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Kuruca L, Belluco S, Vieira-Pinto M, Antic D, Blagojevic B. Current control options and a way towards risk-based control of Toxoplasma gondii in the meat chain. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Migratory Wild Birds as Potential Long-Distance Transmitters of Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030478. [PMID: 36986400 PMCID: PMC10051421 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide distributed zoonotic protozoan capable of infecting a wide range of mammals (including humans) and birds as intermediate hosts. Migratory wild birds, through interconnecting countries along their flyways, can play a role in the spatial spread of T. gondii and could contribute to its sylvatic cycle. Additionally, hunted wild birds used for meat consumption could represent a further source of human infection. To determine the presence of T. gondii in wild birds, a total of 50 individuals belonging to the Anseriformes and Charadriiformes orders were sampled during the 2021–2022 hunting season in Northern Italy. Cardiac muscle samples of three Northern shovelers (Anas clypeata), two wild mallards (A. platyrhynchos), one Eurasian teal (A. crecca), and one Northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) were positive for the molecular detection of T. gondii based on a targeted amplification of the B1 gene. A 14% (7/50) overall positivity was observed in the sampled population. Results from this study suggest a moderate exposure of wild aquatic birds to T. gondii, highlighting the importance of a further characterization of T. gondii in its wildlife hosts.
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Kohler JM, Mammo DA, Bennett SR, Davies JB. Primary ocular toxoplasmosis secondary to venison consumption. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2022; 29:101776. [PMID: 36544752 PMCID: PMC9762148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2022.101776] [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: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To describe primary ocular toxoplasmosis infection related to ingestion of undercooked venison. Observations This single site, retrospective case series reviewed 4 patients with primary ocular toxoplasmosis that was acquired by ingesting undercooked venison. De-identified data was collected regarding baseline patient characteristics including age, sex, past medical and ocular history, onset of symptoms, visual acuity (VA), response to treatment, and workup. All patients with acquired toxoplasmosis had similar chronology of systemic and ocular symptoms. Exposure occurred in October or November and systemic symptoms developed within 2 weeks, followed by ocular symptoms an average of 2.6 months later. Average age at onset was 56 ± 13 (age ± SD) years old and all were male. Average initial and final VA were 20/50 and 20/50, respectively. Positive anti-toxoplasma IgM and IgG serologies were found in all cases. All patients were treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and achieved rapid improvement. Complications occurred in 50% of cases and included epiretinal membrane, cystoid macular edema, vitreoretinal traction, and neovascularization. Conclusions and importance Consumption of undercooked venison is a source of primary ocular toxoplasmosis even in immunocompetent hosts and has a clear chronology. A presentation of retinochoroiditis during the winter months should prompt questioning for exposure to wild game.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Kohler
- University of Utah Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Salt Lake City, USA
| | | | | | - John B. Davies
- Retina Consultants of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA,Corresponding author. Retina Consultants of Minnesota, 3601 W 76th St, Suite 300, Edina, MN, 55435, USA.
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Toxoplasma gondii in raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Germany: a serosurvey based on meat juice. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3417-3425. [PMID: 36149498 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07646-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence was determined in meat juice samples of 820 free-living raccoons from Germany. The animals were collected between December 2017 and April 2021. Using a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the overall seroprevalence was found to be 48.5%. Statistical analysis revealed significant seroprevalence differences between seasons, sex, and weight of analysed raccoons. The prevalence in late winter/spring (57.7%) was significantly higher than in autumn (38.4%) (p < 0.0003). Male raccoons (50.5%) were more often seropositive than females (41.0%) (p = 0.028). Increasing animal weight had a significant impact on the relative probability of a positive serostatus (odds ratio: 1.783, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, we found regional differences in seroprevalence, but there was no statistically significant difference resulting from animal age, degree of habitat urbanization and hunting year. Meat juice is a suitable medium for serological surveys for T. gondii in meat producing animals, as sampling is even possible after slaughter or during meat inspection when blood is no longer available. The observed high seroprevalence indicates that T. gondii infection is widespread among the German raccoon population providing a potentially relevant source of T. gondii transmission to humans upon consumption or handling of animal products.
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de Barros RAM, Torrecilhas AC, Marciano MAM, Mazuz ML, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Fux B. Toxoplasmosis in Human and Animals Around the World. Diagnosis and Perspectives in the One Health Approach. Acta Trop 2022; 231:106432. [PMID: 35390311 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a unique health disease that significantly affects the health of humans, domestic animals, wildlife and is present in ecosystems, including water, soil and food. Toxoplasma gondii is one of the best-adapted parasites in the word. This parasite is able to persist for long periods in its hosts, in different geographic regions of the word. This review summarizes the current literature of these themes, focusing on: (1) toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic infection; (2) One health approach and toxoplasmosis; (3) human toxoplasmosis; (4) animal toxoplasmosis; (5) toxoplasmosis diagnosis, as immunological, parasitological and molecular diagnosis; (6) T. gondii outbreaks caused by infected meat, milk and dairy products, as well as, vegetables and water consume; (7) studies in experimental models; (8) genetic characterization of T. gondii strains; (9) extracellular vesicles and miRNA; and (10) future perspectives on T. gondii and toxoplasmosis. The vast prevalence of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals and the dispersion and resistence of T. gondii parasites in environment highlight the importance of the one health approach in diagnostic and control of the disease. Here the different aspects of the one health approach are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosangela Aparecida Müller de Barros
- Unidade de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.; Programa em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil..
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Diadema, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil..
| | | | - Monica Leszkowicz Mazuz
- Parasitology Division, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Israeli Veterinary Service and Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Beit Dagan, 5025000, Israel..
| | | | - Blima Fux
- Unidade de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.; Programa em Doenças Infecciosas, Centro de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil..
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6
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Stensgaard A, Sengupta M, Chriel M, Nielsen S, Petersen H. Sero-prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild cervids in Denmark. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 17:288-294. [PMID: 35342710 PMCID: PMC8943336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite capable of infecting possibly all warm-blooded animals including humans, and is one of the most widespread zoonotic pathogens known. Free-ranging wildlife can be valuable sentinels for oocyst contaminated environments, as well as a potential source for human foodborne infection with T. gondii. Here we aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of T. gondii in Danish wild deer populations and examine risk factors associated with increased exposure to the parasite. Blood samples were collected from 428 cervids (87 fallow deer (Dama dama), 272 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 55 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 14 sika deer (Cervus Nippon) from 23 hunting sites in Denmark. The animals were shot during the hunting season 2017/2018, and screened for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial ELISA kit. One hundred and five (24.5%) cervids were sero-positive. Sero-prevalence was significantly different between species (p < 0.05), with odds of sero-positivity being 4.5 times higher in roe deer than fallow deer, and 3.0 times higher in red deer than in fallow deer. A significant increase in sero-prevalence with age was observed, driven by a significant increase in risk in adult red deer compared to calves (OR: 13.22; 95% CI: 5.96-33.7). The only other significant risk factor associated with wild cervid T. gondii sero-positivity was fencing, with the highest exposure associated with deer from non-fenced hunting areas (OR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.05-4.99). This study documented a widespread exposure to T. gondii in Danish cervids. Therefore the meat of the wild deer, in particular from roe deer and red deer, should be considered a significant risk of T. gondii infections to humans, if not properly cooked. Further, molecular studies to confirm the presence of infective parasitic stages in the muscles of deer used for consumption is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.S. Stensgaard
- Department for Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, C, Denmark
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M.E. Sengupta
- Department for Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, C, Denmark
| | - M. Chriel
- Centre for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - S.T. Nielsen
- Centre for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - H.H. Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostic, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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A Review on Alaria alata, Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. in Mammalian Game Meat Consumed in Europe: Epidemiology, Risk Management and Future Directions. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030263. [PMID: 35158587 PMCID: PMC8833328 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In many European countries, game meat consumption is related to the traditional hunting culture. Its demand and consumption are increasing, also due to the growing populations of wild ungulates. However, specific public health issues exist and should be taken into account. This review focuses on the causal agents, epidemiology, potential risk for human health and its management along the supply chain, including parasite detection at slaughtering and inactivation in meat, of three parasites (Alaria alata, Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp.), which can be transmitted by the main mammalian game meat species in the EU: wild boar (Sus scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), moose (Alces alces), hare (Lepus europaeus) and wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). By presenting the main issues and knowledge gaps, this study aims to contribute to an improved control supporting the risk analysis process. Abstract Game meat is increasingly appreciated and consumed in Europe, also due to the growing population of wild ungulates. In addition to interesting nutritional properties and market opportunities, game meat is characterized by some specific public health issues. This review focuses on the etiology, epidemiology, public health aspects and risk management along the supply chain, including parasite detection at slaughtering and inactivation in meat, of three selected foodborne parasitic hazards (Alaria alata, Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp.) in the main mammalian game meat species in the EU: wild boar (Sus scrofa), red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), fallow deer (Dama dama), Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), moose (Alces alces), hare (Lepus europaeus) and wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The presented data point out the main issues, and knowledge gaps as well as the potential for improved control in order to contribute to the risk analysis process. To pursue an effective management of these parasitic zoonoses, awareness raising should involve all figures in the supply chain, including hunters, restaurateurs and consumers. Human behaviour and the lack of knowledge regarding meat borne parasitic zoonoses and the health risks they pose seem to be the most important factors responsible for human infections. However, detection methods, starting from the sampling procedure, should be further developed and standardized in order to improve the collection of accurate and up-to-date epidemiological data.
