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Peris MP, García AX, Castillo JA, Badiola JJ, Halaihel N, Serrano M, Gracia MJ. Toxoplasma gondii in meat of adult sheep in Spain. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2023; 32:e00203. [PMID: 37457632 PMCID: PMC10339201 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2023.e00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular parasite that presents a worldwide risk. Humans can become infected by ingesting meat infected with T. gondii, and the consumption of infected sheep and goat meat is a significant public health issue. Antibodies against T. gondii have been found in sheep in Spain, indicating the presence of the parasite in the country. However, no previous studies have assessed the presence of T. gondii in sheep meat in Spain. In view of the significance of the transmission of T. gondii through meat consumption and given the lack of previous studies in Spain, we carried out an investigation to evaluate the presence of T. gondii in adult sheep meat (mutton). A total of 216 muscle samples were analyzed by digestion, and a real-time PCR assay was used to determine the presence of T. gondii DNA. A total of 24.5% of the samples were found to be parasitized, indicating that the consumption of sheep meat can present an important risk for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - María Jesús Gracia
- Corresponding author at: Dpto. Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
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2
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Ahaduzzaman M, Hasan T. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats from different geographical regions of the world: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3790-3822. [PMID: 36345796 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which significantly impact small ruminant productivity, international animal trade and transboundary movement of animal across the globe. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) in sheep and goats is widely studied in many parts of the world and there is a lack of comprehensive information on prevalence estimates considering the global and regional perspectives. The aim of the study was to use systematic review and meta-analysis methods to estimate the global and regional pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats, as well as factors that influence prevalence estimations. Relevant articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep and/goats were searched in five electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and ProQuest. After the publications were checked to verify they fit the inclusion criteria, a total of 225 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, reflecting data from 70 countries/regions. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effect meta-analysis model. Overall, the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 33.86% (95% CI: 30.47-37.25%) in sheep and 31.78% (95% CI: 28.99-34.58%) in goats, with significant variation in prevalence estimates across geographical locations (p < .001). Substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 75%) was observed in most pooled seroprevalence estimates. The T. gondii infection in global sheep and goat population showed uptrend over the period. This information would be useful for epidemiologist, health authorities and farmers in order to plan future T. gondii survey and infection management strategies both locally and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ahaduzzaman
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjila Hasan
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
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3
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Effect of spiramycin versus aminoguanidine and their combined use in experimental toxoplasmosis. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:1014-1025. [PMID: 34789985 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01396-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the widest spread parasitic infections which is caused by Toxoplasma gondii protozoon. Many experimental studies have evaluated the effect of aminoguanidine upon parasitic load and inflammatory process. However, few reports have illustrated the impact of combining aminoguanidine with spiramycin in the treatment of toxoplasmosis. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the possible effects of spiramycin used alone and combined with aminoguanidine against the avirulent (ME49) Toxoplasma gondii strain in experimental toxoplasmosis. Fifty-five Swiss albino mice were included in the study and were divided into five groups: (GI): non-infected control group; (GII): infected untreated control group; (GIII): infected- spiramycin treated group; (GIV): infected-aminoguanidine treated group; (GV): infected and received combination of spiramycin and aminoguanidine. Obtained results exhibited a significant increase in brain cysts numbers in aminoguanidine treated groups compared to infected untreated control groups. Histopathological studies denoted that combination between spiramycin and aminoguanidine improved the pathological features only in liver and heart tissues of the studied groups. Moreover, it was noticed that spiramycin administered alone had no effect on nitric oxide expression, whereas its combination with aminoguanidine had an inhibitory effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase enzyme in brain, liver and heart tissues of different study groups. In conclusion, the combination of spiramycin and aminoguanidine significantly reduced the parasitic burden, yet, it failed to resolve the pathological sequels in brain tissues of Toxoplasma gondii infected mice.
