scholarly journals Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the dairy goat population from an organic farm

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 736-738
Author(s):  
Dawid Jańczak ◽  
Marcin Świątek ◽  
Żaneta Szymańska ◽  
Roman Niżnikowski ◽  
Elżbieta Gołąb

Protozoal infection of T. gondii is a public health problem and also causes serious economic losses in livestock production in many countries. Farm animals from organic farms are more likely to be infected. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among 50 dairy goats from an organic farm in the northwestern Poland region and to assess the prevalence of parasite DNA in the milk of infected animals. Serological tests performed by direct agglutination of IgG antibodies against T. gondii were positive in 10% of the tested animals. No parasite DNA was detected in the milk from the seropositive goats. However, the number of tested animals was too small to draw significant epidemiological conclusions.

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karianne Lievaart-Peterson ◽  
Saskia Luttikholt ◽  
Maaike Gonggrijp ◽  
Robin Ruuls ◽  
Lars Ravesloot ◽  
...  

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is endemic in the Dutch dairy goat population causing economic loss, and negatively influencing welfare. Moreover, there are concerns about a potential zoonotic risk. Therefore the industry’s objectives are to decrease MAP prevalence, limit economic losses as well as reduce the concentration of MAP in (bulk) milk. To diminish within-farm spread of infection, vaccination, age dependent group housing with separation of newborns from adults, as well as rearing on artificial or treated colostrum and milk replacers are implemented. However, the importance of MAP contaminated colostrum and milk as a route of infection in dairy goat herds is unknown. Therefore the aim of this study was to detect the presence of MAP DNA in colostrum and milk from dairy goats in infected herds. A convenience sample of 120 colostrum samples and 202 milk samples from MAP infected dairy goat herds were tested by IS900 real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for MAP DNA. Furthermore, 22 colostrum samples and 27 post mortem milk samples of goats with clinical signs consistent with paratuberculosis from known infected herds were tested. The majority of samples were from goats vaccinated against MAP. Positive or doubtful PCR results were obtained in none of the 120 and two of the 22 colostrum samples, and in eight of the 202 and four of the 27 milk samples Negative PCR results were obtained in the remaining 140 (99%) colostrum samples and 217 (95%) milk samples.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedikt T. Fabian ◽  
Fatima Hedar ◽  
Martin Koethe ◽  
Berit Bangoura ◽  
Pavlo Maksimov ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Free-ranging chickens are often infected with Toxoplasma gondii and seroconvert upon infection. This indicates environmental contamination with T. gondii. Methods: Here, we established a bead-based multiplex assay (BBMA) using the Luminex technology for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens. Recombinant biotinylated T. gondii surface antigen 1 (TgSAG1bio) bound to streptavidin-conjugated magnetic Luminex beads served as antigen. Serum antibodies were detected by a fluorophore-coupled secondary antibody. Beads of differing color codes were conjugated with anti-chicken IgY or chicken serum albumin and served for each sample as an internal positive or negative control, respectively. The assay was validated with sera from experimentally and naturally infected chickens. The results were compared to those from reference methods, including other serological tests, PCRs and bioassay in mice.Results: In experimentally infected chickens, the vast majority (98.5%, n = 65/66) of birds tested seropositive in the BBMA. This included all chickens positive by magnetic-capture PCR (100%, n = 45/45). Most, but not all inoculated and TgSAG1bio-BBMA-positive chickens were also positive in two previously established TgSAG1-ELISAs (TgSAG1-ELISASL, n = 61/65; or TgSAG1-ELISASH, n = 60/65), or positive in an immunofluorescence assay (IFAT, n = 64/65)) and in a modified agglutination test (MAT, n = 61/65). All non-inoculated control animals (n = 28/28, 100%) tested negative. In naturally exposed chickens, the TgSAG1bio-BBMA showed a high sensitivity (98.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI: 90.7–99.9%) and specificity (100%; 95% CI: 85.0–100%) relative to a reference standard established using ELISA, IFAT and MAT. Almost all naturally exposed chickens that were positive in bioassay or by PCR tested positive in the TgSAG1bio-BBMA (93.5%; 95% CI: 77.1–98.9%), while all bioassay- or PCR-negative chickens remained negative (100%; 95% CI: 85.0–100%).Conclusions: The TgSAG1bio-BBMA represents a suitable method for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens with high sensitivity and specificity, which is comparable or even superior to other tests. Since assays based on this methodology allow for the simultaneous analysis of a single biological sample with respect to multiple analytes, the described assay may represent a component in future multiplex assays for broad serological monitoring of poultry and other farm animals for various pathogens.


