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de Carvalho Alves LM, Frazão-Teixeira E, Barbosa CG, Ubiali DG, Baldani CD, Souza HJM, da Silva AA, da Silva AF. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence and risk factors in cats in Rio de Janeiro. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 53:101063. [PMID: 39025547 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Seroprevalence studies on cats are essential for monitoring the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. The present research investigated anti-T. gondii antibodies, risk factors, clinical signs, hematology and serum biochemistry in cats from different regions of Rio de Janeiro. An overall 18.7% (17/91) of the cats were seroreactive, and age was associated with increased chances of seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Clinical signs, hematology and serum biochemistry parameters did not help achieve an antemortem diagnosis of cat toxoplasmosis. The parasite circulates in cats from three major regions of Rio de Janeiro, and the present data set will contribute to future epidemiological studies in this endemic state of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Maria de Carvalho Alves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária - PPGMV, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro UFRRJ - km 7 da BR-465, Brazil
| | - Edwards Frazão-Teixeira
- Laboratório de Biologia Estrutural, IOC, FIOCRUZ, Brazil; Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, CCTA, UENF, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Guimarães Ubiali
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária - PPGMV, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro UFRRJ - km 7 da BR-465, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Divan Baldani
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária - PPGMV, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro UFRRJ - km 7 da BR-465, Brazil
| | - Heloísa Justen Moreira Souza
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária - PPGMV, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro UFRRJ - km 7 da BR-465, Brazil
| | | | - Andressa Ferreira da Silva
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária - PPGMV, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro UFRRJ - km 7 da BR-465, Brazil.
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2
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Pyott ML, Norris DR, Mitchell GW, Custode L, Gow EA. Home range size and habitat selection of owned outdoor domestic cats ( Felis catus) in urban southwestern Ontario. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17159. [PMID: 38562997 PMCID: PMC10984174 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats (Felis catus) play a dual role in society as both companion animals and predators. When provided with unsupervised outdoor access, cats can negatively impact native wildlife and create public health and animal welfare challenges. The effective implementation of management strategies, such as buffer zones or curfews, requires an understanding of home range size, the factors that influence their movement, and the types of habitats they use. Here, we used a community/citizen scientist approach to collect movement and habitat use data using GPS collars on owned outdoor cats in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph region, southwestern Ontario, Canada. Mean (± SD) 100% minimum convex polygon home range size was 8 ± 8 ha (range: 0.34-38 ha) and was positively associated with road density but not with intrinsic factors such as boldness, sex, or age. With regards to habitat selection, cats used greenspaces, roads, and agricultural land less often than predicted but strongly selected for impervious surfaces (urban areas other than greenspaces or roads). Our results suggest that wildlife near buildings and residential areas are likely at the greatest risk of cat predation and that a buffer size of 840 m would be needed to restrict cats from entering areas of conservation concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlee L. Pyott
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - D. Ryan Norris
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg W. Mitchell
- Department of Integrative Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonardo Custode
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A. Gow
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
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Fernandes FD, Tagarra LG, Roman IJ, Moraes DADO, Rodrigues D, de Andrade CM, Bräunig P, de Oliveira-Filho EF, Cargnelutti JF, Sangioni LA, Vogel FSF. Increased frequency of detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in domestic cats after outbreak of human toxoplasmosis. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:73. [PMID: 38150060 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08092-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis affects various organisms, including humans. In 2018, the largest outbreak of human toxoplasmosis described so far was reported in southern Brazil, with 809 human cases reported, and water as the potentially primary source of infection. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected domestic cats before and after the human toxoplasmosis outbreak, as well as the potential for environmental contamination by the number of cats infected after the outbreak. We evaluated 381 serum samples from domestic cats in southern Brazil, using an indirect immunofluorescence assay, with samples considered positive at a titer of 1:20. We found that 73% (204/279) and 27% (75/279) of the samples analyzed before the outbreak were negative and positive, respectively. After the outbreak, 62% (69/112) were negative of the samples were and 38% (43/112) were positive. Notably, the proportion of positive samples before the outbreak before (27%) was significantly lower than that after the outbreak (38%; P = 0.020). Therefore, the increased seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats was probably correlated with the ingestion of contaminated water. Therefore, it is important to monitor animals, mainly definitive hosts, after toxoplasmosis outbreaks, considering that these animals can contaminate the environment and, consequently, humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fagner D'Ambroso Fernandes
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.