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Taggart PL, Fancourt BA, Boardman WSJ, Peacock DE, Caraguel CGB. INFECTION PRESSURE IS NECESSARY, BUT NOT SUFFICIENT BY ITSELF, TO EXPLAIN TOXOPLASMA GONDII SEROPREVALENCE IN INTERMEDIATE HOST SPECIES. J Parasitol 2021; 107:554-561. [PMID: 34270758 DOI: 10.1645/21-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasite infection pressure is suggested to be a strong driver of transmission within ecosystems. We tested if infection pressure drives seroprevalence in intermediate host species for Toxoplasma gondii. We defined Toxoplasma infection pressure to intermediate host species as the combined influence of cat abundance, environmental conditions, and its prevalence in the cat population. We sampled and tested 2 species of rodent and collated information on Toxoplasma seroprevalence in koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and sheep. All species were sampled using equivalent methods, within a 2-yr period, and from adjacent regions of low and high Toxoplasma infection pressure. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in kangaroos scaled with infection pressure, but we observed no statistical difference in seroprevalence for any other species between these 2 regions. Within the region of low infection pressure, Toxoplasma seroprevalence did not differ between species. However, within the region of high Toxoplasma infection pressure, we observed large variation in seroprevalence between species. Our results demonstrate that infection pressure is not sufficient by itself, but merely necessary, to drive Toxoplasma seroprevalence in intermediate host species. Where Toxoplasma seroprevalence in an intermediate host species is already low, further reducing infection pressure will not necessarily further decrease seroprevalence in those species. This has important ramifications for the mitigation of parasite infections and suggests that reductions in Toxoplasma infection pressure, intended to reduce infections, may be most effective and applicable to species that are known to experience high rates of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Queanbeya, New South Wales, 2620, Australia
| | - Bronwyn A Fancourt
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Wayne S J Boardman
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - David E Peacock
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - Charles G B Caraguel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
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Acosta ICL, Gennari SM, Grisi Filho JHH, Chiebao DP. From weaning to breeding age: Presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2021; 24:100531. [PMID: 34024361 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2021.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sheep are intermediate hosts of the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic parasite that that may cause abortion and reproductive losses in this species. Previous studies have shown that its prevalence is high in sheep herds in Brazil, but no information from the state of Espírito Santo was available. The aim of this study was to improve the epidemiological data in different regions of this state by analyzing occurrences of anti-T. gondii antibodies in young female sheep, before reproductive age, using IFAT (cutoff ≥64). In addition, variables relating to these animals and farm management were investigated for significance of associations. A total of 312 sheep, aged 3 to 12 months, on five farms in five municipalities, were sampled. Among these 312 animals, 135 (43.26%) were reactive, and 70 positive sheep (51.8%) presented high titers (more than three times the cutoff).Eight-month-old sheep presented the lowest occurrence and 7 and 11-month-old sheep, the highest. At least one animal was positive in each municipality, thus confirming the endemic status of toxoplasmosis in sheep in this region. None of the variables analyzed, relating to animals and herds, presented any association with T. gondii occurrence (p > 0.05). The number of females that were close to sexual maturity (12 months) and which were reactive to T. gondii was less than 50%. These ewes would probably be more susceptible to reproductive problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Cunha Lima Acosta
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil; Programa de Monitoramento da Biodiversidade Aquática na Área Ambiental I Rede Rio Doce Mar/Projeto Albatroz, Instituto Albatroz, Santos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Solange Maria Gennari
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil; Program of Post-Graduation in Veterinary Medicine, University of Santo Amaro, SP, Rua Prof. Eneas Siqueira Neto, 340, São Paulo, SP CEP 04829-900, Brazil
| | - José Henrrique Hildebrand Grisi Filho
- Dept. of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pontes Chiebao
- Research Center for Animal Health, Biological Institute, Av. Conselheiro Rodrigues Alves, 1252, São Paulo, SP CEP 04014-900, Brazil
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Su C. Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 286:109195. [PMID: 32979682 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, control, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in sheep in the past decade. There is debate and uncertainty concerning repeat congenital infection as evidenced by finding T. gondii DNA in progeny of chronically infected sheep. However, there is no concrete evidence that T. gondii is the cause of repeated abortions in sheep. Recent data concerning pathogenesis of abortion in acutely infected sheep are reviewed. PCR-RFLP typing of T. gondii DNA derived from viable T. gondii isolates or tissues of infected sheep revealed low genetic diversity in sheep in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America but high diversity in South America. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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Dubey J, Murata F, Cerqueira-Cézar C, Kwok O, Su C. WITHDRAWN: Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: the last decade. Vet Parasitol X 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vpoa.2020.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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8
