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Marzok M, Al-Jabr OA, Salem M, Alkashif K, Sayed-Ahmed M, Wakid MH, Kandeel M, Selim A. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Horses. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030237. [PMID: 36977276 PMCID: PMC10057672 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is classified as intracellular protozoa and is one of the major zoonotic parasites. Most warm-blooded intermediate hosts, including humans, are commonly infected by this parasite. The epidemiology of T. gondii infection in Egyptian horses is currently poorly understood. METHODS 420 blood samples were randomly collected from horses raised in four governorates in Northern Egypt (110 each from Giza and Kafr El Sheikh, and 100 each from Qalyubia and Gharbia) to investigate the existence of antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial ELISA kit, and to ascertain the risk factors for the infection. RESULTS the antibodies for T. gondii were found in 16.2% (68/420) of the examined horses, with no significant differences among the four studied governorates. The highest prevalence rate was observed in Giza. The results revealed that sex, breed, age, and contact with domestic ruminants or cats were recognized as potential risk factors. The high prevalence rate was found in mixed breed horses (OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 0.95-7.26), mares (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.31-4.19), and horses aged over 10 years (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.30-3.44). Moreover, the likelihood of seropositivity for T. gondii infection was higher in horses raised in environments with cats (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.13-3.44, p = 0.017) or domestic ruminants (OR = 2.16, 1.21-3.86, p = 0.010). This report confirms that horses in Northern Egypt are exposed to T. gondii and thus raises the possibility that people and other animals could contract the disease. CONCLUSIONS routine examination and management of T. gondii infection in horses in these governorates is advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Marzok
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh 33511, Egypt
- King Faisal University Veterinary Hospital, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar A Al-Jabr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Salem
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
- King Faisal University Veterinary Hospital, Al-Asha 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt
| | - Khalid Alkashif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 82722, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Sayed-Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 82722, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Majed H Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Kandeel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh 33511, Egypt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
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Serosurvey and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs in Rural Areas of Kazeroun District, Fars Province, Southern Iran. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:4499086. [PMID: 34956666 PMCID: PMC8695019 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4499086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for systemic disease in a wide range of warm-blooded animals. The current study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in dogs, using serological and molecular methods in rural areas in Kazeroun Township, Fars province, southern Iran. Methods. Blood samples were obtained from 60 clinically healthy dogs with an age range of 1 to 7 years in three rural areas of Fars province, southern Iran. Sera and buffy coats were used to assess the T. gondii infection using both modified agglutination test (MAT) and real-time PCR. Results. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 5 out of 60 (8.3%) dogs by the MAT method, and T. gondii DNA was detected in 17 out of 60 (28.3%) studied animals. There was no significant association between sex and seropositivity to Toxoplasma (p > 0.05). Fair agreement (kappa = 0.27) was seen between molecular and serological findings where three dogs with positive serological results had a positive molecular test. Conclusion. Findings of the present study show a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in rural areas in Fars province, southern Iran. Finding the parasite genotype in dogs deserves further study.
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Guerra NR, Almeida JC, Silva EL, Silva EM, Santos JA, Lepold R, Mota RA, Alves LC. Soroprevalência de Toxoplasma gondii em equídeos do Nordeste do Brasil. PESQUISA VETERINARIA BRASILEIRA 2018. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a soroprevalência da toxoplasmose em equídeos mantidos em diferentes formas de manejo no estado de Pernambuco. Para tanto, um total de 400 amostras de soro sanguíneo de equídeos clinicamente saudáveis foram analisados através do teste de aglutinação modificado (MAT) considerando-se cut-off de 1:25. Dados referentes às características dos animais e dos rebanhos, sistema de criação, presença de outros animais, idade, sexo, raça, aptidão, condição física foram coletados por meio de questionários investigativos. Anticorpos IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii foram detectados em 12,5% (50/400) dos animais analisados. Dos 12 municípios estudados, houve positividade em 91,67% (11/12) com variação entre 4,4% e 33,3%. Quando avaliados os fatores de risco, apenas o fator mesorregião (p=0,029) apresentou associação com a infecção, particularmente Zona da Mata (OR=3), seguida de Região Metropolitana do Recife (OR=2,2), Agreste (OR=1,7) e Sertão (OR=1). Os resultados revelam a presença do parasito na área estudada, o que pode representar um elo na cadeia de transmissão da toxoplasmose a qual tem repercussão em saúde pública tendo em vista que o Brasil é o oitavo maior exportador de carne equina do mundo.