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Stollberg KC, Schares G, Mayer-Scholl A, Hrushetska I, Diescher S, Johne A, Richter MH, Bier NS. Comparison of Direct and Indirect Toxoplasma gondii Detection and Genotyping in Game: Relationship and Challenges. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081663. [PMID: 34442742 PMCID: PMC8399173 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of game as a source of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in humans is largely unknown. New data on the presence of T. gondii in game hunted in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany, were obtained by direct and indirect detection (ELISA). DNA extracted either directly (5 g heart or foreleg muscle, DE) or after acid pepsin digestion (50 g heart, PD) or enriched by magnetic capture (50 g heart, MC) was examined by real-time PCR (qPCR). ELISA revealed seroprevalences of 20% in wild boar (Sus scrofa), 11% in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 6% in red deer (Cervus elaphus). T. gondii DNA was detected by at least one direct detection method in 12% of wild boar, 6% of roe deer, 2% of fallow deer (Dama dama) and 2% of red deer. In both, positive wild boar and roe deer, T. gondii type II specific alleles were the most prevalent, as assessed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The highest proportion of positive animals was detected by MC qPCR, followed by PD qPCR with a similar proportion of positive findings. Investigation of 50 g of heart muscle revealed a significantly higher proportion of positive qPCR results than analysis of 5 g (p = 0.048). An association between seropositivity and direct detection was evident in wild boar and roe deer (p < 0.001). Infectivity of T. gondii DNA–positive samples was confirmed by bioassay (4/4), providing evidence that game could represent a relevant source of viable T. gondii posing a risk for human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaya C. Stollberg
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Safety in the Food Chain, 10589 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Gereon Schares
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Anne Mayer-Scholl
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Iryna Hrushetska
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Susanne Diescher
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Annette Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Martin H. Richter
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
| | - Nadja S. Bier
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department for Biological Safety, 12277 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.-S.); (I.H.); (S.D.); (A.J.); (M.H.R.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Castro-Scholten S, Cano-Terriza D, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Almería S, Risalde MA, Vicente J, Acevedo P, Arnal MC, Balseiro A, Gómez-Guillamón F, Escribano F, Puig-Ribas M, Dubey JP, García-Bocanegra I. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in wild ruminants in Spain. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:884-895. [PMID: 34227234 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii which infects warm-blooded species worldwide. Humans can be infected through ingestion of tissue cysts from raw or undercooked meat, including game meat. A nationwide large-scale cross-sectional study was conducted to assess exposure to T. gondii in seven wild ruminant species in Spain. A total of 2,040 serum samples from 77 sampling sites randomly distributed in the five bioregions (BRs) covering mainland Spain were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using the modified agglutination test. The overall seroprevalence was 22.0% (449/2,040). Seroprevalence by species in decreasing order was as follows: 39.6% (141/356) in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 37.1% (138/372) in fallow deer (Dama dama), 16.6% (92/553) in red deer (Cervus elaphus), 14.0% (26/186) in Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), 11.5% (24/209) in mouflon (Ovis aries musimon), 7.8% (27/346) in Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica) and 5.6% (1/18) in Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia). Seropositivity was detected in 74.0% (57/77) of the sampling sites. Results indicate widespread but not homogeneous exposure to T. gondii in wild ruminant populations in Spain during the last two decades and highlight differences related to animal species and spatial distribution of these species in this country; this implies potential consequences of T. gondii for animal health, conservation and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sonia Almería
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA), Laurel, MD, USA
| | - María A Risalde
- Departamento de Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas y Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain.,Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Grupo de Virología Clínica y Zoonosis, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Joaquín Vicente
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (UCLM-CSIC-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - María C Arnal
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza (UNIZAR), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Balseiro
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León (ULE), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain
| | - Félix Gómez-Guillamón
- Programa de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de la Fauna Silvestre, Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible (CAGPDS), Málaga, Spain
| | - Fernando Escribano
- Programa de Conservación y Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre, Dirección General de Medio Natural, Consejería de Agua, Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Ambiente, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Puig-Ribas
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Wildlife Conservation Medicine Research Group (WildCoM), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Universidad de Córdoba (UCO), Córdoba, Spain
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10
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH. Epidemiologic and Public Health Significance of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Venison: 2009-2020. J Parasitol 2021; 107:309-319. [PMID: 33886960 DOI: 10.1645/20-162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts excreted by infected cats or ingestion of uncooked or undercooked meat containing tissue cysts of T. gondii are the 2 major modes of transmission of T. gondii. Deer are a popular game. Recently, outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis were reported in humans in North America linked to ingestion of undercooked venison. Here, we review prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology, and public health risks of T. gondii infections in deer and other cervids for the past decade. Estimates of worldwide serological prevalence are summarized individually for each species of deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Genetic diversity of 112 viable isolates of T. gondii from cervids is discussed, including its public health significance. Prevalence of T. gondii in deer is very high. Any part of a deer, including liver, spleen, and muscles, should be cooked thoroughly before human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
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11
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The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Vet Sci 2021; 138:19-29. [PMID: 34090203 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is widespread in warm-blooded animals and humans. Currently, many studies regarding T. gondii infection in sheep have been published worldwide. However, there is no meta-analysis of sheep infection in China. In this study, five databases were used to retrieve articles related to T. gondii in China. A total of 59 studies from 1987 to June 30, 2020, have been included. We estimated that the combined prevalence of T. gondii in the selected period was 8.5% (3197/28,099). In the analysis of publication year, the lowest positive rate after 2010 was 7.4% (1883/17,313). Geographically, the highest prevalence of T. gondii in sheep was recorded in Southwest China 19.2% (490/2080). Analysis according to age showed that the prevalence of infection in sheep older than 12 months was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in younger animals. The prevalence of T. gondii in sheep farmed by farmers was 7.2% (566/6336), which was higher than 5.3% (660/3121) of large-scale farming, suggesting a role for the feeding and husbandry. We also analyzed the impact of different geographic and climatic factors on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep. The results showed that the prevalence was higher in low altitude, warm, humid, and high rainfall areas. We suggest that appropriate control programs should be formulated according to the differences in reproduction patterns and geographical conditions in different regions to reduce the prevalence of T. gondii among sheep in China.
