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Dini FM, Caffara M, Magri A, Cantori A, Luci V, Monno A, Galuppi R. Sentinels in the shadows: Exploring Toxoplasma gondii and other Sarcocystidae parasites in synanthropic rodents and their public health implications. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2024; 24:100939. [PMID: 38655448 PMCID: PMC11035367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100939] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Synanthropic rodents play a crucial role in maintaining the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii in anthropized regions and can serve as indicators of environmental oocyst contamination. This investigation aimed to explore the occurrence of T. gondii infection within synanthropic rodent populations using a molecular diagnostic technique targeting the 18S rDNA gene, which is generic for Coccidia, with subsequent specific PCR confirmation. We examined 97 brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), 67 black rats (R. rattus), 47 house mice (Mus musculus), and 1 common shrew (Sorex araneus). PCR tests were conducted on the brain, heart, and tongue tissues. PCR tested positive in at least one of the examined tissues in 26 R. norvegicus (26.8%), 13 R. rattus (19.4%), and 13 M. musculus (27.6%). Sequencing comparisons by BLAST allowed us to identify four different species of cyst-forming Apicomplexa. In particular, T. gondii DNA was detected in 13 (6.1%) rodents, Hammondia hammondi (including H. hammondi-like organisms) in 36 (17%) subjects, Besnoitia sp. (in two cases identified as B. besnoiti) in 8 (3.7%), and Sarcocystis gigantea in two (0.94%). Rodents from peri-urban and urban environments can act as indicators of environmental contamination by oocysts of apicomplexan parasites with cats as definitive hosts, such as T. gondii, H. hammondi, and S. gigantea, the latter of which has never been previously recorded in rodents. Moreover, the presence of B. besnoiti, a parasite with an unidentified definitive host in Europe, sheds light on the potential role of these hosts as infection sentinels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Dini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Monica Caffara
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Alice Magri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Alessia Cantori
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Valentina Luci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Antonio Monno
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Roberta Galuppi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Effective factors in the pathogenesis of Toxoplasmagondii. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31558. [PMID: 38818168 PMCID: PMC11137575 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite in humans and animals. It infects about 30 % of the human population worldwide and causes potentially fatal diseases in immunocompromised hosts and neonates. For this study, five English-language databases (ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar were searched. This review was accomplished to draw a global perspective of what is known about the pathogenesis of T. gondii and various factors affecting it. Virulence and immune responses can influence the mechanisms of parasite pathogenesis and these factors are in turn influenced by other factors. In addition to the host's genetic background, the type of Toxoplasma strain, the routes of transmission of infection, the number of passages, and different phases of parasite life affect virulence. The identification of virulence factors of the parasite could provide promising insights into the pathogenesis of this parasite. The results of this study can be an incentive to conduct more intensive research to design and develop new anti-Toxoplasma agents (drugs and vaccines) to treat or prevent this infection. In addition, further studies are needed to better understand the key agents in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Zaki L, Olfatifar M, Ghaffarifar F, Eslahi AV, KarimiPourSaryazdi A, Taghipour A, Hamidianfar N, Badri M, Jokelainen P. Global prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2024; 25:e00350. [PMID: 38745996 PMCID: PMC11090898 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Among the potential animal reservoirs of the zoonotic parasite T. gondii, birds have received relatively little attention. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the global status and to provide an overview of the epidemiology of T. gondii infection in birds. The standard protocol of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant publications from January 1990, to March 2024. All peer-reviewed original research articles describing the prevalence of T. gondii in birds were included. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and both direct and indirect detection were considered. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the meta-package in R (version 3.6.1). The variance between studies (heterogeneity) was quantified by the I2 index. Finally, 258 articles (including 380 datasets) were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The global pooled prevalence was 24% (21 - 26%). The highest prevalence of T. gondii was observed in buzzards (52%, 34 - 70%), turkeys (31%, 17 - 46%), and chickens (30%, 26 - 34%). The present study provides a comprehensive view of the global prevalence of T. gondii in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Zaki
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Meysam Olfatifar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aida Vafae Eslahi
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Amir KarimiPourSaryazdi
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Najla Hamidianfar
- Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Islamic Azad University Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Maus D, Curtis B, Warschkau D, Betancourt ED, Seeber F, Blume M. Generation of Mature Toxoplasma gondii Bradyzoites in Human Immortalized Myogenic KD3 Cells. Bio Protoc 2024; 14:e4916. [PMID: 38213326 PMCID: PMC10777055 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4916] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite and one of the most successful foodborne pathogens. Upon infection and dissemination, the parasites convert into the persisting, chronic form called bradyzoites, which reside within cysts in muscle and brain tissue. Despite their importance, bradyzoites remain difficult to investigate directly, owing to limited in vitro models. In addition, the need for new drugs targeting the chronic stage, which is underlined by the lack of eradicating treatment options, remains difficult to address since in vitro access to drug-tolerant bradyzoites remains limited. We recently published the use of a human myotube-based bradyzoite