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Galat M, Moré G, Frey CF, Kovalenko G, Maliuk I, Halka I, Sytiuk M, Bezymennyi M, Galat V, Jokelainen P. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boars ( Sus scrofa) hunted in Ukraine. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 23:100901. [PMID: 38274348 PMCID: PMC10809072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.100901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite worldwide, but it has received limited attention in Ukraine. A seroepidemiological study was conducted and samples from 452 wild boars that had been hunted in 2006-2011 in 23 of the 25 regions of Ukraine were tested to estimate T. gondii seroprevalence. A locally available commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for the investigation. Additionally, we tested 92 of the sera using a widely used commercial multi-species ELISA and an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). With the locally available ELISA, 35 of the 452 wild boars tested positive, yielding a seroprevalence estimate of 7.7% (95% confidence interval 5.5-10.5). The seropositive wild boars originated from eight of the regions. Using the majority criteria, 10/92 samples tested using both ELISAs and the IFAT were considered positive, yielding an estimated seroprevalence of 10.9% within the subset of samples. The highest seroprevalence was observed in wild boars hunted in Luhans'k (30.0%), Odesa (17.7%) and Kharkiv (12.7%). Seroprevalence was higher in older animals (13.3% for age group >12 months and 7.7% for age group ≤12 months). This is the first seroepidemiological study of T. gondii in wild boars in Ukraine. Assuming that seropositivity indicates presence of infectious parasites in the tissues, eating undercooked meat of wild boars hunted in Ukraine could be a potential source of infection to other hosts, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Galat
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str. 15, 03041, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Gaston Moré
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Caroline F. Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ganna Kovalenko
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Donetska Str. 30, 03151, Kyiv, Ukraine
- Division of Virology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Inna Maliuk
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str. 15, 03041, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Ihor Halka
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Donetska Str. 30, 03151, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Mykola Sytiuk
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Donetska Str. 30, 03151, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Maksym Bezymennyi
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Donetska Str. 30, 03151, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Vladyslav Galat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Heroiv Oborony Str. 15, 03041, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
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Sini MF, Manconi M, Varcasia A, Massei G, Sandu R, Mehmood N, Ahmed F, Carta C, Cantacessi C, Scarano C, Scala A, Tamponi C. Seroepidemiological and biomolecular survey on Toxoplasma gondii in Sardinian wild boar ( Sus scrofa). Food Waterborne Parasitol 2024; 34:e00222. [PMID: 38323095 PMCID: PMC10844814 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2024.e00222] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite able of infecting all warm-blooded animals. Toxoplasmosis is one of the major foodborne diseases globally. The consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat from recreational hunting has been linked to outbreaks of human toxoplasmosis. The island of Sardinia (Italy) contains a large wild boar population, thus providing an opportunity to assess the distribution of Toxoplasma in this species and the associated risks of transmission to humans. A total of 562 wild boars were screened: heart and meat juice samples were tested for T. gondii DNA via nested-PCR and IgG anti-Toxoplasma by commercial ELISA. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG were detected in 24.6% (138/562) of animals, while 37.2% (209/562) of the heart samples were PCR positive. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies and DNA highlights the potential role of wild boar as an important reservoir for this parasite. The study suggests that wild boar could play a significant role in spreading the parasite to humans. As wild boar numbers are increasing throughout their range, their potential role in transmitting toxoplasmosis should be communicated to stakeholders, and the impact of different population control methods on disease transmission should be thoroughly assessed to mitigate potential threats effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Manconi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Varcasia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Massei
- Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control Europe, Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, 290 Wentworth Way, Heslington, York YO10 5NG, United Kingdom
| | - Ramona Sandu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Naunain Mehmood
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Fahad Ahmed
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Carta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christian Scarano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Scala
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Claudia Tamponi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Dini FM, Musto C, De Nigris VM, Bellinello E, Sampieri M, Merialdi G, Barca L, Delogu M, Galuppi R. Sero-epidemiological investigation on Toxoplasma gondii infection in Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Italy. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:62. [PMID: 38389083 PMCID: PMC10882895 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03922-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wild boar (Sus scrofa) and the Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) are two wild species that have both increased their presence in the Italian territory, albeit in varying numbers. They can be occasionally found in peri-urban areas as well. Both of these species can serve as intermediate hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, as they can become infected either through the consumption of oocysts found in water, soil, or on vegetables, or through the ingestion of meat containing bradyzoites. Consequently, these animals can be regarded as key indicators of Toxoplasma presence in the wild or peri-urban environment. In our study, we examined a total of 174 wild boar meat juice and 128 wolf sera from Italy for the detection of T. gondii IgG using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). RESULTS The results showed that 40 (22.6%) of the wild boar meat juice and 34 (26.6%) of the wolf serum samples tested positive. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in seropositivity with respect to gender, age group, or the region of origin in both species. CONCLUSIONS Overall the results indicate a moderate exposure in both the species under investigation, highlighting the spread of T. gondii in sylvatic and periurban environments. The prevalence of T. gondii in wild boar is consistent with findings from other studies conducted in Europe. Our study, with a considerably larger sample size compared to the available research in European context, provides valuable data on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in wolves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy.
| | - Carmela Musto
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Maria De Nigris
- AUSL Bologna dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria- UO Veterinaria B, Via del Seminario, 1 San Lazzaro di Savena, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrica Bellinello
- AUSL Modena, dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria, via Suore di San Giuseppe Benedetto Cottolengo, 5 41026 Pavullo nel Frignano, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Sampieri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna Bruno Ubertini, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merialdi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia-Romagna Bruno Ubertini, Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorella Barca
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mauro Delogu
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
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Villa L, Allievi C, Gazzonis AL, Ventura G, Gradassi M, Zanzani SA, Manfredi MT. Serological Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis in Wild Boars ( Sus scrofa) Hunted in a Highly Anthropized Area in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1730. [PMID: 37889677 PMCID: PMC10251892 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111730] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing expansion into urban and rural areas, wild boars represent a potential source of infection with zoonotic and animal-specific parasites for both humans and animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the serological prevalence to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis in blood samples from wild boars (Sus scrofa) hunted in an anthropized area in Italy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests were used to detect antibodies anti-T. gondii and anti-S. scabiei and an immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for antibodies anti-N. caninum. 81 out of 128 wild boars (P = 63.3%) resulted positive for at least one of the three parasites. 68 of them were seropositive to T. gondii (P = 53.1%) and 14 to N. caninum (P = 10.9%). 9 wild boars resulted seropositive to S. scabiei var. suis (P = 7.0%). Sampling season was the only significant risk factor related to S. scabiei var. suis seroprevalence (OR = 7.8). The high occurrence of T. gondii supports the role of this species as a source of infection for other animals and humans. Furthermore, the serological prevalence of N. caninum and S. scabiei var. suis in wild boars from the study area characterized by the presence of numerous dairy cattle and pig farms is relevant to demonstrate its suitability for the circulation of these parasites both in domestic and wild species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.A.); (A.L.G.); (S.A.Z.)
| | - Carolina Allievi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.A.); (A.L.G.); (S.A.Z.)
| | - Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.A.); (A.L.G.); (S.A.Z.)
| | - Giordano Ventura
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Via Cardinal Massaia 7, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (G.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Matteo Gradassi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia-Romagna “Bruno Ubertini”, Via Cardinal Massaia 7, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (G.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.A.); (A.L.G.); (S.A.Z.)
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (C.A.); (A.L.G.); (S.A.Z.)
