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Dragomir A, Lupu MA, Maciuceanu CG, Chicea LM, Olariu TR. Risk Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases from Western Romania. Microorganisms 2024; 12:673. [PMID: 38674617 PMCID: PMC11052096 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040673] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data are available in the existing literature regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection among cardiovascular patients. We aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors among Romanian cardiovascular patients. METHODS Serologic testing was conducted in 1205 patients with cardiovascular diseases to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies. An avidity test was performed in patients with detectable IgG and IgM antibodies. A structured questionnaire was designed to identify the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii. Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 52.1%, with the highest value observed in patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (66.66%) and the lowest in patients with myopericarditis (30.0%). The 11 patients found with detectable IgM and IgG antibodies had a high avidity test result. A patient's area of residence, gender, educational level, owning dogs, owning any pet, and toxoplasmosis awareness were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity in multiple logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel and valuable insights into the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii among Romanian cardiovascular patients. Our findings reiterate the importance of toxoplasmosis awareness and health education for better control and prevention of infection with T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dragomir
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cosmin Gheorghe Maciuceanu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Liana Maria Chicea
- Department II Medical Clinic, “Victor Papilian” Faculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania;
- Internal Medicine Department, Academic Emergency Hospital, 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Kanno Y, Okamoto K, Shinohara T, Kinoshita O, Hatano M, Ikeda M, Harada S, Okugawa S, Moriya K, Ono M, Tsutsumi T. Pre-Transplant Seroprevalence, Associated Factors, and Post-Transplant Incidence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection Among Heart Transplant Recipients in Japan. Transplant Proc 2024; 56:148-152. [PMID: 38177043 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, heart transplant (HT) recipients are at a higher risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection. As Toxoplasma seroprevalence varies by geographic location, updated local epidemiology is essential to guide preventive and therapeutic strategies. However, the Toxoplasma seroprevalence and incidence of post-transplant toxoplasmosis among SOT recipients in Japan are unknown. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective observational study at an HT center in Tokyo, Japan. All HT recipients aged ≥18 years between 2006 and April 2019 were included. We reviewed patient charts and conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the risk factors for infection. RESULTS Among 105 recipients included in the study, 11 (10.5%) were seropositive before transplant. Ninety-five recipients (90.5%), including all pre-transplant seropositive recipients, answered the questionnaire. The recipients who had lived in Okinawa (odds ratio [OR] 7.5 [95% CI 1.42-39.61]; P = .032) and who reported raw-meat eating habits (OR 4.64 [95% CI 1.04-23.3]; P = .021) were more likely to be seropositive. None of the patients developed symptoms of toxoplasmosis. The post-transplant incidence of other major adverse outcomes was not significantly different according to the pre-transplant serostatus. CONCLUSIONS About 10% of HT recipients at an HT center in Tokyo were seropositive for Toxoplasma pre-transplant, and none developed symptomatic toxoplasmosis post-transplant on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The history of raw meat consumption was associated with seropositivity; therefore, avoiding it might be recommended for HT recipient candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Kanno
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koh Okamoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Shinohara
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Kinoshita
- Department of Heart Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Organ Transplant Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Hatano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo Japan
| | - Mahoko Ikeda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sohei Harada
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shu Okugawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoji Moriya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minoru Ono
- Department of Heart Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Organ Transplant Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeya Tsutsumi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Kokkinaki KCG, Saridomichelakis MN, Mylonakis ME, Leontides L, Xenoulis PG. Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cats from Greece. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071173. [PMID: 37048429 PMCID: PMC10093379 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important protozoan diseases with a global impact on the health of domestic cats and with zoonotic significance. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in different populations of cats in Greece and to assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 457 cats were prospectively enrolled, and a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) kit was used for the detection of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum. Overall, 95 (20.8%) of the 457 cats were seropositive for T. gondii. Based on multivariate analysis, factors associated with seropositivity included older age [Odds ratio (OR), 1.33; p < 0.001]; a history of cat-fight trauma (OR, 3.88; p = 0.004); and lack of vaccination against calicivirus, herpesvirus-1, panleukopenia, and rabies (OR, 10; p = 0.002). This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for T. gondii in cats in Greece. This implies that toxoplasmosis is still a major public health concern and that optimal strategies for the prevention of infection with T. gondii in cats should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassiopi Christina G. Kokkinaki
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
- Correspondence: (K.C.G.K.); (P.G.X.); Tel.: +30-244-106-6053 (K.C.G.K.); +30-244-106-6085 (P.G.X.)
| | - Manolis N. Saridomichelakis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Mathios E. Mylonakis
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., GR-54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Leonidas Leontides
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Animal Health Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Panagiotis G. Xenoulis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Correspondence: (K.C.G.K.); (P.G.X.); Tel.: +30-244-106-6053 (K.C.G.K.); +30-244-106-6085 (P.G.X.)