cell culture system and demonstrated its applicability to investigate the biology of T. gondii bradyzoites. Encysted parasites can be functionally matured during long-term cultivation in these immortalized cells and possess many in vivo-like features, including pepsin resistance, oral infectivity, and antifolate resistance. In addition, the system is scalable, enabling experimental approaches that rely on large numbers, such as metabolomics. In short, we detail the cultivation of terminally differentiated human myotubes and their subsequent infection with tachyzoites, which then mature to encysted bradyzoites within four weeks at ambient CO2 levels. We also discuss critical aspects of the procedure and suggest improvements. Key features • This protocol describes a scalable human myotube-based in vitro system capable of generating encysted bradyzoites featuring in vivo hallmarks. • Bradyzoite differentiation is facilitated through CO2 depletion but without additional artificial stress factors like alkaline pH. • Functional maturation occurs over four weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Maus
- Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens (P6), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Blake Curtis
- Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens (P6), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - David Warschkau
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria (FG16), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Estefanía Delgado Betancourt
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria (FG16), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frank Seeber
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria (FG16), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Blume
- Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens (P6), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Mishra V, Mitra P, Barbuddhe S, Thorat Y, Chavan K, Shinde S, Chaudhari S, Khan W, Deshmukh AS. Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in free-ranging rats from Nagpur, India. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:63. [PMID: 38114841 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08095-9] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are cyst-forming coccidian parasites that infect both wild and domestic non-felids as intermediate hosts, with rodents serving as important reservoir hosts during their life cycles. This study was aimed at investigating T. gondii and N. caninum infections and identifying factors favouring T. gondii infection in free-ranging rats from India. A total of 181 rodents were trap-captured, and blood and brain samples were subsequently collected for serological and molecular examination of T. gondii and N. caninum. Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by MAT/NAT and IFAT in 13.8% (25/181) and 1.65% (3/181) of rodents, respectively. All three N. caninum samples positive by NAT/IFAT were also positive for ELISA, while for T. gondii, 19 of 25 MAT/IFAT positive samples were also positive for ELISA. The antibody titers (MAT/NAT/IFAT) of rodents seropositive for T. gondii ranged from 25 to 400, while those of rats seropositive for N. caninum ranged from 25 to 100. Also, using PCR, DNA from T. gondii (B1 gene) and N. caninum (NC5 gene) was found in 2.76% (5/181) of brain samples and 0.55% (1/181) of brain samples. All PCR positive samples were also seropositive. No mixed infections were observed in the serological and molecular detections. A Chi-square analysis revealed that older rats and rats living in urban areas are significantly associated with T. gondii infection; however, rodent species, gender, location, habitat types, and seasonality were statistically nonsignificant. Overall, this study demonstrated that T. gondii was widely distributed while N. caninum was less prevalent among free-ranging rats in the studied area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Mishra
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500032, Telangana, India
| | - Pallabi Mitra
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Shruti Barbuddhe
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - Yogesh Thorat
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - Kailas Chavan
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - Shilpshri Shinde
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - Sandeep Chaudhari
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - Waqar Khan
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, India
| | - Abhijit S Deshmukh
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, 500032, Telangana, India.
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Huang M, Huang H, Cao X, Yin Y, Shi K, Wang D, Hu D, Song X. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes and cats in Guangxi, China. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:18. [PMID: 38063934 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08055-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogen that poses a serious threat to human health and causes significant economic losses to the global livestock industry. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection has been reported to be high in humans and animals around the world, but the occurrence of the disease has not yet been reported in water buffaloes in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China. To understand the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in Guangxi, a total of 1041 water buffalo and 114 cat serum samples were examined using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA). Of the 1041 water buffaloes analyzed, an overall seroprevalence of 52.9% (551/1041) was obtained, with year, season, and city location being significant factors affecting the rate of T. gondii infection in water buffaloes (P < 0.001). The results also revealed a high seroprevalence of 57% (65/114) in cats. Given that buffalo milk and meat products are vital food sources, these findings suggest that toxoplasmosis in water buffaloes may be a public health threat. This study provides the first T. gondii seroprevalence data in Guangxi, which could contribute to the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Hongju Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xinru Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yanwen Yin
- Guangxi Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Kaichuang Shi
- Guangxi Center for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Dongying Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, 530004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Dandan Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, 530004, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xingju Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, 530004, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, 530004, China.