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Dámek F, Swart A, Waap H, Jokelainen P, Le Roux D, Deksne G, Deng H, Schares G, Lundén A, Álvarez-García G, Betson M, Davidson RK, Györke A, Antolová D, Hurníková Z, Wisselink HJ, Sroka J, van der Giessen JWB, Blaga R, Opsteegh M. Systematic Review and Modelling of Age-Dependent Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Livestock, Wildlife and Felids in Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010097. [PMID: 36678447 PMCID: PMC9865579 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of importance to both human and animal health. The parasite has various transmission routes, and the meat of infected animals appears to be a major source of human infections in Europe. We aimed to estimate T. gondii prevalence in a selection of animal host species. A systematic literature review resulting in 226 eligible publications was carried out, and serological data were analyzed using an age-dependent Bayesian hierarchical model to obtain estimates for the regional T. gondii seroprevalence in livestock, wildlife, and felids. Prevalence estimates varied between species, regions, indoor/outdoor rearing, and types of detection methods applied. The lowest estimated seroprevalence was observed for indoor-kept lagomorphs at 4.8% (95% CI: 1.8-7.5%) and the highest for outdoor-kept sheep at 63.3% (95% CI: 53.0-79.3%). Overall, T. gondii seroprevalence estimates were highest within Eastern Europe, whilst being lowest in Northern Europe. Prevalence data based on direct detection methods were scarce and were not modelled but rather directly summarized by species. The outcomes of the meta-analysis can be used to extrapolate data to areas with a lack of data and provide valuable inputs for future source attribution approaches aiming to estimate the relative contribution of different sources of T. gondii human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Dámek
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Arno Swart
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control—Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Helga Waap
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Delphine Le Roux
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR, LV-1076 Riga, Latvia
| | - Huifang Deng
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control—Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anna Lundén
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, 75189 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Martha Betson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Rebecca K. Davidson
- Food Safety and Animal Health, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, 9016 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Adriana Györke
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Hurníková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Henk J. Wisselink
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Jacek Sroka
- Department of Parasitology and Invasive Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Joke W. B. van der Giessen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control—Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Radu Blaga
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marieke Opsteegh
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control—Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-6-29651388
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Okada S, Shoshi Y, Takashima Y, Sanjoba C, Watari Y, Miyashita T. Role of landscape context in Toxoplasma gondii infection of invasive definitive and intermediate hosts on a World Heritage Island. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2022; 19:96-104. [PMID: 36105679 PMCID: PMC9465111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.08.010] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Free-ranging cats are invasive species threatening biodiversity worldwide. They may also impose an environmental risk to humans and livestock through the transmission of zoonotic diseases. We investigated antibody levels against Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging cats and black rats (definitive and representative intermediate hosts) by ELISA and determined their relationships with landscape environmental factors on Tokunoshima Island, Japan, the Natural World Heritage site. We found a higher seroprevalence (>70%) in both cats and black rats in landscapes where the cattle barn density was high. This was consistent with higher density of rats revealed in our trapping survey. The spatial scale of landscape factors affecting infection was broader in cats (1 km buffer radius) than in black rats (100 m buffer radius). Both cats and rats showed an increasing trend in optical density (OD) values with increasing body weight and landscape cattle barn density, suggesting that the antibody concentration increases as the chance of exposure to T. gondii in the environment increases. Thus, management actions to stop humans from feeding cats and to control rat populations without using cats are both necessary to reduce the human health risk as well as to conserve endangered species on the island. High seroprevalence of T. gondii was found in cats and black rats on an island. Seroprevalence was high (>70%) in landscapes where there were many cattle barns. Antibody level in cats was lower in forests and higher around residential areas. Spatial scale of environmental factors affecting infection was broader in cats.
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Papatsiros VG, Athanasiou LV, Kostoulas P, Giannakopoulos A, Tzika E, Billinis C. Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Swine: Implications for Public Health. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:823-840. [PMID: 34491108 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, due to Toxoplasma gondii, is a parasitic disease with global importance. Among livestock, chronic T. gondii infection has been reported in higher rates in pigs and small ruminants, but with subclinical infections in case commonly encountered in pigs. Seroprevalence in the global pig population ranges according to the age or species of pigs, geographical distribution, production programs, and systems. Generally, T. gondii infections are noticed in low prevalence rates in conventional pig farms with high hygiene standards. In contrast, higher prevalence is common on free-ranging farms, outdoor or backyard small pig fams, as well as in farmed or hunted wild boars. The T. gondii average worldwide seroprevalence in pigs is reported to be 13% in Europe, 21% in Africa, 25% in North America, 21% in Asia, and 23% in South America. Human toxoplasmosis outbreaks have been correlated with the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, especially from infected pigs or wild boars, as well as of contaminated drinking water. The risk of infection in processed pork products is lower compared with fresh pork, as meat processing can reduce or inactivate T. gondii tissue cysts. Hence, the prevalence of T. gondii in the pig population may be a useful indicator of the risk of human toxoplasmosis associated with the consumption of pork products. The lack of obligatory screening methods at farm level for the detection of antibodies in farmed animals or the viable T. gondii in carcasses at slaughterhouse level increases the risk of contaminated pork or meat products. For this reason, the application of biosecurity and surveillance programs at farm level is very important to prevent a T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios G Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Polychronis Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Epidemiology & Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Eleni Tzika
- Farm Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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8
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Quéméré E, Hessenauer P, Galan M, Fernandez M, Merlet J, Chaval Y, Morellet N, Verheyden H, Gilot-Fromont E, Charbonnel N. Pathogen-mediated selection favours the maintenance of innate immunity gene polymorphism in a widespread wild ungulate. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:1156-1166. [PMID: 34062025 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLR) play a central role in recognition and host frontline defence against a wide range of pathogens. A number of recent studies have shown that TLR genes (Tlrs) often exhibit large polymorphism in natural populations. Yet, there is little knowledge on how this polymorphism is maintained and how it influences disease susceptibility in the wild. In previous work, we showed that some Tlrs exhibit similarly high levels of genetic diversity as genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), and signatures of contemporary balancing selection in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), the most abundant cervid species in Europe. Here, we investigated the evolutionary mechanisms by which pathogen-mediated selection could shape this innate immunity genetic diversity by examining the relationships between Tlr (Tlr2, Tlr4 and Tlr5) genotypes (heterozygosity status and presence of specific alleles) and infections with Toxoplasma and Chlamydia, two widespread intracellular pathogens known to cause reproductive failure in ungulates. We showed that Toxoplasma and Chlamydia exposures vary significantly across years and landscape features with few co-infection events detected and that the two pathogens exert antagonistic selection on Tlr2 polymorphism. By contrast, we found limited support for Tlr heterozygote advantage. Our study confirmed the importance of looking beyond Mhc genes in wildlife immunogenetic studies. It also emphasized the necessity to consider multiple pathogen challenges and their spatiotemporal variation to improve our understanding of vertebrate defence evolution against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Quéméré
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, Castanet-Tolosan, France.,LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, Auzeville-Tolosane, France.,ESE, Ecology and Ecosystems Health, INRAE, Rennes, France
| | | | - Maxime Galan
- Département de Foresterie, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Fernandez
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, Castanet-Tolosan, France.,LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Joël Merlet
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, Castanet-Tolosan, France.,LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Yannick Chaval
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, Castanet-Tolosan, France.,LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Nicolas Morellet
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, Castanet-Tolosan, France.,LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Hélène Verheyden
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, Castanet-Tolosan, France.,LTSER ZA PYRénées GARonne, Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, UMR CNRS 5558, Villeurbanne, France.,Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Nathalie Charbonnel
- CBGP, INRAE, CIRAD, IRD, Institut Agro, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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9
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Barroso P, García-Bocanegra I, Acevedo P, Palencia P, Carro F, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Almería S, Dubey JP, Cano-Terriza D, Vicente J. Long-Term Determinants of the Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in a Wild Ungulate Community. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2349. [PMID: 33317081 PMCID: PMC7764155 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan which infects warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans, worldwide. In the present study, the epidemiology of T. gondii was studied in the wild ungulate host community (wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer) of Doñana National Park (DNP, south-western Spain) for 13 years (2005-2018). We assessed several variables which potentially operate in the medium and long-term (environmental features, population, and stochastic factors). Overall, the wild ungulate host community of DNP had high seroprevalence values of T. gondii (STG; % ± confidence interval (CI) 95%; wild boar (Sus scrofa) 39 ± 3.3, n = 698; red deer (Cervus elaphus) 30.7 ± 4.4, n = 423; fallow deer (Dama dama) 29.7 ± 4.2, n = 452). The complex interplay of hosts and ecological/epidemiological niches, together with the optimal climatic conditions for the survival of oocysts that converge in this area may favor the spread of the parasite in its host community. The temporal evolution of STG oscillated considerably, mostly in deer species. The relationships shown by statistical models indicated that several factors determined species patterns. Concomitance of effects among species, indicated that relevant drivers of risk operated at the community level. Our focus, addressing factors operating at broad temporal scale, allows showing their impacts on the epidemiology of T. gondii and its trends. This approach is key to understanding the epidemiology and ecology to T. gondii infection in wild host communities in a context where the decline in seroprevalence leads to loss of immunity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Barroso
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (I.G.-B.); (D.C.-T.)
| | - Pelayo Acevedo
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
| | - Pablo Palencia
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
| | | | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (I.G.-B.); (D.C.-T.)
| | - Sonia Almería
- Division of Virulence Assessment, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA), Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN), Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA;
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Building 1001, BARC-East, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA;
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (I.G.-B.); (D.C.-T.)
| | - Joaquín Vicente
- Grupo Sanidad y Biotecnología (SaBio), Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (P.P.); (S.J.-R.); (J.V.)