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Feline Toxoplasmosis in Greece: A Countrywide Seroprevalence Study and Associated Risk Factors. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121511. [PMID: 36558845 PMCID: PMC9785270 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121511] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic parasite, with felines being the only definitive hosts. Cats shed oocysts with their faeces, and seroprevalence studies can be used to indirectly assess the environmental contamination. The current study aimed to evaluate T. gondii seroprevalence in Greek cats and identify possible risk factors. In total, 1554 blood samples were analyzed from different cats across all nine geographic regions of Greece, and a short questionnaire was completed for each cat. A rapid immunochromatographic test was used to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies, IgG type, and 21.8% of cats were seropositive. Regarding risk factors, when chi-square tests were applied, seropositivity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in rural cats, cats with outdoor access, and hunting cats. Gender, age, ownership, and raw feeding were not significant risk factors, although female, adult, stray, and raw-feeding cats had a higher seroprevalence than their counterparts. Binary logistic regression models were developed to adjust for the confounding effects of the initially recognized risk factors, and only hunting in urban areas remained a significant risk factor. Greek cats had lower seropositivity than the average European value, and the present research highlights the importance of updated seroprevalence and risk factor studies within the context of One-Health.
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Lupu MA, Lighezan R, Paduraru AA, Dragomir A, Pavel R, Grada S, Mihu AG, Ursoniu S, Olariu TR. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Blood Donors from Western Romania. Microorganisms 2022; 10:973. [PMID: 35630416 PMCID: PMC9143041 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect 33% of blood donors worldwide, and seroprevalence varies widely between countries. We aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii in blood donors from Western Romania. Methods: Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies was conducted in 1347 healthy blood donors. Risk factors for T. gondii infection were assessed through an epidemiological questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 45.9%, with a significant age-associated increase (p < 0.001) from 32.6% in age group 18−25 years to 67.6% in age group 56−63 years. T. gondii seroprevalence decreased with increasing level of education, from 64.3% in individuals who graduated from elementary/middle school to 40.4% in those who graduated from University (p < 0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, level of education and having pets (cats and/or dogs) were significantly associated with T. gondii infection. Conclusions: This study brings new and valuable data regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in Romania. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in blood donors and may serve as a starting point for further epidemiological studies that should lead to implementation of prevention programs for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Lighezan
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Regional Blood Transfusion Center, 300737 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Angela Dragomir
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Radu Pavel
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Discipline of Epidemiology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sebastian Grada
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- Department of Functional Sciences, Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Candela MG, Fanelli A, Carvalho J, Serrano E, Domenech G, Alonso F, Martínez-Carrasco C. Urban landscape and infection risk in free-roaming cats. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:295-311. [PMID: 35129882 PMCID: PMC9304129 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite public concern on the role of free‐roaming cats as reservoirs of zoonotic agents, little is known about the influence of urban and peri‐urban landscapes on the exposure risk. We evaluated the seroprevalence of three zoonotic agents (Chlamydia felis, Coxiella burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii) in domestic cats (Felis catus). Two hundred and ninety‐one free‐roaming cats were trapped in Murcia municipality (Southeast Spain), and their sera were tested for specific antibodies against T. gondii using a modified agglutination test (MAT), and for C. felis, C. burnetii and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies with ELISA technique. Pathogen seroprevalence at 95% CI was calculated for each sex and age category (up to and over 12 months) and compared with a chi‐squared test. The role of human population density and urban landscape characteristics on the risk of pathogen exposure in the cat population was explored using generalized linear models. Seropositivity against a single pathogen was found in 60% of the cats, while 19% was seropositive for two or three pathogens. Seroprevalence of C. felis was 8% (CI95%: 5–11), 37% (CI95%: 31–42) for C. burnetii and 42% (CI95%: 36–47) for T. gondii. In addition to these three pathogens, FIV seropositivity was low (1%, CI95%: −0.1 to 2) and adult cats were more likely to be seropositive to C. burnetii than young individuals (OR: 2.3, CI95%: 1.2–4.2). No sex or age class differences in seroprevalence were observed for the rest of the pathogens. Seropositivity was correlated with water surface areas for C. felis, and not with crop areas. Coxiella burnetii seropositivity was correlated with the percentage of urban areas (continuous with only buildings and discontinuous, that include buildings, parks, and pedestrian and urban green areas), human population size and peri‐urban areas with shrubs, and not correlated with other agricultural landscapes (orchards and crop areas). However, the seroprevalence of T. gondii was only associated with agricultural landscapes such as orchards. The detection of hotspot areas of high pathogen exposure risk is the basis for municipal services to implement surveillance and risk factor control campaigns in specific‐risk areas, including (a) efficient health management of urban cat colonies by geographical location, population census and health status monitoring of the components of each cat colony, (b) improvement of hygiene and sanitary conditions at the feeding points of the cat colony and (c) free‐roaming cat trapping for health monitoring and, in the long term, to know the evolution of the health status of their populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica G Candela