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Puspitasari H, Suwanti LT, Mufasirin M, Kusnoto K, Yudaniayanti IS, Setiawan B, Suprihati E, Aksono EB, Widodo DP, Indasari EN. Tissue cysts and serological detection toxoplasmosis among wild rats from Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Open Vet J 2023; 13:1443-1450. [PMID: 38107229 PMCID: PMC10725286 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2023.v13.i11.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is the source of zoonosis toxoplasmosis and causes public health problems throughout the world. Environmental contamination by oocysts excreted by cats as definitive hosts affects the spread of this disease. Wild rats as rodents can be used as an indicator of environmental contamination by oocysts, considering that rats have a habit of living in dirty environments and can be infected by oocysts from the environment. Aim This study aims to detect toxoplasmosis from tissue cysts and serological tests in wild rats as an indicator of environmental contamination in Surabaya. Methods A total of 100 wild rats collected from Surabaya were collected in five areas (West, East, Central, North, and South of Surabaya) obtained from three trapping locations: housing, dense settlements, and markets. All samples were examined microscopically for parasitological tests through the brain tissue samples, and the serum was examined using the toxoplasma modified agglutination test to detect the presence of IgG and Immunoglobulin M (IgM). Results This research used 100 wild rat samples, 77 Rattus tanezumi and 33 Rattus norvegicus, with evidence of 31% in serology and active infection with 19% tissue cyst. The results showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii in wild rats was 31% (30% for IgG and 1% for IgM). Tissue cysts in the rat brain samples tested were 19% (19/100). The IgG prevalence rate in female rats was 25% (8/32), while for males, it was 32.3% (22/68). The highest seropositive IgG from densely populated settlements was 50%, markets were 25.8%, and housing was 12.1%. The highest seropositive IgM from densely populated settlements was 2.8%. Population density and the presence of cats are factors supporting the high seropositive rate at the trapping location. Conclusion This study revealed that there has been toxoplasmosis contamination in Surabaya with evidence of 31% in serology and active infection with 19% tissue cyst. It is necessary for controlling with surveillance in cats to prevent transmission in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heni Puspitasari
- Doctoral Program of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Toxoplasma Study Group, Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Lucia Tri Suwanti
- Toxoplasma Study Group, Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Mufasirin Mufasirin
- Toxoplasma Study Group, Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
- Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Kusnoto Kusnoto
- Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Ira Sari Yudaniayanti
- Division of Clinic Veteriner, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Boedi Setiawan
- Division of Clinic Veteriner, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Endang Suprihati
- Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Eduardus Bimo Aksono
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Priyo Widodo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Elly Nur Indasari
- Toxoplasma Study Group, Institute of Tropical Disease, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Kalmár Z, Sándor AD, Balea A, Borşan SD, Matei IA, Ionică AM, Gherman CM, Mihalca AD, Cozma-Petruț A, Mircean V, Györke A. Toxoplasma gondii in small mammals in Romania: the influence of host, season and sampling location. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:177. [PMID: 37773155 PMCID: PMC10540334 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03729-7] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects a large spectrum of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Small rodents and insectivores play an important role in the epidemiology of T. gondii and may serve as a source of infection for both, domestic and wild definitive felid hosts. Factors influencing the occurrence of T. gondii in wild small mammals are unknown, despite the fact that many intermediate host species are identified. We have used small mammals (Rodentia and Lipotyphla) captured over two years in various habitats, both in urbanised and in natural landscapes. We assessed the importance of land-use, season and host ecology on T. gondii infection. RESULTS We examined 471 individuals belonging to 20 small mammal species, collected at 63 locations spread over wide altitude, habitat and land-use ranges from Romania. Heart tissue samples were individually analysed by PCR targeting the 529 bp repetitive DNA fragment of T. gondii. The overall prevalence of infection was 7.3%, with nine species of rodents and two species of shrews being found to carry T. gondii DNA. Five species showed high frequency of infection, with the highest prevalence found in Myodes glareolus (35.5%), followed by Spermophilus citellus (33.3%), Sorex minutus (23.1%), S. araneus (21.7%) and Micromys minutus (11.1%). Adults seemed more often infected than young, however when controlling for season, the difference was not significant, as in spring both adults and young showed higher infection rates, but more adults were sampled. Contrary to our expectations, urban/rural areas (with their implicit high density of domestic feline presence) had no effect on infection prevalence. In addition, neither habitat, nor land-use at sampling sites was important as only geographical location and host species were contributing factors to the infection risk. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of T. gondii infection showed a highly localised, patchy occurrence, with long living and higher mobility host species being the most common carriers, especially during autumn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Kalmár
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
- “Iuliu Hațieganu“ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anamaria Balea
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
- Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate Cluj, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Silvia-Diana Borşan
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | | | - Viorica Mircean
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | - Adriana Györke
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
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Matas Méndez P, Fuentes Corripio I, Montoya Matute A, Bailo Barroso B, Grande Gómez R, Apruzzese Rubio A, Ponce Gordo F, Mateo Barrientos M. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Endangered Wild Felines ( Felis silvestris and Lynx pardinus) in Spain. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2488. [PMID: 37570297 PMCID: PMC10417606 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The wildcat (Felis silvestris) and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) are important species in Spain, considered as near-threatened and endangered, respectively. Both can be infected by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can cause morbidity and mortality in transplacentally-infected or immunocompromised mammals. The data on the prevalence of this parasite in wild populations of these species in Spain are outdated. The objective of this study was to update information and evaluate the role of these felines in parasite epidemiology and the potential impact of the parasite on their conservation. Blood and fecal samples were collected from captured animals, as well as the tongue, diaphragm, and spleen, from animals killed in road accidents in central Spain. An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect parasite antibodies in serum, microscopy and molecular analysis were used to detect oocysts in feces, and molecular analysis was used to determine the existence of tissue cysts. Seroprevalence was 85% in wildcats and 45% in lynx, and parasite DNA was detected in the feces of one wildcat and in tissue samples from 10 wildcats and 11 Iberian lynxes. These results highlight the epidemiological importance and high risk of T. gondii infection in animals and humans in the studied areas. Considering feline susceptibility to infection, monitoring programs are needed to assess the health status of wild felines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Matas Méndez
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28691 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Isabel Fuentes Corripio
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (I.F.C.); (B.B.B.)
