scholarly journals Antibodies against Apicomplexa protozoa and absence sarcocysts in heart tissues from horses in southern Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza Pires Portella ◽  
Gustavo Cauduro Cadore ◽  
Luis Antonio Sangioni ◽  
Luiz Fernando Vilani Pellegrini ◽  
Rafael Fighera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Myocardial Tissue ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp ◽  
Direct Microscopic Examination ◽  
Paired Serum

Abstract Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp., and Toxoplasma gondii are Apicomplexa protozoa that can infect horses. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp., and T. gondii in horses slaughtered in southern Brazil. The presence of histological lesions, tissue cysts, and Sarcocystis spp. DNA in the hearts of these horses was also investigated. A total of 197 paired serum and heart samples were evaluated by serology and direct microscopic examination; 50 of these samples were subjected to histopathological and PCR analyses. Antibodies against at least one of the protozoa were detected in 146 (74.1%) of the serum samples. The frequencies of positive serology were: 36% (71/197) against Sarcocystis spp., 39.1% (77/197) against Neospora spp., and 47.2% (93/197) against T. gondii. No cysts, Sarcocystis spp. DNA, or histopathological lesions were observed in myocardial tissue samples. The frequencies of antibody seropositivity against Sarcocystis spp., Neospora spp., and T. gondii showed that horses are frequently infected by these parasites in southern Brazil. The absence of sarcocysts in horse tissues is compatible with their role as aberrant/accidental hosts in the life cycle of Sarcocystis spp..

scholarly journals No Evidence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Urban and Rural Squirrels in Southern Manitoba, Canada

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riikka P. Kinnunen ◽  
Chloé Schmidt ◽  
Adrián Hernándes-Ortiz ◽  
Colin J. Garroway
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sciurus Carolinensis ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Important Intermediate ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

ABSTRACTWhen wildlife colonizes cities, they can bring parasites that have implications for human health, yet knowledge underlying the ways host-pathogen interactions operate in cities is limited. The Coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect humans and cause health issues. T. gondii also has host species that occur at higher densities in cities than in natural environments, including squirrel species (Sciuridae). Cats and other Felidae are the only known definitive hosts of T. gondii. In urban and suburban areas squirrels regularly share their territories with domestic cats where they can encounter infectious oocysts shed in cat feces in contaminated soil or in the food they eat. We hypothesized that urban squirrels might thus be particularly susceptible to T. gondii infection compared to squirrels in more natural areas. We investigated this using molecular and serological methods on samples collected from four squirrel species in and around the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. We tested a total of 272 tissue samples from 46 squirrels for T. gondii DNA using quantitative PCR, and 15 serum samples from grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) for T. gondii antibodies (IgG) by indirect ELISA. We found no evidence of T. gondii infection in squirrels in southern Manitoba. This suggests that squirrels are not important intermediate hosts of T. gondii in cities and that the prevalence of T. gondii oocysts in the environment in Manitoba is likely low. Consequently, squirrel management to prevent infection to humans or their pet cats is not needed in urban areas with abundant squirrel populations.

scholarly journals Antibodies against Neospora caninum, Sarcocystis spp. and Toxoplasma gondii detected in buffaloes from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 947-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza P. Portella ◽  
◽  
Gustavo C. Cadore ◽  
Marcelo de Lima ◽  
Luís A. Sangioni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp

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.

scholarly journals Occurrence of anti Sarcocystis spp., anti Toxoplasma gondii, and anti Neospora spp. antibodies in equines from western Santa Catarina, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (3Supl1) ◽  
pp. 1663-1672
Author(s):  
Alana Birck Ribeiro ◽  
◽  
Maysa Bigolin Chitolina ◽  
Andressa Carminatti ◽  
Fagner D'ambroso Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Indirect Immunofluorescence ◽  
High Impact ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Santa Catarina ◽  
Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis ◽  
High Occurrence ◽  
Secondary Activity ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp ◽  
Reproductive Losses

Equine raising is generally articulated as a secondary activity on farms, where animals are used for leisure or work. Thus, it is important to consider the health of these animals, seeking to understand which are the main agents that circulate in a given farm or region. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of IgG anti-Sarcocystis spp., anti-Toxoplasma gondii, and anti-Neospora spp. antibodies in equines in western Santa Catarina, Brazil. A total of 100 serum samples from horses from 10 farms, located in the municipalities of Faxinal dos Guedes, Xaxim, and Xanxerê were analyzed from June to December 2019. The samples were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIFR) to detect antibodies of IgG class against the three agents. The results showed that the equines in the region are seropositive against the three studied agents, 11% of which for Sarcocystis spp. 21% for T. gondii, and 20% for Neospora spp. The analysis of the presence of these protozoa in different environments showed that both stabled and extensively raised horses presented signs of contact with the studied agents. Animals that live only in stables had a higher occurrence of IgG anti-Sarcocystis (7/32; 21.88%) and anti-T. gondii (11/32; 34.38%) antibodies. The evaluating of animals raised on pasture, semi-extensively and extensively, showed a higher percentage of seropositivity for N. caninum (9/34; 26.47%). The high occurrence of animals seropositive to the studied protozoa reinforces the importance of controlling and preventing these agents in the region, as they have the potential to cause a high impact on equid farming, mainly involving reproductive losses and equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM).