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Zarra-Nezhad F, Borujeni MP, Mosallanejad B, Hamidinejat H. A seroepidemiological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in referred dogs to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz, Iran. Int J Vet Sci Med 2017; 5:148-151. [PMID: 30255064 PMCID: PMC6137845 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite, which is the cause of toxoplasmosis and can infect a wide variety of warm-blooded animals, including dogs and humans. The present study evaluated the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pet dogs in Ahvaz, southwest city of Iran, and investigated the related possible risk factors. A total of 180 serum samples were collected from dogs referred to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz. The samples were then tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies were 46.67%. Logistic regression and chi square tests were used for evaluating of risk factors. The positivity increased statistically significantly with dog’s gender (56% females and 39% males, P = 0.001), age (18% in <2 years old, 96% in ≥4 years old, P = 0.001) and place of living (47% outdoor dogs 38% house hold dogs, P = 0.025). However, no statistically significant association was found with dogs’ breed, deworming, food ingestion or contact with cats. Overall, the results showed a relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in southwest Iran (Ahvaz) and proved association of T. gondii prevalence rates with the dog’s age, gender and place of living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zarra-Nezhad
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahdi P Borujeni
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Bahman Mosallanejad
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Hamidinejat
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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Tavalla M, Sabaghan M, Abdizadeh R, Khademvatan S, Rafiei A, Razavi Piranshahi A. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. Infections in Arab Horses, Southwest of Iran. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e14939. [PMID: 25834714 PMCID: PMC4377174 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.14939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the economic importance of the Arab race horses and also the role of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. in abortion and reproductive failure of these animals, we decided to perform this study. OBJECTIVES We designed this study to investigate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora spp. antibodies in Arab horses from 12 cities of Khuzestan province in southwest of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS From October 2009 to March 2011, a total of 235 blood samples were collected from jugular veins of Arab horses of different ages and genders from 12 cities of Khuzestan province. All the sera were tested for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT) and the existence of anti-Neospora antibodies were tested using N-MAT for Neospora spp. RESULTS According to the MAT results, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 114 (48.5%) of 235 sera with titers of 1:20 in 84, 1:40 in 19, 1:80 in four, 1:160 in four, and 1:320 in three horses. According to the N-MAT results, antibodies to Neospora spp. were found in 47 (20%) of 235 sera with titers of 1:40 in 39, 1:80 in five, and 1:160 in three horses. We did not observe any statistically significant differences regarding age groups and genders between seropositive and seronegative horses for Neospora spp. using chi-square (χ(2)) test, but it seemed that anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were more prevalent in older horses (≥ 10 years old). CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that Arab horses are exposed to these parasites in southwest of Iran. Further research is required to determine the genomic structures of these parasites in Arab horses in southwest of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Tavalla
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mehdi Tavalla, Department of Medical Parasitology, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran. P. O. Box: 61357-33118, Tel: +98-6113367543, Fax: +98-6113367545, E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Sabaghan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Rahman Abdizadeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, IR Iran
| | - Shahram Khademvatan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, IR Iran
| | - Abdollah Rafiei
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Anahita Razavi Piranshahi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