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - João Carvalho
- Department of Biology & Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Alonso
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Carrasco
- Department of Animal Health, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Charles-Niño C, Pedroza-Roldán C, Salazar-Reveles C, Ocampo-Figueroa KL, Rodríguez-Pérez LR, Paez-Magallán VM. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Measured by Western Blot, ELISA and DNA Analysis, by PCR, in Cats of Western Mexico. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11010109. [PMID: 35056057 PMCID: PMC8778430 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. The sexual reproductive cycle of Toxoplasma takes place in the small intestine of felines, the definitive hosts. In the final part of the sexual cycle, T. gondii forms oocysts in infected cats. Oocysts transferred via the faeces to the environment are highly infectious to both animals and humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in cats from the metropolitan region of Guadalajara in western Mexico. Western blotting and ELISA for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was performed, and Toxoplasma DNA was identified using polymerase chain reaction. Prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 14.8% (44/297), and only 2/297 cases were positive for PCR. Cats older than one year were at an increased risk of infection (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.844–8.362). Sex, raw meat feeding, hunting habits, vaccination status, and body condition were not associated with positivity. The prevalence of T. gondii infection determined with Western blot in cats in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was lower than that reported in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (M.d.l.L.G.-R.); (C.C.-N.); (C.P.-R.)
| | - Claudia Charles-Niño
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (M.d.l.L.G.-R.); (C.C.-N.); (C.P.-R.)
| | - César Pedroza-Roldán
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
- Correspondence: (M.d.l.L.G.-R.); (C.C.-N.); (C.P.-R.)
| | - Carolina Salazar-Reveles
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
| | - Karen Lissete Ocampo-Figueroa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
| | - Laura Roció Rodríguez-Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Mexico;
| | - Varinia Margarita Paez-Magallán
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
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Geospatial epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in livestock, pets, and humans in China, 1984-2020. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:743-750. [PMID: 34988670 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07415-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Undercooked or raw meat containing cyst-stage bradyzoites and oocyst-contaminated pets are presumed to constitute a major source of human toxoplasmosis. As the geospatial epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in livestock, pets, and humans is rarely studied in China, we undertook a geospatial analysis using GIS visualization techniques. The present study retrieved information from the PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Baidu Scholar databases from 1984 up to 2020. All the data about the seroprevalence of T. gondii in livestock (sheep and goats, pigs, cattle and yaks), pets (cats, dogs), and humans in China were collected. Geospatial epidemiology of T. gondii infection in these hosts was performed using GIS. Results revealed that the estimated pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii was ranged from 3.98 to 43.02% in sheep and goats in China, 0.75 to 30.34% in cattle and yaks, 10.45 to 66.47% in pigs, 2.50 to 60.00% in cats, 0.56 to 27.65% in dogs, and 0.72 to 23.41% in humans. The higher seroprevalences of T. gondii were observed in sheep and goats in the districts of Chongqing, Zhejiang, and Beijing. The infection rates of T. gondii in cattle and yaks were higher in Guizhou, Zhejiang, and Chongqing. Also, the pigs from Chongqing and Guizhou were most severely infected with T. gondii. For cats, the districts of Shanxi, Hebei, and Yunnan had higher seroprevalences of T. gondii and, the infections among dogs were higher in Yunnan and Hebei as well. Furthermore, higher infection pressure of T. gondii exists in the districts of Taiwan and Tibet in humans. The geographical and spatial distribution of toxoplasmosis indicated that infection with T. gondii was widely spread in China, with a wide range of variations among the different hosts and regions in the country. Our results suggested that livestock and pets are not only a reservoir for the parasite but also a direct source of T. gondii infection for humans. It is important to control T. gondii infections in these animals that would reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis in humans.
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Toxoplasma gondii in humans and animals in Japan: An epidemiological overview. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102533. [PMID: 34968753 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102533] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan protozoan zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii infamous for inducing severe clinical manifestations in humans. Although the disease affects at least one billion people worldwide, it is neglected in many countries including developed ones. In literature, the epidemiological data documenting the actual incidence of the disease in humans and domestic animals from Japan are limited and importantly many earlier papers on T. gondii infections were published in Japanese and a considerable part is not available online. Herein, we review the current summary about the epidemiological situation of T. gondii infection in Japan and the potential associated risk factors in humans and animals as well as the different T. gondii genotypes isolated in Japan. Several T. gondii isolates have been identified among cats (TgCatJpTy1/k-3, TgCatJpGi1/TaJ, TgCatJpObi1 and TgCatJpOk1-4) and goats (TgGoatJpOk1-13). This literature review underscores the need for a nationwide investigation of T. gondii infection in Japanese people and assessment of the socioeconomic impact of the disease burden. Furthermore, epidemiological studies in domestic and wild animals and estimation of degree of contamination of soil or water with T. gondii oocysts are needed, for a better understanding of the scope of this public health concern.
