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Zhai B, Xie SC, Zhang J, He JJ, Zhu XQ. Dynamic RNA profiles in the small intestinal epithelia of cats after Toxoplasma gondii infection. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:68. [PMID: 37491273 PMCID: PMC10367386 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01121-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Felids are the only definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii. However, the biological features of the feline small intestine following T. gondii infection are poorly understood. We investigated the changes in the expression of RNAs (including mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs) in the small intestinal epithelia of cats following T. gondii infection to improve our understanding of the life cycle of T. gondii and cat responses to T. gondii infection. METHODS Fifteen cats were randomly assigned to five groups, and the infection groups were inoculated with 600 tissue cysts of the T. gondii Pru strain by gavage. The small intestinal epithelia of cats were collected at 6, 10, 14, and 30 days post infection (DPI). Using high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we investigated the changes in RNA expression. The expression levels of differentially expressed (DE) genes and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) identified by RNA-seq were validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Differential expression was determined using the DESeq R package. RESULTS In total, 207 annotated lncRNAs, 20,552 novel lncRNAs, 3342 novel circRNAs and 19,409 mRNAs were identified. Among these, 70 to 344 DE mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs were detected, and the post-cleavage binding sites between 725 ncRNAs and 2082 miRNAs were predicted. Using the co-location method, we predicted that a total of 235 lncRNAs target 1044 protein-coding genes, while the results of co-expression analysis revealed that 174 lncRNAs target 2097 mRNAs. Pathway enrichment analyses of the genes targeted by ncRNAs suggested that most ncRNAs were significantly enriched in immune or diseases-related pathways. NcRNA regulatory networks revealed that a single ncRNA could be directly or indirectly regulated by multiple genes or ncRNAs that could influence the immune response of cats. Co-expression analysis showed that 242 circRNAs, mainly involved in immune responses, were significantly associated with T. gondii infection. In contrast, 1352 protein coding RNAs, mainly involved in nucleic acid process/repair pathways or oocyte development pathways, were negatively associated with T. gondii infection. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to reveal the expression profiles of circRNAs, lncRNAs and mRNAs in the cat small intestine following T. gondii infection and will facilitate the elucidation of the role of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of T. gondii infection in its definitive host, thereby facilitating the development of novel intervention strategies against T. gondii infection in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bintao Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Chen Xie
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
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Xia N, Ji N, Li L, Huang Y, Yang C, Guo X, Guo Q, Shen B, Xiao L, Feng Y. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in urban cats from China. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:331. [PMID: 36050691 PMCID: PMC9434894 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03427-w] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infects almost all warm-blooded animals, and cats play a crucial role in the epidemiology of T. gondii as the definitive host. Despite sporadic reports on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in domestic cats, systematic surveys are lacking and some regions remain in China uninvestigated. METHODS A total of 1,521 serum samples were collected from 10 regions of China and analyzed by antibodies against T. gondii by ELISA with the purpose of identifying risk factors of T. gondii infection in cats across China and obtaining seroprevalence data from some previously uninvestigated areas. RESULTS Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 62 of 1,478 (4.2%) urban pet cats and in 9 of 43 (20.9%) stray cats. Among the regions examined, the prevalence was 13% in Sichuan, 12.8% in Chongqing, 6.4% in Hunan, 2.5% in Hubei and 0.9% in Guangdong. Additionally, this is the first report on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in urban pet cats from Qinghai (6.2%), Anhui (3.1%), Jiangxi (2.5%), Shaanxi (2.4%) and Ningxia (1.6%). The age and lifestyle (stray or pet) of cats were identified as the risk factors for seropositivity by multivariate analysis of the data. CONCLUSIONS Our findings improve our understanding of seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in cats across China, and provide useful information for the formulating of preventive and control measures against this widespread zoonotic parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningbo Xia
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Nuo Ji
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Longjiao Li
- Chongqing Three Gorges Vocational College, Chongqing, 404155, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Congshan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xuefang Guo
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qinghong Guo
