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Hamidi F, Rostami A, Hosseini SA, Calero-Bernal R, Hajavi J, Ahmadi R, Pazoki H. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG seroprevalence in the general population in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2000-2023. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307941. [PMID: 39208344 PMCID: PMC11361691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis ranks among the most prevalent parasitic diseases globally. It seems that chronic toxoplasmosis is associated with several neuropsychiatric and other harmful effects in infected people, therefore, there is a need to investigate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis across various world regions. In this study, we conducted a meticulous meta-analysis to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies within the general population in Iran (GPI). International and national scientific databases for studies published between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2023, were searched. Observational studies reporting anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence in the GPI was selected/included. The data were synthesized using a random-effects model to calculate with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) the national and regional anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence rates in Iran. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the frequency of exposition to T. gondii in different socio-demographic, climatic, and geographical scenarios. From 18661 identified studies, 327 were included in the present meta-analysis, encompassing 122,882 individuals across the 31 Iranian provinces. The pooled nationwide anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence among the GPI was determined to be 32.9% (95% CI: 30.9-35.1%). The highest anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence was observed in Mazandaran province (North of Iran) (61%), whereas the lowest was in Semnan province (12.5%).Anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence demonstrated a higher occurrence in provinces characterized by moderate temperatures of 16-21°C, high relative humidity, and annual precipitation. Additionally, a higher anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence was identified among individuals with a habit of consumption of undercooked meat, raw fruits or vegetables, and untreated water. Moreover, those reporting direct contact with cats, possessing a lower level of education, residing in rural areas, being engaged in farming occupations, or playing the role of housewives exhibited higher anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence figures.The anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence within GPI closely aligns with the estimated worldwide average exposition rates. This underscores the imperative for public health policymakers to prioritize educational efforts regarding toxoplasmosis transmission pathways and its link to harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Hamidi
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Laboratory Sciences and Microbiology, Tabriz Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Health Research Institute, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Centre, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Communicable Disease Institute, Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- Veterinary Faculty, Animal Health Department, SALUVET, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jafar Hajavi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Reza Ahmadi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Hossein Pazoki
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, Iran
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Talukder H, Muñoz-Zanzi C, Salgado M, Berg S, Yang A. Identifying the Drivers Related to Animal Reservoirs, Environment, and Socio-Demography of Human Leptospirosis in Different Community Types of Southern Chile: An Application of Machine Learning Algorithm in One Health Perspective. Pathogens 2024; 13:687. [PMID: 39204287 PMCID: PMC11357164 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13080687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis with global public health impact, particularly in poor socio-economic settings in tropical regions. Transmitted through urine-contaminated water or soil from rodents, dogs, and livestock, leptospirosis causes over a million clinical cases annually. Risk factors include outdoor activities, livestock production, and substandard housing that foster high densities of animal reservoirs. This One Health study in southern Chile examined Leptospira serological evidence of exposure in people from urban slums, semi-rural settings, and farm settings, using the Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm to identify key influencing factors. In urban slums, age, shrub terrain, distance to Leptospira-positive households, and neighborhood housing density were contributing factors. Human exposure in semi-rural communities was linked to environmental factors (trees, shrubs, and lower vegetation terrain) and animal variables (Leptospira-positive dogs and rodents and proximity to Leptospira-positive households). On farms, dog counts, animal Leptospira prevalence, and proximity to Leptospira-contaminated water samples were significant drivers. The study underscores that disease dynamics vary across landscapes, with distinct drivers in each community setting. This case study demonstrates how the integration of machine learning with comprehensive cross-sectional epidemiological and geospatial data provides valuable insights into leptospirosis eco-epidemiology. These insights are crucial for informing targeted public health strategies and generating hypotheses for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himel Talukder
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
| | - Claudia Muñoz-Zanzi
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Miguel Salgado
- Preventive Veterinary Medicine Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | - Sergey Berg
- Department of Computer & Information Science, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA;
| | - Anni Yang
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA;
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Morais RDAPB, do Carmo EL, Costa WS, Marinho RR, Póvoa MM. T. gondii Infection in Urban and Rural Areas in the Amazon: Where Is the Risk for Toxoplasmosis? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168664. [PMID: 34444413 PMCID: PMC8393968 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is found worldwide, can affect human and animal health in different ways. This study aimed to estimate the infection prevalence in humans and to determine risk factors related to urban and rural areas in a municipality in the Brazilian Amazon where an outbreak had been registered. Blood samples for serological analysis were obtained, and interviews were performed to fill out an epidemiological questionnaire. A total of 1140 individuals were included, of which 70.6% (804/1140; 95% CI: 67.9–73.2%) were positive for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies. In rural areas, the prevalence was 62.6% (95% CI: 58.9–66.3%), while in urban areas, it was 81.9% (95% CI: 78.4–85.4%). The risk of becoming infected in urban areas was 2.7 times higher (95% CI = 2.0–3.6%) than that in rural areas. When comparing the prevalence in the age group from 1 to 10 years in both areas, the rate was 28.6% (42/147; 95% CI: 21.3–35.9%) for rural areas and 69.4% (61/88; CI 95%: 59.7–79.0%) for urban areas. Therefore, it is concluded that parasite exposure starts in the first years of life in urban areas and that disordered urban area expansion may cause an increase in exposure to the different strains of T. gondii present in the Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela dos Anjos Pinheiro Bogoevich Morais