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KYAN H, TAKARA T, TAIRA K, OBI T. Toxoplasma gondii antibody prevalence and isolation in free-ranging cats in Okinawa, Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:1303-1305. [PMID: 34219071 PMCID: PMC8437723 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats are an important host of Toxoplasma gondii from an epidemiological perspective because they are the only definitive hosts that excrete oocysts in their feces. In this study, 201 free-ranging cats in Okinawa were examined for T. gondii infection. Using the latex agglutination test, we detected antibodies against T. gondii in 26.9% (54/201) of the cats. Oocysts of T. gondii were not detected upon microscopic examination of the feces of 128 cats. T. gondii was isolated from the tissues of 9 out of 24 seropositive or pseudo-seropositive cats with a bioassay using laboratory mice. Genotyping for the GRA6 gene revealed that five and four of the isolates were type I and II, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisako KYAN
- Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment,
Okinawa 904-2241, Japan
| | - Taketoshi TAKARA
- Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment,
Okinawa 904-2241, Japan
| | - Katsuya TAIRA
- Okinawa Prefectural Institute of Health and Environment,
Okinawa 904-2241, Japan
| | - Takeshi OBI
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University,
Kagoshima 890-0065 Japan
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Gebremedhin EZ, Sarba EJ, Tola GK, Endalew SS, Marami LM, Melkamsew AT, Presti VDML, Vitale M. Prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. infections in apparently healthy dogs in west Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:284. [PMID: 34433486 PMCID: PMC8390241 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02992-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In urban settings, the presence of a high density of the human population and contact with domestic and/or stray animals such as dogs and cats can be risk factors for the transmission of zoonotic protozoa parasites. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Leishmania spp. are zoonotic protozoon parasites with significant health burdens worldwide. METHODS A cross-sectional study was used to investigate the antibody prevalence and risk factors of T. gondii and Leishmania spp. infections in 385 randomly selected dogs of Ambo, Bako, and Gojo towns of West Shewa Zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A questionnaire survey was administered to households to collect data on potential risk factors. Dog sera samples were assayed for T. gondii IgG antibodies using the direct agglutination test while Leishmania spp. specific antibodies tested using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS Overall, T. gondii and Leishmania spp. infection seroprevalence was found to be 82.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 78.71-86.49%) and 92.47% (95% CI: 89.36-94.90%), respectively. Seropositivity for both T. gondii and Leishmania spp. was found in 82.58% of the dogs. None of the investigated factors were associated with Leishmania spp. seropositivity (p > 0.05). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly different among the study towns (p = 0.003). The risk of T. gondii infection was 2.71 times higher in adult dogs than juvenile dogs (p = 0.043). Dogs kept simultaneously with other domestic animals had increased odds of T. gondii seropositivity compared to those with no other domestic animals (Adjusted Odds ratio: 1.96, p = 0.021). However, altitude, sex, breed, housing, feeding, educational level of head of the household, and dog's living area were not significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The high seropositivity and the simultaneous presence of antibodies of T. gondii and Leishmania spp. in dogs suggest the widespread nature of these parasites in the environment and the high potential of transmission to other animals and humans. Further epidemiological studies, isolation and molecular characterization of the parasites, and educational campaigns are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ambo University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Edilu Jorga Sarba
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ambo University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Kebebew Tola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ambo University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Shiferaw Endalew
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Lencho Megersa Marami
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | | | - Vincenzo Di Marco Lo Presti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico sperimentale della Sicilia “A. Mirri”, Area Territoriale, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Italy
| | - Maria Vitale
- Laboratory of Genetics of Microorganisms, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Sicily, Via Gino Marinuzzi 3, 90129 Palermo, Italy
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Huertas-López A, Sukhumavasi W, Álvarez-García G, Martínez-Subiela S, Cano-Terriza D, Almería S, Dubey JP, García-Bocanegra I, Cerón JJ, Martínez-Carrasco C. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in outdoor dogs and cats in Bangkok, Thailand. Parasitology 2021; 148:843-849. [PMID: 33750492 PMCID: PMC11010059 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii exposure in dogs and cats from Bangkok, Thailand. Blood samples from 318 dogs and 321 cats were tested for T. gondii antibodies by modified agglutination test (cut-off 1:25). Additionally, 18 dogs and 20 cats were longitudinally sampled for T. gondii antibodies during the same study period, between June and July 2019. The overall seroprevalence in dogs and cats was 7.9% (25/318; 95% CI 4.9–10.8%) and 18.7% (95% CI 14.4–23.0%), respectively. For dogs, risk factors identified were being a mixed-breed animal and living totally outdoors, while increasing age was shown to be a risk factor for cats. Seroconversion was not detected and titres from positive animals remained constant over longitudinal study. The present study indicates that there is a prominent presence of T. gondii in urban and peri-urban areas of Bangkok, suggesting that outdoor dogs and cats should be considered as a possible risk factor for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Huertas-López
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Woraporn Sukhumavasi