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Inpankaew T, Sattasathuchana P, Kengradomkij C, Thengchaisri N. Prevalence of toxoplasmosis in semi-domesticated and pet cats within and around Bangkok, Thailand. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:252. [PMID: 34294094 PMCID: PMC8296730 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02965-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses worldwide. Cats become infected after ingesting infected tissue cysts. The objective of the present study was to compare the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pet cats and semi-domesticated cats in the Bangkok metropolitan region. A survey of Toxoplasma infection was conducted in 260 cats (median age [range]: 3 years [10 months–10 years]; 155 females and 105 males) by collecting blood samples from 130 client-owned pet cats and 130 semi-domesticated cats within and around Bangkok during 2016–2017 using indirect fluorescence antibody tests. An IgG antibody to Toxoplasma antigen ratio of ≥1:100 was considered positive for Toxoplasma infection. Results The overall prevalence of T. gondii in cats was 6.5% (17/260). The prevalence of T. gondii in semi-domesticated cats and pet cats was 11.5 and 1.5%, respectively. Semi-domesticated cats aged 1–5 years (14.9%) had a higher prevalence of infection than domesticated cats (1.3%, p = 0.002) of the same age. The odds (95% confidence interval [CI]) of having T. gondii infection in semi-domesticated cats were 8.34 (1.86–76.29, p = 0.0017) times higher than in pet cats. Interestingly, there was an association between T. gondii infection according to city region (p = 0.002). The odds (95% CI) of having T. gondii infection in cats living in the inner city were 4.96 (1.03–47.16, p = 0.023) times higher than cats living in the suburb and the vicinity. Conclusions The present study identified a higher prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in semi-domesticated cats compared with pet cats. The semi-domesticated cats could serve as a zoonotic reservoir. Public health regulations should be implemented to prevent toxoplasmosis spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawin Inpankaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Panpicha Sattasathuchana
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Chanya Kengradomkij
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Naris Thengchaisri
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
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Dubey JP, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Murata FHA, Kwok OCH, Yang YR, Su C. All about toxoplasmosis in cats: the last decade. Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109145. [PMID: 32645556 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis continues to be of public health concern. Cats (domestic and wild felids) are the most important host in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis because they are the only species that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in feces. Cats can excrete millions of oocysts and a single cat can spread infection to many hosts. The present paper summarizes information on prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical signs, and diagnosis of T. gondii infections in domestic and wild cats for the past decade. Special emphasis is paid to genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates from cats. Review of literature indicates that a unique genotype (ToxoDB genotype #9 or Chinese 1) is widely prevalent in cats in China and it has been epidemiologically linked to outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in pigs and deaths in humans in China; this genotype has rarely been detected in other countries. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Y R Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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Qiu HY, Zhang XX, Jiang J, Cai Y, Xu P, Zhao Q, Wang CR. Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity and Associated Risk Factors in Cats ( Felis catus) in Three Provinces in Northeastern China from 2013 to 2019. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:723-727. [PMID: 32366201 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2583] [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: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important protozoan parasite that can infect a range of animals. Cats are the most important definitive hosts for T. gondii. Therefore, an assessment of the level of T. gondii infection in cats is of public health importance. As limited information about seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in cats in northeastern China was available, 854 serum samples, including 235 cats in Jilin province, 267 cats in Liaoning province, and 352 cats in Heilongjiang province, were examined by an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) test, between September 2013 and July 2019. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 19.09% (163/854) at the cutoff 1:64, with 19.60% (69/352), 18.29% (43/235), and 19.10% (51/267) in Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that mode of life was highly related to T. gondii infection in cats at the investigation areas. These results could provide foundation data for prevention and control of T. gondii prevalence in these regions. Moreover, the results also suggested that the effective control strategies should continue to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Qiu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
| | - Jing Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Cai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Peng Xu
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Liaoning Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, P.R. China
| | - Quan Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Ren Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, P.R. China
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Legge S, Taggart PL, Dickman CR, Read JL, Woinarski JCZ. Cat-dependent diseases cost Australia AU$6 billion per year through impacts on human health and livestock production. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ContextCats are the definitive or primary host for pathogens that cause diseases in people and livestock. These cat-dependent diseases would not occur in Australia if cats had not been introduced, and their ongoing persistence depends on contacts with cats. Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that cycles between cats and any other warm-blooded animals. People infected by T. gondii may appear asymptomatic, or have a mild illness, or experience severe, potentially lethal symptoms; the parasite may also affect behaviour and mental health. T. gondii is also a major contributor to spontaneous abortion in sheep and goats. Two species of Sarcocystis, another genus of protozoan parasite, cycle through cats and sheep, causing macroscopic cysts to form in sheep tissues that reduce meat saleability. Toxocara cati, the cat roundworm, causes minor illnesses in humans and livestock, and the bacterium Bartonella henselae causes cat scratch disease, an infection that can be contracted by people when scratched or bitten by cats carrying the pathogen.
AimsWe estimated the economic costs of cat-dependent pathogens in Australia.
MethodsWe collated national and global data on infection rates, health and production consequences.