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12
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Schumacher AC, Elbadawi LI, DeSalvo T, Straily A, Ajzenberg D, Letzer D, Moldenhauer E, Handly TL, Hill D, Dardé ML, Pomares C, Passebosc-Faure K, Bisgard K, Gomez CA, Press C, Smiley S, Montoya JG, Kazmierczak JJ. Toxoplasmosis Outbreak Associated With Toxoplasma gondii-Contaminated Venison-High Attack Rate, Unusual Clinical Presentation, and Atypical Genotype. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:1557-1565. [PMID: 32412062 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During 2017, in response to a physician's report, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, began investigating an outbreak of febrile illness among attendees of a retreat where never frozen, intentionally undercooked, locally harvested venison was served. Preliminary testing tentatively identified the illness as toxoplasmosis. METHODS Confirmatory human serology panels and testing of the venison to confirm and categorize the presence and type of Toxoplasma gondii were completed by French and American national reference laboratories. All 12 retreat attendees were interviewed; medical records were reviewed. RESULTS All attendees were male; median age was 51 years (range: 22-75). After a median incubation period of 7 days, 9 (82%) of 11 exposed persons experienced illness lasting a median of 12 days. All 9 sought outpatient healthcare for symptoms including fever, chills, sweats, and headache (100%) and ocular disturbances (33%). Testing confirmed the illness as toxoplasmosis and venison as the infection source. Multiple laboratory results were atypical for toxoplasmosis, including transaminitis (86%), lymphocytopenia (88%), thrombocytopenia (38%), and leukopenia (63%). One exposed but asymptomatic person was seronegative; the other had immunity from prior infection. The T. gondii strain was identified as closely related to an atypical genotype (haplogroup 12, polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism genotype 5) common in North American wildlife but with previously uncharacterized human clinical manifestations. CONCLUSIONS The T. gondii strain contaminating the venison might explain the unusual clinical presentations. In North America, clinicians and venison consumers should be aware of risk for severe or unusual presentations of acute toxoplasmosis after consuming undercooked game meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Schumacher
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Lina I Elbadawi
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Center for Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Traci DeSalvo
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Anne Straily
- Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel Ajzenberg
- INSERM, Université de Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Limoges, France.,University Hospital, French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis and Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Limoges, France
| | - David Letzer
- Infectious Disease Specialists of Southeast Wisconsin, Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ellen Moldenhauer
- Jackson County Health and Human Services, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tammy L Handly
- Jackson County Health and Human Services, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dolores Hill
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Lab, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- INSERM, Université de Limoges, UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Limoges, France.,University Hospital, French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis and Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Limoges, France
| | - Christelle Pomares
- Service de Parasitologie Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, INSERM, U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Virulence microbienne et signalisation inflammatoire - Université de la Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Karine Passebosc-Faure
- University Hospital, French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis and Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Limoges, France
| | - Kristine Bisgard
- Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carlos A Gomez
- The Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Cindy Press
- The Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Smiley
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - José G Montoya
- The Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - James J Kazmierczak
- Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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13
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Dubey JP. Outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in humans: five decades of personal experience, perspectives and lessons learned. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:263. [PMID: 34011387 PMCID: PMC8136135 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has a worldwide distribution and a very wide host range, infecting most warm-blooded hosts. Approximately 30% of humanity is infected with T. gondii, but clinical toxoplasmosis is relatively infrequent. Toxoplasmosis has a wide range of clinical symptoms involving almost all organ systems. In most persons that acquire infection postnatally, symptoms (when present) are mild and mimic other diseases such as flu, Lyme disease, Q fever, hematological alterations, or mumps. It is likely that clinical disease is more common than reported. The ingestion of infected meat or food and water contaminated with oocysts are the two main modes of postnatal transmission of Toxoplasma gondii. The infective dose and the incubation period of T. gondii infection are unknown because there are no human volunteer experiments. Methods Here, I have critically reviewed outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in humans for the past 55 years, 1966–2020. Information from oocyst-acquired versus meat-acquired infections was assessed separately. Results Most outbreaks were from Brazil. There were no apparent differences in types or severity of symptoms in meat- versus oocyst-acquired infections. Fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, myalgia, and fatigue were the most important symptoms, and these symptoms were not age-dependent. The incubation period was 7–30 days. A genetic predisposition to cause eye disease is suspected in the parasites responsible for three outbreaks (in Brazil, Canada, and India). Only a few T. gondii tissue cysts might suffice to cause infection, as indicated by outbreaks affecting some (but not all) individuals sharing a meal of infected meat. Conclusions Whether the high frequency of outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in humans in Brazil is related to environmental contamination, poor hygiene, socioeconomic conditions, or to genotypes of T. gondii needs investigation. Graphic Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA.
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14
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Li K, Feng X, Hikosaka K, Norose K. Murine Model of Primary Acquired Ocular Toxoplasmosis: Fluorescein Angiography and Multiplex Immune Mediator Profiles in the Aqueous Humor. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:9. [PMID: 33683297 PMCID: PMC7960860 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.3.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To establish a murine model of primary acquired ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) and to investigate the immune mediator profiles in the aqueous humor (AH). Methods C57BL/6 mice were perorally infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The ocular fundus was observed, and fluorescein angiography (FA) was performed. The AH, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and serum were collected before infection and at 28 days post-infection (dpi); the immune mediator levels in these samples were analyzed using multiplex bead assay. Results Fundus imaging revealed soft retinochoroidal lesions at 14 dpi; many of these lesions became harder by 28 dpi. FA abnormalities, such as leakage from retinal vessels and dilation and tortuosity of the retinal veins, were observed at 14 dpi. Nearly all these abnormalities resolved spontaneously at 28 dpi. In the AH, interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p40), IL-12(p70), CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL5/RANTES, and CXCL1/KC levels increased after infection. All these molecules except IL-1α, IL-4, and IL-13 showed almost the same postinfection patterns in the CSF as they did in the AH. The tumor necrosis factor α, IL-4, and IL-5 levels in the AH and CSF of the T. gondii–infected mice were lower than those in the serum. The postinfection IL-1α, IL-6, CCL2/MCP-1, CCL4/MIP-1β, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor levels in the AH were significantly higher than those in the CSF and serum. Conclusions A murine model of primary acquired OT induced via the natural infection route was established. This OT model allows detailed ophthalmologic, histopathologic, and immunologic evaluations of human OT. Investigation of AH immune modulators provides new insight into OT immunopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Li
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenji Hikosaka
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazumi Norose
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
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15
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Almería S, Cano-Terriza D, Prieto P, Dubey JP, Jiménez-Martín D, Castro-Scholten S, Paniagua J, García-Bocanegra I. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild ungulates that cohabit in a natural park with human-animal interaction in the Mediterranean ecosystem. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:263-270. [PMID: 33619865 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The possibility of Toxoplasma gondii transmitted from game meat to humans is of public health concern. Here we determined seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii in large game ungulates that cohabit in Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park (SCSV-NP) (Southern Spain), a natural park with high human-animal interaction. Antibodies against T. gondii in 328 wild ungulates were assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT ≥ 1:25). Antibodies were found in 39 (11.9%, 95% CI: 8.4-15.4) wild ungulates, with seroprevalence levels of 20.8% in wild boars (Sus scrofa) (5/24), 19.0% in fallow deer (Dama dama) (12/63), 13.9% in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) (14/101), 7.9% in red deer (Cervus elaphus) (6/76), and 3.1% in mouflons (Ovis aries musimon) (2/64). Significantly higher seroprevalence was observed in fallow deer and wild boars compared to mouflons. Animals living close to urban areas (<2 km) had 4.6-times higher risk compared to those living at >5 km of urban areas. The results indicate high circulation of T. gondii in wild ungulates in SCSV-NP, which is of animal and public health concern. The increased seroprevalence of T. gondii detected in wildlife ungulates living close to urban areas may increase human infection in those areas if meat from infected animals is consumed raw or undercooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Almería
- Division of Virulence Assessment, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA), Laurel, MD, USA
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Paloma Prieto
- Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park, Junta de Andalucía, Cazorla (Jaén), Spain
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Débora Jiménez-Martín
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Sabrina Castro-Scholten
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jorge Paniagua
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
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16
