Prevalence of Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Different Wild Bird Species Admitted to Rehabilitation Centres in Portugal

Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide zoonotic parasite. According to the “One Health” approach, studies on toxoplasmosis are essential since it affects humans and domestic and wild animals. In the present study, antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 263 wild birds located in five wildlife rehabilitation centres in mainland Portugal by using the modified agglutination test (MAT) with a cut-off titre of 20. An overall seroprevalence of 36.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.7–42.6) was observed. For the first time, antibodies to T. gondii were detected in some avian species, including pallid swift (Apus pallidus) (33.3%), black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) (39.3%), European turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur) (100%), bee-eater (Merops apiaster) (50.0%), carrion crow (Corvus corone) (33.3%), and Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) (100%), which expands the list of intermediate hosts of T. gondii. A lower seroprevalence was found in juvenile birds (31.9%) compared to adults (48.7%) (p = 0.016). The central region of Portugal was considered a risk factor for T. gondii infection in wild birds (odds ratio: 3.61; 95% CI: 1.09–11.91). This pioneer study calls attention to the need for further studies, to provide a clearer understanding of T. gondii epidemiology in Portugal, because it reflects wide dispersion of T. gondii oocysts in the environment.

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Frequency of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus) from an ecological station in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2013000200019 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 251-253 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rodrigo Costa da Silva ◽

Gustavo Puglia Machado ◽

Tatiane Morosini de Andrade Cruvinel ◽

Ciro Alexandre Cruvinel ◽

Helio Langoni

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Cebus Apella ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

Capuchin Monkeys ◽

São Paulo ◽

Intermediate Hosts ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Obligate Intracellular ◽

Modified Agglutination Test ◽

Tufted Capuchin Monkeys

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite protozoan. A large percentage of animals presents specific antibodies caused by a previous exposition, resulting in a chronic infection. Felides are the definitive hosts and the other warm-blooded animals, including primates, are the intermediate hosts. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in free-living tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella nigritus) from an ecological station located on Mata de Santa Teresa, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. T. gondii antibodies were analyzed by modified agglutination test (MAT) in serum samples of 36 tufted capuchin monkeys, considering eight as cut-off titer. From the studied animals, 3/36 (8.33%; CI95% 3.0-21.9%) presented T. gondii antibodies, all with titer 32. No significative difference was observed relating to the sex (1/3 male and 2/3 female), and to the age (1/3 young and 2/3 adult) (P>0.05). Thus, these results demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies in primates from São Paulo state.

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

Parasite ◽

10.1051/parasite/2018010 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 ◽

pp. 9 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

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.

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Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and related risk factors in mammals at Sorocaba zoo, São Paulo, BrazilToxoplasma gondii antibodies and related risk factors in mammals at Sorocaba zoo, São Paulo, Brazil

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n4supl1p2845 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (4Supl1) ◽

pp. 2845

Author(s):

Renata Bezerra Marujo ◽

Helio Langoni ◽

Leila Sabrina Ullmann ◽

Maysa Pellizzaro ◽

Ramiro Das Neves Dias Neto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Feeding Habits ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

São Paulo ◽

Intermediate Hosts ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Related Risk

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis with worldwide distribution and different wild species either are involved in maintenance of the pathogen in the environment as definitive or intermediate hosts serving as font of feeding or prey to definitive hosts. The present study aimed to investigate Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the risk factors relating to infection in mammals at Sorocaba Zoo, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Serum samples collected from 153 animals were analyzed using the modified agglutination test (MAT; cutoff ? 25). Seropositivity was found in 62 animals (40.5%; 95% CI: 33.1-48.5%), with different titers. Significant differences were observed in relation to the ages of the animals, origin, presence of free-ranging animals in the enclosure and feeding habits, through univariate analysis (p ? 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only age (p = 0.03) had significance for the study. Adult animals were 3.5 more likely to become infected than were young ones. In relation to feeding habits, herbivores (80%) and carnivores (46.5%) were the animals most affected. These results highlight the presence of T. gondii in animals at Brazilian zoos, and suggest that continuous transmission is occurring at zoos.