- Centro Universitário Ritter Dos Reis (UniRitter), Av. Manoel Elias, nº 2001, Bairro Passo das Pedras, 91240-261, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.
| | - Larissa Godoy Tagarra
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Isac Junior Roman
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Denis Altieri de Oliveira Moraes
- Departamento de Estatística (DE), Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas (CCNE), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 13, Sala 1208, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Daniele Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Análises Clínicas Veterinária (LACVET), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Hospital Veterinário Universitário (HVU), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 97, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Cinthia Melazzo de Andrade
- Laboratório de Análises Clínicas Veterinária (LACVET), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Hospital Veterinário Universitário (HVU), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 97, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
- Departamento de Clínica de Pequenos Animais (DCPA), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 97, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria-RS, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Patricia Bräunig
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | | | - Juliana Felipetto Cargnelutti
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia (LABAC), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Luis Antonio Sangioni
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Silveira Flores Vogel
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias (LADOPAR), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva (DMVP), Centro de Ciências Rurais (CCR), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Av. Roraima, nº1000, Prédio 63D, Bairro Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
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Ouchene N, Hamidović A, Khelifi Touhami NA, Aroussi A, Ouchetati I, Khelef D, Dahmani H, Galal L, Plault N, Dardé ML, Mercier A. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep in Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 95:101960. [PMID: 36963357 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.101960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection is recognized as one of the major causes of reproductive failure in sheep and goats. This survey was carried out in order to study the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in sheep in Blida, Bouira and Medea regions from Algeria. The sample size was set at 220 animals distributed over 22 farms. Sera were assayed for T. gondii antibody detection by Modified Agglutination Test (MAT). The overall seroprevalence was 35.9% (79/220) with a herd seroprevalence of 77.3% (17/22). The prevalence was significantly higher in Medea (45.7% of 116 sheep), compared to Blida (27.7% of 83 sheep). Bouira region showed the lowest prevalence with 3 positive samples (14.3%) over 21 sheep. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the likelihood of T. gondii infection was higher in semi-extensive sheep breeding, in regions where the presence of cats is strong, and in highlands when compared with semi-intensive sheep breeding, weak presence of cat and in lowland, respectively. This study shows a high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in sheep in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassim Ouchene
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Sâad Dahlab Blida 1, Streetof Soumâa, BP 270, Blida, 09000, Algeria.
| | - Azra Hamidović
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine,University of Limoges, Limoges 87025, France.
| | - Nadjet Amina Khelifi Touhami
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Sâad Dahlab Blida 1, Streetof Soumâa, BP 270, Blida, 09000, Algeria.
| | - Abdelkrim Aroussi
- Laboratoire d'environnement et du développement durable, Unité de biochimie, microbiologie et santé, Université Relizane 48000, Relizane, Algérie.
| | - Imane Ouchetati
- Ecole Normale Supérieure d'Enseignement Technologique, Université deSkikda, 21000 Skikda, Algérie.
| | - Djamel Khelef
- Ecole National Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger, 16000, Alger, Algérie.
| | - Hichem Dahmani
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Sâad Dahlab Blida 1, Streetof Soumâa, BP 270, Blida, 09000, Algeria.
| | - Lokman Galal
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine,University of Limoges, Limoges 87025, France.
| | - Nicolas Plault
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine,University of Limoges, Limoges 87025, France.
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine,University of Limoges, Limoges 87025, France; Centre National de RéférenceToxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France.
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine,University of Limoges, Limoges 87025, France; Centre National de RéférenceToxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France.
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5
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Hassanen EAA, Makau DN, Afifi M, Al-Jabr OA, Abdulrahman Alshahrani M, Saif A, Anter RGA, El-Neshwy WM, Ibrahim D, Abou Elez RMM. Interplay between cross sectional analysis of risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women and their domestic cats. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1147614. [PMID: 37035808 PMCID: PMC10080162 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1147614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The primary aim of this study was to identify hygienic and cat management practices that could affect the occurrence of T. gondii in cats and their owners in Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. T. gondii infection was evaluated in 80 pregnant women and 29 domestic cats using Real-time PCR. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding the risk factors associated with T. gondii infection. Blood samples were collected from enrolled pregnant women, and fecal samples were collected from their pet cats. Firth logistic regression model complemented with random forest (RF) analysis was used to evaluate the association of different hygiene and cat management practices with T. gondii infection in pregnant women. T. gondii infection was identified in 27.5% of pregnant women and 17% of domestic cats. Drinking raw milk and contacting stray and pet cats were significantly associated with higher odds of T. gondii infection. The proportion of T. gondii-positive women who ate raw meat (60.0%) was higher than those ate heat-cooked meat (25.3%). Moreover, women who did not wash their hands after contact with cats were 6 times (OR 6.12; CI: 3.03-9.21) more likely to experience T. gondii infection than those washed their hands after cat contact. The RF analysis showed that washing hands constitute a serious yet preventable public health concern that requires targeted, community-specific efforts. Cat owners, particularly pregnant women, need to be aware about the risk of T. gondii infection, while handling cat and pet's owner should be advised to take necessary hygienic measures to prevent its infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman A. A. Hassanen
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Dennis N. Makau
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Mohamed Afifi