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

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 416-421 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Intra-uterine exposure of horses to Sarcocystis spp. antigens

2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M. Antonello ◽  
G.C. Cadore ◽  
F.L. Pivoto ◽  
G. Camillo ◽  
P. Braunig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Immunoblot Analysis ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Immunofluorescent Antibody ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp ◽  
Indirect Immunofluorescent ◽  
Immunofluorescent Antibody Test

The aim of this study was to examine the intra-uterine exposure to Sarcocystis spp. antigens, determining the number of foals with detectable concentrations of antibodies against these agents in the serum, before colostrum ingestion and collect data about exposure of horses to the parasite. Serum samples were collected from 195 thoroughbred mares and their newborns in two farms from southern Brazil. Parasite specific antibody responses to Sarcocystis antigens were detected using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and immunoblot analysis. In 84.1% (159/189) of the pregnant mares and in 7.4% (14/189) of foals we detected antibodies anti-Sarcocystis spp. by IFAT. All samples seropositive from foals were also positive in their respective mares. Serum samples of seropositive foals by IFAT, showed no reactivity on the immunoblot, having as antigens S. neurona merozoites. In conclusion, the intra-uterine exposure to Sarcocystis spp. antigens in horses was demonstrated, with occurrence not only in mares, but also in their foals, before colostrum ingestion these occurrences were reduced.

scholarly journals Molecular detection of Apicomplexa protozoa in tissues from Alouatta guariba clamitans

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.

scholarly journals Limited Value of Assays Using Detection of Immunoglobulin G Antibodies to the Two Recombinant Dense Granule Antigens, GRA1 and GRA6 Nt of Toxoplasma gondii, for Distinguishing between Acute and Chronic Infections in Pregnant Women

2004 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1016-1021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josette Ferrandiz ◽  
Corinne Mercier ◽  
Martine Wallon ◽  
Stéphane Picot ◽  
Marie-France Cesbron-Delauw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Immunoglobulin G ◽  
Dense Granule ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

ABSTRACT An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using two recombinant antigens of Toxoplasma gondii (GRA1 and GRA6 Nt) was developed in order to differentiate between pregnant women with a serological profile of recently acquired infection and those with chronic infection. Both proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli as glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins. Thirty-two serum samples from subjects who presented seroconversion within 3 months before sampling (group 1; acute profile), 46 serum samples from women who had a positive serology at least 1 year before sampling (group 2; chronic profile), and 100 serum samples from pregnant women who were not infected by T. gondii (group 3) were examined for immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity. For both antigens, the specificity reached 98%. In both groups of infected patients, the overall sensitivity scored was 60% for GRA1 and 83% for GRA6 Nt. In group 1, 34% of sera reacted with GRA1 whereas 84% of sera reacted with GRA6 Nt; in group 2, however, sensitivities were 78.2 and 82.6%, respectively. Combination of the readings obtained with both antigens yielded a sensitivity of 91%. A serological follow-up of 10 women who seroconverted during pregnancy displayed three different serological patterns: (i) a GRA profile paralleling the IgG curve, as detected by the commercial kit, (ii) a GRA1 profile, or (iii) GRA1 and GRA6 Nt profiles remaining negative for at least 8 weeks after the reference test gave positive results. Taken together, these results suggest that neither GRA1 nor GRA6 Nt is sensitive enough to be used routinely to differentiate between acute and chronic toxoplasmic infections.

scholarly journals Serum anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Passeridae), in the municipality of Pelotas, RS, Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. e164867
Author(s):  
Luciana Siqueira Silveira dos Santos ◽  
Herbert Sousa Soares ◽  
Carolina Silveira Mascarenhas ◽  
Paulo Roberto Silveira dos Santos ◽  
Solange Maria Gennari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Agglutination Test ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Wild Felids

The objective of this study was to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in serum samples from 100 sparrows (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) that were caught in an urban area in southern Brazil. The modified agglutination test (MAT) was used to investigate anti-T. gondii antibodies and samples with a cut-off dilution > 5 were considered positive. Among the 100 serum samples analyzed, 80 (80%) were reactive. These results demonstrate that P. domesticus may play an important role in the epidemiological chain of T. gondii, since it is widely distributed throughout Brazil, and it may act as a source of infection to domestic, semi-domestic cats and to free-living wild felids.

scholarly journals Atypical anti-glomerular basement membrane disease with anti-GBM antibody negativity and ANCA positivity: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Guo ◽  
Qinghua Yin ◽  
Song Lei ◽  
Yanjun He ◽  
Ping Fu
Keyword(s):  
Basement Membrane ◽  
Glomerular Basement Membrane ◽  
Rare Case ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Severe Renal Insufficiency ◽  
Laboratory Test Results ◽  
Organ Specific

Abstract Background Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is an organ-specific autoimmune disease that involves the lung and kidneys and leads to rapid glomerulonephritis progression, with or without diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and even respiratory failure. Classic cases of anti-GBM disease are diagnosed based on the presence of the anti-GBM antibody in serum samples and kidney or lung biopsy tissue samples. However, atypical cases of anti-GBM disease are also seen in clinical practice. Case presentation We herein report the rare case of a patient with atypical anti-GBM disease whose serum was negative for the anti-GBM antibody but positive for the myeloperoxidase (MPO) anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p-ANCA) and another atypical ANCA. Laboratory test results showed severe renal insufficiency with a creatinine level of 385 μmol/L. Renal biopsy specimen analysis revealed 100% glomeruli with crescents; immunofluorescence showed immunoglobulin G (IgG) linearly deposited alongside the GBM. Finally, the patient was discharged successfully after treatment with plasmapheresis, methylprednisolone and prednisone. Conclusion This patient, whose serum was negative for the anti-GBM antibody but positive for p-ANCA and another atypical ANCA, had a rare case of anti-GBM disease. Insights from this unusual case might help physicians diagnose rare forms of glomerulonephritis and treat affected patients in a timely manner.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in domestic pigs raised from Cuba

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Weaning Pigs ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.

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