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Prevalence and Diversity of Avian Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Sero-Subtypes in Poultry and Wild Birds in Bangladesh

Veterinary Sciences ◽

10.3390/vetsci7020073 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 73 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mohammad M. Hassan ◽

Mohamed E. El Zowalaty ◽

Ariful Islam ◽

Shahneaz A. Khan ◽

Md. K. Rahman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Virus ◽

Avian Influenza ◽

Avian Influenza Virus ◽

Migratory Birds ◽

Bird Species ◽

Wild Birds ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 viruses have pandemic potential, cause significant economic losses and are of veterinary and public health concerns. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and diversity of hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) in poultry and wild birds in Bangladesh. We conducted an avian influenza sero-surveillance in wild and domestic birds in wetlands of Chattogram and Sylhet in the winter seasons 2012–2014. We tested serum samples using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA), and randomly selected positive serum samples (170 of 942) were tested using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) to detect antibodies against the 16 different HA sero-subtypes. All AIV sero–subtypes except H7, H11, H14 and H15 were identified in the present study, with H5 and H9 dominating over other subtypes, regardless of the bird species. The diversity of HA sero-subtypes within groups ranged from 3 (in household chickens) to 10 (in migratory birds). The prevalence of the H5 sero-subtype was 76.3% (29/38) in nomadic ducks, 71.4% (5/7) in household chicken, 66.7% (24/36) in resident wild birds, 65.9% (27/41) in migratory birds and 61.7% (29/47) in household ducks. Moreover, the H9 sero-subtype was common in migratory birds (56%; 23/41), followed by 38.3% (18/47) in household ducks, 36.8% (14/38) in nomadic ducks, 30.6% (11/66) in resident wild birds and 28.5% (2/7) in household chickens. H1, H4 and H6 sero-subtypes were the most common sero-subtypes (80%; 8/10, 70%; 7/10 and 70%; 7/10, respectively) in migratory birds in 2012, H9 in resident wild birds (83.3%; 5/6) and H2 in nomadic ducks (73.9%; 17/23) in 2013, and the H5 sero-subtype in all types of birds (50% to 100%) in 2014. The present study demonstrates that a high diversity of HA subtypes circulated in diverse bird species in Bangladesh, and this broad range of AIV hosts may increase the probability of AIVs’ reassortment and may enhance the emergence of novel AIV strains. A continued surveillance for AIV at targeted domestic–wild bird interfaces is recommended to understand the ecology and evolution of AIVs.

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

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.jfms.2009.09.001 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 351-354 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

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.

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

Acta Parasitologica ◽

10.1515/ap-2015-0087 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 60 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 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.

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

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20160712 ◽

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.

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Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from São Tomé and Príncipe

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612019101 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Daniela Cruz Pereira ◽

Jitender Pradash Dubey ◽

Alfredo da Mata ◽

Helda Neto ◽

Luís Cardoso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Geographical Area ◽

Central Area ◽

Local Environment ◽

Intermediate Hosts ◽

Adult Age ◽

Source Of Infection ◽

Modified Agglutination Test ◽

Sao Tome And Principe ◽

Zoonotic Parasite

Abstract Despite the global importance of the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii, little is known regarding its infection in the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe (DRSTP). This is the first report of antibodies to T. gondii in cattle, sheep, goats and pigs from the DRSTP. Antibodies were assessed by the modified agglutination test (MAT), with a cut-off titer of 100 for cattle and 20 for sheep, goats and pigs. The present study revealed an overall seroprevalence of 55.8%; 27.1% in 48 cattle, 68.4% in 98 sheep, 70.1% in 97 goats and 43.7% in 103 pigs. The south geographical area for cattle, the central area for sheep, and adult age and living in the central region for goats were found to be risk factors for seropositivity to T. gondii. These results support the scenario of a considerable presence of sporulated oocysts as well as of infected intermediate hosts in the local environment. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat should be considered as an important potential source of infection for animals and humans in the DRSTP.

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Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and related risk factors in mammals at Sorocaba zoo, São Paulo, BrazilToxoplasma gondii antibodies and related risk factors in mammals at Sorocaba zoo, São Paulo, Brazil

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n4suplp2845 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (4Supl1) ◽

pp. 2845 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Renata Bezerra Marujo ◽

Helio Langoni ◽

Leila Sabrina Ullmann ◽

Maysa Pellizzaro ◽

Ramiro Das Neves Dias Neto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Feeding Habits ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

São Paulo ◽

Intermediate Hosts ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Related Risk

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

10.1101/2020.09.28.313866 ◽

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.

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