Key resultsWe estimated the costs of two cat-dependent diseases (toxoplasmosis, cat scratch disease) in people at AU$6.06 billion (plausible range AU$2.11–10.7 billion) annually, and the costs to livestock production from toxoplasmosis and sarcocystosis at AU$11.7 million (plausible range AU$7.67–18.3 million). Most of the human health costs are due to the associations between T. gondii and higher rates of traffic accidents and mental illness in people. The causality behind these associations remains uncertain, so those costs may be overestimated. Conversely, our estimates are incomplete, infections and illness are under-reported or misdiagnosed, and our understanding of disease outcomes is still imperfect, all of which make our costs underestimated.
ConclusionsOur analysis suggests that substantial benefits to public health and livestock production could be realised by reducing exposure to cats and breaking parasite transmission cycles.
ImplicationsReducing feral cat populations in farming and urban areas, reducing the pet cat population and increasing rates of pet cat containment could help reduce the burden of cat-dependent diseases to people and livestock.
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Pan M, Lyu C, Zhao J, Shen B. Sixty Years (1957-2017) of Research on Toxoplasmosis in China-An Overview. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1825. [PMID: 28993763 PMCID: PMC5622193 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic pathogen belonging to apicomplexan parasites. Infection in humans and animals may cause abortion and other severe symptoms under certain circumstances, leading to great economical losses and public health problems. T. gondii was first discovered in China in 1955 and the corresponding work was published in 1957. Since then, a lot of work has been done on this parasite and the diseases it causes. This review summarizes the major progress made by Chinese scientists over the last 60 years, and gives our perspectives on what should be done in the near future. A wide variety of diagnostic approaches were designed, including the ones to detect T. gondii specific antibodies in host sera, and T. gondii specific antigens or DNA in tissue and environmental samples. Further work will be needed to translate some of the laboratory assays into reliable products for clinic uses. Epidemiological studies were extensively done in China and the sero-prevalence in humans increased over the years, but is still below the world average, likely due to the unique eating and cooking habits. Infection rates were shown to be fairly high in meat producing animals such as, pigs, sheep, and chickens, as well as in the definitive host cats. Numerous subunit vaccines in the form of recombinant proteins or DNA vaccines were developed, but none of them is satisfactory in the current form. Live attenuated parasites using genetically modified strains may be a better option for vaccine design. The strains isolated from China are dominated by the ToxoDB #9 genotype, but it likely contains multiple subtypes since different ToxoDB #9 strains exhibited phenotypic differences. Further studies are needed to understand the general biology, as well as the unique features of strains prevalent in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Congcong Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine in Hubei ProvinceWuhan, China
- Hubei Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig ProductionWuhan, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine in Hubei ProvinceWuhan, China
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Ding H, Gao YM, Deng Y, Lamberton PHL, Lu DB. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cats in mainland China. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:27. [PMID: 28086987 PMCID: PMC5237326 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1970-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii which can infect all warm-blooded animals. As the most common feline definitive host, cats play a vital role in the transmission of T. gondii. However, national estimates of the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in mainland China are lacking, and therefore a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to provide insight into national environmental transmission levels and potential transmission to humans. METHODS Studies published up until July 1, 2016, on T. gondii seroprevalence in cats within mainland China were searched for in CNKI, WanFang, CBM, PubMed, Embase and through the reference lists of resulting articles. The seroprevalence with its 95% confidence interval (CI) for each individual study was presented, and then point estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of pooled seroprevalence were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed according to potential risk factors. RESULTS A total of 38 eligible studies, published between 1995 to 2016, covering fifteen provinces and municipalities, and involving 7,285 cats, were included. The seroprevalence in cats per study ranged from 3.9 to 79.4% with a median of 20.3%. As substantial heterogeneity existed among studies, a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled seroprevalence. The value of the point estimate seroprevalence was 24.5% (95% CI: 20.1-29.0). Seroprevalence in stray cats was significantly higher than in pet cats (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.60-5.64). The seroprevalence increased significantly with cat age (P = 0.018) with 17.4% (95% CI: 7.6-27.2) in the group of ≤ 1 year old, 19.5% (95% CI: 12.7-26.3) in the group of ≤ 3 year-old and 31.6% (95% CI: 22.9-40.3) in the group of > 3 year-old. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in mainland China was moderate and was associated with cat ownership and age. Due to the increasing prevalence of pet cats in China and the intimate relationship between these cats and humans, this might present a significant exposure risk, particularly for China's large susceptible population. Therefore, further research is needed into the links between cat ownership and human T. gondii infection and how to reduce T. gondii exposure in humans via cat contacts and the environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts by cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Meng Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Deng
