC, Uggla A, Vågsholm I, Lundén A. Pasture is a risk factor for Toxoplasma gondii infection in fattening pigs. Vet Parasitol 2016; 224:27-32. [PMID: 27270386 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As consumer awareness of animal welfare increases throughout Europe, housing of pigs in more animal-friendly systems is becoming more common. There is concern that these free-range and organic management systems increase the prevalence of zoonotic meat-borne pathogens, such as Toxoplasma gondii. In this study we compared the seroprevalence of T. gondii between commercial fattening pigs raised on conventional and on organic farms in Sweden. Furthermore, potential associations between presence of T. gondii antibodies and type of production, access to pasture, and geographical region were analysed. A significant difference in T. gondii seroprevalence was found between conventional (1%) and organic pigs (8%). The higher odds of seropositivity in organic production was attributed to pasture access specifically (OR=1.8 for a one-month increase in length of pasture exposure). This study shows that the prevalence of T. gondii in Swedish conventional pigs is low. However, as pigs with access to pasture are at higher risk of infection and because the demand for animal-friendly production systems is increasing, there is an obvious need to practically manage the higher T. gondii presence in products from pigs raised in organic systems with outdoor access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Wallander
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jenny Frössling
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-532 23 Skara, Sweden
| | - Fernanda C Dórea
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Arvid Uggla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ivar Vågsholm
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Lundén
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
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20
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Opsteegh M, Schares G, Blaga R, van der Giessen J. Experimental studies on Toxoplasma gondii in the main livestock species (GP/EFSA/BIOHAZ/2013/01) Final report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2016.en-995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Opsteegh
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) the Netherlands
| | | | - Radu Blaga
- National Veterinary School of Alfort (ENVA ‐JRU BIPAR) France
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Papatsiros VG, Athanasiou LV, Stougiou D, Papadopoulos E, Maragkakis GG, Katsoulos PD, Lefkaditis M, Kantas D, Tzika ED, Tassis PD, Boutsini S. Cross-Sectional Serosurvey and Risk Factors Associated with the Presence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Pigs in Greece. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:48-53. [PMID: 26771899 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide reported zoonotic infection caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii. Pigs may become infected by ingesting feed or water contaminated with cat faeces, by cannibalism, and/or by eating infected rodents. T. gondii infected edible tissues of pigs are a source of infection for humans. This study was undertaken to detect seropositivity of pigs against T. gondii and identify possible risk factors as well as to compare two serological methods. METHODS A total of 609 blood samples were collected from 10% of the sows from 65 pig farms located in mainland Greece. Information about the geographical location, size, and biosecurity level of the herd was recorded. Samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii employing the indirect fluorescent antibody test and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Twenty-six positive samples were detected (4.3%) in 17 out of the 65 farms tested (26.2%). The average seroprevalence in affected herds was 26.8% (95% confidence interval 21.0-32.6%). Among the categorical data evaluated, the biosecurity level (odds ratio 0.17, p < 0.01) and the geographical characteristics (odds ratio 13.55, p < 0.05) significantly affected the presence of toxoplasmosis in the herd. Toxoplasmosis was recorded in significantly higher percentages in mountainous farms as compared to lowlands (p < 0.05) and in those with poor biosecurity levels than in those with very good (p < 0.05). A very good agreement (κ = 0.958) was observed between the two serological methods. CONCLUSION The presence of antibodies in pigs is indirect information on the risk of the infection and an indication of the necessity of biosecurity measures to be taken in order to control infection at least in the areas at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios G Papatsiros
- 1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- 1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Despina Stougiou
- 2 National Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Centre of Athens Veterinary Institutions , Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- 3 Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Giorgios G Maragkakis
- 1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Katsoulos
- 4 Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Menelaos Lefkaditis
- 5 Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly , Karditsa, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kantas
- 6 Department of Animal Production, Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly , Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni D Tzika
- 4 Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Tassis
