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Zhao G, Dong H, Dai L, Xie H, Sun H, Zhang J, Wang Q, Xu C, Yin K. Proteomics analysis of Toxoplasma gondii merozoites reveals regulatory proteins involved in sexual reproduction. Microb Pathog 2024; 186:106484. [PMID: 38052278 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106484] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction plays a crucial role in the transmission and life cycle of toxoplasmosis. The merozoites are the only developmental stage capable of differentiation into male and female gametes, thereby initiating sexual reproduction to form oocysts that are excreted into the environment. Hence, our study aimed to perform proteomic analyses of T. gondii Pru strain merozoites, a pre-sexual developmental stage in cat IECs, and tachyzoites, an asexual developmental stage, using the tandem mass tag (TMT) method in order to identify the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) of merozoites. Proteins functions were subjected to cluster analysis, and DEPs were validated through the qPCR method. The results showed that a total of 106 proteins were identified, out of which 85 proteins had quantitative data. Among these, 15 proteins were differentially expressed within merozoites, with four exhibiting up-regulation and being closely associated with the material and energy metabolism as well as the cell division of T. gondii. Two novel DEPs, namely S8GHL5 and A0A125YP41, were identified, and their homologous family members have been demonstrated to play regulatory roles in oocyte maturation and spermatogenesis in other species. Therefore, they may potentially exhibit regulatory functions during the differentiation of micro- and macro-gametophytes at the initiation stage of sexual reproduction in T. gondii. In conclusion, our results showed that the metabolic and divisional activities in the merozoites surpass those in the tachyzoites, thereby providing structural, material, and energetic support for gametophytes development. The discovery of two novel DEPs associated with sexual reproduction represents a significant advancement in understanding Toxoplasma sexual reproduction initiation and oocyst formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Zhao
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Hongjie Dong
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Lisha Dai
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Huanhuan Xie
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Hang Sun
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Junmei Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Chao Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
| | - Kun Yin
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China.
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Sheng L, Xue Q, Xu S, Can F, Yao N, Zou M, Teng Q, Li Y, El-Ashram S, Ji Y, Zhao J. Rapid and visual detection of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst in cat feces using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17269. [PMID: 37828080 PMCID: PMC10570283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44658-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate parasitic protozoon that transmits to animals and humans via ingested food. Cats that act as T. gondii's final hosts play a critical role in T. gondii transmission by shedding millions of oocysts. Timely diagnosis of infected cats is essential for preventing toxoplasmosis because oocysts are a putative T. gondii source in epidemiology. We developed a new visual LAMP assay targeting the B1 gene to analyze single oocysts in cat feces in this study. The amplification result could be visually estimated based on the color change. LAMP assay analytical sensitivity was 101 copies/µL for the B1 gene plasmid, which was tenfold better than the PCR reaction. There were no cross-reactions with other parasites. The LAMP assay can detect a single T. gondii oocyst in 200 mg of cat feces. The LAMP assay detected a single oocyst in 200 mg cat feces at a higher rate than the PCR assay (83.3% vs. 50.0%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingwei Sheng
- Medical Laboratory Science, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqi Xue
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Sijia Xu
- Medical Laboratory Science, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Fang Can
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Ning Yao
- School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Minghui Zou
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Qiao Teng
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong, China
- Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516, Egypt
| | - Yongsheng Ji
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, China.
| | - Jinhong Zhao
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Biological Macro-Molecules, Wuhu, 241002, Anhui, China.
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Wana MN, Watanabe M, Chiroma SM, Unyah NZ, Abdullahi SA, Nordin S, Basir R, Mohd Moklas MA, Majid RA. Toxoplasma gondii induced cognitive impairment in rats via dysregulation of dopamine receptors and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14370. [PMID: 36950587 PMCID: PMC10025920 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14370] [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: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite capable of residing in the brain of their host which influences behaviour changes due to alterations in the neurotransmitters. Consequently, dopamine receptors (DRD) and indoleamine 2, 3 dioxygenase (IDO) dysregulation facilitate the progression of behaviour changes in a host as a response to infection. This study tested the effect of neurotransmitter changes as a result of T. gondii infection on rats cognitive impairment. The T. gondii strain of type I, II and III from Malaysia were previously identified by standard procedures. Sporulated oocysts each of type I, II and III were inoculated separately into three groups of Wistar rats (n = 9) respectively. Two separate control groups received either phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or MK-801 (dizocilpine). Behaviour changes were evaluated at nine weeks post infection in a square box, elevated plus maze and gene expression level of DRD and IDO compounds. The study revealed increased fatal feline attraction, reduced anxiety, decreased DRD and increased IDO gene expression in the T. gondii infected groups and MK-801 compared to the PBS control group. In conclusion, T. gondii infection alter the level of neurotransmitters in rat which cause cognitive impairment. This implies that all the T. gondii strain can cause behaviour changes if human were infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Nasiru Wana
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Malaika Watanabe
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Samaila Musa Chiroma
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NuMed) No 1, Jalan Sarjana 1,Kota Ilmu, EduCity@Iskandar,79200 Iskandar Puteri (formerly Nusajaya) Johor-Malaysia
| | - Ngah Zasmy Unyah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharif Alhassan Abdullahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Shariza Nordin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rusliza Basir
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Roslaini Abd Majid
- Department of Pre-Clinical, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia, Kem Sungai Besi, 57000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Corresponding author.