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
| | - Poppy H. L. Lamberton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine and Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, GL12 8QQ UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG UK
| | - Da-Bing Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
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Kang YH, Cong W, Qin SY, Shan XF, Gao YH, Wang CF, Qian AD. First Report of Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, and Chlamydia felis Infection in Stray and Companion Cats in Northeastern and Eastern China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:654-8. [PMID: 27463689 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.1993] [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] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline vector-borne diseases have increasingly become a focus of interest in recent years. Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, and Chlamydia felis are common pathogens of cats that can affect humans among different countries all over the world. However, information about prevalence of T. gondii and C. felis is available in China, but information about coinfection of T. gondii, D. immitis, and C. felis in cats is limited. Thus, this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of these pathogens' infection among stray and companion cats in northeastern and eastern China and identify the influence of age, gender, types, and regions on seropositivity. The circulating antigens of D. immitis and specific antibodies to T. gondii and C. felis were examined using kits commercially available. The overall prevalence of T. gondii, D. immitis, and C. felis was 15.43%, 1.93%, and 9.90%, respectively. Coinfection was common, and infection with both T. gondii and C. felis was the most common coinfection (22.32%). Stray cats have significantly higher seroprevalences than companion cats (p < 0.05). Moreover, the infection rates of these pathogens keep increasing year by year. This is the first report of T. gondii, D. immitis, and C. felis infection in cats in northeastern and eastern China. The findings of this study reveal that T. gondii, D. immitis, and C. felis are prevalent in stray and companion cats in northeastern China, which provided baseline data for the effective prevention and control of these parasites' prevalence in these regions and other parts of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Huan Kang
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cong
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China .,2 College of Marine Science, Shandong University at Weihai , Weihai, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yuan Qin
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China .,3 General Station for Surveillance of Wildlife Diseases & Wildlife Borne Diseases, State Forestry Administration (SFA) , Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Feng Shan
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hang Gao
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Feng Wang
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Ai-Dong Qian
- 1 College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University , Changchun, People's Republic of China
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Hammond-Aryee K, Esser M, van Helden L, van Helden P. A high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies in a population of feral cats in the Western Cape province of South Africa. S Afr J Infect Dis 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/23120053.2015.1107295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Cong W, Meng QF, Blaga R, Villena I, Zhu XQ, Qian AD. Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections in stray and pet cats (Felis catus) in northwest China: co-infections and risk factors. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:217-23. [PMID: 26362646 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4738-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections among stray and pet cats in Lanzhou, northwest China, and to identify the influence of age, gender, and regions on seropositivity. T. gondii antibodies were examined in cat sera by the modified agglutination test (MAT). The circulating antigens of D. immitis and FeLV and specific antibodies to FIV were examined using kits commercially available. The overall prevalence of T. gondii, FIV, FeLV, and D. immitis was 19.34, 9.12, 11.33, and 3.04 %, respectively. For the genetic characterization of T. gondii genotypes in cats, genomic DNA was extracted from the seropositive cats and the T. gondii B1 gene was amplified using a semi-nested PCR. DNA samples giving positive B1 amplification were then genotyped using multilocus PCR-RFLP. Two T. gondii genotypes (ToxoDB#9 and ToxoDB#1) were identified. Results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older cats are more likely to be seropositive than juveniles for T. gondii, FIV, FeLV, and D. immitis. This is the first report of T. gondii genotypes in cats in northwest China. Moreover, the present study is the first study of retrovirus and D. immitis seroprevalence in cats in China. The results revealed that T. gondii, FIV, and FeLV infections are common in stray and pet cats in northwest China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Feng Meng
- Jilin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, People's Republic of China
| | - Radu Blaga
- Unité d'Epidémiologie, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, EA3800, IFR53, CHU Reims, Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), Reims, USC Epitoxo, Anses Lerpaz, France
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ai-Dong Qian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, People's Republic of China.
