Molecular survey for cyst-forming coccidia (Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp.) in Mediterranean periurban micromammals

ABSTRACT: The presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii was evaluated in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), southern Brazil. Serum samples (n=220) were analyzed for antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antibody presence was considered when the titers were equal or higher than 100 for these protozoa. A total of 60.5% (133/220) buffalo serum samples were positive for at least one of the protozoa evaluated in this study. Antibodies for N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii were found in 36.4% (80/220), 25.5% (56/220) and 16.8% (37/220) of the buffaloes respectively, indicating a higher frequency of N. caninum infection (p=0.0133). The IFAT is a suitable method to diagnose N. caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii infection in buffaloes for detecting IgG antibodies. This study demonstrates the presence of these three protozoa in buffalo herds in RS, Brazil, which may be source of infection to other animals. The high frequency of animals positive for N. caninum is important and could be related to reproductive problems. Additionally, the presence of Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii in buffaloes can be a possible public health issue.

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Evaluation of frequency of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii,Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis spp. and transmission routes in sheep from Humid Pampa, Argentina

Acta Parasitologica ◽

10.1515/ap-2018-0048 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 63 (2) ◽

pp. 416-421 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yanina P. Hecker ◽

Fernando Mogaburu Masson ◽

Joaquín I. Armendano ◽

Juan Cora ◽

Carlos Flores Olivares ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Transmission Route ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Specific Antibodies ◽

Adult Sheep ◽

Sarcocystis Spp ◽

Serological Status ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe the frequency of ovine specific antibodies toToxoplasma gondii,Neospora caninumandSarcocystisspp. and to estimate different transmission routes of these infections. One hundred and thirty Texel sheep and their 117 Texel lambs were included in the study. Serum samples were tested for antibodies toT.gondii,N.caninumandSarcocystisspp. using IFAT.Toxoplasma gondiiseroprevalence was 10.00% in sheep (IC95%: 4.80–15.20%), being higher in adult sheep (≥12 year) than in younger sheep (OR 1.30; 95% CI, 1.10–1.50).N.caninumandSarcocystisspp. seroprevalences were 1.54% (IC95%: 0.00–5.70) and 72.09% (IC95%: 67.70–82.70), respectively, with no association between age and seropositivity in sheep (P>0.05).T.gondiiseroprevalence in lambs was 4.27% (IC95%: 0.61–7.94). No association betweenT.gondiiserological status in sheep and their lambs was detected (P= 0.07). TwoT.gondiiandSarcocystisspp. seropositive lambs were euthanized andT.gondiiandSarcocystisspp. DNA was detected by PCR in their tissues. In conclusion, the increase ofT.gondiiseropositivity in relationship with sheep age and the lack of association between sheep-lamb serological status, suggest that horizontal infection is the main transmission route in this flock as reported before. Due to the low number ofN.caninum-seropositive ewes no assumptions can be done about the impact of this parasite in this flock. According with previous reports, the main transmission route forSarcocystisspp. in this species in the present study was horizontal.

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Molecular detection of Apicomplexa protozoa in tissues from Alouatta guariba clamitans

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-6717 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 41 ◽

Author(s):

Aline Ludwig ◽

Laurete Murer ◽

Helton F. dos Santos ◽

Adriana Ludwig ◽

Luis Antonio Sangioni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Positive Sample ◽

Primate Species ◽

Howler Monkey ◽

Rrna Gene ◽

Tissue Samples ◽

Genetic Sequencing ◽

Sarcocystis Spp ◽

Alouatta Guariba Clamitans

ABSTRACT: The brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) is a primate species widely distributed in South America. Infections by protozoa are common in primates. However, studies on protozoa in primates in Brazil are scarce, so the goal of this study was to investigate DNA from the apicomplexan protozoa Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii in tissues of A. guariba clamitans. DNA extraction was performed on tissue samples from the heart, brain, liver, spleen, lung and intestine of six A. guariba clamitans from Santa Maria, Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Conventional PCR was performed using 18S rRNA gene general primers for Apicomplexa and also specific primers to amplify Neosporaspp. and Toxoplasma gondii DNA. All animals were positive in the 18S PCR and the genetic sequencing confirmed the presence of Sarcocystis spp. DNA in the tissues of four animals belonging to at least two species (S. neurona and S. gigantea) and T. gondii DNA in the other two animals. One positive sample for T. gondii was genotypically characterized as atypical by the restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. N. caninum DNA was not detected in the tested samples. The presence of Apicomplexa protozoan DNA in the tissues of the six animals tested in this study highlights the importance of howler monkeys as maintainers of these pathogens in nature.