- Department of Animal Wealth Development, Biostatistics Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
| | - Omar A. Al-Jabr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed Saif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham G. A. Anter
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Wafaa M. El-Neshwy
- Department of Animal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Doaa Ibrahim
- Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Doaa Ibrahim
| | - Rasha M. M. Abou Elez
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Samsonova JV, Saushkin NY, Osipov AP. Dried Blood Spots technology for veterinary applications and biological investigations: technical aspects, retrospective analysis, ongoing status and future perspectives. Vet Res Commun 2022; 46:655-698. [PMID: 35771305 PMCID: PMC9244892 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09957-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dried Blood Spots (DBS) technology has become a valuable tool in medical studies, however, in veterinary and biological research DBS technology applications are still limited. Up-to-date no review has comprehensively integrated all the evidence existing across the fields, technologies and animal species. In this paper we summarize the current applications of DBS technology in the mentioned areas, and provide a scope of different types of dried sample carriers (cellulose and non-cellulose), sampling devices, applicable methods for analyte extraction and detection. Mammals, birds, insects and other species are represented as the study objects. Besides the blood, the review considers a variety of specimens, such as milk, saliva, tissue samples and others. The main applications of dried samples highlighted in the review include epidemiological surveys and monitoring for infections agents or specific antibodies for disease/vaccination control in households and wildlife. Besides the genetic investigations, the paper describes detection of environmental contaminants, pregnancy diagnosis and many other useful applications of animal dried samples. The paper also analyses dried sample stability and storage conditions for antibodies, viruses and other substances. Finally, recent developments and future research for DBS technology in veterinary medicine and biological sciences are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne V Samsonova
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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Athanasiou LV, Katsogiannou EG, Tsokana CN, Dedousi A, Boutsini S, Papakonstantinou G, Papatsiros VG. Detection of Antibodies Against Toxoplasma gondii in Filter Paper-Dried Blood Dot Spots Compared with Serum in Pigs and Assessment of Variation Associated with Packed Cell Volume. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2022; 19:394-399. [PMID: 35443790 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the agreement between anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody detection in serum and filter paper (FP) blood spots using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) and to evaluate the potential impact of the packed cell volume (PCV) on antibody detection in FPs. A pair of a serum and an FP sample was collected from 96 sows at various farms in Greece, with previously identified high seropositivity and/or risk factors associated with high seropositivity against T. gondii. The PCV value was determined using the microhematocrit method. IFA was used for the detection of antibodies against T. gondii. T. gondii-specific antibodies were detected in 45.8% serum samples and 41.6% FP samples showing almost perfect agreement. Detection in FP samples presented high sensitivity (87.1-92.8%) and excellent specificity (100%) when compared with detection in serum, regardless of the PCV values. The findings of this study support the reliability of FPs for the evaluation of the serological status of swine against T. gondii. FPs could be a good alternative sample type compared with serum for large-scale epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Labrini V Athanasiou
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Eleni G Katsogiannou
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Constantina N Tsokana
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Anna Dedousi
- Veterinary Research Institute, HAO-Demeter, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sofia Boutsini
- Parasitology - Parasitic Diseases, Entomology, and Bee Health Department, Veterinary Center of Athens/General Directorate of Veterinary Services, Athens, Greece
| | - George Papakonstantinou
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Vasileios G Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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Abdul Hafeez M, Mehdi M, Aslam F, Ashraf K, Aleem MT, Khalid AR, Sattar A, Waheed SF, Alouffi A, Alharbi OO, Shabbir MAB, Chaudhry U, Almutairi MM. Molecular Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in Cats and Its Zoonotic Potential for Public Health Significance. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040437. [PMID: 35456112 PMCID: PMC9026455 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed disease of warm-blooded animals. It is caused by the opportunistic parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). One-third of the global human population is believed to be infected with T. gondii. Cats serve as final host of T. gondii and are the main source of contamination of soil and water. This study aimed to detect genotypes of T. gondii in cats. Fecal samples (n = 400) were collected from districts of South Punjab (Khanewal and Sahiwal), and were processed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The obtained oligonucleotide sequences (T. gondii) were submitted to the GenBank database, and the evolutionary tree was constructed using MEGA-X software. Seven fecal samples (3.5%) from cats were positive. Five out of thirteen fecal samples (38.46%) found to be positive for T. gondii with microscopy were confirmed by PCR. After phylogenetic analysis with 3 clonal types and atypical strains, isolates of T. gondii in current study were more closely linked to a typical strain (AF249696). Besides genotyping from cats, seroprevalence from humans and ruminants is still considered to be the best and easiest way to identify the Toxoplasma. Blood samples were collected from sheep and goats (n = 2000 each), and human blood samples (n = 400) were collected from the same vicinity. Seroprevalence was determined using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. In Khanewal, the blood samples of 292 goats (29.2%) and 265 sheep (26.5%), and 6 fecal samples from cats (3%) were positive. Out of 200 human blood samples, 52 were positive, with a seroprevalence of 26%. In the Sahiwal district, the blood samples from 49 humans, 235 sheep and 348 goats were positive, with seroprevalence of 24.5%, 23.5% and 34.8%, respectively. The present study revealed the current circulating genotype of T. gondii from cats in the districts Khanewal and Sahiwal and the seroprevalence of the organism in small ruminants and humans living in the same vicinity. Further genotype analyses of the organism from ruminants and humans are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Abdul Hafeez
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (M.M.); (K.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.A.H.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Muntazir Mehdi
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (M.M.); (K.A.)
