Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in a free-ranging giant anteater

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligatory intracellular protozoan, which establishes acute and chronic infections in birds and mammals, including humans. This note reports, for the first time, the detection and sequencing of DNA from T. gondii in the peripheral blood of a young free range giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). For the diagnosis, the following methods were used: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and positive serology (1:800) by means of the modified agglutination test (MAT). Since this species may be consumed by humans and predated by wild felids, its importance is emphasized as a probable source of zoonotic infection, in addition to its possible participation in the infection enzootic cycle. Although, parasitemia has been confirmed in this specimen, it presented no clinical sign of infection.

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New records and genetic diversity of Mycoplasma ovis in free-ranging deer in Brazil

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268819002218 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 148 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marcos Rogério André ◽

José Maurício Barbanti Duarte ◽

Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves ◽

Ana Beatriz Vieira Sacchi ◽

Márcia Mariza Gomes Jusi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Records ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Deer Species ◽

The Usa ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Human Infections ◽

Free Ranging ◽

Reservoir Hosts ◽

First Time

Abstract Cervids represent a mammal group which plays an important role in the maintenance of ecological balance. Recent studies have highlighted the role of these species as reservoirs for several arthropods-borne pathogens. Globally, hemotropic mycoplasmas (haemoplasmas) are emerging or remerging bacteria that attach to red blood cells of several mammals species causing hemolytic anaemia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and assess the phylogenetic positioning of Mycoplasma ovis in free-ranging deer from Brazil. Using a polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA region, 18 (40%) out of 45 sampled deer were positive to M. ovis. Among the nine sequences analysed, four distinct genotypes were identified. The sequences detected in the present study were closely related to sequences previously identified in deer from Brazil and the USA. On the other hand, the Neighbour-Net network analysis showed that the human-associated M. ovis genotypes were related to genotypes detected in sheep and goats. The present study shows, for the first time, the occurrence of M. ovis in Mazama gouazoubira and Mazama bororo deer species, expanding the knowledge on the hosts harbouring this haemoplasma species. Once several deer species have your population in decline, additional studies are needed to evaluate the pathogenicity of M. ovis among deer populations around the world and assess its potential as reservoir hosts to human infections.

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The usefulness of direct agglutination test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in wild animals

Veterinary Parasitology ◽

10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.08.010 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 228 ◽

pp. 85-89 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Aleksandra Kornacka ◽

Aleksandra Cybulska ◽

Justyna Bień ◽

Katarzyna Goździk ◽

Bożena Moskwa

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Agglutination Test ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Direct Agglutination Test ◽

Wild Animals ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Polymerase Chain

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Validation of the Use of Dried Blood Samples for the Detection of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Stray Cats (Felis s. catus)

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10070864 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 864

Author(s):

Julie Simon ◽

Dominique Aubert ◽

Régine Geers ◽

Isabelle Villena ◽

Marie-Lazarine Poulle

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Kappa Coefficient ◽

Agglutination Test ◽

Sample Type ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Blotting Paper ◽

Modified Agglutination Test ◽

Stray Cats ◽

Free Ranging ◽

Dilution Level

If validated beforehand, the analysis of dried blood on blotting paper (BP samples) is very useful for monitoring free-ranging animals. We aimed to validate this method for the detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in stray cats. We used the modified agglutination test (MAT) in 199 sample pairs of sera and BP samples from 54, 39, 56, and 50 cats trapped during four periods in five dairy farms. Screening was at 1:6, 1:12, and 1:24 dilutions. The cut-off value was at MAT titre ≥ 24, but MAT titre ≥ 12 was also considered for BP samples that often have a higher dilution level. Depending on the period, sample type, and cut-off value, sensitivity of the analysis of the BP sample vs. serum varied from 87.1% to 100% and specificity ranged from 72.22% to 100%. The concordance values and Kappa coefficient showed a substantial to excellent agreement between the results of the two methods, whatever the cut-off value. These findings quantifiably validate the use of MAT on BP samples for the detection of antibodies to T. gondii in stray cats, but we recommend expressing results from BP samples with several cut-off values as the MAT titres tend to be lower than those of sera.