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Suwancharoen C, Phuangsri C, Prakhammin K, Japa O. Molecular detection and dense granule antigen 6 genotyping of feline Toxoplasma gondii in Phayao, Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:2309-2314. [PMID: 36341069 PMCID: PMC9631367 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2309-2314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Globally, toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic parasite infection of many warm-blooded animals (including humans). Toxoplasma gondii oocysts are widespread, and their contamination can be primarily attributed to the members of the Felidae family. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and determine the dense granule antigen 6 (GRA6) genotype of T. gondii among domestic cats in the Phayao Province, Thailand. Materials and Methods: A total of 124 fecal samples were collected from owned cats in the Muang district, Phayao, Thailand, from January to December 2020. Fecal samples were tested for the presence of T. gondii DNA using targeted B1 gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and positive samples were subsequently analyzed for their T. gondii genotype through PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and sequencing of the GRA6 gene. Results: Among the 124 samples, 46 (37.1%) were tested positive for T. gondii. Only 10 positive DNA samples were successfully amplified for the GRA6 marker. Subsequent PCR-RFLP and sequence analyses indicated that all T. gondii isolates from cats in Phayao belonged to GRA6 genotype I. Conclusion: Data revealed that toxoplasmosis is remarkably distributed among (studied) domestic cats in Phayao, Thailand. Moreover, the virulent GRA6 allele was found to be circulated among domestic cats in this area. However, no significant correlation was observed between infection rates and different risk factors, which indicated that pet cats of any age, gender, or breed have similar risks of being infected with T. gondii. Our results further suggested that infective oocysts of T. gondii are widely distributed and that environmental contamination with these oocysts will introduce more risks of disease transmission to humans and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chittakun Suwancharoen
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Chorpaka Phuangsri
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Khanuengnij Prakhammin
- Department of Applied Statistics, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen Campus, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Ornampai Japa
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand; Scientific Instrument and Product Standard Quality Inspection Center, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
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Cao Z, Zhang K, Yin D, Zhang Q, Yu Y, Wen J, Ni H. Clinical validation of visual LAMP and qLAMP assays for the rapid detection of Toxoplasma gondii. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1024690. [PMID: 36225232 PMCID: PMC9548649 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1024690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are exposed to Toxoplasma gondii infection as pet cats gradually become family members and represent an increasing public health risk worldwide. Toxoplasmosis diagnosis constitutes an important measure for disease prevention and control. In this study, real-time fluorescence quantitative loop-mediated isothermal amplification (qLAMP) and visual LAMP detection technologies were established to conduct tests of T. gondii based on the membrane DNA extraction method, and the optimal detection mix was determined by adding the protective reagent trehalose and screening the concentrations of Mg2+ and dNTPs. Paraffin and lyophilization were used to reduce and even remove aerosol pollution, constructing a detailed anti-contamination protocol. Based on the positive standard plasmid DNA, the LODs of qLAMP and visual LAMP were 92 copies/μL and 92 copies/μL, and the standard curve of qLAMP was Y=2.9503X+20.8992 with R2 = 0.99. The applicability of the qLAMP and visual LAMP assays in disease diagnosis was assessed by evaluating 200 clinical cat faeces samples. The assays showed good diagnostic consistency, with kappa values of 1.0 and 0.99 compared with TaqMan qPCR, respectively. Compared with TaqMan qPCR, the diagnostic specificity/sensitivity of qLAMP and visual LAMP were 100%/100% and 100%/80%, respectively. The qLAMP and visual LAMP assays reported here are rapid and simple tests without extensive sample preparation and have a short turnaround time within 60 min, making them suitable for point-of-care testing.