| | - Faiza Aslam
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (F.A.); (S.F.W.)
| | - Kamran Ashraf
- Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (M.M.); (K.A.)
| | - Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Abdur Rauf Khalid
- Department of Livestock and Poultry Production, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60000, Pakistan;
| | - Adeel Sattar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Syeda Fakhra Waheed
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; (F.A.); (S.F.W.)
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Omar Obaid Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Umer Chaudhry
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey GU27XH, UK;
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence: (M.A.H.); (M.M.A.)
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9
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Arruda IF, Millar PR, Barbosa ADS, Abboud LCDS, dos Reis IC, Moreira ASDC, Guimarães MPDP, Amendoeira MRR. Toxoplasma gondii in domiciled dogs and cats in urban areas of Brazil: risk factors and spatial distribution. Parasite 2021; 28:56. [PMID: 34236311 PMCID: PMC8265318 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent zoonotic parasite in Brazil capable of infecting mammals and birds. The increase in the urban populations of pets and the narrowing of the human-animal relationship can facilitate the transmission of important public health zoonoses, such as toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and spatial distribution of T. gondii infection and its risk factors in domiciled dogs and cats attended at the Jorge Vaitsman Institute, Rio de Janeiro. Serum samples from 400 dogs and 272 cats were evaluated by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies. Epidemiological questionnaires were used to interview the animals' owners to identify risk factors for infection. Of the total, 34% (136/400) of dogs and 8.1% (22/272) of cats had anti-T. gondii antibodies. Breed (OR: 2.10-95%, CI 1.27-3.46) was a risk factor for dogs, while sex (OR: 3.40-95%, CI 1.10-10.52) and homemade food consumption (OR: 8.49-95%, CI 2.48-29.05) were risk factors for cats. Offal consumption was considered a risk factor for both species evaluated (OR: 2.74-95%, CI 1.38-5.43 for dogs; OR: 7.66-95%, CI 1.24-47.29 for cats). The spatial analysis showed that T. gondii seropositive animals were widely distributed in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro state, with a concentration observed mainly in the west and north zones of Rio de Janeiro city. The results emphasize the importance of adopting prophylactic measures to control T. gondii transmission in domiciled dogs and cats in Rio de Janeiro, contributing positively to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Falco Arruda
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Patricia Riddell Millar
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico/Universidade Federal Fluminense Rua Professor Hernani Melo, 101/212a-São Domingos 24210-130 Niterói Brazil
| | - Alynne da Silva Barbosa
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico/Universidade Federal Fluminense Rua Professor Hernani Melo, 101/212a-São Domingos 24210-130 Niterói Brazil
| | - Luiz Claudio de Souza Abboud
- Instituto Municipal de Medicina Veterinária Jorge Vaitsman, SUBVISA/Secretaria Municipal de Saúde Av. Bartolomeu de Gusmão, 1120-São Cristóvão 20941-160 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Izabel Cristina dos Reis
- Laboratório de Mosquitos Transmissores de Hematozoários, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Alex Sander da Cruz Moreira
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Mariana Pedrosa de Paula Guimarães
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Maria Regina Reis Amendoeira
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz Av. Brasil, 4365-Manguinhos 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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Simon JA, Aubert D, Geers R, Villena I, Poulle ML. Validation of the Use of Dried Blood Samples for the Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Stray Cats ( Felis s. catus). Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070864. [PMID: 34358014 PMCID: PMC8308602 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070864] [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: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
If validated beforehand, the analysis of dried blood on blotting paper (BP samples) is very useful for monitoring free-ranging animals. We aimed to validate this method for the detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in stray cats. We used the modified agglutination test (MAT) in 199 sample pairs of sera and BP samples from 54, 39, 56, and 50 cats trapped during four periods in five dairy farms. Screening was at 1:6, 1:12, and 1:24 dilutions. The cut-off value was at MAT titre ≥ 24, but MAT titre ≥ 12 was also considered for BP samples that often have a higher dilution level. Depending on the period, sample type, and cut-off value, sensitivity of the analysis of the BP sample vs. serum varied from 87.1% to 100% and specificity ranged from 72.22% to 100%. The concordance values and Kappa coefficient showed a substantial to excellent agreement between the results of the two methods, whatever the cut-off value. These findings quantifiably validate the use of MAT on BP samples for the detection of antibodies to T. gondii in stray cats, but we recommend expressing results from BP samples with several cut-off values as the MAT titres tend to be lower than those of sera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Alice Simon
- Epidémio-Surveillance et Circulation des Parasites dans les Environnements (ESCAPE), EA 7510, CAP SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, CEDEX, 51095 Reims, France; (J.A.S.); (D.A.); (R.G.); (I.V.)