- 4 Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sofia Boutsini
- 2 National Reference Laboratory for Parasites, Centre of Athens Veterinary Institutions , Ministry of Rural Development and Food, Athens, Greece
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Khorshidvand Z, Shahabi S, Mohamadzade H, Daryani A, Hazrati Tappeh K. Mixture of Alum--Naloxone and Alum--Naltrexone as a novel adjuvant elicits immune responses for Toxoplasma gondii lysate antigen in BALB /c mice. Exp Parasitol 2016; 162:28-34. [PMID: 26773164 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite. Treatment of the infection induced by this parasite is not straightforward due to the toxic side effects of the available drugs. Vaccine development could be a solution to this problem. In the present study, T.gondii Lysate Antigen (TLA), as a model vaccine, in combination with the Alum-NLT (Aluminum phosphate-Naltrexone) and Alum-NLX (Aluminum phosphate-Naloxone) were evaluated for immunization BALB/c. 147 female BALB/c mice which were divided into seven groups of 21, were allocated to immunization experiments. The first group was selected as the negative control group, followed by the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh groups which were immunized with Vac, Vac-Alum, Vac-NLX, Vac-NLT, Vac-Alum-NLX, Vac-Alum-NLT, respectively. Ten days after the final immunization, mice in all groups were divided into three groups for evaluating cellular immune responses, measuring the delayed-type hypersensitivity responses (DTHs) and evaluating survival. The DTH and cellular immune responses showed that in mice immunized with the TLA vaccine combined with the Alum-NLT mixture, the efficacy improved by increasing the production of Interleukin-5(IL-5) and Interferon gamma. This consequently shifted the immune responses toward a Th1 profile by increasing the IFN-γ/IL-5 ratios. In challenge experiments, immunized mice with the Alum-NLT-Vac mixture survived for a longer period of time which indicated an improvement in protective immunity against T. gondii. Administration of the Alum-NLT mixture adjuvant in combination with TLA vaccine enhanced the cellular immunity by shifting the immune response to a Th1 pattern. This shift to the Th1 pattern plays an important role in the induction of cellular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohre Khorshidvand
- Department of Parasitology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shahram Shahabi
- Department of Immunology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Habib Mohamadzade
- Department of Parasitology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Sari Medical School, Sari University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Gebremedhin EZ, Kebeta MM, Asaye M, Ashenafi H, Di Marco V, Vitale M. First report on seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs in Central Ethiopia. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:59. [PMID: 25880071 PMCID: PMC4363341 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0384-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widely prevalent cyst forming Apicomplexan parasites with significant impact on animal production particularly in sheep, goats and pigs. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the seroprevalence and to assess risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs. A systematic random sampling technique was used to collect 402 blood samples from pigs in Central Ethiopia. Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) was used to test sera. A questionnaire survey was made to assess potential risk factors and knowledge of farm attendants about toxoplasmosis. Results An overall seroprevalence of 32.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27.6%-36.9%] was found. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that extensively managed pigs (39.7%) are nearly twice (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:=1.91, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.63) at higher risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis than intensively managed pigs (30.5%). Pigs supplied with feed containing animal byproducts had nearly four times (OR = 3.84, 95% CI: 2.01, 7.36) higher risk of acquiring T. gondii infection. Most of the farm attendants had little knowledge of health risks due to cats, neither to human nor to animals. Absence of rodent control, high neonatal mortality and history of abortion were found among herds of the studied pig farms. Conclusions T. gondii infections in pigs are wide spread. Extensive management systems and pig feed types containing animal byproducts are independent predictors of T. gondii seropositivity. The high seroprevalence suggests that pigs might serve as an important source of T. gondii infection for people. This is the first report of seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in pigs in Ethiopia. Further studies are warranted for designing appropriate prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo University, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, P. O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia.
| | | | - Mebratu Asaye
- Gondar University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Hagos Ashenafi
- Department of Parasitology and Pathology, Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia.
| | - Vincenzo Di Marco
- Italian National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis at Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Maria Vitale
- Italian National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis at Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia A. Mirri, Palermo, Italy.
