ABSTRACT
For decades, an immunosorbent agglutination assay (ISAGA) has been considered the gold standard method for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgM in infants for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). The Toxoplasma IgM ISAGA was consistently reported as having superior sensitivity. Unfortunately, the commercial kit for the detection of Toxoplasma IgM ISAGA will no longer be available in 2024 and alternatives will only be available at a handful of reference laboratories as in-house or laboratory-developed tests. In a recent study, S. Arkhis, C. Rouges, N. Dahane, H. Guegan, et al. (J Clin Microbiol 62:e01222-23, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.01222-23), reported that the performance of the PLATELIA Toxo IgM was comparable to that of the ISAGA method for the diagnosis of CT. A second study revealing similar results supports the PLATELIA Toxo IgM as the new gold standard for the detection of T. gondii-specific IgM in infants. Although the laboratory toolbox for CT diagnosis has been reshuffled successfully, it is by universally implementing all available serological and molecular tools at the earliest possible time during gestation that we can best defend children's brain from the potential harm caused by trans-placentally transmitted T. gondii.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Protozoan , Immunoglobulin M , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Congenital , Humans , Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/diagnosis , Immunoglobulin M/blood , Toxoplasma/immunology , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Infant , Sensitivity and Specificity , Infant, Newborn , Agglutination Tests/methodsABSTRACT
Toxoplasma gondii has at least 318 genotypes distributed worldwide, and tropical regions usually have greater genetic diversity. Campeche is a state located in the southeastern region of México and has favourable climate conditions for the replication and dissemination of this protozoan, similar to those in South American countries where broad genetic diversity has been described. Thus, in this study, 4 T. gondii isolates were obtained from tissues of stray dogs and free-range chickens in Campeche, México, and were genotyped by Mn-PCR-RFLP with 10 typing markers (SAG1, altSAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico) and 5 virulence markers (CS3, ROP16, ROP17, ROP18 and ROP5) to provide new information about the distribution and virulence prediction of T. gondii genotypes. Two isolates of T. gondii genotype #116 and 2 of genotype #38 were obtained from stray dogs and chickens, respectively. The parasite load found in these species was between <50 and more than 35 000 tachyzoites per mg of tissue. Virulence marker genotyping revealed a recombinant 1&3 ROP5 RFLP pattern in 2 ToxoDB #116 isolates with no prediction of virulence in a murine model, while in the 2 ToxoDB #38 isolates, the ROP18/ROP5 combination predicted high virulence. Considering all the typed markers, there is a predominance of type I and III alleles, as constantly reported for the isolates characterized in various regions of México. It is crucial to determine their phenotype to corroborate the genetic virulence profile of the T. gondii isolates obtained in this study.
Subject(s)
Chickens , Genotype , Poultry Diseases , Protozoan Proteins , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Mexico/epidemiology , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasma/pathogenicity , Toxoplasma/classification , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Chickens/parasitology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Virulence , Dogs , Protozoan Proteins/genetics , Mice , Poultry Diseases/parasitology , Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length , Dog Diseases/parasitology , AllelesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite with a heteroxenus life cycle that involves felids as the definitive hosts and any warm-blooded animal, including humans, as intermediate hosts. Cats are key players in parasite transmission as they are capable of shedding high numbers of oocysts in their feces that contaminate the environment. METHODS: The study was performed on 31 domestic cats (31.23 ± 27.18 months old) originating from rural and urban areas (5.17:1) in the center and north-west Romania. Feces (n = 31), blood (n = 28), and heart samples (n = 27) were collected. Fecal samples were analyzed by flotation technique, and PCR (529 bp repetitive element). Fecal samples with T. gondii oocysts were bioassayed in mice. Serum samples were analyzed by modified agglutination test and ImmunoComb for the detection of specific anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. Heart samples were bioassayed in mice, and analyzed by PCR. Toxoplasma gondii positive samples were genotyped by nPCR-RFLP targeting eleven genetic loci (SAG1, SAG2, alt-SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico). RESULTS: Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were found in 2 out of 31 fecal samples collected from a 3-months old stray kitten, and a 4-years old female. In total, 17 out of 27 sera were positive for T. gondii IgG antibodies. The antibody titers in MAT ranged from 1:6 to 1:384. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 7 out of 27 heart samples, and four of them were positive also by bioassay. Six T. gondii DNA samples from bioassayed mice could be assigned to ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotype #1 or #3 (Type II) and one T. gondii DNA from heart digest to genotype #2 (Type III). Both of these genotypes are common in Europe. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that the infection with T. gondii is still high in cats from Romania. The oocysts shedded by these cats represent an important source of infection for intermediate hosts, including humans. Further studies on a wider range of cases are necessary for a more exhaustive definition of the T. gondii genotypes circulating in Romania.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Feces , Genotype , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Cats , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Romania/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Feces/parasitology , Mice , Female , Male , Antibodies, Protozoan/bloodABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate features of infectious panuveitis associated with multiple pathogens detected by ocular fluid sampling. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, consecutive case series of patients with aqueous/vitreous polymerase chain reaction testing with >1 positive result in a single sample from 2001 to 2021. RESULTS: Of 1,588 polymerase chain reaction samples, 28 (1.76%) were positive for two pathogens. Most common pathogens were cytomegalovirus (n = 16, 57.1%) and Epstein-Barr virus (n = 13, 46.4%), followed by varicella zoster virus (n = 8, 28.6%), Toxoplasma gondii (n = 6, 21.4%), herpes simplex virus 2 (n = 6, 21.4%), herpes simplex virus 1 (n = 6, 21.4%), and Toxocara (n = 1, 3.6%). Mean initial and final visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) were 1.3 ± 0.9 (Snellen â¼20/400) and 1.3 ± 1.1 (Snellen â¼20/400), respectively. Cytomegalovirus-positive eyes (n = 16, 61.5%) had a mean final visual acuity of 0.94 ± 1.1 (Snellen â¼20/175), whereas cytomegalovirus-negative eyes (n = 10, 38%) had a final visual acuity of 1.82 ± 1.0 (Snellen â¼20/1,320) ( P < 0.05). Main clinical features included intraocular inflammation (100%), retinal whitening (84.6%), immunosuppression (65.4%), retinal hemorrhage (38.5%), and retinal detachment (34.6%). CONCLUSION: Cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus were common unique pathogens identified in multi-PCR-positive samples. Most patients with co-infection were immunosuppressed with a high rate of retinal detachment and poor final visual acuity. Cytomegalovirus-positive eyes had better visual outcomes compared with cytomegalovirus-negative eyes.
Subject(s)
Aqueous Humor , Eye Infections, Viral , Panuveitis , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Visual Acuity , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Male , Female , Panuveitis/diagnosis , Panuveitis/virology , Panuveitis/drug therapy , Middle Aged , Aqueous Humor/virology , Eye Infections, Viral/diagnosis , Eye Infections, Viral/virology , Adult , Aged , DNA, Viral/analysis , Vitreous Body/virology , Cytomegalovirus/genetics , Cytomegalovirus/isolation & purification , Young Adult , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasma/geneticsABSTRACT
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis that affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Wild animals can act as intermediate hosts of this pathogen; thus, this study aims to detect Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. For this, 72 wild European brown hares were captured from July 2020 to June 2022 in three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul. The diagnostic of Toxoplasma gondii infection was performed by bioassay in mouse, histopathology in Hematoxylin-Eosin-stained tissue sections (brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, and small intestine), serology by IFAT, and molecular techniques by conventional PCR and qPCR. The combined prevalence of the different diagnostic methods was 51.4% (37/72, CI= 40.1 - 62.6 %), and there was no statistical difference between sexes, age range, or geographical region of the hosts. Mouse bioassay was the technique that detected more positive hares. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. These animals act as reservoirs and potential infection source for carnivores and other wild and domestic animals, including humans, thus contributing to perpetuate the disease cycle in São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul States. Research such as the present study is necessary to raise awareness about the role of animals in the disease cycle.