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Conrady CD, Besirli CG, Baumal CR, Kovach JL, Etzel JD, Tsui JC, Elner SG, Johnson MW. Ocular Toxoplasmosis after Exposure to Wild Game. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2021; 30:527-532. [PMID: 33560166 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1854316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To describe eight patients with toxoplasma retinochoroiditis following exposure to wild game.Methods: Retrospective, multicenter case seriesResults: Eight men, aged 29 to 71 (mean, 56 years), developed toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis after hunting and/or consuming wild game in the United States, including seven deer and one bear. Five patients developed the disease after eating undercooked game meat, while three developed ocular findings after cleaning hunted animals. Seven patients were healthy prior to exposure. LogMAR visual acuity at presentation was 0.697 ± 0.745, improving to 0.256 ± 0.335 by last follow-up. Disease complications developed in five (62.5%) patients, of which recurrence of retinochoroiditis was the most common.Conclusions: Contact with wild game is a potential source of primary ocular toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent adults. Hunters and consumers of rare game are at risk of serious ocular disease and appropriate contact precautions and cooking may reduce this complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Conrady
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Cagri G Besirli
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Caroline R Baumal
- New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jaclyn L Kovach
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Justin D Etzel
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan C Tsui
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan G Elner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark W Johnson
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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17
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Gaulin C, Ramsay D, Thivierge K, Tataryn J, Courville A, Martin C, Cunningham P, Désilets J, Morin D, Dion R. Acute Toxoplasmosis among Canadian Deer Hunters Associated with Consumption of Undercooked Deer Meat Hunted in the United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:199-205. [PMID: 31961291 PMCID: PMC6986818 DOI: 10.3201/eid2602.191218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Health professionals should be aware that such outbreaks might be more common in the future We conducted a recent investigation in Quebec, Canada, concerning Canadian deer hunters who went to the United States to hunt deer and returned with symptoms of fever, severe headache, myalgia, and articular pain of undetermined etiology. Further investigation identified that a group of 10 hunters from Quebec attended a hunting retreat in Illinois (USA) during November 22–December 4, 2018. Six of the 10 hunters had similar symptoms and illness onset dates. Serologic tests indicated a recent toxoplasmosis infection for all symptomatic hunters, and the risk factor identified was consumption of undercooked deer meat. Among asymptomatic hunters, 2 were already immune to toxoplasmosis, 1 was not immune, and the immune status of 1 remains unknown. Outbreaks of acute toxoplasmosis infection are rare in North America, but physicians should be aware that such outbreaks could become more common.
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18
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Fanelli A, Battisti E, Zanet S, Trisciuoglio A, Ferroglio E. A systematic review and meta-analysis of Toxoplasma gondii in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Europe. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 68:182-193. [PMID: 33164352 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the available knowledge on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) in Europe. A computerized literature search of electronic databases (PubMed and CAB abstracts) was performed along with hand searches of library resources for relevant papers, books, abstracts and conference proceedings. A random-effect model was employed to calculate pooled seroprevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals, and I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. Further, moderator analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of geographical area on the seroprevalence in roe deer. From a total of 190 studies initially identified, 16 and 8 articles were included for roe deer and red deer, respectively. These comprise 3,913 roe deer and 2,913 red deer from different European countries. The pooled seroprevalence was estimated to be 29% (95% CI: 23%-35%) in roe deer and 15% (95% CI: 10%-20%) in red deer. High heterogeneity was detected in the seroprevalence data within each species. In roe deer, the pooled seroprevalence estimate was significantly different according to geographical area with 40% (95% CI: 31%-49%) in Western Europe, 31% (95% CI: 21%-43%) in Northern Europe, 27% (95% CI: 15%-41%) in Eastern Europe and 21% (95% CI: 14%-28%) in Southern Europe. The present study indicates a moderate exposure to T. gondii in roe deer and red deer in Europe, with very high prevalence in Western Europe. Our results highlight the significant risk associated to the consumption of venison, encouraging proper handling and cooking of game meat to prevent toxoplasmosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Elena Battisti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Anna Trisciuoglio
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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19
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Costa DF, Madeira RP, Torrecilhas AC, Nascimento H, Ribeiro KS, Paraboni MLR, Rizzo LV, Silveira C, Burnier MN, Lowen MS, Garcia JL, Gava R, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Commodaro AG, Belfort R. Ocular Disease in Mice Inoculated with Pork Heart Samples Infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 30:463-469. [PMID: 32976068 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1807024] [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] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We analyzed the frequency, viability, and genetic characteristics of T. gondii in pork heart samples.Methods: Thirty-five fresh pork samples were purchased in a slaughterhouse in Erechim city. The DNA was extracted and qPCR was performed. T. gondii genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP analysis. Positive samples were digested and inoculated in mice for viability analysis.Results: Our results showed that T. gondii DNA was detected in 25.7% of the pork heart samples and genotyping revealed one new atypical strain. The viability analyses demonstrated that 40% of mice presented clinical signs of T. gondii infection. qPCR was positive in the lung, liver, and brain of mice that presented clinical signs of T. gondii infection. Also, the histopathology analysis showed retinal disorganization, retinal detachment, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis in the eyes analyzed.Conclusion: Our findings have shown that pork eat from southern Brazil may contain live T. gondii that could be associated with toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deise F Costa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Montreal, Canada
| | - Rafael Pedro Madeira
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Diadema, Brazil
| | | | - Heloisa Nascimento
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Miguel N Burnier
- Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University Ocular Pathology Laboratory, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marcia Serva Lowen
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Luis Garcia
- Protozoology Laboratory, Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade Estadual De Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Gava
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Parasites and Fungi, Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Parasites and Fungi, Center of Parasitology and Mycology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Plaza J, Dámek F, Villena I, Innes EA, Katzer F, Hamilton CM. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in retail meat samples in Scotland. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2020; 20:e00086. [PMID: 32577541 PMCID: PMC7303546 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2020.e00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally important zoonotic parasite ranked as one of the most significant causes of disease burden among the major foodborne pathogens. Consumption of undercooked meat is a well-known risk factor for infection so the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of T. gondii in meat samples from retail outlets in Scotland. In Sampling Period 1, 300 meat samples (39 beef, 21 chicken, 87 lamb, 71 pork and 82 venison) were purchased from butchers', farmers' markets, farm shops and supermarkets, and in Sampling Period 2, 67 pure venison samples only were purchased from farmers' markets, farm shops and supermarkets. DNA was extracted and screened for T. gondii using a quantitative PCR targeting the 529 bp repeat element, and any positive samples were genotyped using PCR-RFLP targeting 10 markers. Meat juice was screened for T. gondii antibodies using a commercial ELISA or modified agglutination assay. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 0/39 (0%) beef samples, 1/21 (4.8%) chicken samples, 6/87 (6.9%) lamb samples, 3/71 (4.2%) pork samples and 29/82 (35.4%; Sampling Period 1) and 19/67 (28.4%; Sampling Period 2) venison samples. Partial PCR-RFLP genotyping revealed both clonal and non-clonal genotypes. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in the meat juice of 2/38 (5.3%) beef samples, 3/21 (14.3%) chicken samples, 14/85 (16.5%) lamb samples, 2/68 (2.9%) pork samples and 11/78 (14.1%; Sampling Period 1) and 8/50 (16%; Sampling Period 2) venison samples. This is the first study to report the presence of T. gondii in retail meat products in Scotland and has highlighted venison as a potentially high risk meat. Further work is required to determine viability of parasites in this particular meat product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Plaza
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Filip Dámek
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Laboratory of Parasitology, EA 7510, University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne and National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Hospital University Centre of Reims, France
| | - Elisabeth A. Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Frank Katzer
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Clare M. Hamilton
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK
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21
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Zeng A, Gong QL, Wang Q, Wang CR, Zhang XX. The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in deer from 1978 to 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2020; 208:105529. [PMID: 32433912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans, is an intracellular protozoan parasite. The immunocompromised patients or pregnant women infected by Toxoplasma usually can cause encephalitis or abortion. Deer are also the important intermediate host of the parasite and people can be infected by ingesting the undercooked venison. Therefore, to raise the attention of the researchers and T. gondii infection on people in deer, we conducted the meta-analysis. All potential publications on the T. gondii infection in deer were retrieved by searching the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer- Link, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and VIP Chinese Journal Databases. Finally, a total of 48 publications were included. The pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in deer was 22.92% (95% CI 17.89-28.38) calculated by the random effect model. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in deer was the lowest in Asia (12.72%, 95% CI 6.29-20.89), and the highest in North America (32.21%, 95% CI 20.32-45.39). The highest point estimate of deer T. gondii in detection method subgroup was using MAT (31.28%, 95% CI 20.15-43.61). The estimated pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in elk (63.50%, 95% CI 50.01-76.01) was higher than other types of deer. Our meta-regression analysis found that the subgroups including region, sampling year, age, climate, and deer species may be the main heterogeneous source in our meta-analysis. It is necessary to monitor the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in deer at all times. Furthermore, people should be taken to precautions when ingesting the venison by cooking it well before serving to prevent the T. gondii infection via eating venison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, China
| | - Qing-Long Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, China
| | - Chun-Ren Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, China.