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Sævik BK, Krontveit RI, Eggen KP, Malmberg N, Thoresen SI, Prestrud KW. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in Norway and risk factors for seropositivity. J Feline Med Surg 2015; 17:1049-56. [PMID: 25666851 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15569616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the study were to estimate Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in Norway and to evaluate risk factors for seropositivity. Additionally, serum biochemistry and haematological variables for T gondii seropositive and seronegative cats were compared. METHODS A convenience sample of surplus sera submitted to the Central Laboratory, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, was collected. The samples were from healthy cats and cats with a variety of diseases. Analyses for IgG antibodies to T gondii were performed with a commercial direct agglutination test, with 1:40 as the threshold value. For risk factor analysis a logistic regression model of the relationship between predictors and the outcome was applied. RESULTS One hundred and ninety-six of 478 cats were seropositive for T gondii, and the estimated seroprevalence in the study sample was 41.0% (95% confidence interval 36.6-45.4). Compared with domestic cats, pedigree cats had reduced risk for Toxoplasma seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] 0.42). Males had increased risk (OR 1.63) compared with females. The effect of age was highly significant, and an increase in the cats' age across the interquartile range (IQR; 52-160 months/4-13 years of age) doubled the risk of Toxoplasma seropositivity (OR 2.11). The risk for Toxoplasma seropositivity among cats living in Oslo was significantly reduced (OR 0.51) when compared with the rest of Norway. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Pet cats in Norway appear to be commonly exposed to T gondii. Signalment and geographical region influenced the odds of Toxoplasma seropositivity, whereas health status did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Kristin Sævik
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kristine P Eggen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Malmberg
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein I Thoresen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin W Prestrud
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway Norwegian Kennel Club, Oslo, Norway
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Occurrence of pathogens in wild rodents caught on Swedish pig and chicken farms. Epidemiol Infect 2012; 141:1885-91. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268812002609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA total of 207 wild rodents were caught on nine pig farms, five chicken farms and five non-farm locations in Sweden and surveyed for a selection of bacteria, parasites and viruses.Lawsonia intracellulariaand pathogenicYersinia enterocoliticawere only detected in rodents on pig farms (9% and 8% prevalence, respectively) which indicate that these agents are more likely to be transmitted to rodents from pigs or the environment on infected farms.Brachyspira hyodysenteriae(1%),Brachyspira intermedia(2%),Campylobacter jejuni(4%),Campylobacter upsaliensis(2%), leptospires (7%) and encephalomyocarditis virus (9%) were also detected from rodents not in contact with farm animals.GiardiaandCryptosporidiumspp. were common, although no zoonotic types were verified, andSalmonella entericawas isolated from 1/11 mice on one farm but not detected by PCR from any of the rodents.Trichinellaspp. andToxoplasma gondiiwere not detected.
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García-Bocanegra I, Cabezón O, Arenas-Montes A, Carbonero A, Dubey JP, Perea A, Almería S. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in equids from Southern Spain. Parasitol Int 2012; 61:421-4. [PMID: 22366344 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2011] [Revised: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were determined in serum samples from 616 equids (454 horses, 80 mules and 82 donkeys) in a cross-sectional study of 420 herds in Andalusia (Southern Spain), the region with the highest number of equids in Spain. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 10.8% horses, 15.0% mules and 25.6% donkeys by using the modified agglutination test (MAT) at a cut-off of 1:25. Herd seroprevalence for horses, mules and donkeys was 14.7% (48/327), 23.9% (11/46) and 34.0% (16/47), respectively, and 75 herds (17.8%) had at least one seropositive animal. Significant differences in T. gondii seroprevalence were observed among species, with donkeys having the highest seroprevalence and horses the lowest (P=0.04). Seroprevalence was significantly higher in herds with presence of domestic ruminants. This study is the first report of the presence of T. gondii antibodies in equine species in Spain and the first reporting T. gondii infection in donkeys in Europe. The presence of antibodies is indication of contact with the parasite and therefore, consumption of equine meat could be a potential source of human infection in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- I García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), Córdoba, Spain.