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Xin KS, Liu H, Wang HB, Yao ZL. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Among Primary School Children in Shandong Province, China. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 53:489-92. [PMID: 26323849 PMCID: PMC4566502 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.4.489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although Toxoplasma gondii infection in primary school children has been investigated in many countries, limited surveys have been available in primary school children in China. In the present study, we report the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in primary school children in Shandong province, China. Sera from 6,000 primary school children were evaluated for T. gondii antibodies with ELISA. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 16.0% (961/6,000), of which 14.5% (870/6,000) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, 3.4% (206/6,000) positive for IgM, and 1.9% (115/6,000) were positive for both IgG and IgM. The results of the present investigation indicated a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in primary school children in Shandong province, China. Therefore, effective measures should be taken to prevent and control T. gondii infection in primary school children in this province. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in primary school children in Shandong province, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Sheng Xin
- Teachers college of Qingdao University, Shandong province, Qingdao, 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital, Shandong Province, Qingdao, 266034, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Bing Wang
- Teachers college of Qingdao University, Shandong province, Qingdao, 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Zong-Liang Yao
- Teachers college of Qingdao University, Shandong province, Qingdao, 266071, People's Republic of China
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Jung BK, Lee SE, Lim H, Cho J, Kim DG, Song H, Kim MJ, Shin EH, Chai JY. Toxoplasma gondii B1 Gene Detection in Feces of Stray Cats around Seoul, Korea and Genotype Analysis of Two Laboratory-Passaged Isolates. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 53:259-63. [PMID: 26174818 PMCID: PMC4510672 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.3.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the human population in the Republic of Korea (= Korea) is due to various reasons such as an increase in meat consumption. However, the importance of cats in transmitting T. gondii infection through oocysts to humans has seldom been assessed. A total of 300 fecal samples of stray cats captured around Seoul from June to August 2013 were examined for T. gondii B1 gene (indicating the presence of oocysts) using nested-PCR. Fourteen (4.7%) of 300 cats examined were positive for B1 gene. Female cats (7.5%) showed a higher prevalence than male cats (1.4%). Cats younger than 3 months (5.5%) showed a higher prevalence than cats (1.5%) older than 3 months. For laboratory passage of the positive samples, the fecal suspension (0.2 ml) of B1 gene positive cats was orally inoculated into experimental mice. Brain tissues of the mice were obtained after 40 days and examined for the presence of tissue cysts. Two isolates were successfully passaged (designated KNIH-1 and KNIH-2) and were molecularly analyzed using the SAG5D and SAG5E gene sequences. The SAG5D and SAG5E gene sequences showed high homologies with the ME49 strain (less virulent strain). The results indicated the importance of stray cats in transmitting T. gondii to humans in Korea, as revealed by detection of B1 gene in fecal samples. T. gondii isolates from cats were successfully passaged in the laboratory for the first time in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong-Kwang Jung
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongwon 363-951, Korea
| | - Hyemi Lim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Jaeeun Cho
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Deok-Gyu Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Hyemi Song
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Min-Jae Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Shin
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea ; Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 463-707, Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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Li YN, Nie X, Peng QY, Mu XQ, Zhang M, Tian MY, Min SJ. Seroprevalence and genotype of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs, dogs and cats from Guizhou province, Southwest China. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:214. [PMID: 25889417 PMCID: PMC4394553 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular protozoan that infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, domesticated and wild animals. Recent studies of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from animals in different regions of China have shown a limited genetic diversity with the dominance of the ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #9 named as "Chinese 1". However, there is not much published information regarding its prevalence in domestic animals from Guizhou province, a subtropical region in Southwest China. The objectives of this study were to determine seroprevalence and genetic diversity of T .gondii in pigs, dogs and cats in Guizhou province, Southwest China. FINDINGS The anti-T. gondii IgG were detected in 70.0%(49/70) pigs, 20.56%(22/107) dogs and 63.16(12/19) cats. The anti-T. gondii IgM were found in 0.93%(1/107) dogs, 21.53%(4/19) cats, but not in pigs. In addition, the toxoplasma circulating antigen (CAG) were detected in 16.9%18/70)pigs, 13.1% (14/107) dogs and 10.5%(2/19) cats. The T. gondii DNA were detected in 31.5%(22/70) pigs, 3.7%(4/107) dogs and 52.63%(10/19) cats. Five T. gondii isolates were obtained(3 from pigs and 2 from cats). The genotype of these five isolates belonged to the predominant genotype "Chinese 1". CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of T. gondii infection in pigs,cats and dogs indicated that the T. gondii infection is common in Guizhou province. Additionally, the T. gondii genotype "Chinese 1" was dominant in Southwest China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Nian Li
- Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - XinWen Nie
- Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Qun-Yi Peng
- Department of Laboratory, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Xiao-Qiong Mu
- Department of Immunology, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, 550004, China.
| | - Meng-Yuan Tian
- Department of Laboratory, Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 550001, China.
| | - Shao-ju Min
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guiyang Medical College, Guiyang, 264000, China.