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266109, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber D. Goguen
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI 48823 USA
| | - Shawn J. Riley
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI 48823 USA
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Huang SY, Fan YM, Yao N, Yang Y, Pei MY, Ren YJ, Gong JZ. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the endangered Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) in China. Microb Pathog 2020; 149:104282. [PMID: 32479783 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus) is an emblematic endangered species and regarded as a national treasure, toxoplasmosis is a serious zoonotic parasitic disease for wild animals. Little is known about the prevalence of antibodies to this parasite in Père David's deer. In this study, sera from 43 wild Père David's deer, from Dafeng nature reserve China were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by MAT. The investigation showed that antibodies to toxoplasma were detected in 8 of 43 (18.60%, 95% CI 6.97-30.24) samples. Seroprevalence ranged from 15.00% to 21.74% between the different genders, but the difference was not significant according to SPSS analysis (P > 0.05). This report of seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in Père David's deer provides basic data of T. gondii infection data, which is important for controlling and preventing toxoplasmosis in Père David's deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yang Huang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, And Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, And Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China.
| | - Yi-Min Fan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, And Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, And Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Na Yao
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, And Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, And Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Yi Yang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, And Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, And Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Ming-Yu Pei
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, And Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, And Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Yi-Jun Ren
- Dafeng Elk National Natural Reserve, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Jing-Zhi Gong
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, And Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, And Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
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Bier NS, Stollberg K, Mayer‐Scholl A, Johne A, Nöckler K, Richter M. Seroprevalence of
Toxoplasma gondii
in wild boar and deer in Brandenburg, Germany. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:601-606. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Seyhan Bier
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Kaya Stollberg
- Department for Safety in the Food Chain German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Anne Mayer‐Scholl
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Annette Johne
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Karsten Nöckler
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Martin Richter
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
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25
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White-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) are a reservoir of a diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains in the USA and pose a risk to consumers of undercooked venison. Parasitology 2020; 147:775-781. [PMID: 32178743 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
To assess the role of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus, WTD) in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis, we conducted a national survey of WTD across the USA for Toxoplasma gondii infection. To do this, we combined serology with parasite isolation to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of T. gondii in this game species. From October 2012 to March 2019, serum and tissues were collected from 914 WTD across the USA. Serum samples were screened for antibodies to T. gondii, and then the tissues of seropositive WTD were bioassayed in mice. Antibodies were detected in 329 (36%) of 914 WTD tested by the modified agglutination test (positive reaction at 1:25 or higher). Viable T. gondii was isolated from the heart of 36 WTD from 11 states. Three of the 36 isolates were pathogenic but not highly virulent to outbred Swiss Webster mice and all 36 isolates could be propagated further in cell culture and were genotyped. For genotyping, DNA extracted from cell culture-derived tachyzoites was characterized by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using the genetic markers SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. Genotyping revealed seven ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotypes, including 24 isolates for genotype #5 (haplogroup 12), four isolates for #2 (type III, haplogroup 3), three isolates for genotypes #1 (type II, haplogroup 2), two isolates for genotypes #3 (type II, haplogroup 2) and one isolate each for #39, #221 and #224. Genotype #5 was the most frequently isolated, accounting for 66.6% (24 of 36) of the isolates. Combining the 36 isolates from this study with previously reported 69 isolates from WTD, 15 genotypes have been identified. Among these, 50.4% (53/105) isolates belong to genotype #5. Our results indicate moderate genetic diversity of T. gondii in WTD. The results also indicate that undercooked venison should not be consumed by humans or fed to cats.