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Alanazi AD, Alyousif MS. Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in horses in Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia. J Parasitol 2011; 97:943-5. [PMID: 21506811 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2677.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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 aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in horses used for sporting purposes in the Province of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In total, 266 serum samples from clinically healthy horses were analyzed for anti- T. gondii antibodies using the Sabin-Feldman dye test. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 84 (31.6%) horses, with specific titers of 1∶16 (78 with a prevalence of 29.3%), 1∶64 (4 with a prevalence of 1.5%), and 1∶256 (2 with a prevalence of 0.8%). The number of seropositive horses in Shaqra (43.7%) was considerably higher than in other regions, with the lowest occurring in Al-Majmaah (11.0%). However, the differences in seroprevalence between the 6 locations were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In contrast, the overall seroprevalence in Riyadh province was higher than that reported in other countries. Horses are not a direct source of infection for human toxoplasmosis in this region. Usually human infection is facilitated via cats, which are the reservoir hosts for this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulah D Alanazi
- Department of Quality Inspection, Ministry of Commerce, P.O. Box 122331, Riyadh 11721, Saudi Arabia
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Hosseininejad M, Malmasi A, Hosseini F, Selk-Ghaffari M, Khorrami N, Mohebali M, Shojaee S, Mirani A, Azizzadeh M, Mirshokraei P, Aliari A. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Dogs in Tehran, Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2011; 6:81-5. [PMID: 22347278 PMCID: PMC3279871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infects a wide range of animals; felines are definitive hosts and other animals including the dogs are intermediate hosts. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in Tehran, capital of Iran and to investigate possible associated risk factors. METHODS Three hundreds ninety six serum samples were collected during 2007-8 from the dogs. Collected samples were tested using an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in dilutions of 1:16 and more. All procedures were carried out in Shahrekord University, Iran. All the data were analyzed using SPSS software, qui square test with confidence interval of 0.95. RESULTS From evaluated samples, 89 (22.47%) were positive in titers of at least 1:16. further evaluations in other dilutions showed positive results in dilutions of maximum 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 1:128 and 1:256 in 38, 29, 15, 2 and 5 dogs respectively. Investigation of the role of risk factors showed no sex predisposition while infection rate was significantly higher in dogs older than one year old. Living places were of significant importance; infection rate was significantly higher in stray or guard dogs in compare with household dogs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in Tehran shows high environmental contamination. It is recommended that the dogs with suspected clinical signs be tested for T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hosseininejad
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
,Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, University of Shahrekord, Iran,Research Institute of Zoonotic Diseases, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran,Corresponding author:E-mail:
| | - A Malmasi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Hosseini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - M Selk-Ghaffari
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University- Karadj Branch, Karadj, Iran
| | - N Khorrami
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Mohebali
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Shojaee
- School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Mirani
- Research Institute of Zoonotic Diseases, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - M Azizzadeh
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - P Mirshokraei
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, University of Shahrekord, Iran
| | - A Aliari
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in horses in the Czech Republic. Parasitol Res 2010; 107:783-5. [PMID: 20532561 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1929-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
During January 2007, blood samples were collected from 552 healthy horses from nine different regions of the Czech Republic. Sera were tested for serum antibodies to Neospora caninum by a competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by an indirect fluorescent antibody test. The same samples were tested for serum antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by a latex agglutination test. In total, 131 of 552 (24%) horses reacted positively for Neospora antibodies in competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; seven of them had > or =50% of inhibition. Samples were confirmed in indirect fluorescence test, and only two samples were positive with final titres 50 and 100, while others were negative. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in 125 (23%) horses. This is the first serologic survey for Neospora spp. antibodies performed on horses in the Czech Republic.
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A seroepidemiological study of exposure to Toxoplasma, Leishmania, Echinococcus and Trichinella in equids in Greece and analysis of risk factors. Vet Parasitol 2010; 170:170-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Hosseininejad M, Azizi H, Hosseini F, Schares G. Development of an indirect ELISA test using a purified tachyzoite surface antigen SAG1 for sero-diagnosis of canine Toxoplasma gondii infection. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:315-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2009] [Revised: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Karatepe B, Babür C, Karatepe M, Kılıç S. Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in horses in Niğde Province of Turkey. Trop Anim Health Prod 2009; 42:385-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-009-9430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2008] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Waterborne toxoplasmosis--recent developments. Exp Parasitol 2009; 124:10-25. [PMID: 19324041 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Revised: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Humans become infected with Toxoplasma gondii mainly by ingesting uncooked meat containing viable tissue cysts or by ingesting food or water contaminated with oocysts from the feces of infected cats. Circumstantial evidence suggests that oocyst-induced infections in humans are clinically more severe than tissue cyst-acquired infections. Until recently, waterborne transmission of T. gondii was considered uncommon, but a large human outbreak linked to contamination of a municipal water reservoir in Canada by wild felids and the widespread infection of marine mammals in the USA provided reasons to question this view. The present paper examines the possible importance of T. gondii transmission by water.