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos, UCLM, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
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10
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Sgroi G, Viscardi M, Santoro M, Borriello G, D'Alessio N, Boccia F, Pacifico L, Fioretti A, Veneziano V, Fusco G. Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in southern Italy: Epidemiological survey and associated risk for consumers. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:805-813. [PMID: 32885615 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite (phylum Apicomplexa), which causes a zoonotic parasitic disease, known as toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and genotypes of T. gondii in wild boars of southern Italy and thus to assess the risk of infection for consumers. The boars were inspected during the hunting season within the regional project 'Wild Boar Emergency Plan in Campania', and molecular analyses were performed on 338 boars analysing a total number of 884 matrices (263 brains, 310 hearts and 311 masseter muscles). Toxoplasma gondii was detected in 134 out of 338 boars (39.6%). No significant statistical difference between genders was found (χ2 = 0.15 p = .70). The prevalence was 47.1%, 39.3% and 39.2% in piglets, yearlings and adults, respectively (χ2 = 0.41; p = .81). The highest prevalence of T. gondii was found in masseter muscles (74/311, 23.8%), followed by the heart (70/310, 22.6%) and brain (58/263, 22.0%), respectively. Microsatellite (MS) analysis of 11 samples revealed eleven T. gondii genotypes (nine atypical, one belonging to type II one to type III). Most of the genotypes found were thus atypical and may be virulent in humans. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed the presence of three distinct clusters, with the majority of atypical genotypes in the GII-GIII cluster. The high prevalence of infection in masseters highlights the potential risk for public health, considering that this muscle is commonly used to prepare raw meat products ('guanciale' and sausages), which may be a source of T. gondii infection in humans. Wild boars may act as an interface role between wildlife, livestock and humans. Our data highlight the urgent need to minimize the risk of infection for animals and humans by setting up a surveillance programme and preventive strategies in a One Health approach to wildlife species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sgroi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viscardi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Borriello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alessio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy.,Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio Regionale, Regione Campania, Italy
| | - Federica Boccia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
| | - Laura Pacifico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fioretti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Veneziano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Osservatorio Faunistico Venatorio Regionale, Regione Campania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy
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11
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Dubey JP, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Murata FHA, Kwok OCH, Hill D, Yang Y, Su C. All about Toxoplasma gondii infections in pigs: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109185. [PMID: 33271424 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs continues to be of public health concern. Pigs are important for the economy of many countries, particularly, USA, China, and European countries. Among the many food animals, pigs are considered the most important for T. gondii transmission in USA and China because viable parasites have rarely been isolated from beef or indoor raised chickens. Besides public health issues, T. gondii causes outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in pigs in China, associated with a unique genotype of T. gondii (ToxoDB genotype #9 or Chinese 1), rarely found in other countries. The safety of ready to eat pork products with respect to T. gondii infection is a matter of recent debate. Here, we review in detail seroprevalence, prevalence of viable and nonviable T. gondii, epidemiology, risk assessment, diagnosis, and curing of pork products containing T. gondii for the past decade. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - Camila K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Fernando H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Oliver C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Dolores Hill
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Yurong Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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12
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13
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Bier NS, Stollberg K, Mayer‐Scholl A, Johne A, Nöckler K, Richter M. Seroprevalence of
Toxoplasma gondii
in wild boar and deer in Brandenburg, Germany. Zoonoses Public Health 2020; 67:601-606. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Seyhan Bier
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Kaya Stollberg
- Department for Safety in the Food Chain German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Anne Mayer‐Scholl
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Annette Johne
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Karsten Nöckler
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
| | - Martin Richter
- Department for Biological Safety German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) Berlin Germany
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14
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Machado FP, Kmetiuk LB, Teider-Junior PI, Pellizzaro M, Yamakawa AC, Martins CM, Bach RVW, Morikawa VM, de Barros-Filho IR, Langoni H, dos Santos AP, Biondo AW. Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild boars (Sus scrofa), hunting dogs, and hunters of Brazil. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223474. [PMID: 31603911 PMCID: PMC6788692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii has been extensively studied in wild boars worldwide due to the emerging risk for human infection through meat consumption. However, this is the first study that reports toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in wild boars, wild boar hunters and their hunting dogs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the complex wild boars, hunting dogs and hunters, and to determine the risk factors associated with seropositivity in southern and central-western Brazil. Overall, anti-T. gondii seropositivity was observed in 15/71 (21.1%) wild boars by modified agglutination test (MAT); and 49/157 (31.2%) hunting dogs and 15/49 (32.7%) hunters by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Brazilian wild boars was within the national and international range, posting wild boars as potential environmental sentinels for T. gondii presence. In addition, the findings have comparatively shown that wild boars have been less exposed to infection than hunting dogs or hunters in both Brazilian regions. Seropositivity for T. gondii was statistically higher in 12/14 (85.7%) captured wild boars when compared to 5/57 (7.0%) free-range wild boars (p = 0.000001). Similarly, captured wild boars from anthropized areas were more likely to be seropositive than of natural regions (p = 0.000255). When in multiple regression model, dogs with the habit of wild boar hunting had significant more chance to be positive (adjusted-OR 4.62 CI 95% 1.16–18.42). Despite potential as sentinels of environmental toxoplasmosis, seroprevalence in wild boars alone may provide a biased basis for public health concerns; thus, hunters and hunting dogs should be always be included in such studies. Although hunters should be aware of potential T. gondii infection, wild boars from natural and agricultural areas may present lower protozoa load when compared to wild boars from anthropized areas, likely by the higher presence of domestic cats as definitive hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Pistori Machado
- Graduate College of Veterinary Science, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Graduate College of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Maysa Pellizzaro
- Public Health Institute (PHI), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Yamakawa
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Marinelli Martins
- Department of Nursing and Public Health, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Renato van Wilpe Bach
- Department of Medicine, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Hélio Langoni
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea Pires dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Graduate College of Veterinary Science, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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15
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TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN ARCTIC FOXES (VULPES LAGOPUS): A LONG-TERM MARK-RECAPTURE SEROLOGIC STUDY AT KARRAK LAKE, NUNAVUT, CANADA. J Wildl Dis 2019; 55:619-626. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-06-144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Laforet CK, Deksne G, Petersen HH, Jokelainen P, Johansen MV, Lassen B. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in extensively farmed wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Denmark. Acta Vet Scand 2019; 61:4. [PMID: 30646932 PMCID: PMC6332525 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-019-0440-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of worldwide importance. In this study, we estimated T. gondii seroprevalence in extensively farmed wild boars in Denmark, where little is known about T. gondii in animal hosts. Our study focused on wild boars because they are considered good indicator species for the presence of T. gondii, and wild boar meat is used for human consumption. Serum samples from 101 wild boars collected in 2016-2018 from five different locations from the continental part of Denmark, Jutland, were screened for anti-T. gondii antibodies. The samples were analysed using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Samples from 28 (27.7%) of the 101 wild boars tested positive with the ELISA. The odds for a wild boar to test seropositive were higher if it was sampled during the hunting season 2017-2018 than during 2016-2017 and if it was reported to be at least 1 year old than if it was younger (logistic regression model with the two variables: odds ratios 17.5 and 3.9, respectively). A substantial proportion of the investigated extensively farmed wild boars had been exposed to T. gondii. Moreover, the parasite appeared widespread, at least in the continental part of Denmark, Jutland, as seropositive wild boars were found from all five sampled locations. Assuming seropositivity indicates hosting viable parasites, consumption of undercooked wild boar meat from Denmark is a potential source of T. gondii infections to other hosts, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Kaae Laforet