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26
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Khattab HM, El Bassiouni SO, Abuelela MH, Abd Elsalam DO. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among a group of Egyptian patients with type I diabetes mellitus. BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE 2019; 43:20. [DOI: 10.1186/s42269-019-0059-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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27
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Suburban white-tailed deer seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii from Chicago, Illinois. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2271-2276. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06347-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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28
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England JH, Bailin SS, Gehlhausen JR, Rubin DH. Toxoplasmosis: The Heart of the Diagnosis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 6:ofy338. [PMID: 30631794 PMCID: PMC6324552 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasite that infects warm-blooded animals, including humans, and is a foodborne pathogen. We report a case of acute toxoplasmosis in a 76-year-old man after ingestion of the undercooked heart of a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Tennessee. The patient’s adult grandson, who also consumed part of the heart, became ill with nearly identical symptoms, though he did not seek medical care. This case highlights important public health concerns about deer-to-human transmission of Toxoplasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H England
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Correspondence: James H. England, MD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, A2200 MCN, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232-2582 (, )
| | - Samuel S Bailin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeffrey R Gehlhausen
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Donald H Rubin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
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29
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Battisti E, Zanet S, Trisciuoglio A, Bruno S, Ferroglio E. Circulating genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in Northwestern Italy. Vet Parasitol 2018; 253:43-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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30
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Remes N, Kärssin A, Must K, Tagel M, Lassen B, Jokelainen P. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in free-ranging moose ( Alces alces ) hunted for human consumption in Estonia: Indicator host species for environmental Toxoplasma gondii oocyst contamination. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2018; 11:6-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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31
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Cantlay JC, Ingram DJ, Meredith AL. A Review of Zoonotic Infection Risks Associated with the Wild Meat Trade in Malaysia. ECOHEALTH 2017; 14:361-388. [PMID: 28332127 PMCID: PMC5486459 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-017-1229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The overhunting of wildlife for food and commercial gain presents a major threat to biodiversity in tropical forests and poses health risks to humans from contact with wild animals. Using a recent survey of wildlife offered at wild meat markets in Malaysia as a basis, we review the literature to determine the potential zoonotic infection risks from hunting, butchering and consuming the species offered. We also determine which taxa potentially host the highest number of pathogens and discuss the significant disease risks from traded wildlife, considering how cultural practices influence zoonotic transmission. We identify 51 zoonotic pathogens (16 viruses, 19 bacteria and 16 parasites) potentially hosted by wildlife and describe the human health risks. The Suidae and the Cervidae families potentially host the highest number of pathogens. We conclude that there are substantial gaps in our knowledge of zoonotic pathogens and recommend performing microbial food safety risk assessments to assess the hazards of wild meat consumption. Overall, there may be considerable zoonotic risks to people involved in the hunting, butchering or consumption of wild meat in Southeast Asia, and these should be considered in public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Caroline Cantlay
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
- Independent Researcher, Unit 6301, No 1, Lane 600, Central Yincheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, 200120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Daniel J Ingram
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9GQ, UK
| | - Anna L Meredith
- The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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32
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Hong SH, Kim HJ, Jeong YI, Cho SH, Lee WJ, Kim JT, Lee SE. Serological and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Babesia microti in the Blood of Rescued Wild Animals in Gangwon-do (Province), Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:207-212. [PMID: 28506045 PMCID: PMC5450965 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.2.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Infections of Toxoplasma gondii and Babesia microti are reported in many wild animals worldwide, but information on their incidence and molecular detection in Korean wild fields is limited. In this study, the prevalence of T. gondii and B. microti infection in blood samples of 5 animal species (37 Chinese water deer, 23 raccoon dogs, 6 roe deer, 1 wild boar, and 3 Eurasian badgers) was examined during 2008–2009 in Gangwon-do (Province), the Republic of Korea (=Korea) by using serological and molecular tests. The overall seropositivity of T. gondii was 8.6% (6/70); 10.8% in Chinese water deer, 4.3% in raccoon dogs, and 16.7% in roe deer. PCR revealed only 1 case of T. gondii infection in Chinese water deer, and phylogenic analysis showed that the positive isolate was practically identical to the highly pathogenetic strain type I. In B. microti PCR, the positive rate was 5.7% (4/70), including 2 Chinese water deer and 2 Eurasian badgers. Phylogenetic analysis results of 18S rRNA and the β-tubulin gene showed that all positive isolates were US-type B. microti. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. microti detected in Chinese water deer and Eurasian badger from Korea. These results indicate a potentially high prevalence of T. gondii and B. microti in wild animals of Gangwon-do, Korea. Furthermore, Chinese water deer might act as a reservoir for parasite infections of domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hee Hong
- Division of Malaria and Parasitc Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Hee-Jong Kim
- Colleage of Veterinary Medicine, Gangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Young-Il Jeong
- Division of Malaria and Parasitc Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Shin-Hyeong Cho
- Division of Malaria and Parasitc Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Won-Ja Lee
- Division of Malaria and Parasitc Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Jong-Tak Kim
- Colleage of Veterinary Medicine, Gangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Division of Malaria and Parasitc Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea
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33
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Lassen B, Janson M, Viltrop A, Neare K, Hütt P, Golovljova I, Tummeleht L, Jokelainen P. Serological Evidence of Exposure to Globally Relevant Zoonotic Parasites in the Estonian Population. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164142. [PMID: 27723790 PMCID: PMC5056716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated Estonian population and its selected subgroups for serological evidence of exposure to Ascaris lumbricoides, Echinococcus spp., Taenia solium, Toxocara canis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella spiralis. Serum samples from 999 adults representing general population, 248 children aged 14-18, 158 veterinarians, 375 animal caretakers, and 144 hunters were tested for specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against the selected parasites using commercial enzyme immunoassays (ELISA). Sera yielding positive or twice grey zone Echinococcus spp, T. solium, T. canis, and T. spiralis results were subjected to western blot (WB) analysis. In the general population, based on the ELISA results, the A. lumbricoides seroprevalence was 12.7%, Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was 3.3%, T. solium seroprevalence was 0.7%, T. canis seroprevalence was 12.1%, T. gondii seroprevalence was 55.8%, and T. spiralis seroprevalence was 3.1%. Ascaris lumbricoides seroprevalences were higher in children and in animal caretakers than in the general population, and T. canis seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers than in the general population. Compared with the general population, Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was higher in children. By contrast, T. gondii seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers, and lower in children, than in the general population. In the general population, the WB-confirmed Echinococcus spp. seroprevalence was 0.5%, T. solium cysticercosis seroprevalence was 0.0%, Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was 14.5%, and Trichinella spp. seroprevalence was 2.7%. WB-confirmed Toxocara spp. seroprevalence was higher in animal caretakers than in the general population. We found serological evidence of exposure to zoonotic parasites in all tested groups. This calls for higher awareness of zoonotic parasitic infections in Estonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lassen
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Marilin Janson
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arvo Viltrop
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kädi Neare
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pirje Hütt
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Chair of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Irina Golovljova
- Department of Virology, National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Lea Tummeleht
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences and Population Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Spread and genotype of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra). Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2115-20. [PMID: 26960960 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4981-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The complex life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii involves many animal species, raising zoonotic, economic, and conservation issues. This complexity is reflected in the molecular structure of T. gondii, whose different genotypes differ in pathogenicity. Among the intermediate hosts of T. gondii, wild ungulates may be a source of human infection. Despite intense hunting activity and the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, little information is available on the spread of T. gondii and the distribution of its genotypes in these species, including the alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra). Ninety-three sera and 50 brain tissues from chamois were sampled (1) to investigate the spread of T. gondii with serological and molecular analyses, and (2) to genotype the strains with a restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the SAG2 locus. The prevalence of T. gondii was low on both serological (3.2 %) and molecular (2 %) analyses, and infections were concentrated in individuals >1 year old. These findings demonstrate the sporadic presence of the protozoan in this species on consistent diagnostic tests. Horizontal transmission seems to be the main route of infection, and cats are the only definitive host in the study area. This prevalence suggests that the environment of the chamois is less contaminated with oocysts than environments close to human settlements. The SAG2 type II genotype was detected in this species for the first time. Although this genotype is predominant in human toxoplasmosis, these results suggest that the chamois is a minor source of human infection.
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35
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Verma SK, Carstensen M, Calero-Bernal R, Moore SA, Jiang T, Su C, Dubey JP. Seroprevalence, isolation, first genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii, and possible congenital transmission in wild moose from Minnesota, USA. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:687-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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36
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Acute unilateral toxoplasma retinochoroiditis associated with adalimumab, a tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2015; 7:152-4. [PMID: 25390810 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0b013e3182790dbd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to report a case of a patient with unilateral toxoplasma retinochoroiditis while on treatment with adalimumab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor α agent for ulcerative colitis. METHODS This is a descriptive case report. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION In addition to the patient with toxoplasma retinochoroiditis, there is one published report of two patients who developed toxoplasma chorioretinitis while on anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: one was on adalimumab and methotrexate and the other one was on etanercept and methotrexate. CONCLUSION The authors need to be aware of this potentially vision threatening risk with anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy.
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37
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Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in New York State, USA. J Wildl Dis 2014; 49:940-5. [PMID: 24502721 DOI: 10.7589/2013-02-044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sera collected from 299 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) harvested in New York State by hunters in November 2010 were assayed for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies. White-tailed deer are a useful sentinel for risk of human and domestic animal exposure to Toxoplasma oocysts and pose a potential risk for infection to humans and other animals by ingestion of the meat. White-tailed deer share grazing space with domestic animals raised for meat and are likely to be exposed by horizontal transmission through oocyst consumption, similar to other grazing species of economic concern. Overall, 42.2% of samples were positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indicating a true prevalence of 38.5%, with a significantly higher proportion of adult than immature deer antibody positive. No significant difference in prevalence was found between male and female deer nor was there a significant effect of local human population density on deer antibody prevalence. These results provide insight into the risk of environmental Toxoplasma exposure in New York State and support horizontal transmission through oocyst consumption as the most common mechanism of white-tailed deer infection.