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Kojouri GA, Taghadosi C. Equine recurrent uveitis and its relation to toxoplasmosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s00580-008-0776-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Lopes AP, Cardoso L, Rodrigues M. Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats from northeastern Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2008; 155:184-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2007] [Revised: 04/18/2008] [Accepted: 05/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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19
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Surveillance and monitoring of Toxoplasma in humans, food and animals - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Biological Hazards. EFSA J 2007. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2007.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Ghazy AA, Shaapan RM, Abdel-Rahman EH. Comparative serological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in horses using locally isolated Toxoplasma gondii. Vet Parasitol 2006; 145:31-6. [PMID: 17174034 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2006] [Revised: 11/07/2006] [Accepted: 11/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A total of 420 serum samples collected from horses of different ages, sexes and breeds, located at some horse farms in Egypt, were used for serological studies. A crude antigen of the locally isolated Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites from horse tissues (LA) was used for the detection of T. gondii antibodies in horses. It showed good diagnostic efficiency (38.1%) by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). To increase this efficiency, an affinity purification process was performed. Two fractions were obtained from LA by CNBr-Sepharose 4B affinity column chromatography named; unbound (LAunb) and bound (LAb). LAb showed the highest diagnostic potency (51.7%), while LAunb showed the lowest value (31.7%) using ELISA. The electrophoretic profile of LA (12 bands), LAb (6 bands) and LAunb (6 bands) showed molecular weights ranged from 25.1 to 184.3kDa. The immunoreactive bands of each of the three antigens were identified with infected horse sera by immunoblot assay. Four immunogenic bands of 155.8, 115.1, 83.2 and 66.2kDa were identified in LAb and probably were responsible for the highest diagnostic potency. Examination of horse sera by Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) at a dilution of 1: 64 and Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) at a dilution of 1: 25 revealed that 170 (40.5%) and 202 (48.1%) had antibodies against T. gondii, respectively. The current research introduces crude and purified fractions (bound and unbound) obtained from the locally isolated tachyzoites (equine origin), which are utilized globally for the first time in detection of T. gondii antibodies in horses. Furthermore, this study recommended utilization of the bound fraction in diagnosis of toxoplasmosis using indirect ELISA which proved better diagnostic potency compared with IFAT and MAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Ghazy
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
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21
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Jakubek EB, Lundén A, Uggla A. Seroprevalences of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora sp. infections in Swedish horses. Vet Parasitol 2006; 138:194-9. [PMID: 16517077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2006.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2005] [Revised: 01/19/2006] [Accepted: 02/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sera from 414 Swedish horses were investigated for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora sp. by the T. gondii direct agglutination test (DAT), and an Neospora caninum iscom-ELISA. Five sera (1%) had a titre >1:40 in DAT, but when analysed by immunoblotting against T. gondii antigens only two of them were positive, giving a seroprevalence of 0.5%. Since the Neospora iscom ELISA had not been validated for equine sera it was used for an initial screening, and all sera with an optical density exceeding 0.200 absorbance units were selected for further investigation by immunoblot analysis. Of the 39 sera tested by immunoblotting, four reacted with at least two of the immunodominant Neospora antigens recognized by the positive control sera and were judged as positive, resulting in a seroprevalence of 1%. This is the first evidence of Neospora infection in Swedish horses. The study illustrates the necessity of critically evaluating results of serological analyses performed by methods that are not validated for the animal species under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Britt Jakubek
- SWEPAR, National Veterinary Institute and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden.
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22
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Meireles LR, Galisteo AJ, Pompeu E, Andrade HF. Toxoplasma gondii spreading in an urban area evaluated by seroprevalence in free-living cats and dogs. Trop Med Int Health 2004; 9:876-81. [PMID: 15303992 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2004.01280.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Infection by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii is widely prevalent in humans and animals throughout the world. Transmission takes place mainly by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat that contains parasite cysts or by ingestion of oocysts excreted in cat faeces, which can contaminate water and raw vegetables. The incidence of toxoplasmosis in urban areas can thus be also related to environmental contamination with oocysts. A direct measure of this environmental contamination by oocyst counting is unfeasible for technical reasons. An interesting alternative for measuring T. gondii urban spreading is the seroprevalence in free-living urban animals, used as sentinels, once they are exposed to similar risks of Toxoplasma infection-like humans. With this aim, we tested serum samples from stray cats and dogs for antibodies to T. gondii by indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 40% (40 of 100) of the cats, less than the 50.5% (101 of 200) found in dogs by ELISA (P < 0.05). Haemagglutination showed low resolution and concordance, precluding their use for diagnosis of T. gondii infection compared with ELISA. The prevalence of T. gondii was lower among stray cats probably due to their selective alimentary habits and lower water and food intake. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in stray dogs and cats could be an indirect indicator of the parasite spreading in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Meireles