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 15, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Gunita Deksne
- Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment, “BIOR”, Lejupes Str. 3, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Jelgavas Str. 1, Riga, Latvia
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Section for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maria Vang Johansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 15, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Brian Lassen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 15, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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17
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Gamble A, Ramos R, Parra-Torres Y, Mercier A, Galal L, Pearce-Duvet J, Villena I, Montalvo T, González-Solís J, Hammouda A, Oro D, Selmi S, Boulinier T. Exposure of yellow-legged gulls to Toxoplasma gondii along the Western Mediterranean coasts: Tales from a sentinel. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE 2019; 8:221-228. [PMID: 30891402 PMCID: PMC6404646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Efficiently tracking and anticipating the dynamics of infectious agents in wild populations requires the gathering of large numbers of samples, if possible at several locations and points in time, which can be a challenge for some species. Testing for the presence of specific maternal antibodies in egg yolks sampled on the colonies could represent an efficient way to quantify the exposure of breeding females to infectious agents, particularly when using an abundant and widespread species, such as the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis). We used such an approach to explore spatio-temporal patterns of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, a pathogenic protozoan responsible of toxoplasmosis in humans and other warm-blooded vertebrates. First, we tested the validity of this approach by exploring the repeatability of the detection of specific antibodies at the egg level using two different immunoassays and at the clutch level using an occupancy model. Then, samples gathered in 15 colonies from France, Spain and Tunisia were analysed using an immunoassay detecting antibodies specifically directed against T. gondii. Prevalence of specific antibodies in eggs was overall high while varying significantly among colonies. These results revealed that T. gondii circulated at a large spatial scale in the western Mediterranean yellow-legged gull population, highlighting its potential role in the maintenance community of this parasite. Additionally, this study illustrates how species commensal to human populations like large gulls can be used as wildlife sentinels for the tracking of infectious agents at the human-wildlife interface, notably by sampling eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Gamble
- CEFE, CNRS, University of Montpellier, EPHE, University Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Raül Ramos
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yaiza Parra-Torres
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges 87025, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042 Limoges, France
| | - Lokman Galal
- INSERM UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges 87025, France
| | - Jessica Pearce-Duvet
- CEFE, CNRS, University of Montpellier, EPHE, University Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Mycologie, EA 3800, UFR Médecine, SFR CAP-SANTÉ, Reims, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Hôpital Maison Blanche, CHU Reims, Reims, France
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- Servei de Vigilància i Control de Plagues Urbanes, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiologia y salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jacob González-Solís
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Abdessalem Hammouda
- UR "Ecologie de la Faune Terrestre" (UR17ES44), Faculté des Sciences de Gabès, Université de Gabès, Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Daniel Oro
- IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB, Esporles, Spain.,CEAB, CSIC, Blanes, Spain
| | - Slaheddine Selmi
- UR "Ecologie de la Faune Terrestre" (UR17ES44), Faculté des Sciences de Gabès, Université de Gabès, Gabès, Tunisia
| | - Thierry Boulinier
- CEFE, CNRS, University of Montpellier, EPHE, University Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, IRD, Montpellier, France
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18
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Pittiglio C, Khomenko S, Beltran-Alcrudo D. Wild boar mapping using population-density statistics: From polygons to high resolution raster maps. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193295. [PMID: 29768413 PMCID: PMC5955487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The wild boar is an important crop raider as well as a reservoir and agent of spread of swine diseases. Due to increasing densities and expanding ranges worldwide, the related economic losses in livestock and agricultural sectors are significant and on the rise. Its management and control would strongly benefit from accurate and detailed spatial information on species distribution and abundance, which are often available only for small areas. Data are commonly available at aggregated administrative units with little or no information about the distribution of the species within the unit. In this paper, a four-step geostatistical downscaling approach is presented and used to disaggregate wild boar population density statistics from administrative units of different shape and size (polygons) to 5 km resolution raster maps by incorporating auxiliary fine scale environmental variables. 1) First a stratification method was used to define homogeneous bioclimatic regions for the analysis; 2) Under a geostatistical framework, the wild boar densities at administrative units, i.e. subnational areas, were decomposed into trend and residual components for each bioclimatic region. Quantitative relationships between wild boar data and environmental variables were estimated through multiple regression and used to derive trend components at 5 km spatial resolution. Next, the residual components (i.e., the differences between the trend components and the original wild boar data at administrative units) were downscaled at 5 km resolution using area-to-point kriging. The trend and residual components obtained at 5 km resolution were finally added to generate fine scale wild boar estimates for each bioclimatic region. 3) These maps were then mosaicked to produce a final output map of predicted wild boar densities across most of Eurasia. 4) Model accuracy was assessed at each different step using input as well as independent data. We discuss advantages and limits of the method and its potential application in animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pittiglio
- Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergei Khomenko
- Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Beltran-Alcrudo
- Animal Production and Health Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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19
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Gazzonis AL, Villa L, Riehn K, Hamedy A, Minazzi S, Olivieri E, Zanzani SA, Manfredi MT. Occurrence of selected zoonotic food-borne parasites and first molecular identification of Alaria alata in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Italy. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2207-2215. [PMID: 29748713 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5908-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Wild boar is a source of human infections with zoonotic pathogens, including food-borne parasites. With the aim of a characterization of the human exposure risk, a survey on wild boars intended for human consumption was planned, selecting three pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii, Alaria alata, and Trichinella spp., as markers of meat infection. Diaphragm muscle samples from 100 wild boars hunted in Piedmont region (Northern Italy) in two hunting seasons (2015-2016) were collected. Concerning T. gondii, a combined approach of antibody detection and molecular techniques with genotyping was performed. For the detection of A. alata and Trichinella spp., the larva migration technique and the magnetic stirrer method were employed, respectively; in addition, molecular confirmation of the morphological identification of the recovered specimen was performed. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in meat juice samples (43.3%) and T. gondii DNA (type II) was detected in three animals (7.1%) out of 42 seropositive examined. In none of the sampled wild boars (0%), Trichinella spp. larvae were found, whereas one animal (1%) scored positive to A. alata mesocercariae. The molecular diagnosis proved the morphological identification of the trematode. This is the first finding of A. alata in Italian wild boar population. The present study confirmed the role of wild boars as a source of parasitic zoonotic diseases and thus the risk derived for humans posed by the consumption of game meat. Considering the zoonotic implications, the results underline the importance of monitoring and surveillance of zoonotic parasites in Italian wild boar populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Villa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Katharina Riehn
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ahmad Hamedy
- Institute of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefano Minazzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Olivieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Aurelio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Manfredi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Maternal immunity plays a pivotal role in swine health and production because piglets are born agammaglobulinemic and with limited cell-mediated immunity, i.e. few peripheral lymphoid cells, immature lymphoid tissues, and no effector and memory T-lymphocytes. Swine do not become fully immunologically competent until about 4 weeks of age, which means that their compromised ability to respond to infectious agents during the first month of life must be supplemented by maternal immune components: (1) circulating antibodies derived from colostrum; (2) mucosal antibodies from colostrum and milk; and (3) immune cells provided in mammary secretions. Because maternal immunity is highly effective at protecting piglets against specific pathogens, strengthening sow herd immunity against certain diseases through exposure or vaccination is a useful management tool for ameliorating clinical effects in piglets and delaying infection until the piglets' immune system is better prepared to respond. In this review, we discuss the anatomy and physiology of lactation, the immune functions of components provided to neonatal swine in mammary secretion, the importance of maternal immunity in the prevention and control of significant pathogens.