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Meng QF, You HL, Zhou N, Dong W, Wang WL, Wang WL, Cong W. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and associated risk factors among children in Shandong and Jilin provinces, China. Int J Infect Dis 2015; 30:33-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Liu QX, Wang S, Wang LQ, Xing J, Gao WJ, Liu GF, Zhao B, Zhang HB, Gao LH. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City, Eastern China. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014. [DOI: 10.12980/apjtb.4.2014apjtd-2014-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from cats in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:178. [PMID: 24725959 PMCID: PMC3990027 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cats are the definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii. The distribution of genetic diversity of T. gondii in cats is of importance to understand the transmission of this parasite. The objective of this study was to genetically characterize T. gondii isolates from cats in Yunnan province, southwestern China. Methods Genomic DNA was extracted from 5–10 g cat tissue samples (brain, tongue, heart, and liver). Using multilocous polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technology, we determined genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates from cats in Yunnan province. Result In total, 175 stray cats were tested for T. gondii DNA, respectively, 44 (25.14%) of which were found to be positive for the T. gondii B1 gene by PCR amplification. The positive DNA samples were typed at 11 genetic markers, including 10 nuclear markers, namely, SAG1, 5'-3'SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, GRA6, L358, PK1, BTUB, c22-8, c29-2 and an apicoplast locus Apico. Of these, 16 isolates from cats were genotyped with data for more than 9 loci, revealed 5 genotypes in total, of which 11 of 16 samples were identified as ToxoDB#9, two samples may belong to genotye #225, one was Type II, one was ToxoDB#3, and one was ToxoDB#20 (http://toxodb.org/toxo/). Conclusions The results of the present study indicated a wide distribution of T. gondii infection in cats in Yunnan province, which may pose significant public health concerns. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of T. gondii prevalence and genotypes in cats in southwestern China, and the first report of Type II T. gondii from cats in China.
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Cong W, Huang SY, Zhou DH, Zhang XX, Zhang NZ, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ. Prevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Lanzhou, China. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 51:363-7. [PMID: 23864750 PMCID: PMC3712113 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.3.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 03/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in birds has epidemiological significance because birds are indeed considered as a good indicator of environmental contamination by T. gondii oocysts. In this study, the prevalence of T. gondii in 313 house sparrows in Lanzhou, northwestern China was assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies to T. gondii were positive in 39 (12.46%) of 313 samples (MAT titer ≥ 1:5). Tissues of heart, brain, and lung from the 39 seropositive house sparrows were tested for T. gondii DNA, 11 of which were found to be positive for the T. gondii B1 gene by PCR amplification. These positive DNA samples were typed at 9 genetic markers, including 8 nuclear loci, i.e., SAG1, 5'- and 3'-SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, GRA6, L358, PK1, c22-8 and an apicoplast locus Apico. Of them, 4 isolates were genotyped with complete data for all loci, and 2 genotypes (Type II variants; ToxoDB #3 and a new genotype) were identified. These results showed that there is a potential risk for human infection with T. gondii in this region. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in house sparrows in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
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Zhao G, Zhou A, Lu G, Meng M, Sun M, Bai Y, Han Y, Wang L, Zhou H, Cong H, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ, He S. Identification and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii aspartic protease 1 as a novel vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:175. [PMID: 23768047 PMCID: PMC3691725 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can pose a serious threat to human health by causing toxoplasmosis. There are no drugs that target the chronic cyst stage of this infection; therefore, development of an effective vaccine would be an important advance. Aspartic proteases play essential roles in the T. gondii lifecycle. The parasite has four aspartic protease encoding genes, which are called toxomepsin 1, 2, 3 and 5 (TgASP1, 2, 3 and 5, respectively). Methods Bioinformatics approaches have enabled us to identify several promising linear-B cell epitopes and potential Th-cell epitopes on TgASP1, thus supporting its potential as a DNA vaccine against toxoplasmosis. We expressed TgASP1 in Escherichia coli and used the purified protein to immunize BALB/c mice. The antibodies obtained were used to determine where TgASP1 was localized in the parasite. We also made a TgASP1 DNA vaccine construct and evaluated it for the level of protection conferred to mice against infection with the virulent RH strain of T. gondii. Results TgASP1 appears to be a membrane protein located primarily at the tip of the T. gondii tachyzoite. Investigation of its potential as a DNA vaccine showed that it elicited strong humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and that these responses were mediated by Th-1 cells. Mice immunized with the vaccine had greater levels of protection against mortality following challenge with T. gondii RH tachyzoites than did those immunized with PBS or the empty vector control. Conclusions TgASP1 is a novel candidate DNA vaccine that merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
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First report of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in peafowls in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:205. [PMID: 22992281 PMCID: PMC3480843 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite infecting almost all warm-blooded animals, including birds, with a worldwide distribution. Surveys of T. gondii infection in wild birds have been reported extensively in the world, but little is known of T. gondii infection in peafowls worldwide. This study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in peafowls in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. Methods Sera from 277 peafowls, including 272 blue peafowls (Pavo cristatus) and 5 green peafowls (Pavo muticus) originated from two geographic areas in Yunnan Province were assayed for T. gondii antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Results Specific T. gondii antibodies were detected in 35 of 277 (12.64%) peafowls (MAT titer ≥ 1:5). Seropositive birds were found in both species, 33 in 272 blue peafowls and 2 in 5 green peafowls. There was no significant difference in T. gondii seroprevalence between the adolescent birds (6.74%) and the adult birds (6.67%) (P > 0.05). The geographical origins of peafowls was found to be highly associated with T. gondii infection in the present study, a statistically significant difference in T. gondii seropositivity was observed between peafowls from Kunming (31.08%) and those from Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (5.91%) (OR = 10.956, 95% CI = 1.632-73.545, P = 0.014). Statistical analyses showed that there were no significant interactions between ages and geographical origins of peafowls (P > 0.05). Conclusions The results of the present survey indicated that infection of peafowls with T. gondii is widespread in Yunnan Province, which has significant public health concerns and implications for prevention and control of toxoplamosis in this province. To our knowledge, this is the first seroprevalence report of T. gondii infection in China’s southwestern Yunnan Province.