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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23
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Ali CN, Harris JA, Watkins JD, Adesiyun AA. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in dogs in Trinidad and Tobago. Vet Parasitol 2003; 113:179-87. [PMID: 12719132 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(03)00075-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii agglutinins and to investigate the relationship between various risk factors and occurrence of toxoplasmosis in dogs in Trinidad. Of a total 250 dogs, comprising domestic, hunting and stray dogs, 80 (32.0%) were positive for T. gondii agglutinins at a titre of > or =1:32 using a latex agglutination test. Stray dogs (60.5%) had statistically significantly higher (P<0.001) seroprevalence for toxoplasmosis than hunting dogs (30.5%) and domestic dogs (25.5%). Amongst dogs whose ages were known, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was significantly highest (P=0.037) in dogs in the >2-3 years age group compared with other age groups. Dogs that consumed home-cooked foods had a seroprevalence of 32.9% compared with those fed commercial dog foods (17.2%) and dogs fed both home-cooked and commercial foods (21.0%). However, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05; chi(2)). The rather high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in stray dogs is a good indication of the extent of the infection in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C N Ali
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
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24
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Silva DAO, Silva NM, Mineo TWP, Pajuaba Neto AA, Ferro EAV, Mineo JR. Heterologous antibodies to evaluate the kinetics of the humoral immune response in dogs experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. Vet Parasitol 2002; 107:181-95. [PMID: 12127249 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(02)00132-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
An IgM capture ELISA using heterologous antibodies was developed to evaluate the kinetics of the humoral immune response in dogs experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. Detection of parasite in tissues from inoculated dogs was evaluated by mouse bioassay and immunohistochemical techniques. Serum samples were obtained at regular intervals up to 62 days post-inoculation (p.i.), when the animals were necropsied and their tissues examined. Antibody levels were measured by IgM capture ELISA (McELISA), indirect hemagglutination (IHA), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IgG-IFAT) and indirect immunoenzymatic assay (IgG-ELISA). All dogs seroconverted but only one exhibited severe clinical signs of infection. IgM antibodies were detected by McELISA from the seventh day on, with decreasing IgM levels around the 27th day. Similar results were obtained from IHA, although McELISA showed earlier and longer detection of IgM antibodies. IgG antibodies were detected from the seventh day on, and throughout the period of observation. Immunohistochemical findings and mouse bioassay revealed the presence of free tachyzoites in tissues of the clinically affected dog only. These results suggest that T. gondii acute infection in dogs shows a remarkably transient IgM synthesis, and this feature may constitute an important marker of active infection. Furthermore, McELISA was shown to be a potential tool to diagnose canine toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deise A O Silva
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia. Av. Pará, 1720, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902, MG, Uberlândia, Brazil
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25
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Silva NM, Lourenço EV, Silva DAO, Mineo JR. Optimisation of cut-off titres in Toxoplasma gondii specific ELISA and IFAT in dog sera using immunoreactivity to SAG-1 antigen as a molecular marker of infection. Vet J 2002; 163:94-8. [PMID: 11749142 DOI: 10.1053/tvjl.2001.0629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N M Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, 38401-306, Brazil
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26
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Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the more common parasitic zoonoses world-wide. Its causative agent, Toxoplasma gondii, is a facultatively heteroxenous, polyxenous protozoon that has developed several potential routes of transmission within and between different host species. If first contracted during pregnancy, T. gondii may be transmitted vertically by tachyzoites that are passed to the foetus via the placenta. Horizontal transmission of T. gondii may involve three life-cycle stages, i.e. ingesting infectious oocysts from the environment or ingesting tissue cysts or tachyzoites which are contained in meat or primary offal (viscera) of many different animals. Transmission may also occur via tachyzoites contained in blood products, tissue transplants, or unpasteurised milk. However, it is not known which of these routes is more important epidemiologically. In the past, the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, in particular of pigs and sheep, has been regarded as a major route of transmission to humans. However, recent studies showed that the prevalence of T. gondii in meat-producing animals decreased considerably over the past 20 years in areas with intensive farm management. For example, in several countries of the European Union prevalences of T. gondii in fattening pigs are now <1%. Considering these data it is unlikely that pork is still a major source of infection for humans in these countries. However, it is likely that the major routes of transmission are different in human populations with differences in culture and eating habits. In the Americas, recent outbreaks of acute toxoplasmosis in humans have been associated with oocyst contamination of the environment. Therefore, future epidemiological studies on T. gondii infections should consider the role of oocysts as potential sources of infection for humans, and methods to monitor these are currently being developed. This review presents recent epidemiological data on T. gondii, hypotheses on the major routes of transmission to humans in different populations, and preventive measures that may reduce the risk of contracting a primary infection during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Tenter
- Institut für Parasitologie, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Bünteweg 17, D-30559, Hannover, Germany.
