Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from free-living wild birds rescued in Southeastern Brazil

Introduction: The identification of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in birds is relevant since these animals can act as disseminators of these parasites to humans through environmental contamination. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in wild birds in southeastern Brazil and genetically characterize the isolates obtained. Methods: A total of 256 fecal samples were collected from 172 captive and 84 free-living wild birds. The DNA extracted was subjected to nested-PCR and semi-nested PCR analysis for amplification of fragments of the 18S rDNA and gdh genes of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., respectively. Results: With respect to Cryptosporidium spp., the overall occurrence was 3.91%. Of samples from captive wild birds, six (3.49%) were positive: two waterfowl and four non-aquatic birds. Among the samples from free-living wild birds, four (4.76%) were positive, all non-aquatic birds. Regarding Giardia spp., the overall occurrence was 3.1%. Of samples from captive wild birds, four (2.32%) were positive, all waterfowl; of the samples from free-living wild birds, four (4.76%) were positive for the parasite, all non-aquatic birds. Conclusions: The presence of C. meleagridis and G. duodenalis assemblage B suggests that epidemiological studies involving wild birds and humans are needed to better understand the impact of avian cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis on avian health and their possible implications for public health.

Download Full-text

Genetic diversity among Toxoplasma gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical locations revealed by analysis of ROP13 gene sequences

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY ◽

10.5897/ajb12.056 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 11 (25) ◽

Author(s):

P. Y. Wang

Keyword(s):

Genetic Diversity ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Gene Sequences ◽

Geographical Locations ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Isolates

Download Full-text

Sarcocystidae in wild birds of southeastern Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-296120201094 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wagner Martins Fontes do Rêgo ◽

Júlia Gatti Ladeia Costa ◽

Ramon Castro de Araujo Baraviera ◽

Lorena Velozo Pinto ◽

Gabriella de Lima Bessa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Ribosomal Dna ◽

Nested Pcr ◽

Minas Gerais ◽

The State ◽

Wild Birds ◽

Southeastern Brazil ◽

Sarcocystis Spp ◽

Rescue Center

Abstract This study aimed to identify members of the Sarcocystidae family in naturally infected wild birds at a rescue center in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. The heart and brain of 44 wild birds were evaluated by bioassay in mice to detect T. gondii, and extracted DNA was used for nested PCR of the 18S ribosomal DNA gene to detect members of the Sarcocystidae family. The positive samples were sequenced, assembled, edited and compared with sequences deposited in GenBank. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from six (13.6%) out of 44 birds. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was identified in 10/44 (22.7%) of the birds. The amplified sequences exhibited 100% similarity with the DNA of the ME49 strain of T. gondii. Sarcocystis DNA (99% similarity) was identified in 5/44 (11.4%) of the birds. T. gondii and Sarcocystis spp. are common in wild birds in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Download Full-text

Toxoplasma gondii: diagnosis of experimental and natural infection in pigeons (Columba livia) by serological, biological and molecular techniques

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612010000400009 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 237-243 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Fernanda Sartori Lima de Godoi ◽

Sandra Mayumi Nishi ◽

Hilda Fátima de Jesus Pena ◽

Solange Maria Gennari

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Nested Pcr ◽

Natural Infection ◽

Columba Livia ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Southeastern Brazil ◽

Complete Agreement ◽

São Paulo ◽

Free Living

This study aimed to diagnose experimental and natural Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigeons (Columba livia) by serological, biological and molecular techniques. Twelve pigeons, free of infection, were inoculated with 50 sporulated oocysts of T. gondii (VEG sample) and four remained uninfected controls. Four birds (three infected and one control) were euthanized at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-infection (dpi), and their tissues were used to perform a bioassay in mice and nested-PCR using B1 gene as target. Blood was obtained weekly and it was tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT). Seven (58.3%) out of 12 inoculated pigeons were positive by serological techniques and titers ranged between 1:40 and 1:5120 by MAT and between 1:512 and 1:4096 by IFAT. Complete agreement was seen between the results obtained by serological techniques and nested-PCR in seven positive birds. In the bioassay in mice, five (41.7%) out of 12 pigeons inoculated were positive to T. gondii. Only one pigeon died at 23 dpi due to toxoplasmosis. A second study with free-living pigeons was performed for detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Birds were captured in the municipalities of São Paulo, Ibiúna and Sorocaba, São Paulo State, Southeastern Brazil. All 126 free-living birds were negative to anti-T. gondii antibodies by MAT (titer < 1:5). Bioassays were performed in mice with tissues from all captured birds and T. gondii was not isolated in any pigeon.

Download Full-text