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21
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de Barros JLVM, Barbosa IG, Salem H, Rocha NP, Kummer A, Okusaga OO, Soares JC, Teixeira AL. Is there any association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and bipolar disorder? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2017; 209:59-65. [PMID: 27889597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between Toxoplasma gondii infection and the development of bipolar disorder (BD) has long been investigated, yet to date it is still poorly understood and documented. The aim of this review is to derive a summary estimate of the strength of the association between infection with T. gondii and BD from the available published studies. METHODS A systematic review was performed using PubMed, LILACS, PsycINFO, and Embase databases. Studies which included a proportion of seropositive BD patients and controls were further examined in a meta-analysis. RESULTS One hundred eighteen citations were initially retrieved. Thirteen studies were included in our systematic review. Eight out of these thirteen studies were included in our meta-analysis. Statistical analyses showed that T. gondii infection is associated with with BD (OR=1.26). LIMITATIONS Small sample size was the major limitation among the studies that carried out serological analyses. In addition, the available studies did not have enough information on disease status/severity or type of bipolar disorder. Also, it was not possible to analyze pregnancy status or perinatal infection. Future studies addressing the aforementioned topics are clearly needed. CONCLUSIONS Despite heterogeneous results, patients with BD are more likely to be infected by T. gondii than controls. Early T. gondii infection might predispose the development of BD. T.gondii infection is becoming clinically relevant in psychiatric disorders and future mechanistic studies are required to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Luís Vieira Monteiro de Barros
- Biology Department, The College of Idaho, Caldwell, Idaho, USA; Neuroscience Division, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Izabela Guimarães Barbosa
- Neuroscience Division, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Haitham Salem
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Natalia Pessoa Rocha
- Neuroscience Division, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arthur Kummer
- Neuroscience Division, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Olaoluwa O Okusaga
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jair C Soares
- Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Antonio Lucio Teixeira
- Neuroscience Division, Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA; Harris County Psychiatric Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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22
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Roqueplo C, Blaga R, Jean-Lou M, Vallee I, Davoust B. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in hunted wild boars (Sus scrofa) from southeastern France. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2017; 64. [PMID: 28148907 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2017.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908) is an obligate intracellular, parasitic protozoan within the phylum Apicomplexa that causes toxoplasmosis in mammalian hosts (including humans) and birds. Since meat of wild boar, Sus scrofa (Linnaeus), has been demonstrated to be a potential source of human infection, a careful evaluation of the prevalence of infection with T. gondii in hunted animals is needed to protect public health. In the Var area in southeastern France, we performed a spatio-temporal survey in order to investigate the prevalence of IgG antibodies in wild boars shot by hunters in the Canjuers military camp during two subsequent hunting seasons. Of 841 wild boars screened, antibodies (IgG) to T. gondii (modified agglutination test, cut-off 1 : 6) were found in 141 (16.8%) muscle extract samples. A significant association (p < 0.001) was found between positivity and age, but not gender, and hunting districts. The results obtained indicate that consumption of raw or undercooked meat from wild boars carries an important risk of infection with T. gondii. Wild boars may be considered as a bioindicator of parasite circulation in this ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Roqueplo
- French Forces Medical Service Working Group on Animal Epidemiology, Toulon, France
| | - Radu Blaga
- Animal Health Laboratory, Universite Paris-Est, Anses, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marie Jean-Lou
- French Forces Medical Service Working Group on Animal Epidemiology, Toulon, France.,Research Unit of Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IHU Mediterranee Infection, Aix-Marseille Universite, Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Vallee
- Animal Health Laboratory, Universite Paris-Est, Anses, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bernard Davoust
- French Forces Medical Service Working Group on Animal Epidemiology, Toulon, France.,Research Unit of Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IHU Mediterranee Infection, Aix-Marseille Universite, Marseille, France
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23
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Slany M, Reslova N, Babak V, Lorencova A. Molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in pork meat from different production systems in the Czech Republic. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 238:252-255. [PMID: 27693960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a major public health issue, due to the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, mainly in pork. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of T. gondii in pigs and wild boars bred in different production systems in the Czech Republic using ELISA and qPCR methods. Our results show that T. gondii infection is widespread in pigs and wild boars bred and slaughtered in the Czech Republic and that there is a higher exposure to T. gondii in backyard slaughter operations and organic pig farming, indicating a potential risk for meat consumption. Additionally, genotyping of amplified loci for Type II suggests the presence of one clonal genotype circulating in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Slany
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Food Safety and Feed, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Nikol Reslova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Food Safety and Feed, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Babak
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Food Safety and Feed, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Lorencova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Department of Food Safety and Feed, Hudcova 70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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24
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Djokic V, Fablet C, Blaga R, Rose N, Perret C, Djurkovic-Djakovic O, Boireau P, Durand B. Factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in confined farrow-to-finish pig herds in western France: an exploratory study in 60 herds. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:466. [PMID: 27558270 PMCID: PMC4997743 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection by Toxoplasma gondii postnatally can occur after ingestion of contaminated meat or water (tissue cysts/oocysts). In Europe, percentage of meat borne infections is estimated between 30 and 63 %, out of which pork makes the most important source. The aim of this study was to (i) investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in intensive pig farms from western France; and (ii) identify the risk factors associated with seropositivity. METHODS Data were collected between November 2006 and February 2008 in 60 intensive farrow-to-finish farms, where sera were taken from 3595 fattening pigs, weaned and suckling piglets. Information about three classes of potential seropositivity risk factors were obtained through a questionnaire concerning: (i) breeding characteristics; (ii) farm management; and (iii) husbandry and hygiene. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used for detection of specific anti T. gondii antibodies in pig sera, starting from 1/6 dilution. RESULTS The overall proportion of seropositive animals was 6.9 %, but the proportion of herds with at least one positive pig was 100 %. Multivariate logistic mixed model showed an increased seropositivity risk in weaned compared to suckling piglets, and a decreasing risk for mid-sized and large farms. The presence of a Danish entry facility, that clearly separates clean and dirty areas, had a protective effect on T. gondii seropositivity as well. CONCLUSIONS The observed proportion of herds with at least one T. gondii seropositive animal provides further evidence that even in confined conditions of pig breeding, infection occurs, and is common. The highest risk for acquiring T. gondii is at the end of weaning period. Smaller confined pig farms demonstrate higher T. gondii seropositivity levels. This study also showed that Danish entry on farm buildings provides effective protection against T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Djokic
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.,Institute for Medical Research, National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, Belgrade, 11129, Serbia
| | - C Fablet
- ANSES, Unité Epidémiologie et Bien-Etre du Porc, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané, Ploufragan, France
| | - R Blaga
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - N Rose
- ANSES, Unité Epidémiologie et Bien-Etre du Porc, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Laboratoire de Ploufragan-Plouzané, Ploufragan, France
| | - C Perret
- ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - O Djurkovic-Djakovic
- Institute for Medical Research, National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotića 4, P.O. Box 102, Belgrade, 11129, Serbia
| | - P Boireau
- ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRA, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - B Durand
- ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de santé animale de Maisons-Alfort, Epidemiology unit, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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25
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Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Besnoitia besnoiti in a wildlife conservation area in southern Portugal. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2016; 3-4:7-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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26
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Calero-Bernal R, Pérez-Martín JE, Reina D, Serrano FJ, Frontera E, Fuentes I, Dubey JP. Detection of Zoonotic Protozoa Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis suihominis in Wild Boars from Spain. Zoonoses Public Health 2015; 63:346-50. [PMID: 26604045 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Food safety regulations require the control of the presence of protozoa in meats destined for human consumption. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat may constitute a source of zoonoses. A 23.8% (688/2881) seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and 72.2% (662/910) Sarcocystis sarcocysts prevalence were detected among wild boars hunted in Southwestern areas of Spain. Identity of Sarcocystis spp. was performed by RFLP-PCR and sequencing, detecting S. miescheriana (7/8) and the zoonotic S. suihominis (1/8). Risk assessment studies of these coccidian in meats destined to human consumption are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Calero-Bernal
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - J E Pérez-Martín
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - D Reina
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - F J Serrano
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - E Frontera
- Area of Parasitology, Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - I Fuentes
- Parasitology Service, Microbiology National Centre, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
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27
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Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Alpine Red Deer (Cervus elaphus): Its Spread and Effects on Fertility [corrected]. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138472. [PMID: 26405785 PMCID: PMC4583299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the depth of knowledge on the pathological effects of parasitism in domestic animals, the impact of the vast majority of parasites on wildlife hosts is poorly understood and, besides, information from domestics is rarely usable to disclose the parasites' impact on free-ranging populations' dynamics. Here we use Toxoplasmosis as a study model since, until now, the infection process and the protozoan's effects in natural conditions has received little attention. We analysed 81 sera from red deer (Cervus elaphus) sampled in Italian Alps and through generalized linear models we evaluated (1) the epidemiological factors influencing T. gondii infection dynamics; (2) its impact on female fertility [corrected]. High seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was recorded in yearling (1 year-old; prevalence = 52.4%) and adult (>2 year-old; prevalence = 51.3%) red deer, while calves (<1 year-old) did not contract the infection suggesting horizontal transmission as the main route of infection. The stable prevalence between yearlings and adults and the higher serological titres of younger individuals lead to two alternative infection processes suggesting a difference between age classes or in acquiring the infection or in responding to the pathogen. No associations between T. gondii serological titres and pregnancy status was observed indicating no direct effect on the probability of being pregnant; nevertheless a relation between females' higher serological titres and lower foetal development emerged, suggesting potential effects of the parasite infection on deer reproduction. The results demonstrate high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in free-ranging red deer and, furthermore, the effect on foetal development suggests the potential impact of the parasite on red deer fertility and thus on its population dynamics.