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38
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Gotteland C, Aubert D, Gibert P, Moinet M, Klein F, Game Y, Villena I, Gilot-Fromont E. Toxoplasmosis in natural populations of ungulates in France: prevalence and spatiotemporal variations. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:403-13. [PMID: 24745359 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is characterized by a complex epidemiology. The risk of infection for humans depends on their contact with infective oocysts in a contaminated environment and on the amount of tissue cysts located within consumed meat. Unfortunately, the prevalence of tissue cysts is largely unknown for game species. Although herbivorous game species are a source of infection for humans, the level of infection found in wildlife can also be used to estimate environmental contamination. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and analyze its temporal dynamics in one population of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), one of mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon), and two of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in France, surveyed during a period of 6 to 28 years. Taking into account individual risk factors, we specifically analyzed the relationship between T. gondii prevalence and meteorological conditions that may influence oocyst survival. Serum samples from 101 chamois, 143 mouflons, and 1155 roe deer were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using the modified agglutination test (MAT), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay, or both. Using MAT with a threshold of 1:6, seroprevalence was 14.7% in mouflon, 16.8% in chamois, and 43.7% in roe deer. In mouflon and roe deer, seroprevalence was positively correlated with age and/or body mass, in accordance with the hypothesis that antibodies have long-term persistence. In roe deer, seropositivity differed between the two populations and changed linearly over time between 1983 and 2010, increasing by a factor 1.75 every 10 years. Moreover, in this species, the highest prevalences were found during dry and cold years or during warm and moist years, depending on the population. Our results suggest that the risk for people to acquire infection through game meat increases over time, but with high variability according to the population of origin and meteorological conditions of the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Gotteland
- 1 Université de Lyon , Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Villeurbanne, France
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39
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Technical specifications on harmonised epidemiological indicators for biological hazards to be covered by meat inspection of farmed game. EFSA J 2013. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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40
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Dubey JP, Randall AR, Choudhary S, Ferreira LR, Verma SK, Oliveira S, Kwok OCH, Su C. Occurrence, isolation, and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in New Jersey. J Parasitol 2013; 99:763-9. [PMID: 23574007 DOI: 10.1645/13-209.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The ingestion of uncooked infected white-tailed deer (WTD) tissues can transmit Toxoplasma gondii infection to humans and mesocarnivores, including cats. In the present study, we tested 264 WTD from New Jersey for T. gondii infection during the 2011-2012 hunting season. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to T. gondii by the modified agglutination test (cutoff titer, 25); 76 (28.7%) of 264 WTD were seropositive. Heart muscle samples from 64 seropositive WTD were digested in pepsin, and the digests were bioassayed for the isolation of T. gondii . Viable T. gondii was isolated in mice from the myocardium of 9 WTD; tachyzoites from infected mouse tissues were further propagated in cell culture. One of the 9 strains was highly virulent for outbred Swiss Webster mice. The DNA isolated from culture-derived tachyzoites of these 9 T. gondii isolates was characterized using 11 PCR-RFLP markers (SAG1, 5'- and 3'-SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico). Six genotypes were found, including ToxoDB genotype no. 2 (Type III), no. 3 (Type II variant), no. 4 (Type 12), no. 216, no. 220, and no. 221. The last 2 were new genotypes that were reported for the first time. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in deer from this region of the United States.
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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, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
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Beral M, Rossi S, Aubert D, Gasqui P, Terrier ME, Klein F, Villena I, Abrial D, Gilot-Fromont E, Richomme C, Hars J, Jourdain E. Environmental factors associated with the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa), France. ECOHEALTH 2012; 9:303-309. [PMID: 22820902 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-012-0786-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite infecting humans and animals. Wild boars Sus scrofa are a potential source of human infection and an appropriate biological model for analyzing T. gondii dynamics in the environment. Here, we aimed to identify environmental factors explaining the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in French wild boar populations. Considering 938 individuals sampled from 377 'communes', overall seroprevalence was 23% (95% confidence interval: [22-24]). Using a Poisson regression, we found that the number of seropositive wild boars detected per 'commune' was positively associated with the presence of European wildcats (Felis silvestris) and moderate winter temperatures.
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Roqueplo C, Halos L, Cabre O, Davoust B. Toxoplasma gondii in wild and domestic animals from New Caledonia. Parasite 2012; 18:345-8. [PMID: 22091467 PMCID: PMC3677588 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2011184345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Samples (serum or meat juice) collected from 205 animals in New Caledonia in April 2009 were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA using the multi-species ID Screen® Toxoplasmosis Indirect kit (IDVET, Montpellier). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 2% (1/49) of the pigs, in 3.3% (1/30) of the cattle, in 13.8% (4/29) of Rusa deers, in 16% (4/25) of the horses, in 32.8% (21/64) of the dogs, and in 50% (4/8) of cats. Statistically, no significant difference was observed between T. gondii seroprevalence and age or sex. No survey on the prevalence of T. gondii in animals has ever been conducted in New Caledonia and this is the first serological evidence of T. gondii in Rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa). These results indicate an important circulation of T. gondii exists in the animal populations of New Caledonia. In view of humans being exposed, it is advisable to insist on sanitary education and on respect for good hygienic and food practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Roqueplo
- Groupe de travail en épidémiologie animale du Service de Santé des Armées, Marseille, France.
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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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Matsumoto J, Kako Y, Morita Y, Kabeya H, Sakano C, Nagai A, Maruyama S, Nogami S. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boars (Sus scrofa leucomystax) and wild sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Parasitol Int 2011; 60:331-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2011.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Torres-Berumen JL, Estrada-Martínez S, Liesenfeld O, Mercado-Suarez MF. Toxoplasma gondii infection and liver disease: a case-control study in a northern Mexican population. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:75. [PMID: 21569516 PMCID: PMC3105944 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii may cause liver disease. However, the impact of the infection in patients suffering from liver disease is unknown. Therefore, through a case-control study design, 75 adult liver disease patients attending a public hospital in Durango City, Mexico, and 150 controls from the general population of the same region matched by gender, age, and residence were examined with enzyme-linked immunoassays for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. Socio-demographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics from the study subjects were obtained. RESULTS Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and IgG titers did not differ significantly in patients (10/75; 13.3%) and controls (16/150; 10.7%). Two (2.7%) patients and 5 (3.3%) controls had anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies (P = 0.57). Seropositivity to Toxoplasma did not show any association with the diagnosis of liver disease. In contrast, seropositivity to Toxoplasma in patients was associated with consumption of venison and quail meat. Toxoplasma seropositivity was more frequent in patients with reflex impairment (27.8%) than in patients without this impairment (8.8%) (P = 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that Toxoplasma seropositivity in patients was associated with consumption of sheep meat (OR = 8.69; 95% CI: 1.02-73.71; P = 0.04) and rabbit meat (OR = 4.61; 95% CI: 1.06-19.98; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Seropositivity to Toxoplasma was comparable among liver disease patients and controls. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to elucidate the association of Toxoplasma with liver disease. Consumption of venison, and rabbit, sheep, and quail meats may warrant further investigation.