| | - Ana Montoya Matute
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Begoña Bailo Barroso
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (I.F.C.); (B.B.B.)
| | - Rebeca Grande Gómez
- Technical Assistence, General Direction of Natural Environment and Biodiversity, Ministry of Sustainable Development, Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha, 45007 Toledo, Spain; (R.G.G.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Ariadna Apruzzese Rubio
- Technical Assistence, General Direction of Natural Environment and Biodiversity, Ministry of Sustainable Development, Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha, 45007 Toledo, Spain; (R.G.G.); (A.A.R.)
| | - Francisco Ponce Gordo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Mateo Barrientos
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Antolová D, Stanko M, Jarošová J, Miklisová D. Rodents as Sentinels for Toxoplasma gondii in Rural Ecosystems in Slovakia-Seroprevalence Study. Pathogens 2023; 12:826. [PMID: 37375516 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous intracellular parasite with felids as definitive hosts and a broad range of intermediate hosts. Rodents are considered suitable sentinels for prevalence studies of many infections, including toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in rodents from different localities of Slovakia and investigate the correlation between the seropositivity and the species, age, sex, and sexual activity of animals. Altogether, 1009 wild rodents belonging to 9 species were trapped in 2015 and 2019, and antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 6.7% of the animals. Seropositivity was detected in seven species, ranging from 0.0% in Micromys minutus and Apodemus sylvaticus to 7.7% in A. flavicollis. The females reached significantly higher seropositivity (9.7%) than the males (3.8%), and the adults were positive significantly more often (9.2%) than the subadults (4.9%). The seropositivity differed also among localities, with significantly higher positivity detected in suburban and touristic areas (12.2%) than in localities with a lower level of human activities (5.5%). This study showed that the occurrence of T. gondii varies significantly in rodent species and habitats with various environmental conditions and different levels of anthropic use. Several biological and ecological factors, e.g., soil contamination, soil conditions, the susceptibility of rodent species etc., may influence this variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Michal Stanko
- Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Júlia Jarošová
- Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Dana Miklisová
- Institute of Parasitology SAS, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia
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11
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Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii among commensal rodents from the Sahiwal division, Punjab, Pakistan. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:299-306. [PMID: 36401141 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07729-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease in humans and animals caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Rodents not only act as intermediate hosts for T. gondii but are also a significant source of T. gondii infection for other hosts. There is limited information about the prevalence of this protozoan within rodents in Pakistan. The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence of T. gondii in commensal rodents as well as associated risk factors. A total of 236 rats including Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus were captured from three districts of the Sahiwal division in Punjab province, Pakistan. Brain samples were collected from each specimen. Data was gathered about rodent species, gender, age, location, districts, seasonality, and habitat type. PCR assays were used to screen for T. gondii from the brain samples. A Chi-square analysis was used to investigate the association between positive samples and risk factors. A total of 236 rodent spleen samples were examined for detection of the B1 and SAG3 genes of T. gondii DNA by conventional PCR, and 14 (5.9%) were positive. T. gondii prevalence was higher in R. norvegicus (8.2%) compared to R. rattus (4.6%). All risk factors were statistically non-significant. This study provides evidence of T. gondii in rodents in the Sahiwal division and indicates that other animals and humans are at risk of infection.
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12
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Simons D, Attfield LA, Jones KE, Watson-Jones D, Kock R. Rodent trapping studies as an overlooked information source for understanding endemic and novel zoonotic spillover. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0010772. [PMID: 36689474 PMCID: PMC9894545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents, a diverse, globally distributed and ecologically important order of mammals are nevertheless important reservoirs of known and novel zoonotic pathogens. Ongoing anthropogenic land use change is altering these species' abundance and distribution, which among zoonotic host species may increase the risk of zoonoses spillover events. A better understanding of the current distribution of rodent species is required to guide attempts to mitigate against potentially increased zoonotic disease hazard and risk. However, available species distribution and host-pathogen association datasets (e.g. IUCN, GBIF, CLOVER) are often taxonomically and spatially biased. Here, we synthesise data from West Africa from 127 rodent trapping studies, published between 1964-2022, as an additional source of information to characterise the range and presence of rodent species and identify the subgroup of species that are potential or known pathogen hosts. We identify that these rodent trapping studies, although biased towards human dominated landscapes across West Africa, can usefully complement current rodent species distribution datasets and we calculate the discrepancies between these datasets. For five regionally important zoonotic pathogens (Arenaviridae spp., Borrelia spp., Lassa mammarenavirus, Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii), we identify host-pathogen associations that have not been previously reported in host-association datasets. Finally, for these five pathogen groups, we find that the proportion of a rodent hosts range that have been sampled remains small with geographic clustering. A priority should be to sample rodent hosts across a greater geographic range to better characterise current and future risk of zoonotic spillover events. In the interim, studies of spatial pathogen risk informed by rodent distributions must incorporate a measure of the current sampling biases. The current synthesis of contextually rich rodent trapping data enriches available information from IUCN, GBIF and CLOVER which can support a more complete understanding of the hazard of zoonotic spillover events.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Simons
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren A. Attfield
