White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a reservoir of a diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains in the USA and pose a risk to consumers of undercooked venison

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (7) ◽  
pp. 775-781 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Dubey ◽  
C. K. Cerqueira-Cézar ◽  
F. H. A. Murata ◽  
S. K. Verma ◽  
O. C. H. Kwok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Cell Culture ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Odocoileus Virginianus ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Genotype 5

AbstractTo assess the role of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus, WTD) in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis, we conducted a national survey of WTD across the USA for Toxoplasma gondii infection. To do this, we combined serology with parasite isolation to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of T. gondii in this game species. From October 2012 to March 2019, serum and tissues were collected from 914 WTD across the USA. Serum samples were screened for antibodies to T. gondii, and then the tissues of seropositive WTD were bioassayed in mice. Antibodies were detected in 329 (36%) of 914 WTD tested by the modified agglutination test (positive reaction at 1:25 or higher). Viable T. gondii was isolated from the heart of 36 WTD from 11 states. Three of the 36 isolates were pathogenic but not highly virulent to outbred Swiss Webster mice and all 36 isolates could be propagated further in cell culture and were genotyped. For genotyping, DNA extracted from cell culture-derived tachyzoites was characterized by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using the genetic markers SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. Genotyping revealed seven ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotypes, including 24 isolates for genotype #5 (haplogroup 12), four isolates for #2 (type III, haplogroup 3), three isolates for genotypes #1 (type II, haplogroup 2), two isolates for genotypes #3 (type II, haplogroup 2) and one isolate each for #39, #221 and #224. Genotype #5 was the most frequently isolated, accounting for 66.6% (24 of 36) of the isolates. Combining the 36 isolates from this study with previously reported 69 isolates from WTD, 15 genotypes have been identified. Among these, 50.4% (53/105) isolates belong to genotype #5. Our results indicate moderate genetic diversity of T. gondii in WTD. The results also indicate that undercooked venison should not be consumed by humans or fed to cats.

Genotyping of viable Toxoplasma gondii from the first national survey of feral swine revealed evidence for sylvatic transmission cycle, and presence of highly virulent parasite genotypes

Parasitology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 147 (3) ◽  
pp. 295-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Dubey ◽  
C. K. Cerqueira-Cézar ◽  
F. H. A. Murata ◽  
S. K. Verma ◽  
O. C. H. Kwok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Cell Culture ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Feral Swine ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Genotype 5 ◽  
Highly Virulent

AbstractFeral swine are known reservoirs of various pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we report the first national survey of viable T. gondii in feral swine in the USA. We paired serological surveys with parasite isolation and bioassay to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of these parasites. From 2012–2017, sera and tissues from 1517 feral swine across the USA were collected for the isolation of viable T. gondii. Serum samples were initially screened for antibodies to T. gondii, and then the tissues of seropositive feral swine were bioassayed in mice. Antibodies were detected in 27.7% of feral swine tested by the modified agglutination test (1:25 or higher). Antibody positive rates increased significantly with age, with 10.1% of juveniles, 16.0% of sub-adults and 38.4% of adults testing seropositive. Myocardium (50 g) from 232 seropositive feral swine was digested in pepsin and bioassayed in mice. Viable T. gondii was isolated from 78 feral swine from 21 states. Twelve of the 78 isolates were pathogenic to outbred Swiss Webster mice and 76 of the 78 isolates could be propagated further in cell culture and were genotyped. For genotyping, deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from cell culture-derived tachyzoites was characterized by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism using the genetic markers SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. Genotyping revealed 15 ToxoDB genotypes, including 43 isolates for genotype #5 (haplogroup 12), 11 isolates for #24, four isolates for #2 (haplogroup 3), two isolates for each of genotypes #3 (haplogroup 2), #4 (haplogroup 12), #216, #221, #289 and #297 and one isolate for each of genotypes #1 (haplogroup 2), #39, #66, #260, #261 and #299. Genotype #5 was the most frequently isolated, accounted for 57% (43/76) of the isolates, followed by #24, accounted for 14% (11/76). Genotypes #260, #289, #297 and #299 are new types. Genotype #289 was highly virulent to mice and originated from feral swine collected in Louisiana on the same day at the same location. Genotype #216 was previously demonstrated to be highly virulent to mice. Our results indicate moderate genetic diversity of T. gondii in feral swine in the USA, with the genotype #5 (haplogroup 12) dominant in the continental USA, whereas genotype #24 (10/14) was dominant in Hawaii, suggesting different population structures of the parasites among the two distinct geographical locations.