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, 10330Bangkok, Thailand
- Feline Infectious Disease and Health for Excellence Research Unit, Microbial Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Research Unit, Animal Vector-Borne Disease Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, 10330Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- Department of Animal Health, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - David Cano-Terriza
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Córdoba, 14014Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sonia Almería
- Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN), Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment (OARSA), Division of Virulence Assessment, Laurel, USA
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- U. S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland20705-2350, USA
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), Department of Animal Health, University of Córdoba, 14014Córdoba, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Interlab-UMU, University of Murcia, 30100Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Yang Y, Su C. Toxoplasma gondii infections in dogs: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 287:109223. [PMID: 33160144 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109223] [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: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in dogs (Canis familiaris) from 2009-2020. Seroprevalence estimates of T. gondii worldwide were tabulated. Reports of high seroprevalence in canine population and high congenital transmission of T. gondii in dogs in Brazil are reviewed. Most reports from China were published in Chinese, and these reports are now summarized here. Dogs have an additional importance in some countries such as China, Vietnam, and Nigeria; whereas in many cities dog meat is sold commercially for human consumption and given to felids, and transmission of T. gondii could occur if meat is not cooked properly. Dogs can ingest T. gondii-infected cat feces and these oocysts remain viable after passage through the digestive tract of the dog; T. gondii DNA was found in feces of dogs from New York City parks in USA. Most clinical canine cases of toxoplasmosis were in immunosuppressed dogs, and ulcerative dermatitis was one of the main presentations. Genetic diversity based on PCR-RFLP markers using DNA derived from 133 viable T. gondii isolates from dogs from several countries is discussed. T. gondii strains from Asia and Americas were more genetically diverse than those from Africa. 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.
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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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Park Y, Noh J, Seo HJ, Kim KH, Min S, Yoo MS, Yun BR, Kim JH, Choi EJ, Cheon DS, Hong SJ, Yoon SS, Cho YS. Seroprevalence and B1 gene Phylogeny of Toxoplasma gondii of Dogs and Cats in Republic of Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:257-265. [PMID: 32615739 PMCID: PMC7338905 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.3.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of human toxoplasmosis can be attributed to ingestion of food contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis recently increased in domestic and stray dogs and cats. It prompted studies on the zoonotic infectious diseases transmitted via these animals. Sero- and antigen prevalences of T. gondii in dogs and cats were surveyed using ELISA and PCR, and B1 gene phylogeny was analyzed in this study. Toxoplasmosis antibodies were measured on sera of 403 stray cats, 947 stray dogs, 909 domestic cats, and 2,412 domestic dogs collected at nationwide regions, Korea from 2017 to 2019. In addition, whole blood, feces, and tissue samples were also collected from stray cats (1,392), stray dogs (686), domestic cats (3,040), and domestic dogs (1,974), and T. gondii-specific B1 gene PCR was performed. Antibody prevalence of stray cats, stray dogs, domestic cats, and domestic dogs were 14.1%, 5.6%, 2.3%, and 0.04%, respectively. Antigen prevalence of these animals was 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.4%, respectively. Stray cats revealed the highest infection rate of toxoplasmosis, followed by stray dogs, domestic cats, and domestic dogs. B1 gene positives were 5 of stray cats, and identified to high/moderate pathogenic Type I/III group. These findings enforce that preventive hygienic measure should be strengthened at One Health level in dogs and cats, domestic and stray, to minimize human toxoplasmosis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeojin Park
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Jinhyeong Noh
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Hyun-Ji Seo
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Keun-Ho Kim
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Subin Min
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Yoo
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Bo-Ram Yun
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Kim
- Animal Pathodiagnostic Laboratory, Animal Disease Diagnostic Division, Department of Disease Control & Quarantine, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Choi
- Animal Pathodiagnostic Laboratory, Animal Disease Diagnostic Division, Department of Disease Control & Quarantine, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | | | - Sung-Jong Hong
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Soon-Seek Yoon
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Yun Sang Cho
- Parasitic and Honeybee Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal & Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
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15