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate E. Jones
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Watson-Jones
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Richard Kock
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Etougbétché JR, Hamidović A, Dossou HJ, Coan-Grosso M, Roques R, Plault N, Houéménou G, Badou S, Missihoun AA, Abdou Karim IY, Galal L, Diagne C, Dardé ML, Dobigny G, Mercier A. Molecular prevalence, genetic characterization and patterns of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic small mammals from Cotonou, Benin. Parasite 2022; 29:58. [PMID: 36562439 PMCID: PMC9879161 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022058] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, one of the most prevalent parasitic infections in humans and animals, is caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Small mammals play a key role as intermediate reservoir hosts in the maintenance of the T. gondii life cycle. In this study, we estimated the molecular prevalence and provide genetic diversity data for T. gondii in 632 small mammals sampled in four areas of Cotonou city, Benin. Both the brain and heart of each individual were screened through T. gondii-targeting qPCR, and positive samples were then genotyped using a set of 15 T. gondii-specific microsatellites. Prevalence data were statistically analyzed in order to assess the relative impact of individual host characteristics, spatial distribution, composition of small mammal community, and urban landscape features. An overall T. gondii molecular prevalence of 15.2% was found and seven genotypes, all belonging to the Africa 1 lineage, could be retrieved from the invasive black rat Rattus rattus and the native African giant shrew Crocidura olivieri. Statistical analyses did not suggest any significant influence of the environmental parameters used in this study. Rather, depending on the local context, T. gondii prevalence appeared to be associated either with black rat, shrew, or mouse abundance or with the trapping period. Overall, our results highlight the intricate relationships between biotic and abiotic factors involved in T. gondii epidemiology and suggest that R. rattus and C. olivieri are two competent reservoirs for the Africa 1 lineage, a widespread lineage in tropical Africa and the predominant lineage in Benin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas R. Etougbétché
- Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi 01 BP 2009 Cotonou Benin,Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire et d’Analyse des Génomes, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi 01BP 526 Cotonou Bénin,Corresponding authors: ;
| | - Azra Hamidović
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, Omega Health 87000 Limoges France
| | - Henri-Joël Dossou
- Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi 01 BP 2009 Cotonou Benin,Institut du Cadre de Vie (ICaV), Université d’Abomey-Calavi BP 2899 Abomey-Calavi Benin
| | - Maeva Coan-Grosso
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, Omega Health 87000 Limoges France
| | - Roxane Roques
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, Omega Health 87000 Limoges France
| | - Nicolas Plault
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, Omega Health 87000 Limoges France
| | - Gualbert Houéménou
- Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi 01 BP 2009 Cotonou Benin
| | - Sylvestre Badou
- Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi, Laboratoire de Recherche en Biologie Appliquée, Unité de Recherche sur les Invasions Biologiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi 01 BP 2009 Cotonou Benin
| | - Antoine A. Missihoun
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire et d’Analyse des Génomes, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi 01BP 526 Cotonou Bénin
| | - Issaka Youssao Abdou Karim
- Ecole Polytechnique d’Abomey-Calavi, Laboratoire de Biotechnologie Animale et de Technologie des Viandes, Université d’Abomey-Calavi 01 BP 2009 Cotonou Benin
| | - Lokman Galal
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, Omega Health 87000 Limoges France
| | - Christophe Diagne
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR CBGP (IRD, INRA, Cirad, Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier Université d’Excellence 755 avenue du campus Agropolis 34988 Montferrier-sur-Lez Cedex France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, Omega Health 87000 Limoges France,Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Center (BRC), Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren 87000 Limoges France
| | - Gauthier Dobigny
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, UMR CBGP (IRD, INRA, Cirad, Montpellier SupAgro), Montpellier Université d’Excellence 755 avenue du campus Agropolis 34988 Montferrier-sur-Lez Cedex France,Unité Peste, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar BP 1274 Ambatofotsikely Avaradoha 101 Antananarivo Madagascar
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, Omega Health 87000 Limoges France,Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Center (BRC), Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren 87000 Limoges France
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14
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Yue C, Yang W, Fan X, Lan J, Huang W, Zhang D, Li Y, Liao L, Ayala JE, Wu K, Liu Y, Zheng W, Li L, Zhang H, Su X, Yan X, Hou R, Liu S. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in captive giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1071988. [PMID: 36519136 PMCID: PMC9742358 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1071988] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii, a globally zoonotic protozoan parasite, infects most warm-blooded animals including the giant panda, and poses a serious threat to the giant panda conservation. However, the seroprevalence and the risk factors for toxoplasmosis in giant pandas are unknown. Here we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the captive population of giant pandas and analyze the factors associated with the increased risk of infection. Methods A total of 203 serum samples were collected from 157 (95 females and 62 males) captive giant pandas from 2007 to 2022, antibodies against T. gondii were screened using commercial ELISA and MAT kits. Results The results showed 56 (35.67%) giant pandas were seropositive, age and transfer history between institutions were identifified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. It is suggested that age-related seroprevalence was the main factor, and housing multiple species in the same environment may increase the chance of cross-infection of T. gondii. Discussion This study can provide research data for developing policies for the prevention and control of T. gondii and protecting the health of captive giant pandas and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjuan Yue
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanjing Yang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueyang Fan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingchao Lan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjun Huang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunli Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lihui Liao