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Hill D, Coss C, Dubey JP, Wroblewski K, Sautter M, Hosten T, Muñoz-Zanzi C, Mui E, Withers S, Boyer K, Hermes G, Coyne J, Jagdis F, Burnett A, McLeod P, Morton H, Robinson D, McLeod R. Identification of a sporozoite-specific antigen from Toxoplasma gondii. J Parasitol 2011; 97:328-37. [PMID: 21506817 PMCID: PMC3684278 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2782.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduction of risk for human and food animal infection with Toxoplasma gondii is hampered by the lack of epidemiological data documenting the predominant routes of infection (oocyst vs. tissue cyst consumption) in horizontally transmitted toxoplasmosis. Existing serological assays can determine previous exposure to the parasite, but not the route of infection. We have used difference gel electrophoresis, in combination with tandem mass spectroscopy and Western blot, to identify a sporozoite-specific protein (T. gondii embryogenesis-related protein [TgERP]), which elicited antibody and differentiated oocyst- versus tissue cyst-induced infection in pigs and mice. The recombinant protein was selected from a cDNA library constructed from T. gondii sporozoites; this protein was used in Western blots and probed with sera from T. gondii -infected humans. Serum antibody to TgERP was detected in humans within 6-8 mo of initial oocyst-acquired infection. Of 163 individuals in the acute stage of infection (anti- T. gondii IgM detected in sera, or < 30 in the IgG avidity test), 103 (63.2%) had detectable antibodies that reacted with TgERP. Of 176 individuals with unknown infection route and in the chronic stage of infection (no anti- T. gondii IgM detected in sera, or > 30 in the IgG avidity test), antibody to TgERP was detected in 31 (17.6%). None of the 132 uninfected individuals tested had detectable antibody to TgERP. These data suggest that TgERP may be useful in detecting exposure to sporozoites in early T. gondii infection and implicates oocysts as the agent of infection.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Protozoan/blood
- Antigens, Protozoan/analysis
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Blotting, Western
- Brain/parasitology
- Cats
- Cell Line
- Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Meat/parasitology
- Mice
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/diagnosis
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/etiology
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/immunology
- Protozoan Proteins/analysis
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Swine
- Swine Diseases/parasitology
- Swine Diseases/transmission
- Toxoplasma/immunology
- Toxoplasmosis/diagnosis
- Toxoplasmosis/etiology
- Toxoplasmosis/transmission
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolores Hill
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal and Natural Resources Institute, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
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Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in moose (Alces alces) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Sweden. Vet Parasitol 2010; 177:275-80. [PMID: 21232869 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two coccidian parasites with a worldwide distribution. T. gondii is one of the more common parasitic zoonoses in the world and in young children and immunocompromised persons, infection can lead to severe disease and death. N. caninum is an important cause of abortions in cattle. Wildlife have been identified as reservoirs and transmitters for both parasites. The purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalences of T. gondii, and N. caninum in moose (Alces alces), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in Sweden. Blood samples were collected from 417 moose during 2000-2005 and from 199 roe deer during 1990-2007. The samples were investigated for presence of antibodies by a T. gondii direct agglutination test and a N. caninum iscom ELISA. Because the iscom ELISA has not been validated for moose or roe deer, sera that gave a positive result were further investigated by immunoblot analysis to verify presence of antibodies. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 85 (20%) and 68 (34%) moose and roe deer sera, respectively. In moose the seroprevalence was higher in south and central Sweden than in the north, whereas there was no difference between the regions for roe deer. Adult moose and roe deer had higher odds of being seropositive than young animals but there were no difference in seroprevalence between males and females. One roe deer was positive by immunoblotting and was regarded as N. caninum positive, whereas all moose sera were negative. The results show that T. gondii infection is widely spread in the Swedish moose and roe deer populations. Precautions should therefore be taken when handling internal organs and carcasses of harvested cervids. Proper handling and cooking of game meat also is important to prevent toxoplasmosis in humans.
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Lopes AP, Sargo R, Rodrigues M, Cardoso L. High seroprevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in wild animals from Portugal. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:1163-9. [PMID: 21104273 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We report an investigation of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in 52 wild birds and 20 wild mammals from northern and central areas of Portugal by using the modified agglutination test. The birds comprised 26 common buzzards (Buteo buteo), five tawny owls (Strix aluco), four white storks (Ceconia ceconia), three Eurasian eagle owls (Bubo bubo), three northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), two booted eagles (Hieraaetus pennatus), two common barn owls (Tyto alba), two Eurasian sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), two short-toed eagles (Circaetus gallicus), one black kite (Milvus migrans), one Griffin vulture (Gyps fulvus), and one peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). The mammals were eight wild boars (Sus scrofa), six red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), two common genets (Genetta genetta), two European badgers (Meles meles), one European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and one Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus). Fifty percent of the wild birds and 90% of the wild mammals were seropositive; the overall seroprevalence of infection was 61.1%. When comparing the prevalence of antibodies in birds and mammals from northern Portugal, a significant difference was found, but the same was not true for birds and mammals from central Portugal. Seroprevalence levels were 30.0% in juvenile and 62.5% in adult birds (p=0.046), 0.0% in juvenile and 94.7% in adult mammals (p=0.100), 80.0% in female and 66.7% in male birds (p=1.000), and 81.8% in female and 100% in male mammals (p=0.479). This is the first study performed on T. gondii in birds of prey, white storks, and wild carnivores in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Patrícia Lopes
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, P.O. Box 1013, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Jokelainen P, Näreaho A, Knaapi S, Oksanen A, Rikula U, Sukura A. Toxoplasma gondii in wild cervids and sheep in Finland: north-south gradient in seroprevalence. Vet Parasitol 2010; 171:331-6. [PMID: 20434266 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A nationwide seroepidemiological study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in selected wild and domestic ruminants in Finland. Serum samples from 1367 game cervids collected during the hunting season in 2008-2009 and 1940 sheep sera collected in 2008 were screened with a commercial direct agglutination test at a serum dilution of 1:40. T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 116 (9.6%) of 1215 moose (European elk, Alces alces), 36 (26.7%) of 135 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), 3 (17.6%) of 17 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and 477 (24.6%) of 1940 domestic sheep. Seropositive sheep were found in 74 (76.3%) of the 97 flocks examined. The odds of seropositivity in the adult moose was 2.9 times higher than the odds in calves; in white-tailed deer, the odds ratio was 3.2. The male moose had a significantly lower seroprevalence than the female, whereas the seroprevalence in the male white-tailed deer was higher than in the female; the odds ratios were 0.6 and 2.5, respectively. A clear geographical gradient in the seroprevalence was revealed in moose and sheep. The seroprevalences were lowest (1.6 and 8.6%, respectively) in the north and highest (24.6 and 36.4%, respectively) in the south-western regions, and ranged between these values in the other regions. In fact, the seroprevalence in moose from the south-west was not significantly different from the prevalence in white-tailed deer from the same area. Thus, the Finnish wild cervids and sheep are commonly exposed to T. gondii, especially in the southern part of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Aubert D, Ajzenberg D, Richomme C, Gilot-Fromont E, Terrier ME, de Gevigney C, Game Y, Maillard D, Gibert P, Dardé ML, Villena I. Molecular and biological characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from wildlife in France. Vet Parasitol 2010; 171:346-9. [PMID: 20417034 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Revised: 03/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii isolates have been classified into 3 genetic types. Little is known about genotypes of T. gondii isolates in wild animals in Europe. In this report, genotypes of T. gondii isolates from wildlife in France are described. Sera from wildlife were tested for antibodies to T. gondii with the modified agglutination test, and the hearts from animals with titers superior or equal to 1:6 were bioassayed individually in mice. T.gondii was isolated from 9 of 14 seropositive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 12 of 33 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 1 of 4 deer (Cervus elaphus), 1 of 7 mouflons (Ovis gmelini musimon) and 1 of 2 common mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). No isolate was obtained by bioassay in mice of 1 fallow deer (Dama dama) and of 3 European brown hares (Lepus europaeus). Genotyping of the 24 isolates using PCR-RFLP and microsatellite markers indicated that all were type II and none of these Toxoplasma isolates was virulent for mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Aubert
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, EA 3800, IFR53, Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire de Reims, 45 Rue Cognacq Jay, F-51092 Reims, France.
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