2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-24
Author(s):  
Lazem H. Al-Taie

Back ground: Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis that causes economic losses in animal herds due to abortion and stillbirth as well as changes in the reproductive and neural system of susceptible animals . Objective: The aims of the present study is to determination the prevalence of T. gondii in farm animals ( sheep& goat)of both genders and different ages in Sulaimani province by using two serological tests (ELISA and LAT). Methods: Blood samples were collected from farm animals ,142 sheep and 46 goats , of different sexes and ages. Tow different serological tests ,ELISA and LAT for qualitative determination of T. gondii antibody titer in sheep and goats serum samples. Results: The prevalence rate in sheep was 73 (51.7 %) and 82 (57 %) , and 21 (54.6 %) and 25 (54.35 %) in goats ,by ELISA and LAT respectively. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis was highest in age group 7-9 (66.6%) in sheep in compares’ with other age groups. There was no significant differences between both spp.and tow test. Conclusion: Statistical results show no significant differences between both tests (ELISA &LAT) at (P ≥ 0.05).The prevalence of toxoplasmosis was increased proportionally with the age of animals, while gender has no effect on the prevalent rate .


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. e00037 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Stelzer ◽  
W. Basso ◽  
J. Benavides Silván ◽  
L.M. Ortega-Mora ◽  
P. Maksimov ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Pilar Foronda ◽  
Josué Plata-Luis ◽  
Borja Del Castillo-Figueruelo ◽  
Ángela Fernández-Álvarez ◽  
Aarón Martín-Alonso ◽  
...  

Coxiella burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii are intracellular parasites that cause important reproductive disorders in animals and humans worldwide, resulting in high economic losses. The aim of the present study was to analyse the possible role of peridomestic small mammals in the maintenance and transmission of C. burnetii and T. gondii in the north-western African archipelagos of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, where these species are commonly found affecting humans and farm animals. Between 2009 and 2013, 108 black rats (Rattus rattus) and 77 mice (Mus musculus) were analysed for the presence of Coxiella and Toxoplasma antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA), respectively. Our results showed a wide distribution of C. burnetii and T. gondii, except for T. gondii in Cape Verde, in both rodent species. The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii antibodies was 12.4%; 21.1% for Cape Verde and 10.2% for the Canary Islands. With respect to T. gondii, seropositive rodents were only observed in the Canary Islands, with an overall seroprevalence of 15%. Considering the fact that both pathogens can infect a large range of hosts, including livestock and humans, the results are of public health and veterinary importance and could be used by governmental entities to manage risk factors and to prevent future cases of Q fever and toxoplasmosis.


2021 ◽  
pp. 2386-2391
Author(s):  
Tanjila Hasan ◽  
Abdul Mannan ◽  
Delower Hossain ◽  
Azizunnesa Rekha ◽  
Md. Monir Hossan ◽  
...  

Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is responsible for the major cause of congenital diseases, abortion, and stillbirth in humans and farm animals. Primary infection in pregnant goats due to T. gondii leads to abortion and significant economic losses in the livestock industry. Moreover, very few studies have been performed for the identification of T. gondii from aborted fetuses of goats. The study was conducted for the molecular identification of Toxoplasma gondii from aborted fetuses of goats in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: Twenty aborted fetuses of goats were collected from 52 farms in the study area. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the B1 gene was performed, and a positive sample yield of 197 bp amplified DNA products consistent with T. gondii. Results: The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the aborted fetus of goats was 35.0%. Heart muscle, liver, brain, and placenta showed positive PCR results. The risk factors related to the does age, presence of cats in farms, and aborted fetus age were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Our results showed that T. gondii is a major possible causal factor for abortion and reproductive failure in goats. The high prevalence of T. gondii infection in aborted fetuses of goats revealed that T. gondii could be imperative in causing reproductive failure in goats. Conclusion: Active or congenital toxoplasmosis was shown by the presence of T. gondii in fetal tissues, which is a matter of concern as this parasite has zoonotic significance and causes economic hazards to the livestock industry by causing various reproductive problems. Therefore, proper control measures and strategies are needed to reduce the rate of abortion in goats, ultimately saving the livestock industry.


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa J. T. Seran ◽  
Billy J. Kepel ◽  
Fatimawali .