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Guo M, Dubey JP, Hill D, Buchanan RL, Gamble HR, Jones JL, Pradhan AK. Prevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in meat animals and meat products destined for human consumption. J Food Prot 2015; 78:457-76. [PMID: 25710166 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-14-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is responsible for approximately 24% of all estimated deaths attributed to foodborne pathogens in the United States. Human infection results from accidental ingestion of oocysts from the environment, in water, or on insufficiently washed produce or from consumption of raw or undercooked meat products that contain T. gondii tissue cysts. This review focused on studies of T. gondii in meat because many human T. gondii infections are acquired through consumption of raw or undercooked meat. Prevalence of T. gondii is higher in conventionally reared pigs, sheep, and poultry than in cattle and is greater in meat products from organic than from conventionally reared meat animals because of outdoor access, which poses substantially greater opportunities for exposure to infected rodents, wildlife, and oocyst-contaminated feed, water, or environmental surfaces. Risk factors related to T. gondii exposure for livestock include farm type, feed source, presence of cats, methods of rodent and bird control, methods of carcass handling, and water quality. This review serves as a useful resource and information repository for informing quantitative risk assessment studies for T. gondii infection in humans through meat consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA
| | - Dolores Hill
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA
| | - Robert L Buchanan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Center for Food Safety and Security Systems, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
| | - H Ray Gamble
- Fellowships Office, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Jones
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA
| | - Abani K Pradhan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Center for Food Safety and Security Systems, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
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Sharma RN, Tiwari K, Chikweto A, DeAllie C, Bhaiyat MI. Prevalence of Antibodies to <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> and <i>Neospora caninum</i> in Pigs in Grenada, West Indies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ojvm.2015.56019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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26
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Bokken GCAM, Portengen L, Cornelissen JBWJ, Bergwerff AA, van Knapen F. Bayesian estimation of diagnostic accuracy of a new bead-based antibody detection test to reveal Toxoplasma gondii infections in pig populations. Vet Parasitol 2014; 207:1-6. [PMID: 25529142 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The success of a Toxoplasma gondii surveillance program in European pig production systems depends partly on the quality of the test to detect infection in the population. The test accuracy of a recently developed serological bead-based assay (BBA) was investigated earlier using sera from experimentally infected animals. In this study, the accuracy of the BBA was determined by the use of sera from animals from two field subpopulations. As no T. gondii infection information of these animals was available, test accuracy was determined through a Bayesian approach allowing for conditional dependency between BBA and an ELISA test. The priors for prevalence were based on available information from literature, whereas for specificity vague non-informative priors were used. Priors for sensitivity were based either on available information or specified as non-informative. Posterior estimates for BBA sensitivity and specificity were (mode) 0.855 (Bayesian 95% credibility interval (bCI) 0.702-0.960) and 0.913 (bCI 0.893-0.931), respectively. Comparing the results of BBA and ELISA, sensitivity was higher for the BBA while specificity was higher for ELISA. Alternative priors for the sensitivity affected posterior estimates for sensitivity of both BBA and ELISA, but not for specificity. Because the difference in prevalence between the two subpopulations is small, and the number of infected animals is small as well, the precision of the posterior estimates for sensitivity may be less accurate in comparison to the estimates for specificity. The estimated value for specificity of BBA is at least optimally defined for testing pigs from conventional and organic Dutch farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertie C A M Bokken
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Lützen Portengen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan B W J Cornelissen
- Department of Infection Biology, Central Veterinary Institute of Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Aldert A Bergwerff
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Frans van Knapen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Division of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Rong G, Zhou HL, Hou GY, Zhao JM, Xu TS, Guan S. Seroprevalence, risk factors and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic geese (Anser domestica) in tropical China. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:459. [PMID: 25274416 PMCID: PMC4195879 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0459-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little information is available about the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in geese (Anser domestica) in China. In the present investigation, the seroprevalence, risk factors and genotyping of T. gondii in geese were investigated in Hainan province, tropical China. FINDINGS A total of 600 serum samples and 150 brain tissue samples were collected from six administrative regions in tropical China, and assayed for T. gondii antibodies by Indirect Haemagglutination (IHA) test. Genomic DNA was extracted from the 30 brain tissues of seropositive geese and T. gondii B1 gene was amplified using a semi-nested PCR. DNA samples giving positive B1 amplification were then genetically characterized using multi-locus PCR-RFLP. Overall, 17% (95% CI: 14-20) of the animals were positive for T. gondii antibodies. Presence of cats in the household (odds ratio, OR 3), hygiene (OR 2.3) and presence of stray cat around the house (OR 2.3) were considered as main risk factors associated with T. gondii infection. Of 30 DNA samples, three were positive for the T. gondii B1 gene, two showed complete genotyping results. Only one genotype (type II) was identified. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present survey indicated the presence of T. gondii infection in geese in tropical China. Therefore, it is imperative that improved integrated measures be carried out to prevent and control T. gondii infection in geese in this province. This is the first report documenting the occurrence of T. gondii genotype in geese in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Rong
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Danzhou, Hainan Province, PR China.