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-91-3214-2089
| | - Ediclei Lima do Carmo
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
| | - Wanda Silva Costa
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
| | - Rodrigo Rodrigues Marinho
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
| | - Marinete Marins Póvoa
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
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Sahimin N, Mohd Hanapi IR, Nurikhan ZA, Behnke JM, Mohd Zain SN. Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infections Among Urban Poor Communities in Peninsular Malaysia. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:524-534. [PMID: 33219942 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-020-00304-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection linked to compromised hygiene and sanitation via the handling of infected cat faeces, eating undercooked contaminated meat or transplacental transmission. We conducted a study to determine seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis among the urban poor communities in Malaysia. METHODS The demographic profiles for each participant were obtained through a questionnaire survey prior to blood collection. A total of 389 participants were recruited and blood samples screened for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibody using an ELISA commercial kit, SERION ELISA classic Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. RESULTS The overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 69.6% with 56.8% seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG, 7.7% seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and 5.1% seropositive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. The presence of both antibody classes in blood samples indicated high avidity, suggesting latent infection. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations that included; age, ethnicity, location and employment status while, significant lifestyle factors included source of drinking water and eating style. A multifactorial statistical model that incorporated all the significant effects from the first-stage univariate analyses listed above revealed that age and ethnicity were the two dominant and independent effects on IgG seroprevalence. For seroprevalence of IgM, the multifactorial model revealed a significant interaction between work and accommodation. IgM seroprevalence was higher among the unemployed inhabitants of PPR (Program Perumahan Rakyat) than those living in non-PPR accommodation, and higher than among the employed irrespective of their accommodation. CONCLUSION High seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in the community calls for increased awareness of disease transmission and improvements in hygiene and sanitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norhidayu Sahimin
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Izzah Ruzana Mohd Hanapi
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zarin Amalina Nurikhan
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jerzy M Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Agordzo SK, Badu K, Addo MG, Owusu CK, Mutala AH, Tweneboah A, Abbas DA, Ayisi-Boateng NK. Seroprevalence, risk factors and impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on haematological parameters in the Ashanti region of Ghana: a cross-sectional study. AAS Open Res 2020; 2:166. [PMID: 32734139 PMCID: PMC7369427 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13022.2] [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] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular, apicomplexan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Although the global prevalence of toxoplasmosis has been estimated to be approximately 30%, there is limited seroprevalence data in Ghana, with a dearth of information on the impact of T. gondii on haematological parameters in exposed persons. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 300 consenting individuals to obtain demographic information and assessment of their risk of exposure to T. gondii. Using anti- T. gondii IgG/IgM combo test kits, seropositivity to parasite-specific IgG and/or IgM was determined. A haematological analyser was used to measure haematological parameters. Results: There was an overall seroprevalence of 50.3% (n=151), with 49.7% (n=149) of the study participants seropositive for IgG and 1% (n=3) testing positive for IgM. Furthermore, the observed seroprevalence among pregnant women was 56.4% (n=62). With regard to settlement type, a seroprevalence of 55.6% was observed in the rural community, 50.6% in the peri-urban community and 47.1% in the urban community. The study identified cat ownership, contact with cat litter, contact with raw meat [RR (95% CI: 1.76 (1.23-2.53), 1.66 (1.03-2.67), 1.25(1.00-1.57)] and age (p<0.001) as risk factors for infection. Analyses of haematological data revealed significant reduction in the white blood cell, lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume levels in seropositive males (p=0.0223, 0.0275, and 0.0271) respectively. Only the mean corpuscular volume of seropositive females reduced significantly as compared to the seronegative counterparts (p=0.0035). Conclusions: About half of the study population, including women of reproductive age carried antibodies against T. gondii, raising concerns about the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis and anaemia. We, therefore, recommend that screening for Toxoplasma gondii be included in the routine screening of pregnant women seeking antenatal care and further investigation should be conducted on the haematological implications of infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kekeli Agordzo
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Badu
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research for Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Mathew Glover Addo
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Christian Kwasi Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research for Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Abdul-Hakim Mutala
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Austine Tweneboah
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Dawood Ackom Abbas
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- The University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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dos Anjos Pinheiro Bogoevich Morais R, Lima do Carmo E, Carneiro Bichara CN, Ramos dos Santos B, Silva da Silveira KW, Marins Póvoa M. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in pregnant individuals from a Brazilian Amazon municipality. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 9:e00133. [PMID: 31993513 PMCID: PMC6974787 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and to identify the risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in pregnant individuals living in the Ponta de Pedras municipality, Marajó Archipelago, State of Pará, where an outbreak of toxoplasmosis occurred in 2013. From 2014 to March 2017, a cross-sectional study was conducted, including 555 pregnant individuals aged 13- to 42-years-old. Serological tests (enzyme immunoassays) were performed, and socioenvironmental and behavioral information were obtained through the application of a questionnaire. A prevalence of 68.3% was detected, and older age, having contact with soil and living in an urban area were the risk factors associated with seropositivity. The study confirmed the high prevalence of infection among pregnant individuals in the region. The association of the infection with the variables of residential area and contact with soil indicates that there was environmental contamination by T. gondii oocysts in the municipality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela dos Anjos Pinheiro Bogoevich Morais