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Eco-éthologie (CERFE), Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 08240 Boult-aux-Bois, France
| | - Dominique Aubert
- Epidémio-Surveillance et Circulation des Parasites dans les Environnements (ESCAPE), EA 7510, CAP SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, CEDEX, 51095 Reims, France; (J.A.S.); (D.A.); (R.G.); (I.V.)
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Centre de Ressources Biologiques Toxoplasma, CHU Reims, CEDEX, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Régine Geers
- Epidémio-Surveillance et Circulation des Parasites dans les Environnements (ESCAPE), EA 7510, CAP SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, CEDEX, 51095 Reims, France; (J.A.S.); (D.A.); (R.G.); (I.V.)
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Centre de Ressources Biologiques Toxoplasma, CHU Reims, CEDEX, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Epidémio-Surveillance et Circulation des Parasites dans les Environnements (ESCAPE), EA 7510, CAP SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, CEDEX, 51095 Reims, France; (J.A.S.); (D.A.); (R.G.); (I.V.)
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Centre de Ressources Biologiques Toxoplasma, CHU Reims, CEDEX, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Marie-Lazarine Poulle
- Epidémio-Surveillance et Circulation des Parasites dans les Environnements (ESCAPE), EA 7510, CAP SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, CEDEX, 51095 Reims, France; (J.A.S.); (D.A.); (R.G.); (I.V.)
- Centre de Recherche et de Formation en Eco-éthologie (CERFE), Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 08240 Boult-aux-Bois, France
- Correspondence:
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11
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Hamidović A, Etougbétché JR, Tonouhewa ABN, Galal L, Dobigny G, Houémènou G, Da Zoclanclounon H, Amagbégnon R, Laleye A, Fievet N, Piry S, Berthier K, Pena HFJ, Dardé ML, Mercier A. A hotspot of Toxoplasma gondii Africa 1 lineage in Benin: How new genotypes from West Africa contribute to understand the parasite genetic diversity worldwide. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008980. [PMID: 33571262 PMCID: PMC7904144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Through international trades, Europe, Africa and South America share a long history of exchanges, potentially of pathogens. We used the worldwide parasite Toxoplasma gondii to test the hypothesis of a historical influence on pathogen genetic diversity in Benin, a West African country with a longstanding sea trade history. In Africa, T. gondii spatial structure is still non-uniformly studied and very few articles have reported strain genetic diversity in fauna and clinical forms of human toxoplasmosis so far, even in African diaspora. Sera from 758 domestic animals (mainly poultry) in two coastal areas (Cotonou and Ouidah) and two inland areas (Parakou and Natitingou) were tested for T. gondii antibodies using a Modified Agglutination Test (MAT). The hearts and brains of 69 seropositive animals were collected for parasite isolation in a mouse bioassay. Forty-five strains were obtained and 39 genotypes could be described via 15-microsatellite genotyping, with a predominance of the autochthonous African lineage Africa 1 (36/39). The remaining genotypes were Africa 4 variant TUB2 (1/39) and two identical isolates (clone) of Type III (2/39). No difference in terms of genotype distribution between inland and coastal sampling sites was found. In particular, contrarily to what has been described in Senegal, no type II (mostly present in Europe) was isolated in poultry from coastal cities. This result seems to refute a possible role of European maritime trade in Benin despite it was one of the most important hubs during the slave trade period. However, the presence of the Africa 1 genotype in Brazil, predominant in Benin, and genetic analyses suggest that the triangular trade was a route for the intercontinental dissemination of genetic strains from Africa to South America. This supports the possibility of contamination in humans and animals with potentially imported virulent strains. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide-distributed pathogen, able to infect all warm-blooded animals. There are important differences in the clinical expression of the infection in direct relation with the parasite genetic profile. In some regions, the geographical structuration of its genetic diversity points towards a crucial role of human activities in some lineages introduction or sorting. Benin is a West African country with a history of extensive transcontinental exchanges. Our genetic study of Toxoplasma in Benin shows a surprisingly homogeneous and autochthonous diversity, which contrasts with previous studies from other West and Central African countries. In Benin, the absence of European Toxoplasma lineages may be explained by the extreme rarity of the house mouse (Mus musculus), a host species that was previously described as highly susceptible to the mouse-virulent African strains. Might Benin be the origin region for the Africa 1 lineage, our results suggest that Guinean Gulf coasts may be a starting point of this lineage towards South America, especially Brazil, during the slave trade. As a whole, the present study provides further insights into the recent evolutionary history of Toxoplasma gondii and its consequences on human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Hamidović
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Jonas Raoul Etougbétché
- UAC, EPAC, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Cotonou, Benin
| | | | - Lokman Galal
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Gauthier Dobigny
- UAC, EPAC, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Cotonou, Benin
- Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, MUSE, Montpellier, France
| | - Gualbert Houémènou
- UAC, EPAC, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Honoré Da Zoclanclounon
- Laboratoire d’Expérimentation Animale, Unité de Biologie Humaine, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Richard Amagbégnon