| | - Han-Lin Zhou
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Danzhou, Hainan Province, PR China.
| | - Guan-Yu Hou
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Danzhou, Hainan Province, PR China.
| | - Jun-Ming Zhao
- Scientific and Technical Information Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Danzhou, Hainan Province, PR China.
| | - Tie-Shan Xu
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Danzhou, Hainan Province, PR China.
| | - Song Guan
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Danzhou, Hainan Province, PR China.
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Dubey JP, Verma SK, Ferreira LR, Oliveira S, Cassinelli AB, Ying Y, Kwok OCH, Tuo W, Chiesa OA, Jones JL. Detection and survival of Toxoplasma gondii in milk and cheese from experimentally infected goats. J Food Prot 2014; 77:1747-53. [PMID: 25285492 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-14-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of unpasteurized goat cheese and goat's milk has been suggested as a risk factor for toxoplasmosis in humans. In the present study, detection and survival of Toxoplasma gondii in milk and cheese was studied by bioassay in mice (milk) and in cats (cheese). Eight goats were inoculated orally with 300 to 10,000 oocysts of T. gondii strain TgGoatUS26. Milk samples were collected daily up to 30 days postinoculation and bioassayed in mice and cats. For mouse bioassay, 50 ml of milk samples were centrifuged, and the sediment was inoculated subcutaneously into mice. Mice were tested for T. gondii infection by seroconversion and by the demonstration of parasites. By mouse bioassay, T. gondii was detected in milk from all eight goats. The T. gondii excretion in milk was intermittent. For cat bioassay, 400 ml (100 ml or more from each goat) of milk from four goats from 6 to 27 days postinoculation were pooled daily, and cheese was made using rennin. Ten grams of cheese was fed daily to four cats, and cat feces were examined for oocyst shedding. One cat fed cheese shed oocysts 7 to 11 days after consuming cheese. Attempts were made to detect T. gondii DNA in milk of four goats; T. gondii was detected by PCR more consistently, but there was no correlation between detection of viable T. gondii by bioassay in mice and T. gondii DNA by PCR. Results indicate that T. gondii can be excreted in goat's milk and can survive in fresh cheese made by cold-enzyme treatment. To prevent transmission to humans or animals, milk should not be consumed raw. Raw fresh goat cheese made by cold-enzyme treatment of unpasteurized milk also should not be consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA.