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28
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Jokelainen P, Velström K, Lassen B. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging wild boars hunted for human consumption in Estonia. Acta Vet Scand 2015; 57:42. [PMID: 26239110 PMCID: PMC4524169 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-015-0133-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the prevalence of human Toxoplasma gondii infections is high in Estonia, no information is available on the prevalence of infections in the local animal populations. Wild boars are a good indicator species for estimating the prevalence and spread of T. gondii and were thus investigated in this nationwide cross-sectional study. Volunteer hunters sampled cardiac or skeletal muscle of 471 wild boars legally hunted for human consumption in Estonia during the hunting season of 2012-2013. Serosanguineous meat juice samples were obtained from thawed tissue samples, diluted 1:40, and screened for specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies with a commercial direct agglutination test. RESULTS Almost one-quarter (113; 24%) of the wild boars examined were seropositive for T. gondii. The seroprevalence did not differ significantly between age groups or sexes. The seroprevalence was lowest in Viljandimaa, which is located in the southern part of Estonia. In other counties, the infection was evenly prevalent. CONCLUSIONS In Estonia, wild boars are commonly exposed to T. gondii, which is endemic and widespread. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat of Estonian wild boars may pose an infection risk to humans and other hosts.
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29
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Witkowski L, Czopowicz M, Nagy DA, Potarniche AV, Aoanei MA, Imomov N, Mickiewicz M, Welz M, Szaluś-Jordanow O, Kaba J. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boars, red deer and roe deer in Poland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:17. [PMID: 25993468 PMCID: PMC4439000 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2015017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild life, particularly game animals in Poland. Meat juice collected during the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 hunting seasons from 552 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 367 wild boars (Sus scrofa) and 92 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) was tested for T. gondii antibodies using the multi-species ID Screen Toxoplasmosis Indirect kit (IDvet, Montpellier, France). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 24.1% of red deer (95% CI: 20.7%, 27.8%), 37.6% of wild boar (95% CI: 32.8%, 42.7%) and 30.4% of roe deer (95% CI: 22.0%, 40.5%). To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first epidemiological report of T. gondii prevalence in red deer, roe deer and wild boars in Poland. T. gondii is present in wildlife animal tissues and consumption of the game may be a potential source of infection for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucjan Witkowski
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Czopowicz
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dan Alexandru Nagy
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adrian Valentin Potarniche
- ERASMUS Student from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Adriana Aoanei
- ERASMUS Student from Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nuriddin Imomov
- Veterinary, Zootechnics and Lambling Faculty, Samarkand Agriculture University, Uzbekistan
| | - Marcin Mickiewicz
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mirosław Welz
- Voivodeship Veterinary Inspectorate in Krosno, Poland
| | - Olga Szaluś-Jordanow
- Division of Small Animal Infectious Diseases, Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Poland
| | - Jarosław Kaba
- Laboratory of Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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30
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Ruiz-Fons F. A Review of the Current Status of Relevant Zoonotic Pathogens in Wild Swine (Sus scrofa) Populations: Changes Modulating the Risk of Transmission to Humans. Transbound Emerg Dis 2015; 64:68-88. [PMID: 25953392 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many wild swine populations in different parts of the World have experienced an unprecedented demographic explosion that may result in increased exposure of humans to wild swine zoonotic pathogens. Interactions between humans and wild swine leading to pathogen transmission could come from different ways, being hunters and game professionals the most exposed to acquiring infections from wild swine. However, increasing human settlements in semi-natural areas, outdoor activities, socio-economic changes and food habits may increase the rate of exposure to wild swine zoonotic pathogens and to potentially emerging pathogens from wild swine. Frequent and increasing contact rate between humans and wild swine points to an increasing chance of zoonotic pathogens arising from wild swine to be transmitted to humans. Whether this frequent contact could lead to new zoonotic pathogens emerging from wild swine to cause human epidemics or emerging disease outbreaks is difficult to predict, and assessment should be based on thorough epidemiologic surveillance. Additionally, several gaps in knowledge on wild swine global population dynamics trends and wild swine-zoonotic pathogen interactions should be addressed to correctly assess the potential role of wild swine in the emergence of diseases in humans. In this work, viruses such as hepatitis E virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Influenza virus and Nipah virus, and bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp. and Leptospira spp. have been identified as the most prone to be transmitted from wild swine to humans on the basis of geographic spread in wild swine populations worldwide, pathogen circulation rates in wild swine populations, wild swine population trends in endemic areas, susceptibility of humans to infection, transmissibility from wild swine to humans and existing evidence of wild swine-human transmission events.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ruiz-Fons
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Spanish Wildlife Research Institute (IREC; CSIC-UCLM-JCCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
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31
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Burrells A, Benavides J, Cantón G, Garcia JL, Bartley PM, Nath M, Thomson J, Chianini F, Innes EA, Katzer F. Vaccination of pigs with the S48 strain of Toxoplasma gondii--safer meat for human consumption. Vet Res 2015; 46:47. [PMID: 25928856 PMCID: PMC4415212 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-015-0177-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
As clinical toxoplasmosis is not considered a problem in pigs, the main reason to implement a control strategy against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in this species is to reduce the establishment of T. gondii tissue cysts in pork, consequently reducing the risk of the parasite entering the human food chain. Consumption of T. gondii tissue cysts from raw or undercooked meat is one of the main sources of human infection, with infected pork being considered a high risk. This study incorporates a mouse bioassay with molecular detection of T. gondii DNA to study the effectiveness of vaccination (incomplete S48 strain) in its ability to reduce tissue cyst burden in pigs, following oocyst (M4 strain) challenge. Results from the mouse bioassay show that 100% of mice which had received porcine tissues from vaccinated and challenged pigs survived compared with 51.1% of mice which received tissues from non-vaccinated and challenged pigs. The presence (or absence) of T. gondii DNA from individual mouse brains also confirmed these results. This indicates a reduction in viable T. gondii tissue cysts within tissues from pigs which have been previously vaccinated with the S48 strain. In addition, the study demonstrated that the main predilection sites for the parasite were found to be brain and highly vascular muscles (such as tongue, diaphragm, heart and masseter) of pigs, while meat cuts used as human food such as chop, loin, left tricep and left semitendinosus, had a lower burden of T. gondii tissue cysts. These promising results highlight the potential of S48 strain tachyzoites for reducing the number of T. gondii tissues cysts in pork and thus improving food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Burrells
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, , Scotland, UK.
| | - Julio Benavides
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, , Scotland, UK. .,Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), León, Spain.
| | - German Cantón
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, , Scotland, UK. .,Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INATA), EEA Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - João L Garcia
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, , Scotland, UK. .,Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil.
| | - Paul M Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, , Scotland, UK.
| | - Mintu Nath
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JZ, , Scotland, UK.
| | - Jackie Thomson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, , Scotland, UK.
| | - Francesca Chianini
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, , Scotland, UK.
| | - Elisabeth A Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, , Scotland, UK.
| | - Frank Katzer
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, , Scotland, UK.