- Laboratoire de biologie médicale, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de la Mère et de l’Enfant Lagune (CHU-MEL), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Anatole Laleye
- Laboratoire d’Expérimentation Animale, Unité de Biologie Humaine, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Nadine Fievet
- UMR216-MERIT, IRD, Université Paris-5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France; Centre d’Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l’Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Sylvain Piry
- Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, MUSE, Montpellier, France
| | - Karine Berthier
- Centre de Biologie pour la Gestion des Populations, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, MUSE, Montpellier, France
| | - Hilda Fátima Jesus Pena
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
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12
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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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13
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Ferreira FB, de Macêdo-Júnior AG, Lopes CS, Silva MV, Ramos ELP, Júnior ÁF, Vitaliano SN, Santiago FM, Santos ALQ, Mineo JR, Mineo TWP. Serological evidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Melanosuchus niger (Spix, 1825) and Caimam crocodilus (Linnaeus, 1758). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2020; 12:42-45. [PMID: 32420024 PMCID: PMC7217805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan with worldwide prevalence, known to affect a large variety of warm-blooded hosts. However, its ability to induce long-lasting infections in cold-blooded animals remains unclear. The most likely source of infection is through consumption of meat containing tissue cysts or by ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts. The current global climate change trend and the progressive degradation of natural habitats are prone to alter the distribution of ectotherm populations over a short period of time, which may favor contact between these animals and the protozoan. In association, alligator meat is considered a delicacy in many regions and its consumption has been previously related to a diversity of foodborne diseases. In that sense, we proposed in this study to search for specific antibodies against T. gondii in serum samples of two common species of alligators from the Brazilian fauna (Melanosuchus niger and Caimam crocodilus). We obtained the serum samples from 84 alligators from the Araguaia region, which were tested by agglutination assays that do not require species-specific secondary antibodies (Modified Agglutination Test – MAT; Indirect Hemagglutination Assay – IHA). From the 84 samples tested, eight (9.5%) were positive by MAT. From those, seven (87.5% of MAT+, 8.3% of the total) were also positive by IHA, reassuring a probable exposure of these animals to the parasite. Direct parasite detection in muscle fragments of one serologically reactive alligator did not yield positive results. Our results provide serological evidence that Brazilian alligators may be exposed to T. gondii and further studies should be performed to elucidate whether alligators are natural hosts of this ubiquitous protozoan parasite. Exposure to T. gondii was verified in sera of 84 Brazilian alligators. The serum samples were analyzed to 2 serological assays: MAT and HAI. 7 samples were found to be positive in bothserological tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Batista Ferreira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Arlindo Gomes de Macêdo-Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Carolina Salomão Lopes
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Murilo Vieira Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Eliézer Lucas Pires Ramos
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Ferreira Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Netto Vitaliano
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, University of São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Maria Santiago
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - André Luis Quagliatto Santos
- Laboratory for Education and Research on Wild Animals (LAPAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
| | - Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Av. Pará, 1720, Uberlândia, CEP, 38400 902, Brazil
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EVALUATION OF 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D IN HOFFMANN'S TWO-TOED SLOTHS ( CHOLOEPUS HOFFMANNI) USING DRIED BLOOD SPOTS ANALYZED BY LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY-TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY. J Zoo Wildl Med 2020; 50:751-757. [PMID: 31926504 DOI: 10.1638/2019-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although biochemical analytes have typically been measured using serum or whole blood samples, an increasing number of assays are validated for measurement of analytes from dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper. DBS techniques are minimally invasive, require only a small sample volume, and simplify processing, storage, and shipment of samples. These qualities make DBS-based assays ideal for sampling of wildlife species in both captive and field settings. In this study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay was evaluated for measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in sloths. Paired serum and DBS samples were collected from nine healthy captive Hoffmann's two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni). Statistical analysis using Passing-Bablok regression analysis, Bland-Altman plots, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests found good agreement between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 measurements in serum and DBS samples. Constant and proportional bias were absent. Results from this study support the use of DBS samples for the evaluation of vitamin D status in Hoffmann's two-toed sloths and provide a foundation for further studies to validate this technique.