| | - S K Verma
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA
| | - L R Ferreira
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA
| | - S Oliveira
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA
| | - A B Cassinelli
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA
| | - Y Ying
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA
| | - W Tuo
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350, USA
| | - O A Chiesa
- Division of Applied Veterinary Research, Office of Research, HFV-520, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, MOD II - 8401 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Maryland 20708, USA
| | - J L Jones
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop A-06, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA
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Schlüter D, Däubener W, Schares G, Groß U, Pleyer U, Lüder C. Animals are key to human toxoplasmosis. Int J Med Microbiol 2014; 304:917-29. [PMID: 25240467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely sucessfull protozoal parasite which infects almost all mamalian species including humans. Approximately 30% of the human population worldwide is chronically infected with T. gondii. In general, human infection is asymptomatic but the parasite may induce severe disease in fetuses and immunocompromised patients. In addition, T. gondii may cause sight-threatening posterior uveitis in immunocompetent patients. Apart from few exceptions, humans acquire T. gondii from animals. Both, the oral uptake of T. gondii oocysts released by specific hosts, i.e. felidae, and of cysts persisting in muscle cells of animals result in human toxoplasmosis. In the present review, we discuss recent new data on the cell biology of T. gondii and parasite diversity in animals. In addition, we focus on the impact of these various parasite strains and their different virulence on the clinical outcome of human congenital toxoplasmosis and T. gondii uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schlüter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Walter Däubener
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Uwe Groß
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Eye Clinic, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
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30
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Silva-Aguilar D, Villena I, Dubey JP. Seroprevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiInfection in Dairy Goats in Michoacán State, Mexico. J Parasitol 2013; 99:540-2. [DOI: 10.1645/12-103.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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31
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Eissa MM, El-Azzouni MZ, Mady RF, Fathy FM, Baddour NM. Initial characterization of an autoclaved Toxoplasma vaccine in mice. Exp Parasitol 2012; 131:310-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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32
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Soil contamination of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in pig farms in central China. Vet Parasitol 2012; 187:53-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
Toxoplasmosis can be due to congenital infection or acquired infection after birth and is one of the leading illnesses associated with foodborne hospitalizations and deaths. Undercooked meat, especially pork, lamb, and wild game meat, and soil contaminated with cat feces on raw fruits and vegetables are the major sources of foodborne transmission for humans. The new trend in the production of free-range organically raised meat could increase the risk of Toxoplasma gondii contamination of meat. Foodborne transmission can be prevented by production practices that reduce T. gondii in meat, adequate cooking of meat, washing of raw fruits and vegetables, prevention of cross contamination in the kitchen, and measures that decrease spread of viable oocysts into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Jones
- Parasitic Diseases Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen J. Van Loo
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704; ,
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium;
| | - Walid Alali
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797;
| | - Steven C. Ricke
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704; ,
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35
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36
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High prevalence and genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from goats, from a retail meat store, destined for human consumption in the USA. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:827-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Revised: 02/26/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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37
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Cenci-Goga BT, Rossitto PV, Sechi P, McCrindle CM, Cullor JS. Toxoplasma in Animals, Food, and Humans: An Old Parasite of New Concern. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2011; 8:751-62. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2010.0795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beniamino T. Cenci-Goga
- Sezione di Ispezione degli Alimenti di Origine Animale, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paul V. Rossitto
- Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Tulare, California
| | - Paola Sechi
- Sezione di Ispezione degli Alimenti di Origine Animale, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cheryl M.E. McCrindle
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - James S. Cullor
- Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Tulare, California
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38
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Tan F, Hu X, Luo FJ, Pan CW, Chen XG. Induction of protective Th1 immune responses in mice by vaccination with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase-II. Vaccine 2011; 29:2742-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.01.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2010] [Revised: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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39
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Infection dynamic of Toxoplasma gondii in two fattening pig farms exposed to high and low cat density in an endemic region. Vet Parasitol 2011; 175:367-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 10/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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40