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Dubey JP, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Murata FHA, Kwok OCH, Yang YR, Su C. All about toxoplasmosis in cats: the last decade. Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109145. [PMID: 32645556 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis continues to be of public health concern. Cats (domestic and wild felids) are the most important host in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis because they are the only species that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in feces. Cats can excrete millions of oocysts and a single cat can spread infection to many hosts. The present paper summarizes information on prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical signs, and diagnosis of T. gondii infections in domestic and wild cats for the past decade. Special emphasis is paid to genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates from cats. Review of literature indicates that a unique genotype (ToxoDB genotype #9 or Chinese 1) is widely prevalent in cats in China and it has been epidemiologically linked to outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in pigs and deaths in humans in China; this genotype has rarely been detected in other countries. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Y R Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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Hoshina T, Horino T, Saiki E, Aonuma H, Sawaki K, Miyajima M, Lee K, Nakaharai K, Shimizu A, Hosaka Y, Kato T, Sato F, Nakazawa Y, Yoshikawa K, Yoshida M, Hori S, Kanuka H. Seroprevalence and associated factors of Toxoplasma gondii among HIV-infected patients in Tokyo: A cross sectional study. J Infect Chemother 2019; 26:33-37. [PMID: 31350182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
HIV infection, in particular in patients with developing AIDS, carries a risk of causing toxoplasmosis with encephalitis, which is mostly caused by a form (bradyzoite) of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. HIV/AIDS in Japan has been recognized as a serious health issue in recent years. In this study, to elucidate T. gondii seroprevalence in HIV-positive patients in Japan and associated characteristics with Toxoplasma parasite infection, the titer of T. gondii IgG (Tg-IgG) was measured in 399 HIV-positive patients who visited a hospital in Tokyo, Japan, between 2015 and 2017. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to investigate associations between lifestyle and customs. As a result, the overall prevalence of Tg-IgG-positive serum was 8.27% (33 cases of 399). All the cases positive for Tg-IgG were confirmed using the Sabin-Feldman dye test; the titers between each examination correlated robustly (p < 0.001, r = 0.6). A correlation between Toxoplasma infection rate and age was determined (p < 0.001), whereas there was no significant correlation with lifestyle customs such as consuming undercooked meat or owning a cat. An association between Toxoplasma infection and experience of dwelling in the Hokkaido area, the northern part of Japan, was observed (p = 0.001). These results suggested that the proportion of those who were previously exposed to Toxoplasma parasites in the HIV-positive population has been maintained at a similar level as that of the HIV-negative population in Japan, providing clear information about the potential risk of toxoplasmic encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tokio Hoshina
- Department of Tropical Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Horino
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erisha Saiki
- Department of Tropical Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroka Aonuma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Sawaki
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makiko Miyajima
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kwanyole Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakaharai
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Shimizu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumiko Hosaka
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Kato
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiya Sato
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Nakazawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Yoshikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Yoshida
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Hori
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kanuka
- Department of Tropical Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Endemicity of Toxoplasma infection and its associated risk factors in Cebu, Philippines. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217989. [PMID: 31188858 PMCID: PMC6561560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled intracellular apicomplexan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. It is capable of infecting humans and nearly all warm-blooded animals including pigs, but cats are the only known definitive host. This ubiquitous zoonotic pathogen can cause abortion, stillbirth and fetal abnormalities, and has been associated with mental and behavioral changes in humans. Acute infection is potentially fatal in immunocompromised individuals. The present study aimed to assess the Toxoplasma seroprevalence in pigs, humans and cats after its initial reported detection in pigs about three decades ago in Cebu, Philippines. A total of 924 humans, 104 cats and 514 slaughter pigs were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial latex agglutination test. The results revealed positive detection rates of 26.3% (244/924) for humans, 42.3% (44/104) for cats and 13.4% (69/514) for slaughter pigs. Statistical analyses revealed that the area (P = 0.004), cat ownership (P = 0.020), the frequency of contact with cats (P < 0.0001) and consumption of street foods (P = 0.043) were significantly associated with seropositivity for T. gondii in humans. Meanwhile, the use of litter trays (P = 0.001) and contact with other animals (P = 0.007) were significantly associated with seropositivity in cats. The odds ratio for selected significant factors revealed that living in suburban areas (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.20–2.31), owning a cat (OR 1.482, 95% CI: 1.07–2.07) and eating street foods (OR 1.585, 95% CI: 1.01–2.48) were associated with an increased risk of T. gondii exposure in humans. In cats, the use of a litter tray (OR 4.5, 95% CI: 1.73–11.71) was associated with an increased risk of exposure. None of the profile parameters were found to be significantly associated with seropositivity in slaughter pigs (P > 0.05). This study is the first report of the serological detection of T. gondii in humans and cats in Cebu, Philippines, and the first assessment of the prevalence of the parasite in pigs in the area since its initial detection in 1982. This is also the first report documenting the seropositivity of T. gondii in pregnant women in the country. The confirmed seropositivity of T. gondii in Cebu, Philippines, in the present study implies the endemicity of toxoplasmosis in this area and highlights the need for routine testing and increased public awareness.