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Wang Q, Jiang W, Chen YJ, Liu CY, Shi JL, Li XT. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, circulating antigens and DNA in stray cats in Shanghai, China. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:190. [PMID: 22950630 PMCID: PMC3453520 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in most areas of the world and may cause abortions or neonatal complications in humans. As the only definitive host, cats play an important role in the epidemiology of the disease. Infection rates in cats, especially stray or free-living cats, are considered to be the best sentinels of the level of T. gondii in the environment. The T. gondii infection can be diagnosed in different ways with different methods depending on the target. However, little information on T. gondii infection in cats was available in Shanghai, China. Moreover reports on prevalence of circulating antigens, antibodies and DNA of T. gondii in the same study are rare. Methods In the present study, the presence of antibodies (Ab), circulating antigens (CA), and/or DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in samples from 145 stray or unwanted cats from 6 animal shelters in Shanghai (China) was determined in order to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii infection, by Ab-ELISA, CA-ELISA, and nested-PCR, respectively. Results The positive rates for the antibodies, circulating antigen and DNA of T. gondii were 11.7% (17 of 145), 5.5% (8 of 145) and 5.71% (2 of 35), respectively. No cat tested was positive by both the Ab-ELISA and the CA-ELISA, but the results of the PCR were consistent with the CA-ELISA assay. Therefore, the overall estimated prevalence of toxoplasmosis was 17.2% (25 of 145). According to our results, the positive rates of specific antibodies and circulating antigen of T. gondii were significantly different between adult cats (>1 year old) and juvenile cats (≤1 year old); the former was 13.5% versus 3.9% by Ab-ELISA, while the latter was 1.7% versus 23.1% by CA-ELISA. From the results obtained with all three detection methods used in this study, the rate of infection was not significantly different between male and female cats (P ≥0.05); and the overall rate was 17.9% for males versus 16.4% for females. Conclusions The results suggest that detection of circulating antigens (CA) is necessary in surveys of T. gondii infection, especially for juvenile cats. Our investigation revealed that the prevalence of T. gondii infection in stray cats in Shanghai is high. Control programs are needed for stray cat populations in order to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission of toxoplasmosis to other domestic animals and humans, especially females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Wang
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences CAAS, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200241, PR China.
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Chen J, Xu MJ, Zhou DH, Song HQ, Wang CR, Zhu XQ. Canine and feline parasitic zoonoses in China. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:152. [PMID: 22839365 PMCID: PMC3431282 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine and feline parasitic zoonoses have not been given high priority in China, although the role of companion animals as reservoirs for zoonotic parasitic diseases has been recognized worldwide. With an increasing number of dogs and cats under unregulated conditions in China, the canine and feline parasitic zoonoses are showing a trend towards being gradually uncontrolled. Currently, canine and feline parasitic zoonoses threaten human health, and cause death and serious diseases in China. This article comprehensively reviews the current status of major canine and feline parasitic zoonoses in mainland China, discusses the risks dogs and cats pose with regard to zoonotic transmission of canine and feline parasites, and proposes control strategies and measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR of China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou Guangdong Province 510642, PR of China
| | - Min-Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR of China
| | - Dong-Hui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR of China
| | - Hui-Qun Song
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR of China
| | - Chun-Ren Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing Heilongjiang Province 163319, PR of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR of China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing Heilongjiang Province 163319, PR of China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming Yunnan Province 650201, PR of China
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Cong W, Huang SY, Zhou DH, Xu MJ, Wu SM, Yan C, Zhao Q, Song HQ, Zhu XQ. First report of Toxoplasma gondii infection in market-sold adult chickens, ducks and pigeons in northwest China. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:110. [PMID: 22676311 PMCID: PMC3414767 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection is a global concern, affecting a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans worldwide, including poultry. Domestic and companion birds are considered to play an important role in the transmission of T. gondii to humans and other animals. However, little information on T. gondii infection in domestic birds in Lanzhou, northwest China was available. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in domestic birds in Lanzhou, northwest China. METHODS In the present study, the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in 413 (305 caged and 108 free-range) adult chickens, 334 (111 caged and 223 free-range) adult ducks and 312 adult pigeons in Lanzhou, northwest China, were examined using the modified agglutination test (MAT). RESULTS 30 (7.26%) chickens, 38 (11.38%) ducks and 37 (11.86%) pigeons were found to be positive for T. gondii antibodies at the cut-off of 1:5. The prevalences in caged and free-range chickens were 6.23% and 10.19% respectively, however, statistical analysis showed that the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). The seroprevalences in caged and free-range ducks were 6.31% and 13.90% respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results of the present survey indicated the presence of T. gondii infection in adult chickens, ducks and pigeons sold for meat in poultry markets in Lanzhou, northwest China, which poses a potential risk for T. gondii infection in humans and other animals in this region. This is the first seroprevalence study of T. gondii infection in domestic birds in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