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García-Bocanegra I, Dubey J, Simon-Grifé M, Cabezón O, Casal J, Allepuz A, Napp S, Almería S. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pig farms from Catalonia, north-eastern Spain. Res Vet Sci 2010; 89:85-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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41
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Kijlstra A, Meerburg BG, Bos AP. Food safety in free-range and organic livestock systems: risk management and responsibility. J Food Prot 2009; 72:2629-37. [PMID: 20003752 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x-72.12.2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Animal production systems that offer outdoor access to the animals have become increasingly popular in the Western world due to the growing general discontent of consumers with conventional bioindustrial farming practices. These open production systems offer improved animal welfare but may create new problems for animal health, resulting in increased food safety risks from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections or environmental contaminants. Examples of these new problems include increased Toxoplasma gondii infections in pigs and high dioxin levels in eggs from free-range hens. In this review, the relation between positive and negative points of free-range and organic livestock production systems is discussed with reference to production in The Netherlands. We investigated how proponents of more animal welfare friendly systems deal with potential negative issues in public and whether any risk communication is used. Generally, we found that the existence of a dilemma is disputed or avoided in communication with the consumer. This avoidance could be detrimental for public trust in alternative animal production systems, should problems occur. To prevent future problems, it will be necessary to communicate about the relevant types and sources of the food safety risks to the consumers. The responsibility for protecting food safety should be properly divided among the various parties involved: producers, processors, governments, nongovernmental organizations, and consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kijlstra
- Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research Centre, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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42
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Dubey J. Toxoplasmosis in pigs—The last 20 years. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:89-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 05/13/2009] [Accepted: 05/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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43
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Meerburg BG, Kijlstra A. Changing climate-changing pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii in North-Western Europe. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:17-24. [PMID: 19418068 PMCID: PMC2695550 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1447-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2009] [Accepted: 04/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we describe the effects of global climate change for one specific pathogen: the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is postulated that an increase of T. gondii prevalence in humans can occur in some regions of North-Western Europe as a result of changing environmental conditions. Such a change can be predicted by using Global Climate Change models. We have elaborated such a prediction for one scenario (SRES A1) by using one specific model (CCSR/NRIES) as an example. Next to environmental factors, also anthropogenic factors may contribute to increased prevalence of T. gondii in this region. In order to counter the potential severe consequences of a potential increase resulting from the combination of climatic and anthropogenic factors, there is an urgent need for the development of a human vaccine. Until a vaccine that offers complete protection is developed, the emphasis should be on treatment optimization and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastiaan G. Meerburg
- Wageningen University and Research Centre, Plant Research International, P.O. Box 616, 6700 AP Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Aize Kijlstra
- Wageningen University and Research Centre, Animal Sciences Group, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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44
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Meerburg BG, Singleton GR, Kijlstra A. Rodent-borne diseases and their risks for public health. Crit Rev Microbiol 2009; 35:221-70. [DOI: 10.1080/10408410902989837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 455] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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45
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Liu S, Shi L, Cheng YB, Fan GX, Ren HX, Yuan YK. Evaluation of protective effect of multi-epitope DNA vaccine encoding six antigen segments of Toxoplasma gondii in mice. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:267-74. [PMID: 19288132 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1393-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2008] [Accepted: 03/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the vaccine potential of multi-epitope vaccines against toxoplasmosis, a multi-epitope DNA vaccine, eukaryotic plasmid pcDNA3.1/T-ME expressing six antigen segments (SAG1(238-256), SAG1(281-320), GRA1(170-193), GRA4(331-345), GRA4(229-245), and GRA2(171-185)) of Toxoplasma gondii was constructed. We investigated the efficacy of pcDNA3.1/T-ME with or without co-administration of a CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) as an adjuvant to protect mice (BALB/c and C57BL/6) against toxoplasmosis. High survival rates were observed in mice immunized with pcDNA3.1/T-ME when challenged with T. gondii RH strain. Lymphocyte proliferation assays, cytokine, and antibody determinations show that mice immunized with pcDNA3.1/T-ME produced stronger humoral and Th1-type cellular immune responses compared to untreated mice or those immunized with empty plasmids. However, co-immunization with CpG-ODN resulted in impaired immune responses. Our data demonstrates that multi-epitope DNA vaccination is a potential strategy for the control of toxoplasmosis and paves the way for further investigations into producing a multi-epitope anti-T. gondii DNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
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46
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Kijlstra A, Jongert E. Control of the risk of human toxoplasmosis transmitted by meat. Int J Parasitol 2008; 38:1359-70. [PMID: 18694755 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2008] [Revised: 06/25/2008] [Accepted: 06/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