Evidence of the three main clonalToxoplasma gondiilineages from wild mammalian carnivores in the UK

Parasitology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 140 (14) ◽  
pp. 1768-1776 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. BURRELLS ◽  
P. M. BARTLEY ◽  
I. A. ZIMMER ◽  
S. ROY ◽  
A. C. KITCHENER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Rflp Markers ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Few Data ◽  
The Uk

SUMMARYToxoplasma gondiiis a zoonotic pathogen defined by three main clonal lineages (types I, II, III), of which type II is most common in Europe. Very few data exist on the prevalence and genotypes ofT. gondiiin the UK. Wildlife can act as sentinel species forT. gondiigenotypes present in the environment, which may subsequently be transmitted to livestock and humans. DNA was extracted from tissue samples of wild British carnivores, including 99 ferrets, 83 red foxes, 70 polecats, 65 mink, 64 badgers and 9 stoats. Parasite DNA was detected using a nested ITS1 PCR specific forT. gondii, PCR positive samples were subsequently genotyped using five PCR–RFLP markers.Toxoplasma gondiiDNA was detected within all these mammal species and prevalence varied from 6·0 to 44·4% depending on the host. PCR–RFLP genotyping identified type II as the predominant lineage, but type III and type I alleles were also identified. No atypical or mixed genotypes were identified within these animals. This study demonstrates the presence of alleles for all three clonal lineages with potential for transmission to cats and livestock. This is the first DNA-based study ofT. gondiiprevalence and genotypes across a broad range of wild British carnivores.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Encephalitozoon cuniculi among domestic rabbits in central China

Parasite ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuai Wang ◽  
Zhijun Yao ◽  
Lingjuan Li ◽  
Yaoqian Pan ◽  
Pengju Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Central China ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Encephalitozoon Cuniculi ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Domestic Rabbits

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are frequently reared for meat production in China. The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and risk factors of infection in domestic rabbits raised in Henan province, central China. 1,213 serum samples of domestic rabbits were collected and tested for anti-T. gondii and anti-E. cuniculi antibodies using a modified agglutination test (MAT) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The serum positive rates of T. gondii and E. cuniculi were 128/1,213 (10.55%) and 235/1,213 (19.37%), respectively. Co-infection of T. gondii and E. cuniculi was demonstrated in 84 specimens; 44 rabbits were seropositive for T. gondii alone, while 151 rabbits were seropositive for E. cuniculi alone. The main risk factors simultaneously associated with T. gondii and E. cuniculi infection were the age of the rabbit, the type of food, and the rabbit rearing system. Serum positive rates of T. gondii and E. cuniculi among domestic rabbits were high, indicating the possibility of public health issues.

Molecular and biological characterization ofToxoplasma gondiiisolates from free-range chickens from Guyana, South America, identified several unique and common parasite genotypes

Parasitology ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 134 (11) ◽  
pp. 1559-1565 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. DUBEY ◽  
L. APPLEWHAITE ◽  
N. SUNDAR ◽  
G. V. VELMURUGAN ◽  
L. A. BANDINI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
South America ◽  
Rflp Markers ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Clonal Type ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Common Parasite