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Liu RM, Huang WH, Wang SL, Wang SL, Huang PY, Lien CY, Lai YH, Wang PJ, Wu LH, Liao AT. Investigation of Toxoplasma infection in zoo animals using multispecies ELISA and GRA7 nested PCR. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:335. [PMID: 36068568 PMCID: PMC9447357 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03425-y] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma is an obligate intracellular protozoan that causes an important zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. Felids are the definitive hosts of this parasite, while virtually all warm-blooded animals, including birds, serve as intermediate hosts. Four ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) in the Taipei Zoo died of acute Toxoplasma infection in June 2019. Since then, Toxoplasma has occasionally been identified in this Zoo during necropsy of dead animals and PCR of animal blood samples. Therefore, a general survey of Toxoplasma infection in animals in the Zoo seems to be needed. Methods and results An indirect multispecies ELISA was used for the first time to screen for Toxoplasma infection in 326 serum samples collected from 75 species of animals. The infection rate of Toxoplasma was 27% (88/326). A commercial latex agglutination (LAT) assay was used to re-examine the samples with doubtful and uncertain ELISA results (151 samples from 42 species). The infection rate increased to 36.2% (118/326), and the indirect multispecies ELISA appeared to be applicable to 31 of 75 species animals included in this study. Nested PCR assays targeting the dense granule protein 7 (GRA7) gene and B1 gene were also used to detect Toxoplasma in DNA samples extracted from 10 liver or blood specimens from 8 animals. GRA7 gene fragments were amplified from 8 samples from 7 animals, while B1 gene fragments were amplified from only 4 samples from 4 animals. From the B1 nested PCR and the sequence data of GRA7 fragments amplified from infectious specimens, the animals in the Zoo were speculated to have been infected by at least three different Toxoplasma variants. Conclusions According to the serological investigation, we speculated that over one-third (36.2%) of animals in Taipei Zoo presented the infection of Toxoplasma, and the indirect multispecies ELISA we used can be applied to detect Toxoplasma infection in 31 animal species included in this study. Sequence analysis revealed that at least three Toxoplasma variants were infecting the animals of Taipei Zoo. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03425-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru-Min Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Sec 4 Roosevelt Rd, Taipei, 106216, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wei-Hsiang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, National Taiwan University, 1 Sec 4 Roosevelt Rd, Taipei, 106216, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shang-Lin Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Clinical Science, National Taiwan University, 1 Sec 4 Roosevelt Rd, Taipei, 106216, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Sin-Ling Wang
- Conservation and Research Center, Taipei Zoo, 30 Sec 2 Xinguang Rd, Taipei, 116016, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Pei-Yun Huang
- Veterinary Office, Taipei Zoo, 30 Sec 2 Xinguang Rd, Taipei, 116016, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chen-Yeh Lien
- Veterinary Office, Taipei Zoo, 30 Sec 2 Xinguang Rd, Taipei, 116016, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yen-Hsueh Lai
- Veterinary Office, Taipei Zoo, 30 Sec 2 Xinguang Rd, Taipei, 116016, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Pao-Jung Wang
- Veterinary Office, Taipei Zoo, 30 Sec 2 Xinguang Rd, Taipei, 116016, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Li-Hsin Wu
- Veterinary Office, Taipei Zoo, 30 Sec 2 Xinguang Rd, Taipei, 116016, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Albert Taiching Liao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Sec 4 Roosevelt Rd, Taipei, 106216, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Zhao G, Zhang L, Dai L, Xu H, Xu C, Xiao T, Li J, Sun H, Zhou B, Yin K. Development of Toxoplasma gondii Chinese I genotype Wh6 Strain in Cat Intestinal Epithelial Cells. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2022; 60:241-246. [PMID: 36041485 PMCID: PMC9441452 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2022.60.4.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Felids are the unique definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii. The intestine of felid is the only site for initiating Toxoplasma gondii sexual reproduction. T. gondii excretes millions of infectious oocysts from the intestine, which are the primary source of infection. There are many difficulties in developing vaccines and drugs to control oocyst excretion due to the lack of an appropriate experimental model. Here, we established an in vitro feline intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) infection system and an efficient animal model of T. gondii Chinese 1 genotype, Wh6 strain (TgCtwh6). The Kunming mice brain tissues containing TgCtwh6 cysts were harvested 42-day post-infection. The bradyzoites were co-cultured with cat IECs in vitro at a ratio of 1:10. Five 3-month-old domestic cats were orally inoculated with 600 cysts each. The oocysts were detected by daily observation of cat feces by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. We found that the parasite adhered and invaded cat IECs in vitro, transformed into tachyzoites, and then divided to form rose-like structures. These parasites eventually destroyed host cells, escaped, and finished the asexual reproduction process. Schizonts associated with sexual reproduction have not been observed during development in vitro cultured cells. However, schizonts were detected in all infected cat intestinal epithelial cells, and oocysts were presented in all cat feces. Our study provides a feasible cell model and an efficient infection system for the following studies of T. gondii sexual reproduction, and also lays a foundation to develop drugs and vaccines for blocking excretion and transmission of oocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Zhao
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China
| | - Lisha Dai
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China
| | - Haozhi Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China