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Kosec G, Hacin B, Sansom PG, Weaver G, Dewhurst E, Carter JW. Prevalence of antibody seroconversion to Toxoplasma gondii in uveitis and non-uveitis dogs. Vet Rec Open 2019; 6:e000318. [PMID: 31205724 PMCID: PMC6541104 DOI: 10.1136/vetreco-2018-000318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of seroconversion to Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with uveitis and dogs without uveitis. Methods In total, 135 dogs were evaluated: 51 dogs were diagnosed with uveitis, and 84 dogs were without uveitis. Latex agglutination tests were performed on all sera, and the results were evaluated. Results Overall, 7.8 and 6.0 per cent of sera were positive for the presence of anti-T gondii antibodies (dilution ≥1:64) in the groups with uveitis and non-uveitis dogs, respectively. The frequency distribution of variables (positive and negative results in the uveitis and the non-uveitis group of dogs) was tested with Fisher’s exact test. There was no statistically significant difference between groups (P=0.73). Clinical significance These findings suggest that evidence of exposure to T gondii was not significantly different between uveitis and non-uveitis groups of dogs and that the possible association between exposure to T gondii and canine uveitis requires further investigation. This study is the first to report the seroprevalence of anti-T gondii antibodies in dogs in the UK population and the first to report the seroprevalence of anti-T gondii antibodies in dogs with uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Kosec
- Ophthalmology, South Devon Veterinary Hospital, Abbotskerswell, UK
| | - Biljana Hacin
- Veterinary Faculty, National Veterinary Institute, University of Ljubljana, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Philip G Sansom
- Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter College of Engineering, Exeter, UK
| | - Gereth Weaver
- Microbiology, Axiom Veterinary Laboratories, Newton Abbot, UK
| | - Emma Dewhurst
- Clinical Pathologists Consultant, IDEXX Laboratories, Wetherby, UK
| | - James W Carter
- Ophthalmology, South Devon Veterinary Hospital, Abbotskerswell, UK
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19
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Murakami M, Mori T, Takashima Y, Nagamune K, Fukumoto J, Kitoh K, Sakai H, Maruo K. A case of pulmonary toxoplasmosis resembling multiple lung metastases of nasal lymphoma in a cat receiving chemotherapy. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:1881-1886. [PMID: 30404954 PMCID: PMC6305506 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An 11-year-old cat presented with nasal discharge and lacrimation and was diagnosed with
nasal lymphoma. Although the cat showed favorable progression after undergoing
chemotherapy, CT imaging demonstrated enlarged pulmonary nodules caused by
Toxoplasma gondii. Following the cessation of chemotherapy, the cat was
prescribed clindamycin hydrochloride for toxoplasmosis treatment; however, the cat
developed kidney lymphoma and died. No T. gondii organisms were observed
in the whole body necropsy specimens. It is known that immunocompromised human patients,
including those who undergo chemotherapy, are considered at risk for toxoplasmosis.
However, the risk of developing toxoplasmosis in cats undergoing chemotherapy is currently
unknown. Findings from this case report suggest that cats with chemotherapy-resistant
pulmonary masses might have a T. gondii infection rather than metastatic
disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Murakami
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Takashi Mori
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kisaburo Nagamune
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.,Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan.,Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Junpei Fukumoto
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.,Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Katsuya Kitoh
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sakai
- Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Center for Highly Advanced Integration of Nano and Life Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kohji Maruo
- Department of Animal Nursing, Faculty of Animal Nursing, Yamazaki Gakuen University, 4-7-2 Minami-osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0364, Japan
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20
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Hwang J, Gottdenker NL, Oh DH, Nam HW, Lee H, Chun MS. Disentangling the link between supplemental feeding, population density, and the prevalence of pathogens in urban stray cats. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4988. [PMID: 29967720 PMCID: PMC6022734 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supplemental feeding of free-roaming animals, including wildlife and feral or stray animals, is well known to have a substantial impact on various aspects of animal ecology including habitat use, activity patterns, and host-pathogen interactions. Among them, an increased population density (PD) of animals receiving supplemental food raises concerns regarding the transmission of pathogens in these host populations. The primary aim of this study was to investigate how supplemental feeding is associated with host PD and prevalence of pathogens with different transmission modes in urban stray cats. We hypothesized that supplemental feeding would be positively associated with host PD and the prevalence of pathogens with density-dependent transmission modes compared with pathogens with transmission modes that are considered relatively density-independent. METHODS This study was conducted in six districts in Seoul, Republic of Korea which were selected based on different degrees of supplemental feeding and cat caretaker activity (CCA). The PD of stray cats was estimated by mark-recapture surveys. Stray cat blood samples (N = 302) were collected from stray cats by local animal hospitals from each district performing the trap-neuter-release which tested for eight pathogens with different transmission modes (feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline panleukopenia virus, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, Bartonella henselae, hemoplasma, and Toxoplasma gondii) with molecular or serological assays. Associations between the prevalence of each pathogen and PD, CCA, and sex of cats were statistically analyzed. RESULTS In contrast to initial predictions, the cat PD was generally higher in low CCA districts. The prevalence of (FeLV), which is transmitted through direct contact, was significantly higher in areas with a high CCA, conforming to our hypothesis. On the other hand, the prevalence of feline parvovirus, which can be spread by environmental transmission, was higher in low CCA districts. The remaining six pathogens did not show any association with the CCA; however, they had a unique association with the PD or the sex of the stray cats. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that in addition to influencing the PD, supplemental feeding may affect the prevalence of pathogens in urban animals by mechanisms such as increased aggregation and/or altered foraging strategies, with different consequences depending on the transmission mode of each pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusun Hwang