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Cross-sectional survey in pig breeding farms in Hesse, Germany: seroprevalence and risk factors of infections with Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora caninum in sows

Veterinary Parasitology ◽

10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.07.016 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 126 (3) ◽

pp. 271-286 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

I.M. Damriyasa ◽

C. Bauer ◽

R. Edelhofer ◽

K. Failing ◽

P. Lind ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sarcocystis Spp ◽

Breeding Farms

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Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence: Vaccination against PCV2 and Muscle Enzyme Activity in Seropositive and Seronegative Pigs

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9051097 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 1097

Author(s):

Labrini V. Athanasiou ◽

Vasileios G. Papatsiros ◽

Victoria M. Spanou ◽

Eleni G. Katsogiannou ◽

Anna Dedousi

Keyword(s):

Enzyme Activity ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Human Infection ◽

Porcine Circovirus ◽

Muscle Enzyme ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Zoonotic Pathogen ◽

Muscle Enzyme Activity ◽

Immunofluorescence Antibody

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii affect both humans and animals worldwide. To investigate their seroprevalence and differences in seropositivity between pigs vaccinated and unvaccinated against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), as well as differences in muscle enzyme activity between seropositive and seronegative pigs, blood samples were collected from 380 sows. Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay, while the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were biochemically assessed. Out of the 364 sows finally included in the study, 4.4%, 3.5%, and 0.5% were seropositive to T. gondii, N. caninum, or both. A significantly higher percentage of seropositivity against T. gondii and/or N. caninum in PCV2 unvaccinated pigs compared with vaccinated pigs was observed. Increased serum activities of CK and AST were detected in 71.43% and 100% of only against T. gondii (T+) and 63.64% and 90.91% of only against N. caninum (N+) seropositive sows, respectively, and were significantly higher compared to seronegative animals. T. gondii and N. caninum seropositivity, especially in presumed immunocompromised pigs, and the evidence of muscle damage highlight their importance as a zoonotic pathogen and animal model of human infection, respectively.

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Cytologic detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the cerebrospinal fluid of a dog and in vitro isolation of a unique mouse-virulent recombinant strain

Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation ◽

10.1177/1040638721996685 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 104063872199668

Author(s):

Waléria Borges-Silva ◽

Mariana M. Rezende-Gondim ◽

Gideão S. Galvão ◽

Daniele S. Rocha ◽

George R. Albuquerque ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Recombinant Strain ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Species Identity ◽

Cytologic Examination ◽

Pcr Rflp ◽

Tissue Homogenates

Parasites resembling Neospora caninum or Toxoplasma gondii were detected by cytologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a dog with neurologic disease. The dog became severely ill and was euthanized. Canine tissue homogenates were used for direct parasite isolation in cell culture, bioassay in 2 mouse lineages, and PCR. T. gondii was isolated in monkey kidney cells, and species identity was confirmed by PCR. Inoculated parasites were highly virulent for mice, which developed clinical signs and were euthanized immediately. PCR-RFLP for T. gondii using the cultured isolate (TgDgBA22) was conducted with 12 genetic markers, and a unique recombinant strain was identified. Detection of T. gondii by CSF cytology, although described in humans, had not been reported previously in dogs, to our knowledge, and was crucial for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in the examined dog.

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Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612011000300004 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 202-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Nicolle Fridlund Plugge ◽

Fabiano Montiani Ferreira ◽

Rosária Regina Tesoni de Barros Richartz ◽

Adriana de Siqueira ◽

Rosangela Locatelli Dittrich

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Neospora Caninum ◽

Neurological Diseases ◽

Fluorescent Antibody ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Metropolitan Region ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Stray Dogs ◽

Neurological Signs ◽

Significant Difference

This study aimed to evaluate occurrences of antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs. Blood samples from 147 dogs were collected: 127 from owned dogs (attended at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná (HV-UFPR) and at private veterinary clinics in the city of Curitiba), and 20 from stray dogs found in Curitiba's metropolitan region. The dogs presented one or more of the following neurological signs: seizures, paresis or paralysis, ataxia, behavioral abnormalities, sensory and somatic disorders and chorioretinitis. The samples were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), at a cutoff dilution of 1:50. Out of the 147 samples obtained, 17 (11.56%) were seropositive for N. caninum, 31 (21.08%) for T. gondii and four (2.72%) for both protozoa. Serum titration on the positive animals showed that 54.83% (17/31) and 41.18% (7/17) had titers > 1:200 against T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. A significant difference in seropositivity for T. gondii (P = 0.021; OR = 2.87; CI = 1.1 > 2.8 > 7.4) was observed between owned dogs (18.11%) and stray dogs (40%). Inclusion of serological tests for neosporosis and toxoplasmosis is recommended in diagnosing neurological diseases in dogs.

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