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15
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Sarr A, Galal L, Boumediene F, Hamidović A, Dardé ML, Diallo M, Sow A, Niang Y, Cuny T, Mercier A. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Free-Range Chickens in Senegal, West Africa. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:15-21. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amedine Sarr
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Lokman Galal
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Farid Boumediene
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Azra Hamidović
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Mamoudou Diallo
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, Campus de Bel-Air, Dakar, Senegal
- CBGP, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Université Montpellier, Montferrier-sur-Lez, Cedex, France
| | - Aliou Sow
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, Campus de Bel-Air, Dakar, Senegal
- CBGP, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Université Montpellier, Montferrier-sur-Lez, Cedex, France
| | - Youssoupha Niang
- BIOPASS, CBGP-IRD, ISRA, UCAD, Campus de Bel-Air, Dakar, Senegal
- CBGP, IRD, CIRAD, INRA, Montpellier SupAgro, Université Montpellier, Montferrier-sur-Lez, Cedex, France
| | - Thomas Cuny
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
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16
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Sharma R, Parker S, Al-Adhami B, Bachand N, Jenkins E. Comparison of tissues (heart vs. brain) and serological tests (MAT, ELISA and IFAT) for detection of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected wolverines ( Gulo gulo) from the Yukon, Canada. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00046. [PMID: 32095617 PMCID: PMC7034044 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important parasitic zoonosis worldwide. Many human and animal surveys use serological assays based on Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection in serum, a matrix that is not routinely available from wildlife. Commonly used serological assays have rarely been validated for use with fluids other than serum, nor validated for their performance in wildlife species. New molecular assays, such as magnetic capture DNA extraction and real-time PCR (MC-qPCR), offer high sensitivity for detection of T. gondii DNA in tissues. The aims of this study were to (1) assess prevalence of T. gondii DNA based on MC-qPCR detection in brain and heart of naturally infected wolverines (Gulo gulo) from the Yukon, Canada (2) compare two matrices [heart fluid (collected from thawed heart) and filter eluate (eluted from blood soaked filter paper)] for antibody detection in the same species, and (3) evaluate the performance of three serological tests [modified agglutination test (MAT), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT)] to detect naturally infected wolverines as determined by MC-qPCR. DNA of T. gondii was detected in heart and/or brain in 16 of 68 wolverines (24%, 95% CI: 15.0-34.8). Tissue prevalence and infection intensity was higher in heart [16 positives, mediantachyzoites equivalents per gram (TEG) =1221] compared to brain (10 positives, median TEG = 347). Heart fluid (HF) and filter eluates (FE) performed equally well in ELISA and IFAT in terms of relative sensitivity, but HF performed better with MAT. ELISA and IFAT had higher relative sensitivity (94%) and relative specificity (100%) compared to MAT (relative sensitivity 75% and relative specificity 92%). Overall, our findings indicate that the parasite burden in naturally infected wolverines was higher in heart compared to brain, heart fluid performed better than filter paper eluate for serological testing using MAT, and both IFAT and ELISA had higher relative sensitivity, relative specificity, and accuracy compared to MAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Sarah Parker
- Centre for Applied Epidemiology, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Batol Al-Adhami
- Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Saskatoon Laboratory, 116 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 2R3, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bachand
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada
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Diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains shaped by commensal communities of small mammals. Int J Parasitol 2018; 49:267-275. [PMID: 30578812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Commensal rodent species are key reservoirs for Toxoplasma gondii in the domestic environment. In rodents, different T. gondii strains show variable patterns of virulence according to host species. Toxoplasma gondii strains causing non-lethal chronic infections in local hosts will be more likely to persist in a given environment, but few studies have addressed the possible role of these interactions in shaping the T. gondii population structure. In addition, the absence of validated techniques for upstream detection of T. gondii chronic infection in wild rodents hinders exploration of this issue under natural conditions. In this study, we took advantage of an extensive survey of commensal small mammals in three coastal localities of Senegal, with a species assemblage constituted of both native African species and invasive species. We tested 828 individuals for T. gondii chronic infection using the modified agglutination test for antibody detection in serum samples and a quantitative PCR assay for detection of T. gondii DNA in brain samples. The infecting T. gondii strains were genotyped whenever possible by the analysis of 15 microsatellite markers. We found (i) a very poor concordance between molecular detection and serology in the invasive house mouse, (ii) significantly different levels of prevalence by species and (iii) the autochthonous T. gondii Africa 1 lineage strains, which are lethal for laboratory mice, only in the native African species of commensal small mammals. Overall, this study highlights the need to reconsider the use of MAT serology in natural populations of house mice and provides the first known data about T. gondii genetic diversity in invasive and native species of small mammals from Africa. In light of these results, we discuss the role of invasive and native species, with their variable adaptations to different T. gondii strains, in shaping the spatial structure of T. gondii genetic diversity in Africa.