SUMMARYThe prevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiin free-ranging chickens (Gallus domesticus) is a good indicator of the prevalence ofT. gondiioocysts in the soil because chickens feed from the ground. The prevalence ofT. gondiiin 76 free-range chickens from Guyana, South America was determined. Antibodies toT. gondiiwere assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT), and found in 50 (65·8%) of 76 chickens with titres of 1:5 in four, 1:10 in one, 1:20 in five, 1:40 in seven, 1:80 in six, 1:160 in eight, 1:320 in four, 1:640 or higher in 15. Hearts and brains of 26 chickens with titres of <1:5 were pooled in 5 batches and bioassayed in mice. Hearts and brains of 50 chickens with titres of 1:5 or higher were bioassayed in mice.Toxoplasma gondiiwas isolated by bioassay in mice from 35 chickens with MAT titres of 1:20 or higher. All mice inoculated with tissues of 30 infected chickens remained asymptomatic.Toxoplasma gondiiisolates from 35 chickens were genotyped using 11 PCR-RFLP markers including SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, a new SAG2, and Apico. A total of 9 genotypes were identified, with 5 genotypes (nos 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7) unique to Guyana, 2 genotypes (nos 2 and 3) previously identified in chickens from Brazil, 1 genotype (no. 8) previously identified in chickens from Brazil, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and 1 genotype (no. 9) belonging to the clonal type III lineage that exists globally. Infection with 2 genotypes was found from 1 chicken. This is the first report of genetic characterization ofT. gondiiisolates from any host from Guyana.

Cross-sectional survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in colony cats from urban Florence (Italy)

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Mancianti ◽  
Simona Nardoni ◽  
Gaetano Ariti ◽  
Dario Parlanti ◽  
Giovanna Giuliani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Key Species ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Cats are the key species in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection, even if the proportion of subjects excreting oocysts is low. The aim of the present paper was to obtain information about seroprevalence, oocyst shedding rate and presence of T gondii DNA in faeces collected from an urban population of colony cats in Florence (Tuscany). Fifty European shorthair feral cats were examined for anti- T gondii specific antibodies by a modified agglutination test (MAT), and for oocysts by microscopic examination and for faecal protozoal DNA, by means of a nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) protocol. Twenty-two out of 50 serum samples (44%) were MAT positive. T gondii oocysts were not detected in any of the examined faecal samples. Eight out of 50 faecal specimens (16%) were n-PCR positive and sequencing of the bands was specific for T gondii. Detection by combination of the two methods was higher than single techniques and enhanced the detection of T gondii up to 48%. Our results suggest that the use of MAT plus PCR in faeces may be the best choice for diagnosis of feline toxoplasmosis. Further studies to ascertain the real infectivity of the copro-PCR positive subjects are required.

Seroprevalence and correlates of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dairy cattle in northwest China

2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi-Dong Tan ◽  
Xiao-Yu Yang ◽  
Ming-Yang Yin ◽  
Ling-Ying Hu ◽  
Si-Yuan Qin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Northwest China ◽  
Gansu Province ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

AbstractPrevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and risk factors with infection were assessed in dairy cattle from Gansu Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NXHAR), northwest China. In total, 1657 serum samples were collected and assayed by the modified agglutination test. The overall seroprevalence was 4.83% at a 1:100 cut-off, with titers of 1:100 in 72, 1:200 in 4, 1:400 in 4. Among the risk factors examined, no statistically significant difference was observed between T. gondii seroprevalence and regions or age of dairy cattle in the logistic regression analysis (P>0.05) and left out of the final model. However, numbers of pregnancies of dairy cattle was considered as main risk factor associated with T. gondii infection. Dairy cattle in nulliparity group (8.89%) had 6 times (OR=6.31, 95% CI, 2.69-14.83, P<0.001) higher risk of being seropositive compared to dairy cattle in 3 or above 3 pregnancies group (1.52%), followed by 1 pregnancy group (4.27%) had nearly 3 times (OR=2.89, 95% CI, 1.11-7.52, P = 0.03) higher risk of being seropositive compared to dairy cattle in 3 or above 3 pregnancies group, although no statistical difference was found between 2 pregnancies group and 3 or above 3 pregnancies group (P = 0.70). The results of this survey indicated the presence of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in Gansu Province and NXHAR, which enriches the epidemiological data of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in China, and is helpful to strengthen prevention and control of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in these two regions.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in lowland tapirs maintained ex situ in Brazil and Paraguay

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Fernanda Naegeli Gondim ◽  
◽  
Igor da Cunha Lima Acosta ◽  
Maria Cristina Valdetaro Rangel ◽  
Herbert Sousa Soares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Tapirus Terrestris ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Land Mammal