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Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Sweden and evaluation of ELISA test performance. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 143:1913-21. [PMID: 25373497 PMCID: PMC4456771 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814002891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite, infecting a wide range of warm-blooded animals. The Swedish wild boar population is expanding and increased hunting provides its meat to a growing group of consumers. We performed a spatio-temporal investigation of T. gondii seroprevalence in Swedish wild boars. An ELISA was set up and evaluated against a commercial direct agglutination test, using Bayesian latent class analysis. The ELISA sensitivity and specificity were estimated to 79% and 85%, respectively. Of 1327 serum samples, 50% were positive. Thirty-four per cent of young wild boars and 55% of adults were positive (P < 0·001). The total seroprevalence ranged from 72% in 2005 to 38% in 2011 (P < 0·001), suggesting a declining trend. The highest seroprevalence, 65%, was recorded in South Sweden. In other regions it varied from 29% in Stockholm to 46% in East Middle Sweden.
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Schlüter D, Däubener W, Schares G, Groß U, Pleyer U, Lüder C. Animals are key to human toxoplasmosis. Int J Med Microbiol 2014; 304:917-29. [PMID: 25240467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an extremely sucessfull protozoal parasite which infects almost all mamalian species including humans. Approximately 30% of the human population worldwide is chronically infected with T. gondii. In general, human infection is asymptomatic but the parasite may induce severe disease in fetuses and immunocompromised patients. In addition, T. gondii may cause sight-threatening posterior uveitis in immunocompetent patients. Apart from few exceptions, humans acquire T. gondii from animals. Both, the oral uptake of T. gondii oocysts released by specific hosts, i.e. felidae, and of cysts persisting in muscle cells of animals result in human toxoplasmosis. In the present review, we discuss recent new data on the cell biology of T. gondii and parasite diversity in animals. In addition, we focus on the impact of these various parasite strains and their different virulence on the clinical outcome of human congenital toxoplasmosis and T. gondii uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Schlüter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany; Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Walter Däubener
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gereon Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Uwe Groß
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uwe Pleyer
- Eye Clinic, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
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Hill DE, Dubey JP, Baroch JA, Swafford SR, Fournet VF, Hawkins-Cooper D, Pyburn DG, Schmit BS, Gamble HR, Pedersen K, Ferreira LR, Verma SK, Ying Y, Kwok OCH, Feidas H, Theodoropoulos G. Surveillance of feral swine for Trichinella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in the USA and host-related factors associated with infection. Vet Parasitol 2014; 205:653-65. [PMID: 25182211 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Trichinella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are important zoonotic parasites that infect warm blooded animals and humans worldwide. Among domesticated food animals, pigs are the main host for Trichinella spiralis. Pigs, chickens, sheep, and goats are known to be infected with T. gondii at varying rates, depending on husbandry. Infections in wildlife with these parasites are generally higher than in domesticated species. Feral swine act as reservoirs of infection in the sylvatic ecosystem for Trichinella spp. and T. gondii, acting as sources of infection for peridomestic carnivores whose home ranges overlap with domestic pigs. Feral swine can have direct contact with non-biosecure domestic pigs, presenting opportunity for direct disease transmission through cannibalistic behavior. Determination of the prevalence of Trichinella spp. and T. gondii infection in feral swine is needed to understand the risk of transmission of these parasites to domestic pigs. A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted between 2006 and 2010 to estimate the antibody prevalence of Trichinella spp. and T. gondii and risk factors associated with infection in feral swine in the USA. Serum samples were tested from 3247 feral pigs from 32 states; results are reported from 26 states. Maximum entropy ecological niche modeling and spatial scan statistic were utilized to predict the geographic range and to examine clusters of infection of Trichinella spp. and T. gondii in feral pigs. The seroprevalence of antibodies to Trichinella spp. and T. gondii was 3.0% and 17.7%, respectively. Species distribution modeling indicated that the most probable distribution areas for both parasites was similar, concentrated primarily in the South and the Midwest regions of the USA. A follow up survey conducted during 2012-2013 revealed that 2.9% of 984 sampled feral swine were seropositive for Trichinella spp., and 28.4% were seropositive for T. gondii. Three hundred and thirty (330) tongues were collected from the 984 sampled animals during 2012-2013; 1.81% were tissue positive for T. spiralis muscle larvae; no other genotypes were found. The potential exists for introduction of these pathogens into domestic herds of non-biosecure domestic pigs as a result of increasing overlap of the range of feral pigs with non-biosecure domestic pigs production facilities in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Hill
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA.
| | - J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - J A Baroch
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 4101 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - S R Swafford
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 595 Yazoo Refuge Road, MS 38748-9729, USA
| | - V F Fournet
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - D Hawkins-Cooper
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - D G Pyburn
- National Pork Board, 1776 NW 114th St., Clive, IA 50325, USA
| | - B S Schmit
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 4101 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - H R Gamble
- National Academy of Sciences, 500 5th Street N.W., Washington, D.C., 20001, USA
| | - K Pedersen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, 4101 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - L R Ferreira
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - S K Verma
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, 20705-2350, USA
| | - Y Ying
- 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
| | - H Feidas
- Department of Meteorology and Climatology, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - G Theodoropoulos
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Votanikos, Athens 11855, Greece
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Coelho C, Vieira-Pinto M, Faria AS, Vale-Gonçalves H, Veloso O, Paiva-Cardoso MDN, Mesquita JR, Lopes AP. Serological evidence of Toxoplasma gondii in hunted wild boar from Portugal. Vet Parasitol 2014; 202:310-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Dickerson F, Stallings C, Origoni A, Vaughan C, Katsafanas E, Khushalani S, Yolken R. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in individuals with mania. Bipolar Disord 2014; 16:129-36. [PMID: 24102676 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increased rates of infection with Toxoplasma gondii have been found in individuals with schizophrenia as compared to control groups but this issue has not been studied in mania. METHODS We measured immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM class antibodies to T. gondii in 57 individuals with mania who were assessed at up to three time-points. We also measured these antibodies in 743 individuals in other psychiatric groups and in 314 non-psychiatric controls. T. gondii antibody levels were compared among groups by multivariate analyses. IgG class and IgM class antibodies to cytomegalovirus were also measured in the same samples. T. gondii antibody levels were also compared over time in the mania group. RESULTS The mania group had a significantly elevated level of IgM antibodies to T. gondii as compared to the control individuals without a psychiatric diagnosis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.33, p < 0.04 at hospital admission; and OR = 2.32, p < 0.02 at study entry during the hospital stay]. Elevated IgM class antibodies to T. gondii were not found in individuals with the other psychiatric diagnoses. We also did not find an increased level of IgG class antibodies to T. gondii or IgG or IgM class antibodies to CMV in the individuals with mania. Within the mania group, there was a significant difference between the prevalences of increased levels of T. gondii IgM at the baseline and the follow-up time-point (t = 2.97, p < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Infection with T. gondii may confer risk for mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Dickerson
- Stanley Research Program, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
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37
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Ranucci D, Veronesi F, Moretti A, Branciari R, Miraglia D, Manfredi MT, Piergili Fioretti D. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boars (Sus scrofa) from Central Italy. Parasite 2013; 20:48. [PMID: 24280567 PMCID: PMC3841837 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2013048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild and farmed game meat consumption has been highlighted as an emerging risk factor for Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans. In Central Italy wild boar is widely distributed and is also one of the most popular game species. The main goal of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies through a serological survey conducted on 400 hunted wild boars (250 males and 150 females) during three subsequent hunting seasons (2009-2011), using an Immunofluorescence Antibody Assay. The animals were sorted by age, determined on the evaluation of the dental table; 101 were <1 year old, 175 from 1 to 3 years, and 124 > 3 years. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 56 (14%) serum samples with titers ranging from 40 to ≥160; a significant association (p < 0.05) was found between seropositivity and age, but not gender, hunting districts, or year of sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ranucci
- Department of Biopathological Science and Hygiene of Animal Production and Food, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
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Cardia DFF, Camossi LG, Neto LDS, Langoni H, Bresciani KDS. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. infection in cats from Brazil. Vet Parasitol 2013; 197:634-7. [PMID: 23932640 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A total of 386 feline blood samples from Brazil were collected and analyzed by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. antibodies. Specific antitoxoplasma IgG were found in 63 of 386 (16.3%) cats and immunoglobulin G against Leishmania spp. was detected in two serum samples. The overall prevalence was significantly higher in adult cats than in juvenile cats for T. gondii infection. There were no significant differences between positivity and gender or breed. The frequency of T. gondii antibodies found in domestic cats of Brazil suggests active transmission within an urban environment. This study proved the occurrence of two important protozoan zoonosis in felines from Brazilian endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis.