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - James Edward Ayala
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kongju Wu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiyan Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weichao Zheng
- Rare and Endangered Species Reintroduction and Species Monitoring Research Center, Schuan Academy of Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongwen Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Su
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Yan
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rong Hou
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Songrui Liu, ; Rong Hou,
| | - Songrui Liu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Songrui Liu, ; Rong Hou,
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15
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Cañón-Franco WA, López-Orozco N, Quiroz-Bucheli A, Kwok OCH, Dubey JP, Sepúlveda-Arias JC. First serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) used for human consumption in Nariño, Colombia, South America. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100801. [PMID: 36436890 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Consumption of undercooked meat is one of the main transmission routes for Toxoplasma gondii worldwide. In the South American Andes, the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) is a domestic rodent representing one of the main sources of animal proteins for indigenous communities. Although T. gondii infects a wide range of rodents worldwide, the natural impact of the infection on guinea pig populations is still unknown. Our study conducted in guinea pigs that were bred in traditional systems located in the village of José María Hernández (Nariño, Colombia) revealed the presence of T. gondii antibodies in 33.3% (23 out of 69) guinea pigs evaluated, with a cut-off point of 25 for the modified direct agglutination test. Conventional PCR detection of the T. gondii-specific RE fragment (529 bp) in 207 collected tissues demonstrated the presence of T. gondii DNA in several organs, including the brain (16/69), muscle (12/69), and heart (4/69), with an overall molecular detection frequency of 27.5% (19 out of 69 guinea pigs). This is the first report of natural infection of guinea pigs with T. gondii, demonstrating their potential epidemiological role in transmitting the infection to autochthonous populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalia López-Orozco
- Grupo Infección e Inmunidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia
| | - Adriana Quiroz-Bucheli
- Unidad Municipal de Asistencia Técnica Agropecuaria, Alcaldía de Pupiales, Pupiales, Nariño, Colombia
| | - Oliver C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Jitender P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Juan C Sepúlveda-Arias
- Grupo Infección e Inmunidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira, Colombia..
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16
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Esmaeilifallah M, Sadraei J, Pirestani M, Kalantari R. Molecular characterization and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in free-living animals in Iran: Effect of One Health. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2022; 36:100808. [PMID: 36436895 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2022.100808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
To understand the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii, this parasite's genetic diversity distribution in free-living hosts is essential. This research's objective is the molecular genotyping of T. gondii isolates from the brain and muscles of Columbidae, Corvidae, Rattus, and Felidae of Mianeh County, East-Azerbaijan Province, Northwest Iran. Three hundred fifty samples were taken. For the genotyping of T. gondii, the GRA6 gene was amplified and digested by the Tru1I (MseI) enzyme. Results of RFLP were confirmed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In total, 52%, 34%, 24%, and 50% of Columbidae, Corvidae, Rattus, and Felidae were positive for T. gondii DNA, respectively. All isolated Columbidae were identified as genotype III (100%). Also, 94.1% and 5.9% of Corvidae isolates, 84.4% and 15.6% of the Rattus isolates, and 51.7% and 48.3% of the Felidae isolates belonged to genotypes III and II, respectively. This study is the first to evaluate genetic similarity and phylogenetic analysis between many definitive and intermediated hosts in northwestern Iran. The finding indicates that the T. gondii cycle is maintained among these hosts. As a result, their presence in the environment can be a risk factor for transmitting the infection to humans. Due to demographic and geographic differences in various regions, further studies are required to determine the genetic population structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Esmaeilifallah
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Javid Sadraei
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Kalantari
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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17
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Galeh TM, Sarvi S, Hosseini SA, Daryani A. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from rodents in the world: A systematic review. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:943-957. [PMID: 33825346 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most frequent food-borne infections in humans caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Rodents, as intermediate and reservoir hosts, play key role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis; because they are the main source of infection for the Felidae family members and establish the parasite life cycle. Hence, the infectious isolates of T. gondii in rodents may be the main genotypes infecting the environment, humans and animals. Our review aimed to present the population structure of T. gondii in these mammals. To access the relevant studies, six English language databases were systematically searched from 1990 to 2019. Finally, 3,395 samples of rodents were analysed for the genotyping data and 118 isolates were separated from the samples. The results of the present study showed that atypical genotypes were dominant with a frequency of 65.2% of the total isolates (77 out of 118). Clonal Types II, III and I had less frequency, respectively. Type I clonal isolates were identified only from Asia. The examination of genotypes circulating in rodents around the world revealed that ToxoDB #1 or #3 (Type II) were the most common, followed by ToxoDB #9 and #2, respectively. Overall, our data showed low genetic diversity of T. gondii with circulating clonal strains in rodents compare to the isolates from Europe, North America and Africa, while non-clonal parasites with high genetic diversity were dominant in South America and Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student of Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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18
