Detection of Specific IgG-Antibodies Against Toxoplasma gondii in the Serum and Milk of Domestic Donkeys During Lactation in China: A Potential Public Health Concern

An Overview of Infectious and Non-Infectious Causes of Pregnancy Losses in Equine

Equine breeding plays an essential role in the local economic development of many countries, and it has experienced rapid growth in China in recent years. However, the equine industry, particularly large-scale donkey farms, faces a significant challenge with pregnancy losses. Unfortunately, there is a lack of systematic research on abortion during equine breeding. Several causes, both infectious and non-infectious, of pregnancy losses have been documented in equines. The infectious causes are viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Non-infectious causes may include long transportation, ingestion of mycotoxins, hormonal disturbances, twinning, placentitis, umbilical length and torsion, etc. In current review, we discuss the transmission routes, diagnostic methods, and control measures for these infectious agents. Early detection of the cause and appropriate management are crucial in preventing pregnancy loss in equine practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential causes of abortion in equines, including infectious agents and non-infectious factors. It emphasizes the importance of continued research and effective control measures to address this significant challenge in the equine industry.

Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Raw Milk and Sera of Cows in China

Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide food-borne protozoa that has harmful influences on animal and human health. Raw milk containing T. gondii has been considered as one of the possible infectious sources for humans. Although China is one of the world’s leading milk consumers, there is still no study to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in raw cow milk in China; especially for cows in rural areas. Thus, we conducted this study to examine the specific anti-T. gondii IgG-antibody in the raw milk and sera of domestic cows in China. In total, 894 cows were randomly selected from rural areas in northeastern China. The positive rate of T. gondii in the milk and serum samples were 6.38% (57/894) and 7.16% (64/894), respectively. Moreover, a history of abortion (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.11–3.72, p = 0.022) was identified as the only risk factor for T. gondii infection in the studied cows. This study investigated the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the raw milk and sera of cows in China; it provided timely and useful data for public health and food safety, especially in rural areas.

Toxoplasma gondii in Foods: Prevalence, Control, and Safety

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, with approximately one third of the population around the world seropositive. The consumption of contaminated food is the main source of infection. These include meat products with T. gondii tissue cysts, and dairy products with tachyzoites. Recently, contamination has been detected in fresh products with oocysts and marine products. Despite the great health problems that are caused by T. gondii, currently there are no standardized methods for its detection in the food industry. In this review, we analyze the current detection methods, the prevalence of T. gondii in different food products, and the control measures. The main detection methods are bioassays, cell culture, molecular and microscopic techniques, and serological methods, but some of these do not have applicability in the food industry. As a result, emerging techniques are being developed that are aimed at the detection of multiple parasites simultaneously that would make their application more efficient in the industry. Since the prevalence of this parasite is high in many products (meat and milk, marine products, and vegetables), it is necessary to standardize detection methods, as well as implement control measures.