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Bruna Ramos dos Santos
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
- Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação Científica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, CNPq, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Kaio Willy Silva da Silveira
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
- Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação Científica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, CNPq, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marinete Marins Póvoa
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
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Agordzo SK, Badu K, Addo MG, Owusu CK, Mutala AH, Tweneboah A, Abbas DA, Ayisi-Boateng NK. Seroprevalence, risk factors and impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on haematological parameters in the Ashanti region of Ghana: a cross-sectional study. AAS Open Res 2019; 2:166. [PMID: 32734139 PMCID: PMC7369427 DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.13022.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 03/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular, apicomplexan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Although the global prevalence of toxoplasmosis has been estimated to be approximately 30%, there is limited seroprevalence data in Ghana, with a dearth of information on the impact of T. gondii on haematological parameters in exposed persons. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 300 consenting individuals to obtain demographic information and assessment of their risk of exposure to T. gondii. Using anti- T. gondii IgG/IgM combo test kits, seropositivity to parasite-specific IgG and/or IgM was determined. A haematological analyser was used to measure haematological parameters. Results: The participants included 58 males and 242 females, and ranged in age from 6 months to 84 years, with a median age of 27 years. There was an overall seroprevalence of 50.3% (n=151), with 49.7% (n=149) of the study participants seropositive for IgG and 1% (n=3) testing positive for IgM. Furthermore, the observed seroprevalence among pregnant women was 56.4% (n=62). With regards to the different communities in which the hospitals were located, a seroprevalence of 55.6% was observed in the rural community, 50.6% in the peri-urban community and 47.1% in the urban community. The study identified cat ownership, contact with cat litter [RR (95% CI: 1.76 (1.23-2.53), 1.66 (1.03-2.67), 1.25(1.00-1.57)] and age (p<0.001) as risk factors for infection. Analyses of haematological data also revealed significant differences between the red blood cell counts (p=0.038) and mean corpuscular volumes (p=0.0007) of seropositive and seronegative study participants. Conclusions: About half of the study population, including a significant number of women of reproductive age carried antibodies against T. gondii, raising questions about the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis, as well as possible links to anaemia. We, therefore, recommend that screening for Toxoplasma gondii be included in the routine screening of pregnant women seeking antenatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kekeli Agordzo
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Badu
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research for Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Mathew Glover Addo
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Christian Kwasi Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research for Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Abdul-Hakim Mutala
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Austine Tweneboah
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Dawood Ackom Abbas
- Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, AK 192, Ghana
| | - Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- The University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Barros M, Cabezón O, Dubey JP, Almería S, Ribas MP, Escobar LE, Ramos B, Medina-Vogel G. Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild mustelids and cats across an urban-rural gradient. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199085. [PMID: 29924844 PMCID: PMC6010287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase in human population and domestic pets, such as cats, are generating important consequences in terms of habitat loss and pathogen pollution of coastal ecosystems with potential to generate negative impacts in marine biodiversity. Toxoplasma gondii is the etiological agent of zoonotic disease toxoplasmosis, and is associated with cat abundance and anthropogenic disturbance. The presence of T. gondii oocysts in the ocean has negatively affected the health status of the threatened Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) populations. The present study analyzed seroprevalence and presence of T. gondii DNA in American mink (Neovison vison), Southern river otters (Lontra provocax) and domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) in four different areas in Southern Chile comprising studies in rivers and lakes in Andean foothills and mountains, marine habitat and island coastal ecosystems. Mean seroprevalence of T. gondii in the study was 64% of 151 total animals sampled: 59% of 73 American mink, 77% of 13 Southern river otters, 68% of 65 domestic cats and in two of two kodkods (Leopardus guigna). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in tissues from one American mink and one Southern river otter. The present study confirms the widespread distribution of T. gondii in Southern Chile, and shows a high exposure of semiaquatic mustelids and domestic cats to the parasite. Cats and anthropogenic disturbance have a role in the maintenance of T. gondii infection in ecosystems of southern Chile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Barros
- Centro de Investigacion para la Sustentabilidad, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Oscar Cabezón
- UAB, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina I Cirugia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sonia Almería
- UAB, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Departament de Sanitat I d´Anatomia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - María P. Ribas
- UAB, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA, IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina I Cirugia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Luis E. Escobar
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech., Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Barbara Ramos
- Centro de Investigacion para la Sustentabilidad, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Medina-Vogel
- Centro de Investigacion para la Sustentabilidad, Universidad Andres Bello, República, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail:
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