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Dubey JP, Thulliez P, Romand S, Kwok OC, Shen SK, Gamble HR. Serologic prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in horses slaughtered for food in North America. Vet Parasitol 1999; 86:235-8. [PMID: 10536980 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(99)00148-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Serum samples from 1788 horses slaughtered for food in North America were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii using the modified direct agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies to T. gondii were found by the MAT in 124 (6.9%) of 1788 sera; the titers were 1:20 (69 horses), 1:40 (37 horses), 1:80 (9 horses), and > or =1:160 (9 horses). A total of 339 selected horses were also tested by the Sabin-Feldman dye test (DT). Dye test antibodies were found in 54 horses with titers of 1:10 (29 horses) 1:20 (12 horses), 1:40 (4 horses) and 1:80 (9 horses). There was no correlation between the DT and the MAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, Parasite Biology and Epidemiology Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
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28
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Abstract
A serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii was conducted using ELISA on 121 sera from adult donkeys from Monofia Province, Egypt. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 65.6% of 121 donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- A El-Ghaysh
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University, Giza, Egypt.
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29
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Taylor MA, Webster KA. Recent advances in the diagnosis in livestock of Cryptosporidium, Toxoplasma, Giardia and other protozoa of veterinary importance. Res Vet Sci 1998; 65:183-93. [PMID: 9915141 PMCID: PMC7131700 DOI: 10.1016/s0034-5288(98)90141-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/1998] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M A Taylor
- Parasitology Discipline, Central Veterinary Laboratory, (Veterinary Laboratories Agency), New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey
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30
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Skjerve E, Waldeland H, Nesbakken T, Kapperud G. Risk factors for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Norwegian slaughter lambs. Prev Vet Med 1998; 35:219-27. [PMID: 9658447 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-5877(98)00057-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In a study of lambs from 194 sheep flocks from different areas of Norway, 44.3% of the flocks were found seropositive against Toxoplasma gondii using an ELISA test, with antibodies found in 16.2% of the 1940 individual animals. The risk factors for the occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii found in the multivariate logistic regression were: daily presence of a young cat in the sheep house (Odds ratio, OR = 4.11, 95% CI = 1.01-19.7); 'atypical' grazing of lambs (OR = 6.35, CI = 2.36-17.11); use of mouse poison in the sheep house (OR = 2.26, CI = 1.02-5.00); farm situated at an altitude > 100 meters above seal level (101-250 m: OR = 1.20, CI = 0.49-2.92; 251-500 m: OR = 4.97; CI = 2.04-12.0; > 500 m: OR = 3.66, CI = 1.33-10.1). A lower risk was found for flocks with perforated metal floors in the sheep house (OR = 0.47, CI = 0.23-0.96) and timber construction of the sheep house (OR = 0.34, CI = 0.15-0.80). Based on these findings it was recommended that farmers avoid keeping young cats in the sheep houses, that close-to-farm grazing be kept to a minimum and that perforated metal floors be used in the sheep houses. However, with such a high seroprevalence, the proposed measures alone would not reduce the occurrence of Toxoplasma in lambs to a level where undercooked lamb can be consumed without posing an unacceptable risk for some consumer groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Skjerve
- Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Microbiology and Food Hygiene, Oslo, Norway
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31
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Silva DA, Cabral DD, Bernardina BL, Souza MA, Mineo JR. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii-specific antibodies in dogs. A comparative study of immunoenzymatic, immunofluorescent and haemagglutination titers. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 1997; 92:785-9. [PMID: 9566209 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02761997000600010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the titers of anti-T. gondii antibodies by various serological tests in 40 serum samples from dogs exhibiting clinical signs of infectious diseases. Indirect immunofluorescence (IgG-IFI), indirect haemagglutination (IHA and M-Toxo) and immunoenzymatic (ELISA and PA-ELISA) tests were carried out. Titers > or = 64 were considered as positive. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were found in 9 (22.5%), 14 (35%), 14 (35%) and 12 (30%) samples, respectively for IHA, IgG-IFI, ELISA and PA-ELISA. The results showed that 57% were negative in all tests and 43% of the dogs presented antibodies to T. gondii; from these, 20% were positive in all three tests with high titers of antibodies and 23% were positive in only one or two tests with low titers of antibodies and mainly related to the IFI and ELISA tests. We observed 5 (12.5%) and 1 (2.5%) reactive samples, respectively, by M-Toxo and IHA with or without 2-mercapthoethanol, in the attempt to detect specific IgM. We can conclude that serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis in dog have to be based on the combination of serological tests (IFI and ELISA) and with emphasis at the determination of the titers and the classes of the specific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Silva