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Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild omnivorous and carnivorous animals in Central Europe – a brief overview. Vet Parasitol 2022; 304:109701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Hebbar BK, Mitra P, Khan W, Chaudhari S, Shinde S, Deshmukh AS. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in cattle in Central India. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102514. [PMID: 34781014 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related cyst-forming parasites identified as important causes of reproductive failures in ruminants. While these parasites have been reported worldwide, seroprevalence and associated risk factors for cattle infections have not been determined in India. A total of 576 serum samples of cattle were analyzed for antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), modified/Neospora agglutination test (MAT/NAT), and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT-tachyzoite and bradyzoite). Additionally, general information about cattle, movement of cats and dogs, the menace of rodents, management, and reproductive disorders were assessed to identify the potential risk factors. Overall, 32.9% (190/576) serum samples reacted positively to T. gondii and 24.8% (143/576) to N. caninum. The performance of the diagnostic tests showed excellent agreement between IFAT and ELISA (kappa [κ] = 0.98) and between MAT/NAT and ELISA (κ = 0.97). Combining both infections on avidity test, 94% sera had high-IgG avidity, and 3% had low-IgG avidity antibodies, indicating chronic infection in the majority of the cases. The identified risk factors (p < 0.05) for exposure to T. gondii were: increasing age (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.02), movement of cat (OR: 4.8) and rodents (OR: 1.57) in the farm; and for N. caninum: increasing age (OR: 1.6), movement of dogs in the farm (OR: 2.07), drinking pond water (OR: 1.64) and abortion (OR: 1.82). These findings revealed that T. gondii and N. caninum infections are widespread in the study area and suggest conducting nationwide epidemiological studies owing to their economic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavana K Hebbar
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pallabi Mitra
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Waqar Khan
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, India
| | - Sandeep Chaudhari
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, India
| | - Shilpshri Shinde
- Department of Veterinary Public Health & Epidemiology, Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur, India
| | - Abhijit S Deshmukh
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.
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Taggart PL, Fancourt BA, Boardman WSJ, Peacock DE, Caraguel CGB. INFECTION PRESSURE IS NECESSARY, BUT NOT SUFFICIENT BY ITSELF, TO EXPLAIN TOXOPLASMA GONDII SEROPREVALENCE IN INTERMEDIATE HOST SPECIES. J Parasitol 2021; 107:554-561. [PMID: 34270758 DOI: 10.1645/21-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasite infection pressure is suggested to be a strong driver of transmission within ecosystems. We tested if infection pressure drives seroprevalence in intermediate host species for Toxoplasma gondii. We defined Toxoplasma infection pressure to intermediate host species as the combined influence of cat abundance, environmental conditions, and its prevalence in the cat population. We sampled and tested 2 species of rodent and collated information on Toxoplasma seroprevalence in koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and sheep. All species were sampled using equivalent methods, within a 2-yr period, and from adjacent regions of low and high Toxoplasma infection pressure. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in kangaroos scaled with infection pressure, but we observed no statistical difference in seroprevalence for any other species between these 2 regions. Within the region of low infection pressure, Toxoplasma seroprevalence did not differ between species. However, within the region of high Toxoplasma infection pressure, we observed large variation in seroprevalence between species. Our results demonstrate that infection pressure is not sufficient by itself, but merely necessary, to drive Toxoplasma seroprevalence in intermediate host species. Where Toxoplasma seroprevalence in an intermediate host species is already low, further reducing infection pressure will not necessarily further decrease seroprevalence in those species. This has important ramifications for the mitigation of parasite infections and suggests that reductions in Toxoplasma infection pressure, intended to reduce infections, may be most effective and applicable to species that are known to experience high rates of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.,Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Queanbeya, New South Wales, 2620, Australia
| | - Bronwyn A Fancourt
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia
| | - Wayne S J Boardman
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - David E Peacock
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - Charles G B Caraguel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
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Grzybek M, Antolová D, Tołkacz K, Alsarraf M, Behnke-Borowczyk J, Nowicka J, Paleolog J, Biernat B, Behnke JM, Bajer A. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among Sylvatic Rodents in Poland. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1048. [PMID: 33917803 PMCID: PMC8068096 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular Apicomplexan parasite with a broad range of intermediate hosts, including humans and rodents. Rodents are considered to be reservoirs of infection for their predators, including cats, felids, pigs, and wild boars. We conducted a multi-site, long-term study on T. gondii in northeastern Poland. The study aimed to monitor the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the four abundant vole species found in the region (Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus agrestis, and Alexandromys oeconomus) and to assess the influence of both extrinsic (year of study and study site) and intrinsic (host sex and host age) factors on seroprevalence. A bespoke enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect antibodies against T. gondii. We examined 577 rodent individuals and detected T. gondii antibodies in the sera of all four rodent species with an overall seroprevalence of 5.5% [4.2-7.3] (3.6% [2.6-4.9] for M. glareolus and 20% [12-30.9] for M. arvalis, M. agrestis, and A. oeconomus). Seroprevalence in bank voles varied significantly between host age and sex. Seroprevalence increased with host age and was higher in females than males. These results contribute to our understanding of the distribution and abundance of T. gondii in voles in Poland and confirm that T. gondii also circulates in M. glareolus and M. arvalis, M. agrestis and A. oeconomus. Therefore, they may potentially play a role as reservoirs of this parasite in the sylvatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Grzybek
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland; (J.N.); (B.B.)