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Valencio BA, Alves BF, Bezerra RA, Vilela VLR, Feitosa TF, Amaku M, Azevedo SS, Gennari SM. Longitudinal study of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in female lambs from Paraíba State, Brazil. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Rosuvastatin reduced brain parasite burden in a chronic toxoplasmosis in vivo model and influenced the neuropathological pattern of ME-49 strain. Parasitology 2019; 147:303-309. [PMID: 31727196 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019001604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of rosuvastatin in vivo on toxoplasmosis chronic infection. Thirty-five Swiss mice were orally infected (ME-49 strain). After 50 days, the mice were separated into five groups: GI - non-infected, GII - infected, GIII - infected and treated with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (12.5 + 50 mg kg-1 body weight day-1), GIV and GV - infected and treated with rosuvastatin 10 and 40 mg kg-1 body weight day-1, respectively. After 21 days, we collected blood, liver, lungs, femoral biceps and brain were removed for Toxoplasma gondii DNA quantification by qPCR and histopathological analysis. GIV and GV did not present premature death or clinical changes, and the hepatic enzyme levels were lower compared to GI. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected mainly in brain and muscle, but the parasite load was significantly lower in GV compared to GII brains (P < 0.05). Histopathological changes were observed in brains, with T. gondii cysts as well as an inflammatory condition, including necrosis areas in GII and GIII. These data confirm active infection with tissue injury. This inflammatory condition was attenuated in the groups treated with rosuvastatin, especially R40 (GV). Our findings demonstrated the in vivo action of rosuvastatin in reducing cerebral parasitic load and indicate that this drug may interfere in chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Olsen A, Berg R, Tagel M, Must K, Deksne G, Enemark HL, Alban L, Johansen MV, Nielsen HV, Sandberg M, Lundén A, Stensvold CR, Pires SM, Jokelainen P. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic pigs, sheep, cattle, wild boars, and moose in the Nordic-Baltic region: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2019; 5:e00100. [PMID: 30906889 PMCID: PMC6411595 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2019.e00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an important foodborne zoonotic parasite. Meat of infected animals is presumed to constitute a major source of human infection and may be a driver of geographical variation in the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in humans, which is substantial in the Nordic-Baltic region in northern Europe. However, data on seroprevalence of T. gondii in different animal species used for human consumption are scattered. Methods We conducted a systematic review of seroprevalence studies and meta-analysis to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in five animal species that are raised or hunted for human consumption in the Nordic-Baltic region: domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), sheep (Ovis aries), cattle (Bos taurus), wild boars (Sus scrofa), and moose (Alces alces). We searched for studies that were conducted between January 1990 and June 2018, and reported in articles, theses, conference abstracts and proceedings, and manuscripts. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify variables influencing the seroprevalence. Findings From a total of 271 studies identified in the systematic review, 32 were included in the meta-analysis. These comprised of 13 studies on domestic pigs, six on sheep, three on cattle, six on wild boars, and four on moose. The estimated pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii was 6% in domestic pigs (CI95%: 3–10%), 23% in sheep (CI95%: 12–36%), 7% in cattle (CI95%: 1–21%), 33% in wild boars (CI95%: 26–41%), and 16% in moose (CI95%: 10–23%). High heterogeneity was observed in the seroprevalence data within each species. In all host species except wild boars, the pooled seroprevalence estimates were significantly higher in animals >1 year of age than in younger animals. Not all studies provided information on animal age, sensitivity and specificity of the serological method employed, and the cut-off values used for defining an animal seropositive. Conclusions A substantial proportion of animals raised or hunted for human consumption in the region had tested positive for T. gondii. This indicates widespread exposure to T. gondii among animals raised or hunted for human consumption in the region. Large variations were observed in the seroprevalence estimates between the studies in the region; however, studies were too few to identify spatial patterns at country-level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey Olsen
- Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 100, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.,Department of Food Safety, Veterinary Issues & Risk Analysis, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rebecca Berg
- Section for Organismal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Maarja Tagel
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kärt Must
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Gunita Deksne
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR", Lejupes Str. 3, LV-1076 Riga, Latvia.,Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Str. 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Heidi Larsen Enemark
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Department of Animal Health and Food Safety, P.O. Box 750, Sentrum, NO-0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lis Alban
- Department of Food Safety, Veterinary Issues & Risk Analysis, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Vang Johansen
- Section for Parasitology and Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 100, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Vedel Nielsen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Marianne Sandberg
- Department of Food Safety, Veterinary Issues & Risk Analysis, Danish Agriculture & Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Lundén
- National Veterinary Institute, Department of Microbiology, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christen Rune Stensvold
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Sara M Pires
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 201, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark.,Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006 Tartu, Estonia.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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