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39
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Technical specifications on harmonised epidemiological indicators for biological hazards to be covered by meat inspection of farmed game. EFSA J 2013. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2013.3267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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40
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Herrmann D, Maksimov P, Maksimov A, Sutor A, Schwarz S, Jaschke W, Schliephake A, Denzin N, Conraths F, Schares G. Toxoplasma gondii in foxes and rodents from the German Federal States of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt: Seroprevalence and genotypes. Vet Parasitol 2012; 185:78-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Revised: 10/20/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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41
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Opsteegh M, Haveman R, Swart AN, Mensink-Beerepoot ME, Hofhuis A, Langelaar MFM, van der Giessen JWB. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats in The Netherlands. Prev Vet Med 2012; 104:317-26. [PMID: 22305876 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cats, as definitive hosts, play an important role in the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii. To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for T. gondii infection in Dutch domestic cats, serum samples of 450 cats were tested for T. gondii antibodies by indirect ELISA. Binary mixture analysis was used to estimate the seroprevalence, the optimal cut-off value and the probability of being positive for each cat. The seroprevalence was estimated at 18.2% (95% CI: 16.6-20.0%) and showed a decrease with age in very young cats, an increase up to about 4 years old and ranged between 20 and 30% thereafter. Hunting (OR 4.1), presence of a dog in the household (OR 2.1), former stray cat (OR 3.3) and feeding of raw meat (OR 2.7) were identified as risk factors by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Prevalence differences were estimated by linear regression on the probabilities of being positive and used to calculate the population attributable fractions for each risk factor. Hunting contributed most to the T. gondii seroprevalence in the sampled population (35%).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Opsteegh
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Infectious Disease Control, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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Farmed wild boars exposed to Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. Vet Parasitol 2011; 187:323-7. [PMID: 22244535 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The meat of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) can be a source of human infections with zoonotic parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. We screened 197 wild boar sera collected at slaughter from 25 Finnish farms in 2007-2008 for serological evidence of infections with these parasites. Using a commercial direct agglutination test at a serum dilution of 1:40, T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 65 (33.0%) samples, on 14 (56.0%) farms. Females, animals older than 24 months, animals of small herds, and animals originating from south-western parts of Finland were more often T. gondii-seropositive than were males, younger animals, animals of larger herds, and animals originating from the north and east, respectively. Four (2.0%) of the sera, originating from three (12.0%) farms, tested Trichinella-seropositive with an in-house ELISA and a conservative cut-off for seropositivity. One farm had both T. gondii- and Trichinella-seropositive animals. Taken together, an infection source had been present on 16 (64.0%) farms, and 69 (35.0%) of the 197 farmed wild boars intended for human consumption had specific serological evidence of exposure to a zoonotic parasite.
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Anti-Toxoplasma antibody prevalence, primary infection rate, and risk factors in a study of toxoplasmosis in 4,466 pregnant women in Japan. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2011; 19:365-7. [PMID: 22205659 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.05486-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii and is prevalent worldwide under various climatic conditions. It is usually asymptomatic, but infection in pregnant women can pose serious health problems for the fetus. However, epidemiological information regarding toxoplasmosis in Japanese pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, the primary infection rate, and the risk factors for toxoplasmosis in Japanese pregnant women. We measured anti-Toxoplasma antibody titers in 4,466 pregnant women over a period of 7.5 years and simultaneously conducted interviews to identify the risk factors for toxoplasmosis. The overall prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies was 10.3%, and it was significantly higher in women aged above 35 years. The rate of primary Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy was estimated to be 0.25%. A possibility of infection in the later stages of pregnancy was identified for those women who were not infected in the early stages. A history of raw meat intake was identified to be a risk factor related to toxoplasmosis. Therefore, to lower the risk of toxoplasmosis, pregnant women should refrain from eating raw and undercooked meat and maintain personal hygiene.
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Spatio-temporal variations and age effect on Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in seals from the Canadian Arctic. Parasitology 2011; 138:1362-8. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011001260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYToxoplasmosis is a significant public health threat for Inuit in the Canadian Arctic. This study aimed to investigate arctic seals as a possible food-borne source of infection. Blood samples collected from 828 seals in 7 Canadian Arctic communities from 1999 to 2006 were tested for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using a direct agglutination test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect T. gondii DNA in tissues of a subsample of seals. Associations between seal age, sex, species, diet, community and year of capture, and serological test results were investigated by logistic regression. Overall seroprevalence was 10·4% (86/828). All tissues tested were negative by PCR. In ringed seals, seroprevalence was significantly higher in juveniles than in adults (odds ratio=2·44). Overall, seroprevalence varied amongst communities (P=0·0119) and by capture year (P=0·0001). Our study supports the hypothesis that consumption of raw seal meat is a significant source of infection for Inuit. This work raises many questions about the mechanism of transfer of this terrestrial parasite to the marine environment, the preponderance of infection in younger animals and the natural course of infection in seals. Further studies to address these questions are essential to fully understand the health risks for Inuit communities.
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Opsteegh M, Prickaerts S, Frankena K, Evers EG. A quantitative microbial risk assessment for meatborne Toxoplasma gondii infection in The Netherlands. Int J Food Microbiol 2011; 150:103-14. [PMID: 21864927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2011.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an important foodborne pathogen, and the cause of a high disease burden due to congenital toxoplasmosis in The Netherlands. The aim of this study was to quantify the relative contribution of sheep, beef and pork products to human T. gondii infections by Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA). Bradyzoite concentration and portion size data were used to estimate the bradyzoite number in infected unprocessed portions for human consumption. The reduction factors for salting, freezing and heating as estimated based on published experiments in mice, were subsequently used to estimate the bradyzoite number in processed portions. A dose-response relation for T. gondii infection in mice was used to estimate the human probability of infection due to consumption of these originally infected processed portions. By multiplying these probabilities with the prevalence of T. gondii per livestock species and the number of portions consumed per year, the number of infections per year was calculated for the susceptible Dutch population and the subpopulation of susceptible pregnant women. QMRA results predict high numbers of infections per year with beef as the most important source. Although many uncertainties were present in the data and the number of congenital infections predicted by the model was almost twenty times higher than the number estimated based on the incidence in newborns, the usefulness of the advice to thoroughly heat meat is confirmed by our results. Forty percent of all predicted infections is due to the consumption of unheated meat products, and sensitivity analysis indicates that heating temperature has the strongest influence on the predicted number of infections. The results also demonstrate that, even with a low prevalence of infection in cattle, consumption of beef remains an important source of infection. Developing this QMRA model has helped identify important gaps of knowledge and resulted in the following recommendations for future research: collect processing-effect data in line with consumer style processing and acquire product specific heating temperatures, investigate the presence and concentration of viable bradyzoites in cattle, determine the effect of mincing meat on bradyzoite concentrations using actual batch sizes, and obtain an estimate of the fraction of meat that has been frozen prior to purchase. With more accurate data this QMRA model will aid science-based decision-making on intervention strategies to reduce the disease burden from meatborne T. gondii infections in The Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Opsteegh
- Laboratory for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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