ABSTRACT: Lowland Tapir ( Tapirus terrestris ) is the second largest South American land mammal. It is strictly herbivorous and its exposure to Toxoplasma gondii should be indicative of environmental contamination by oocysts.In the present study antibodies to T. gondii in 47 Brazilian tapirs maintained ex situ in 10 Brazilian and in one Paraguayan institution were sought in serum samples by the modified agglutination test (MAT ≥25). None of the animals presented clinical signs during the study. From 47 animals 35 (74.5%) were positive with titers of 25 in 8, 50 in 6, 100 in 12, 200 in 5, 400 in 1 and 800 in 3. One animal had samples collected on twice, and 19 were born in captivity. There was no association between occurrence of T. gondii antibodies and gender, and positive animals were reported in all institutions. The high occurrence of seropositive tapirs born ininstitutions (54.3%) confirmed the high exposure of these mammals to T. gondii in captivity. Only two cases ofabortion were reported, but it was not possible to correlate these abortions to T. gondii infection.

scholarly journals SAG3 Toxoplasma gondii cloning reveals unexpected fivefold infection in the blood of feral cats in the Mexican Caribbean

2022 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Fernando Valenzuela-Moreno ◽  
Sara Teresa Méndez-Cruz ◽  
Claudia Patricia Rico-Torres ◽  
Carlos Cedillo-Peláez ◽  
Dolores Correa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
Restriction Pattern ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Mexican Caribbean ◽  
Pcr Rflp

Abstract Background Currently, more than 300 genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) have been described throughout the world, demonstrating its wide genetic diversity. The SAG3 locus is one of the genes included in the genotyping panel of this parasite. It is associated with its virulence since it participates during the invasion process of the host cells. Therefore, cloning, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis were used to deepen the understanding of the SAG3 locus genetic diversity of T. gondii in blood samples from feral cats. Results Six different SAG3 sequences were detected, five of which were detected in one feline. Three sequences were first reported here; one of them was an intragenic recombinant. In the cladogram, four out of ten SAG3 sequences did not share nodes with others reported worldwide. Conclusions Cloning and sequencing of samples with more than one restriction pattern by PCR-RFLP were very helpful tools to demonstrate the presence of more than three genotypes of T. gondii in the blood of feral cats from southeastern Mexico. This suggests a potential mixed infection of multiple T. gondii strains and high genetic diversity of the parasites in felines in this tropical region of Mexico.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) in Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Daniel de Barros ◽  
Alessandra Taroda ◽  
Dauton Luiz Zulpo ◽  
Ivo Alexandre Leme da Cunha ◽  
Ana Sue Sammi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Mouse Bioassay ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Environmental Diversity ◽  
Clonal Type ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Isolates

Eared doves (Zenaida auriculata), which are common in urban, rural and wild areas in many regions of Brazil, are frequently prey for domestic cats. Therefore Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from doves may reflect greater environmental diversity than those from other hosts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate T. gondii seroprevalence, isolate and genotype strains from Z. auriculata. Serum and tissue samples were collected from 206 doves for use in the modified agglutination test (MAT) and mouse bioassay. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in the doves was 22.3% (46/206), with titers ranging from 16 to 4096, and T. gondii strains were isolated from 12 of these doves. Five genotypes were detected by means of PCR-RFLP, including ToxoDB genotypes #1, #6, #17 and #65, and one genotype that had not previously been described (ToxoDB#182). This was the first report on isolation of T. gondii from Z. auriculata. This study confirmed the genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates and the existence of clonal type II (ToxoDB genotype #1) in Brazil.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. in domestic donkeys from Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 172-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipa Teixeira Rodrigues ◽  
Catarina Pereira ◽  
Jitender Prakash Dubey ◽  
Miguel Nóvoa ◽  
Miguel Quaresma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Agglutination Test ◽  
Direct Agglutination Test ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Leishmania Spp

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum are zoonotic protozoal parasites. Serum samples were obtained from 186 donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) from Portugal and assessed for antibodies to T. gondii by the modified agglutination test (MAT). For titration of antibodies to Leishmania spp. the direct agglutination test was used (DAT). Eleven donkeys were seropositive for T. gondii with titres of 20 (n = 7), 80 (n = 2), 640 (n = 1) and ≥ 2560 (n = 1). One donkey was seropositive for Leishmania spp. (titre of 800). Donkeys in Portugal are exposed to and can be infected with T. gondii and Leishmania spp.

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