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Dae-Hyun Oh
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Parasitic Disease Research Institute, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hang Lee
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Sun Chun
- The Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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21
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Matsuu A, Yokota SI, Ito K, Masatani T. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging and feral cats on Amami Oshima Island, Japan. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:1853-1856. [PMID: 28966212 PMCID: PMC5709564 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
On Amami Oshima Island, free-ranging and feral cats are harmful to wildlife populations. In this study, the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in these cats was examined using a newly developed
Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system assay. Of 1,363 cats, 123 cats (9.0%) was positive for T. gondii. The prevalence was significantly different in different areas; among cats in the
rural area, where many wild animals live, including endangered species, T. gondii infection was more prevalent than in the urban area of the island. This finding indicates a possible risk to wildlife of infection
from free-ranging and feral cats. Therefore, management of cats is important for wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Matsuu
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Yokota
- Amami Laboratory of Injurious Animals, The Institute of Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Setouchi-cho, Kagoshima 894-1531, Japan
| | - Keiko Ito
- Yuinoshima Animal Hospital, Amami-shi, Kagoshima 894-0017, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Masatani
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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22
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Wang S, Zhou Y, Niu J, Xie Q, Xiao T, Chen Y, Li H, Ma C, Zhang H, Liu S, Zhang Z. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats in central China. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 24:10. [PMID: 28322721 PMCID: PMC5364776 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2017010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats in central China, 843 serum samples were collected in Henan province between March 2015 and May 2016 and tested for IgG antibodies against T. gondii using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 21% (178/843). No significant difference was observed based on the sex of cats (p > 0.05). Significantly higher seroprevalence (p < 0.05) was observed in mixed-breed cats (24%) compared to purebred cats (17%). Seroprevalence in rural cats (29%) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than in urban cats (16%), and increased significantly (p < 0.01) with age. These results showed that T. gondii was highly prevalent in domestic cats in Henan province, central China, which might have important implications for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Yonghua Zhou
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Key Laboratory on Technology for Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular Biology of Parasites, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214064, PR China
| | - Jingyuan Niu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Qing Xie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Tingwei Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Yunchao Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Han Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Chenchen Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Haizhu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Shiguo Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
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23
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Cano-Terriza D, Puig-Ribas M, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Cabezón Ó, Almería S, Galán-Relaño Á, Dubey JP, García-Bocanegra I. Risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in hunting, pet and watchdogs from southern Spain and northern Africa. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:363-6. [PMID: 27155133 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dogs can act as reservoirs of Toxoplasma gondii infections for humans and other hosts. Here we determined seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in dogs from Andalusia (Southern Spain) and Ceuta (Northern Africa). Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 235 out of 769 dogs (30.6%; CI95%: 27.3-33.8) by the modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off of 1:25) with titers of 1:25 in 91, 1:50 in 43, 1:100 in 84, and ≥1:500 in 17 dogs. The main risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in dogs were age (higher seroprevalence in older dogs), hunter activity and size (higher seroprevalence in larger and medium dogs). This is the first study on T. gondii infection in pet dogs from Spain and Ceuta. The results indicate that T. gondii is widespread in dogs in mainland Spain and Ceuta, which might have important implications for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cano-Terriza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - María Puig-Ribas
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Saúl Jiménez-Ruiz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Óscar Cabezón
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Almería
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Sanitat i d'Anatomia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ángela Galán-Relaño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agriculture Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Ignacio García-Bocanegra
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
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