One-third of the human world population is infected with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Recent calculations of the disease burden of toxoplasmosis rank this foodborne disease at the same level as salmonellosis or campylobacteriosis. The high disease burden in combination with disappointing results of the currently available treatment options have led to a plea for more effective prevention. In this review we describe Toxoplasma as a hazard associated with the consumption of undercooked meat or meat products and provide an analysis of the various options to control the risk of human toxoplasmosis via this source. Monitoring and surveillance programs may be implemented for pre-harvest control of Toxoplasma infection of farm animals, with the reduction of environmental oocyst load as the most important milestone. Alternatively, Toxoplasma safe meat can be obtained through simple post-harvest decontamination procedures, whereby freezing the meat may currently be the best option, although new technologies using irradiation or high-pressure treatment may offer promising alternatives. Influence of culture, religion and food handling customs may predispose a certain type of meat as an important source of infection, indicating that prevention needs to be tailored according to social habits in different regions in the world. The rationale for more stringent control measures to prevent toxoplasmosis both from disease and economic points of view is emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aize Kijlstra
- Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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47
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Kijlstra A, Meerburg B, Cornelissen J, De Craeye S, Vereijken P, Jongert E. The role of rodents and shrews in the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii to pigs. Vet Parasitol 2008; 156:183-90. [PMID: 18606498 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate rodent control is considered to play a role in Toxoplasma gondii infection of pigs. This issue was addressed in the current study by combining a 4-month rodent control campaign and a 7-month longitudinal analysis of T. gondii seroprevalence in slaughter pigs. Three organic pig farms with known rodent infestation were included in the study. On these farms, presence of T. gondii in trapped rodents was evaluated by real-time PCR. All rodent species and shrews investigated had T. gondii DNA in brain or heart tissue. Prevalence was 10.3% in Rattus norvegicus, 6.5% in Mus musculus, 14.3% in Apodemus sylvaticus and 13.6% in Crocidura russula. Initial T. gondii seroprevalence in the slaughter pigs ranged between 8% and 17% and dropped on the three farms during the rodent control campaign to 0-10%, respectively. After 4 months of rodent control, T. gondii infection was absent from pigs from two of the three farms investigated and appeared again in one of those two farms after the rodent control campaign had stopped. This study emphasizes the role of rodents and shrews in the transmission of T. gondii to pigs and the importance of rodent control towards production of T. gondii-free pig meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aize Kijlstra
- Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands.
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Comparison of cholera toxin A2/B and murine interleukin-12 as adjuvants of Toxoplasma multi-antigenic SAG1-ROP2 DNA vaccine. Exp Parasitol 2008; 119:352-7. [PMID: 18442818 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Revised: 03/12/2008] [Accepted: 03/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis can lead to severe pathology in both humans and animals. However, an effective vaccine for humans has not been successfully developed. In this study, we used multi-antigenic SAG1-ROP2 as a DNA vaccine and cholera toxin A2/B subunit and murine interleukin-12 to compare their effectiveness as genetic adjuvants. Bagg albino/c (BAL/c) mice were immunized intramuscularly with pcDNA3.1-SAG1-ROP2 alone (control group), or pcDNA3.1-SAG1-ROP2 with co-administration of pCTA2/B or pIL-12, respectively. After immunization, the effectiveness of these two adjuvants were compared using lymphocyte proliferation assay, cytokine and antibody measurements. The group co-administered pIL-12 elicited stronger humoral and Th1-type cellular immune responses than those immunized with pcDNA3.1-SAG1-ROP2 alone, while in the group co-administered pCTA2/B there was no obvious enhancement of immunity. When challenged with Toxoplasma gondii RH strain, mice immunized with pIL-12 co-administration had significantly higher survival rates, whereas there was no notable augmentation of immunity in pCTA2/B group. Therefore, since pIL-12 significantly enhanced the antigenicity of multi-antigenic DNA vaccine, this suggests that IL-12 is a better and more effective adjuvant than CTA2/B in this situation.
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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
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50
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Wang H, Liu Q, Liu K, Zhong W, Gao S, Jiang L, An N. Immune response induced by recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG expressing ROP2 gene of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Int 2007; 56:263-8. [PMID: 17587637 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2007.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2007] [Revised: 04/24/2007] [Accepted: 04/27/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite, capable of infecting a variety of mammals and birds. Development of vaccine against T. gondii would be of great medical and veterinary value. In this study, the DNA sequence encoding ROP2 from T. gondii was cloned into the muticopy mycobacterial expression vector, pMV262, under the control of the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) hsp60 promoter, and electroporated into BCG. Following selection of kanamycin, the recombinant BCG/pMV262-ROP2 was constructed and the expression of ROP2 was confirmed by Western blotting. The BALB/c mice inoculated with the BCG/pMV262-ROP2 developed specific immune responses against ROP2 protein, and there was an obvious delay in the mortality curve than the control (P<0.05). These results indicated that M. bovis BCG is an adequate vector to express and present antigens of T. gondii, and it may be used to further study the induction of protective immunity in other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfa Wang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Jining, China
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