| | - Daniela Antolová
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Katarzyna Tołkacz
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (M.A.); (A.B.)
| | - Mohammed Alsarraf
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (M.A.); (A.B.)
| | - Jolanta Behnke-Borowczyk
- Department of Forest Phytopathology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Joanna Nowicka
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland; (J.N.); (B.B.)
| | - Jerzy Paleolog
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Beata Biernat
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland; (J.N.); (B.B.)
| | - Jerzy M. Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (M.A.); (A.B.)
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22
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Su C. Epidemiological Significance of Toxoplasma Gondii Infections in Wild Rodents: 2009-2020. J Parasitol 2021; 107:182-204. [PMID: 33662119 DOI: 10.1645/20-121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Rodents are one of the most important intermediate hosts for T. gondii because they are preyed on by cats, who in turn excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in their feces and thus spread the infection. Information on T. gondii infections is spread in numerous reports and is not easily accessible to readers. Here, we review prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of T. gondii infections in wild rodents worldwide. Data are tabulated by country, by each rodent species alphabetically, and chronologically. Recent genetic diversity of T. gondii strains in rodents is critically evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, Maryland 20705-2350
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-0845
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Ge P, Ong CY, Abdalkareem AE, Khoo BY, Yuan B. IFN-γ and IL-18 in conditioned media of parasite-infected host and IL-21-silenced colorectal cancer cells. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:103. [PMID: 33335566 PMCID: PMC7739864 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of certain soluble factors may provide a possible selective advantage for a parasite to gradually modify cell proliferation in neighbouring cells, which may result in chronic diseases. These soluble factors present in the conditioned medium also allow the parasite to invade rapidly into more host cells. The present study aimed to determine the levels of a group of type 1 T helper (Th1) cytokines in the conditioned media of host cells infected with parasites and in IL-21-silenced colorectal cancer cells. The conditioned media of human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) parasitized with the RH and ME49 strains of Toxoplasma gondii for 10 days were prepared, and subsequently the levels of the Th1 cytokines in the conditioned media were determined by ELISA. HFFs were incubated with the growth media containing selected soluble factors, and cell proliferation markers were subsequently analysed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The mRNA expression level of cell proliferation markers was also examined in IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells, where the levels of soluble factors in the conditioned media were also determined as aforementioned. The results of the present study demonstrated that HFFs parasitized with ME49 released elevated levels of IFN-γ and lower levels of IL-18 into the conditioned medium compared with the controls. These phenomena were not observed in the conditioned medium of HFFs parasitized with RH. Similar levels of these soluble factors were also detected in the conditioned medium of IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells. The results of the present study also revealed that Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen mRNA expression was altered in host cells incubated with various levels of IFN-γ and IL-18, as well as in IL-21-silenced HCT116 cells compared with the respective controls. In conclusion, the current study provided preliminary evidence on the fundamental molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interactions that result in chronic diseases, which may aid in the treatment of these diseases in the relevant endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, P.R. China
| | - Ching Yi Ong
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Abdalla Eshtiyag Abdalkareem
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Boon Yin Khoo
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Bo Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, P.R. China
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Taggart PL, Caraguel CGB, McAllister MM. Fractional seroprevalence rates in common prey species can cause more than half of feral cats to be exposed to Toxoplasma gondii annually. Vet Parasitol 2020; 288:109306. [PMID: 33221602 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Rodents comprise a major component of cat (Felis catus) diets in many ecosystems, and life cycle diagrams of Toxoplasma gondii typically depict small rodents as quintessential intermediate hosts. Counter-intuitively, small rodents often experience a lower T. gondii seroprevalence than do larger sympatric mammals. This observation has repeatedly caused confusion about the relative importance of small rodents to the ecology of T. gondii. To address this confusion, we modified the Reed-Frost epidemic model to develop a simple binomial equation to model T. gondii transmission from prey to feline predators. This equation takes into account variations in prey seroprevalence and the frequency with which they are consumed by felids. Even when T. gondii seroprevalence in prey is < 1%, computation reveals that the risk of feline exposure to T. gondii can easily exceed 50 % annually. For example, if cats eat an average of 1 mouse per day, a seroprevalence of 0.2 % (1/500) in mice will cause 51.9 % of cats to be exposed to T. gondii annually. Our simple equation demonstrates that both prey seroprevalence and the rate at which prey are consumed are of approximately equal importance to the ecology of T. gondii. When inferring the importance of various prey species to the ecology of T. gondii, researchers must consider the predation and dietary habits of felids from within their study system. Our simple binomial equation could also be used to predict T. gondii exposure rates of humans or other carnivorous animals from various dietary sources or be applied to other predator-prey parasite life cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia; Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange, NSW, 2800 Australia.
| | - Charles G B Caraguel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
| | - Milton M McAllister
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia
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