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Seroprevalence of brucellosis in patients with prolonged fever in Bangladesh

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries ◽

10.3855/jidc.6844 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (09) ◽

pp. 939-946 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

AKM Anisur Rahman ◽

Dirk Berkvens ◽

Claude Saegerman ◽

David Fretin ◽

Noor Muhammad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Agglutination Test ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Human Brucellosis ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Serological Tests ◽

Human Sera ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Species Specific ◽

First Time ◽

Sera Samples

Introduction: This study describes the seroprevalence of human brucellosis among pyretic patients and detection of Brucella abortus DNA from seropositive pyretic patients using real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) for the first time in Bangladesh. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 300 pyretic patients from October 2007 to May 2008 and subjected to three serological tests: Rose-Bengal plate test (RBT), standard tube agglutination test (STAT), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Risk factors were identified by multivariate Firth’s logistic regression analysis. Brucella genus (BCSP31) and species-specific (IS711) rtPCR were applied to six human sera samples. Results: The seroprevalence of brucellosis among pyretic patients was estimated to be 2.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74–4.30). The odds of brucellosis seropositivity were 8.9 (95% CI: 1.26–63.0) times higher in pyretic patients who handled goats than those who handled only cattle, whereas the odds of brucellosis seropositivity were 9.7 (95% CI: 1.28–73.68) times higher in pyretic patients who had backache compared to those without backache. B. abortus DNA was amplified from all six human sera that tested positive by RBT, STAT, and iELISA. As the agreement between the tests was very strong, RBT is recommended as a screening test for the diagnosis of human brucellosis in Bangladesh because it is easier to use, cheaper, and faster. Conclusions: Brucellosis among pyretic patients is common, and B. abortus is responsible for brucellosis in such patients. Pyretic patients who handle goats and those with backaches should be screened for brucellosis.

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Evaluation of the tyrosine and dopamine serum level in experimental infected BALB/c mice with chronic toxoplasmosis

10.1101/2020.12.17.423217 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mehdi Mirzaeipour ◽

Fattaneh Mikaeili ◽

Qasem Asgari ◽

Mohammad Nohtani ◽

Sajad Rashidi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Serum Level ◽

High Performance ◽

High Serum ◽

Agglutination Test ◽

Behavior Changes ◽

Dopamine Level ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Low Concentration ◽

Modified Agglutination Test ◽

Polymerase Chain

AbstractBackgroundToxoplasma parasite alters the transduction of neurotransmitter signals and leads to changes in the level of brain neurotransmitters including tyrosine and dopamine, so, behavior changes can occur in infected hosts. Based on this concept, this study was conducted for evaluation of the tyrosine and dopamine serum level in infected mice with chronic toxoplasmosis.Materials and methodsToxoplasma gondii (Prugniaud strain II) was injected intra-peritoneal into BALB/c mice to induce chronic toxoplasmosis. Modified agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and microscopic methods were conducted to confirm the induction of chronic toxoplasmosis. The infected mice sera were separated at days 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 for evaluation of tyrosine and dopamine serum level using High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).ResultsMicroscopic methods confirmed the formation of the Toxoplasma cysts in mice tissues. Inducing chronic toxoplasmosis is also confirmed by MAT, PCR and histological methods. HPLC results indicated a decrease in serum tyrosine level at days 40 in infected mice in comparison to control and the levels were too low to be measured at other times. However, a significantly high serum dopamine level was observed that gradually increased after parasite inoculation.ConclusionsNo detection of tyrosine level in most of the sample groups is probably related to the very low concentration of tyrosine in sera. However, low concentration of tyrosine at days 40 and increase of dopamine in most of the sample groups suggests the production of dopamine from tyrosine due to the presence of Toxoplasma in infected mice.