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Hanafiah M, Prastowo J, Hartati S, Aliza D, Nurcahyo RW. Detection of Toxoplasma gondii copro-prevalence by polymerase chain reaction using repetitive 529 bp gene in feces of pet cats ( Felis catus) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Vet World 2018; 11:1338-1343. [PMID: 30410243 PMCID: PMC6200566 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2018.1338-1343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this research was to determine the copro-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with repetitive 529 bp gene and to construct the phylogenetic tree of Toxoplasma oocyst from pet cats in Yogyakarta. Materials and Methods: 9 of 132 pet cat samples which serologically positive for Toxoplasma were used in this research. To determine the copro-prevalence of T. gondii in pet cat, 10 g of feces samples taken from practitioners and household cats in Yogyakarta were used in the PCR method utilizing repetitive 529 bp gene sequences. Results: The result shows that copro-prevalence by PCR using repetitive 529 bp gene was 33.3% (3/9). The phylogenetic tree of Toxoplasma grouped into two clades, which clade 1 consists of Toxoplasma isolates collected from pet cats in Yogyakarta Indonesia and T. gondii isolates from China and in clade 2 consist of the T. gondii isolates from India. Conclusion: Copro-prevalence of T. gondii in pet cats in Yogyakarta by means of PCR using repetitive 529 bp gene is around 33.3%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hanafiah
- Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Joko Prastowo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sri Hartati
- Department of Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Dwinna Aliza
- Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Raden Wisnu Nurcahyo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Pereira PF, Barbosa ADS, Santos ALC, Bolais PF, Dardé ML, Amendoeira MRR. Toxoplasma gondii: infection among shelter and stray cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 27:401-408. [PMID: 30208125 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-296120180061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify possible infection of Toxoplasma gondii among cats in a shelter and a set of condominiums in the city of Rio de Janeiro, through changes to the cats' serological status between two different times in 2014 and 2015. One group was made up of captive cats at the municipal shelter and the other comprised stray cats that circulated in condominiums in the city. On the first occasion, cats were caught and tagged through application of microchips; in this manner, blood samples were obtained from 261 captive cats and 172 stray cats. On the second occasion, blood samples were obtained from 94 captive cats and 56 recaptured stray cats. The serological diagnosis was made by means of the indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) and indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFAT) (cutoff ≥ 64). The frequency of T. gondii infection among the captive cats was 24.5% and among the stray cats, 18%. With the second analysis, it was possible to verify modifications to the serological status of anti-T. gondii antibodies, in 18% of both populations of animals. The presence of seroconversion shows that infection was possibly occurring in the region at the time of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmela Figueiredo Pereira
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Alynne da Silva Barbosa
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Laboratório de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Ana Leticia Carvalho Santos
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Paula Forain Bolais
- Institut d'Epidémiologie neurologique et de Neurologie Tropicale, Limoges, France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- Institut d'Epidémiologie neurologique et de Neurologie Tropicale, Limoges, France
| | - Maria Regina Reis Amendoeira
- Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - IOC, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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20
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Yekkour F, Aubert D, Mercier A, Murat JB, Khames M, Nguewa P, Ait-Oudhia K, Villena I, Bouchene Z. First genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in stray cats from Algeria. Vet Parasitol 2017; 239:31-36. [PMID: 28495193 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease with worldwide distribution and a major public health problem. In Algeria, no data are currently available about genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from animals or humans. The present study assesses for the first time the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in stray cats, and provides molecular characterization of T. gondii strains circulating in this feline population in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria. Sera from 96 stray cats were tested for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii using the modified agglutination test. The seroprevalence was 50% (48/96) using 1:6 as the positivity cut-off. Different organs samples from stray cats, including heart samples, were tested for the presence of Toxoplasma DNA using real-time PCR. T. Gondii DNA was detected in 90.6% (87/96) of hearts. Of these parasitic DNAs, 22 were submitted to genotyping through the analysis of 15 microsatellite markers. The identified genotypes (12 of 22) mainly belonged to the type II lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feriel Yekkour
- University of Medea, School of Sciences, Department of Biology, Medea, Algeria; National Veterinary High School, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Dominique Aubert
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims and EA3800, SFR CAP-Santé, University Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM, UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Jean-Benjamin Murat
- INSERM, UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France; National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Mammar Khames
- University of Medea, School of Sciences, Department of Biology, Medea, Algeria; National Veterinary High School, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Paul Nguewa
- Institute of Tropical Health (ISTUN) and Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Isabelle Villena
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims and EA3800, SFR CAP-Santé, University Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Zahida Bouchene
- University Hospital of Beni Messous, School of Medicine, Algiers, Algeria.
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