Abstract: Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii in humans and also in animals. Toxoplasma gondii infection is widespread in the world, about 20-90% of the populations have been exposed to this parasite, and most take place without showing specific symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis among the villagers of kumu in district minahasa on 2015. This study was a cross sectional descriptive study. The study population was Kumu Village community. This study using blood specimens to be tested by latex agglutination test and interviews to determine the distribution of toxoplasmosis is based on risk factors. Seropositive obtained if agglutination occurs on the results of serological tests. Respondents consisted of 20 (90.90%) females and 2 (9.10%) men. The results showed 11 (50%) of respondents has toxoplasma seropositivity were distributed by age, sex, level of education, occupation, diet, hygiene, exposure to dogs, exposure to cats, and a history of miscarriage.Keywords: latex agglutination test, parasites, seropositivity, toxoplasma gondiiAbstrak: Toksoplasmosis merupakan penyakit yang disebabkan oleh Toxoplasma gondii pada manusia dan juga pada hewan. Infeksi Toxoplasma gondii tersebar luas di dunia, sekitar 20-90% populasi dunia pernah terpapar parasit ini, dan sebagian besar berlangsung tanpa menunjukkan gejala yang spesifik. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui seroepidemiologi toksoplasmosis pada masyarakat di Desa Kumu Kabupaten Minahasa tahun 2015. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif cross sectional. Populasi penelitian ini adalah masyarakat Desa Kumu. Penelitian ini menggunakan spesimen darah untuk diuji dengan uji aglutinasi lateks dan hasil wawancara untuk mengetahui distribusi toksoplasmosis berdasarkan faktor resiko. Seropositif didapat bila terjadi aglutinasi pada hasil tes serologis. Responden terdiri dari 20 (90,90%) wanita dan 2 (9,10%) pria. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan 11 (50%) responden seropositif toksoplasmosis yang terdistribusi berdasarkan umur, jenis kelamin, tingkat pedidikan, pekerjaan, pola makan, higienitas, paparan anjing, paparan kucing, dan riwayat keguguran.Kata kunci: uji aglutinasi lateks, parasit, seropositif, toxoplasma gondii


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedikt T. Fabian ◽  
Fatima Hedar ◽  
Martin Koethe ◽  
Berit Bangoura ◽  
Pavlo Maksimov ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Free-ranging chickens are often infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Their infection indicates environmental contamination with T. gondii. The detection of infected birds relies primarily on serological assays. Methods: Here, we established a bead-based multiplex assay (BBMA) using the Luminex technology for the specific and sensitive detection of T. gondii infections in chickens. Recombinant biotinylated T. gondii surface antigen 1 (TgSAG1bio) bound to streptavidin-conjugated magnetic Luminex beads served as antigen. Serum antibodies were detected by a fluorophore-coupled secondary antibody. Beads of differing color codes were conjugated with anti-chicken IgY or chicken serum albumin and served for each sample as an internal positive or negative control, respectively. The assay was validated with sera from experimentally and naturally infected chickens. The results were compared to those from reference methods, including other serological tests and bioassay in mice.Results: In experimentally infected chickens, the vast majority (98.5%, n=65/66) of inoculated birds tested seropositive in the BBMA. This included all chickens positive by magnetic-capture PCR (100%, n=45/45). Most, but not all inoculated and TgSAG1bio-BBMA-positive chickens were also positive in two previously established TgSAG1-ELISAs (TgSAG1-ELISASL, n=61/65; or TgSAG1-ELISASH, n=60/65), or positive in an immunofluorescence assay (IFAT, n=64/65)) and in a modified agglutination test (MAT, n=61/65). All non-inoculated control animals (n=28/28, 100%) tested negative. In naturally exposed chickens, the TgSAG1bio-BBMA showed a high sensitivity (98.5%; 95% Confidence Interval: 90.7-99.9%) and specificity (100%; 85.0-100%) relative to a reference standard established using ELISA, IFAT and MAT. Almost all naturally exposed chickens that were positive in bioassay or by PCR tested positive in the TgSAG1bio-BBMA (93.5%; 77.1-98.9%), while all bioassay- or PCR-negative chickens remained negative (100%; 85.0-100%).Conclusions: The TgSAG1bio-BBMA represents a suitable method for the detection of T. gondii infections in chickens with high sensitivity and specificity, which is comparable or even superior to other tests. Since assays based on this methodology allow for the simultaneous analysis of a single biological sample with respect to multiple analytes, the described assay may represent one component in future multiplex assays for broad serological monitoring of poultry and other farm animals, including pigs or small ruminants, for various pathogens.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document