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Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in mammals, birds and reptiles at the zoological-botanical park in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

Arquivos do Instituto Biológico ◽

10.1590/1808-1657000022016 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 84 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Thais Ferreira Feitosa ◽

Arthur Willian de Lima Brasil ◽

Roberta Nunes Parentoni ◽

Vinícius Longo Ribeiro Vilela ◽

Thiago Ferreira Lopes Nety ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Agglutination Test ◽

Black And White ◽

Caiman Crocodilus ◽

Modified Agglutination Test ◽

Prophylactic Measures ◽

Pavo Cristatus ◽

Reptile Species ◽

Depth Study ◽

First Time

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to verify the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 51 wild animals at the Arruda Câmara Zoological-Botanical Park in João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. Blood samples from different bird, mammal and reptile species were analyzed using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) with a cut-off point of 1:25. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 62.4% of the 51 tested animals. The following frequencies were found: 68.9% (20/29) in mammals, 80% (8/10) in birds, and 33.3% (4/12) in reptiles. This paper reports for the first time the occurrence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in birds of the species Pionites leucogaster (caíque), Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (hyacinth macaw), Pavo cristatus (Indian peafowl), Urubitinga urubitinga (Brazilian eagle), and Buteo melanoleucus (black-and-white hawk-eagle). Reptiles of the species Caiman crocodilus (spectacled caiman), Chelonoidis carbonaria (red-footed tortoise) and Paleosuchus palpebrosus (Cuvier’s dwarf caiman) were seropositive for T. gondii, although the significance of the presence of these anti-T. gondii antibodies in this group of animals requires a more in-depth study. We conclude that the frequency of antibodies found in the animals of this zoo is high and that the prophylactic measures that aim to diminish the environmental contamination by oocysts are necessary.

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Detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction in experimentally desiccated tissues

Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz ◽

10.1590/s0074-02762004000200012 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 99 (2) ◽

pp. 185-188 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Márcia Andreia Barge Loução Terra ◽

Alexandre Ribeiro Bello ◽

Otilio Machado Bastos ◽

Regina Reis Amendoeira ◽

Janice Mary Chicarino de Oliveira Coelho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Polymerase Chain

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Detection of Viable Toxoplasma gondii in Free-Range Pigs from the Special Nature Reserve of Zasavica

Contemporary Agriculture ◽

10.1515/contagri-2016-0010 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 65 (3-4) ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ljiljana Kuruca ◽

Ivana Klun ◽

Aleksandra Uzelac ◽

Aleksandra Nikolić ◽

Branko Bobić ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Nature Reserve ◽

Heart Tissue ◽

Human Infection ◽

Serological Screening ◽

Free Range ◽

Modified Agglutination Test ◽

Successful Isolation ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Great Appreciation

SummaryToxoplasma gondii is considered one of the most successful parasites of humans and animals. The ingestion of viable cysts through the consumption of undercooked pork is recognized as a significant route of human infection with T. gondii. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of viable parasite in tissues of free-range pigs from the Zasavica Special Nature Reserve. All pigs were of the Mangulica breed, raised in a traditional way. The serological screening was performed using a modified agglutination test (MAT). The isolation of viable T. gondii was attempted by a bioassay of pig heart tissue in mice, while the real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeted at the 529 bp repetitive element of T. gondii was used to detect parasitic DNA in digested hearts. Specific antibodies were detected in 12 out of 18 pigs examined. The bioassay was performed for five MAT-positive and one MAT-negative pig, and a total of three isolates were obtained. qPCR was performed for all samples, including one MAT-negative sample that was not bioassayed. The presence of T. gondii DNA was confirmed in all hearts with a positive bioassay as well as in one originating from seropositive and one from seronegative pig whose hearts were not bioassayed. The successful isolation of viable cysts, presence of risk factors (such as older age at the time of slaughter) and increased contact with the environment, along with the great appreciation of Serbian consumers towards home-cured Mangulica’s meat, make this breed worthy of consideration as a potentially important reservoir of human infection.

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