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, MG, Brasil
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32
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Björkman C, Lundén A, Uggla A. Prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in Swedish dogs. Acta Vet Scand 1995. [PMID: 7676930 DOI: 10.1186/bf03548321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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33
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Lundén A, Carlsson U, Näslund K. Toxoplasmosis and border disease in 54 Swedish sheep flocks. Seroprevalence and incidence during one gestation period. Acta Vet Scand 1992. [PMID: 1503001 DOI: 10.1186/bf03547324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum samples from 704 animals from 54 Swedish sheep flocks were analysed by ELISA twice during 1 breeding season for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and border disease virus (BDV). An ELISA, originally developed for the detection of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in cattle, was assessed on sheep sera and the results were compared with those obtained in a virus neutralization test. The correlation between the 2 assays proved good. Before breeding, 132 (19%) sheep in 42 flocks had antibodies to T. gondii and 7 (1%) sheep in 5 flocks were seropositive to BDV. During the observation period 4 sheep seroconverted to T. gondii and 13 to BDV, giving an incidence rate of 0.7% and 1.9% respectively. No clinical signs due to the infections were observed. In 5 flocks the frequency of barrenness, abortion or stillbirths exceeded 5%, 5% and 8%, respectively, but there was no evidence that this was attributable to the agents studied. The proportion of BDV-positive flocks was significantly higher among flocks that had been in contact with cattle than among those that had not.
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Lundén A, Uggla A. Infectivity of Toxoplasma gondii in mutton following curing, smoking, freezing or microwave cooking. Int J Food Microbiol 1992; 15:357-63. [PMID: 1419541 DOI: 10.1016/0168-1605(92)90069-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of curing with sodium chloride and sucrose, low temperature smoking, freezing at -20 degrees C, and cooking in a microwave oven, respectively, on the infectivity of Toxoplasma gondii encysted in mutton, meat from three experimentally and one naturally infected sheep was used. Samples of meat prepared accordingly as well as untreated, raw meat from each animal were assayed by mouse inoculation. Infective T. gondii was isolated from untreated samples from all animals used, but in no case from cured, smoked or frozen meat. However, in two of four steaks processed in a microwave oven, according to a standard household recipe, the parasite remained infective, possibly due to uneven heating of the meat.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lundén
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala
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35
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Lundén A, Carlsson U, Näslund K. Toxoplasmosis and border disease in 54 Swedish sheep flocks. Seroprevalence and incidence during one gestation period. Acta Vet Scand 1992; 33:175-84. [PMID: 1503001 PMCID: PMC8117858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/1992] [Accepted: 03/04/1992] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum samples from 704 animals from 54 Swedish sheep flocks were analysed by ELISA twice during 1 breeding season for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and border disease virus (BDV). An ELISA, originally developed for the detection of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in cattle, was assessed on sheep sera and the results were compared with those obtained in a virus neutralization test. The correlation between the 2 assays proved good. Before breeding, 132 (19%) sheep in 42 flocks had antibodies to T. gondii and 7 (1%) sheep in 5 flocks were seropositive to BDV. During the observation period 4 sheep seroconverted to T. gondii and 13 to BDV, giving an incidence rate of 0.7% and 1.9% respectively. No clinical signs due to the infections were observed. In 5 flocks the frequency of barrenness, abortion or stillbirths exceeded 5%, 5% and 8%, respectively, but there was no evidence that this was attributable to the agents studied. The proportion of BDV-positive flocks was significantly higher among flocks that had been in contact with cattle than among those that had not.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lundén
- Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala
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