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Wu SM, Ciren D, Huang SY, Xu MJ, Ga G, Yan C, Mahmoud MS, Zou FC, Zhu XQ. First report of Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:654-6. [PMID: 22651381 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.0968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection is widely prevalent in humans and animals, including pigs throughout the world. In this study, the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in Tibetan pigs in China was investigated for the first time. A total of 427 serum samples were collected from Tibetan pigs in Nyingchi prefecture, Tibet, between April and December 2010, and were assayed for antibodies to T. gondii using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Ninety-seven (22.72%) pigs were found to be positive with MAT titers of 1:25 or higher. Slaughter pigs had the highest seroprevalence, compared with seroprevalence in fattening pigs, growing pigs, or piglets, although the difference was not statistically significant (p≥0.05). The results of the present survey indicate that T. gondii is highly prevalent in Tibetan pigs in Tibet, which poses a significant public health concern in this unique region of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Ming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, PR China
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25
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Zhao G, He S, Chen L, Shi N, Bai Y, Zhu XQ. Teaching human parasitology in China. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:77. [PMID: 22520237 PMCID: PMC3409017 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
China has approximately one-fifth of the world's population. Despite the recent success in controlling major parasitic diseases, parasitic diseases remain a significant human health problem in China. Hence, the discipline of human parasitology is considered as a core subject for undergraduate and postgraduate students of the medical sciences. We consider the teaching of human parasitology to be fundamental to the training of medical students, to the continued research on parasitic diseases, and to the prevention and control of human parasitic diseases. Here, we have summarized the distribution of educational institutions in China, particularly those that teach parasitology. In addition, we have described some existing parasitology courses in detail as well as the teaching methods used for different types of medical students. Finally, we have discussed the current problems in and reforms to human parasitology education. Our study indicates that 304 regular higher education institutions in China offer medical or related education. More than 70 universities have an independent department of parasitology that offers approximately 10 different parasitology courses. In addition, six universities in China have established excellence-building courses in human parasitology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, P R China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, P R China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, P R China
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, P R China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, P R China
| | - Na Shi
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, P R China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, P R China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, P R China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650201, P R China
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Zhou DH, Zhao FR, Lu P, Xia HY, Xu MJ, Yuan LG, Yan C, Huang SY, Li SJ, Zhu XQ. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dairy cattle in southern China. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:48. [PMID: 22401571 PMCID: PMC3320535 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii can infect humans and almost all warm-blooded animals. The consumption of raw or undercooked beef and milk is considered a risk for T. gondii infection in humans. However, little is known of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in metropolitan Guangzhou, southern China. This study was performed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in dairy cattle in Guangzhou, southern China. FINDINGS Serum samples were collected from 350 dairy cattle on five farms in Guangzhou, China from 2009 to 2010, and all of the 350 serum samples were examined for specific antibodies to T. gondii by indirect hemagglutination antibody test (IHA). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in dairy cattle was 5.7% (20/350). Among these examined dairy cattle, dairy cattle which were < 6 year old or ≥ 5 year old had the highest seroprevalence of 12.5% followed by those dairy cattle which were < 5 year old or ≥ 4 year old (8%); dairy cattle with 3 pregnancies had the highest seroprevalence (11.5%), among the examined dairy cattle, although these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present survey indicate that T. gondii infection is prevalent in dairy cattle of all age ranges in Guangzhou, southern China, which may be a risk factor for human infection with T. gondii in this region.Dong-Hui Zhou and Fu-Rong Zhao contributed equally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hui Zhou
- Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
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