| | - Ting Xiao
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China
| | - Jin Li
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China
| | - Beibei Zhou
- Jining Blood Center, 92 Ji’anqiao Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272041, China
| | - Kun Yin
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 11 Taibai Middle Road, Jining City, Shandong Province, 272033, China
- Corresponding author ()
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Karimi P, Shafaghi-Sisi S, Meamar AR, Nasiri G, Razmjou E. Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara cati Among Stray and Household Cats and Cat Owners in Tehran, Iran. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:927185. [PMID: 35812883 PMCID: PMC9257223 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.927185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. are the most critical parasites common between humans and cats. The close association of cats with humans in urban areas persuaded us to investigate the prevalence of these parasites in stray and household cats and their possible role in the owners' infection. Herein, 132 and 33 fecal samples of stray and household cats, respectively, and 33 blood samples of their owners were collected in Tehran, Iran. The prevalence of T. gondii was determined by targeting the B1 gene in the feces of stray and household cats and the blood of cat owners. Furthermore, genotypes of T. gondii were identified based on the multilocus genotyping of BTUB, GRA6, SAG3, and APICO loci. Toxocara spp. were detected by targeting the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of the ribosomal DNA of these parasites in the cats' feces and the humans' blood. Also, Toxocara IgG was assessed in the human serum samples. The B1 gene amplification showed that 15.2% of stray cats, 18.2% of household cats, and 51.5% of cat owners were infected with T. gondii. The multilocus sequence analysis revealed the predominance of genotype I of T. gondii in stray cats and genotype II of T. gondii in household cats and cat owners. The amplifying of ITS-2 revealed a high prevalence of T. cati infection (47.0%) in stray cats, whereas no infection was found in the feces of household cats or the serum of cat owners. Likewise, Toxocara IgG was not detected in the serum of humans. The lower prevalence of T. gondii in stray/household cats than in the cat owners indicates the limited impact of close contact with infected cats in human toxoplasmosis. However, the high prevalence of T. cati infection in stray cats can cause contamination of the environment by excreting eggs that may lead to infecting humans through soil or water. Therefore, public health education in urban management planning is necessary for routine urban cat deworming programs and for training the healthcare workers to prevent, control, and treat these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poorya Karimi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Shafaghi-Sisi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Meamar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gelareh Nasiri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Razmjou
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Elham Razmjou
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Mirahmadi H, Nozari B, Raissi V, Alijani E, Etemadi S. Frequency and parasite load of Toxoplasma gondii in hemodialysis patients based on RE gene by real-time PCR. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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10
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Awobode HO, Ohiolei JA, Adekeye TA, Adeyi AO, Anumudu CI. Shedding proportion of Toxoplasma gondii-like oocysts in feral cats and soil contamination in Oyo State, Nigeria. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 11:e00181. [PMID: 32995580 PMCID: PMC7516289 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is transmitted through several hosts with cats serving as its definitive host. Oocysts are released with cat faeces into the environment (e.g. soil); an important medium in its transmission. The level of soil contamination with oocysts is an indicator of the level of on- going transmission. However, a dearth of information exists on the relationship between the presence of oocysts shedding cats and soil, and its importance in the transmission of T. gondii in Nigeria. In this study, the shedding proportion of T. gondii-like oocysts in cats and soil contamination levels were investigated in three communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Soil (n = 204) and feral cat faecal samples (n = 14) were examined for the presence of oocysts using a modified sucrose flotation technique. Cat sera (n = 15) were also analysed for IgG antibodies to T. gondii by ELISA. T. gondii-like oocysts were identified in 21.4% (95% CI: 4.6–50.8) of the total cat faecal samples. The prevalence was 50% (95% CI: 6.7–93.3), 0% and 10% (95% CI: 0.3–44.5) in Akinyele, Laniba and Ajibode communities respectively. T. gondii IgG antibody was present in 86.7% of the screened cat sera (including the copropositive cats). The seroprevalence in cats was 75% in Akinyele, 0% Laniba and 90.9% for Ajibode community (P >0.05). Oocysts were recovered from 1.5% (95% CI: 0.50–4.23) of the soil samples screened and were identified from 3.8% (95% CI: 0.13–10.58) of the soil collected in Akinyele community. Akinyele also recorded the highest number of infected cats. Oocysts were identified in soil from dumpsites 2.6% (95% CI: 0.4–13.2) and residential areas 1.9% (95% CI: 0.5–6.8). Soil contaminated with T. gondii-like oocysts and cats shedding oocysts were found in areas with high human activities within the communities. The presence of T. gondii-like oocysts in the soil and the presence of cats that tested positive to antibodies specific to T. gondii MIC 3 Protein suggested the possibility of T. gondii transmission in these communities and places emphasis on its public health importance in a susceptible population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta O Awobode
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - John A Ohiolei
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Taiwo A Adekeye
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Akindele O Adeyi
- Physiology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Chiaka I Anumudu
- Cellular Parasitology Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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