Subject(s)
Hares , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Brazil/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/diagnosis , Hares/parasitology , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Mice , Female , Male , Prevalence , Biological AssaySubject(s)
Pneumonia , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis , Zoonoses , Female , Humans , Bronchoscopy , Cell-Free Nucleic Acids/blood , Community-Acquired Infections/blood , Community-Acquired Infections/diagnosis , Community-Acquired Infections/etiology , Community-Acquired Infections/therapy , DNA, Protozoan/blood , DNA, Protozoan/isolation & purification , Hypoxia/blood , Hypoxia/diagnosis , Hypoxia/etiology , Hypoxia/therapy , Immunocompetence , Medical History Taking , Pneumonia/blood , Pneumonia/diagnosis , Pneumonia/etiology , Pneumonia/therapy , Respiratory Insufficiency/blood , Respiratory Insufficiency/diagnosis , Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasmosis/blood , Toxoplasmosis/diagnosis , Toxoplasmosis/etiology , Toxoplasmosis/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Zoonoses/blood , Zoonoses/diagnosis , Zoonoses/etiology , Zoonoses/therapy , Deer/parasitologyABSTRACT
We report a case of Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ) antibody seronegativity in a 14-year-old boy with a primary infection of T. gondii after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia who was rapidly diagnosed through metagenomic next-generation sequencing of peripheral blood as well as clinical manifestations. He was successfully cured with timely administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole due to early diagnosis.
Subject(s)
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Metagenomics , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis , Humans , Male , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Toxoplasmosis/diagnosis , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Adolescent , Metagenomics/methods , Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination/therapeutic use , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma , Transplantation, Homologous/adverse effectsABSTRACT
A 33-year-old male presented with unilateral painless vision loss with a history of sub-tenon steroid for the same. The fundus showed an elevated focus of retinochoroiditis with vitritis. On investigating for the cause, polymerase chain reaction test on the anterior chamber tap was found to be positive for Toxoplasma. Such confusing and atypical cases usually produce a clinical dilemma and should be managed in a stepwise manner. Ancillary investigations usually provide a clue to the clinician and should be performed without any hesitation.
Subject(s)
Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Ocular , Humans , Male , Adult , Toxoplasmosis, Ocular/diagnosis , Toxoplasmosis, Ocular/drug therapy , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasma/genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Chorioretinitis/diagnosis , Chorioretinitis/parasitology , Fundus Oculi , Eye Infections, Parasitic/diagnosis , Eye Infections, Parasitic/parasitology , DNA, Protozoan/analysis , Diagnosis, Differential , Fluorescein Angiography/methodsABSTRACT
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide prevalence that is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This study aimed to summarize available data on genotyping T. gondii strains based on the GRA6 gene marker in different hosts around the world. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using five international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) from inception until December 2021. We identified 32 papers eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. The majority of studies (50%) were carried out in Iran (n = 16) to identify T. gondii genotypes based on the GRA6 gene. Other countries with reported studies include China, Japan, Sweden, and Italy (n = 2 each). Out of 3,434 samples collected from various hosts, most studies (n = 11) focused on human samples (34.4%), followed by ovine (n = 7), pig (n = 4), goat (n = 3) and soil and cattle (n = 2).Using various molecular methods such as conventional PCR, nested-PCR, real-time PCR, microsatellite analysis, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), we found DNA positive results in 805 out of 3,434 samples. Of these, 285 (35.40%), 207 (25.71%), 182 (22.60%), 65 (8.07%), and 18 (2.23%) were infected with types I, II, III, mix I, II, III, and mix II, III, respectively. Our data demonstrate that the GRA6 gene marker has sufficient polymorphism to detect three types of T. gondii genotypes in various hosts. Identifying the specific genotype could be valuable in developing new strategies for treatment, vaccination, diagnosis, control, and prevention of T. gondii infection.
Subject(s)
Antigens, Protozoan , Molecular Typing , Protozoan Proteins , Toxoplasma , Animals , Cattle , Humans , Antigens, Protozoan/genetics , Genetic Markers , Genotype , Goats/parasitology , Iran/epidemiology , Molecular Typing/methods , Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length , Protozoan Proteins/analysis , Protozoan Proteins/genetics , Sheep , Swine , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasma/classification , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that infects one-third of the population of the world, including humans, animals, birds, and other vertebrates. The present investigation is the first molecular attempt in the Malakand Division of Pakistan to determine the epidemiology and phylogenetic study of Toxoplasma gondii infecting small ruminants. METHODOLOGY: A total of (N = 450) blood samples of sheep were randomly collected during the study period (December 2020 to November 2021), and DNA detection was done using PCR by amplifying ITS-1 genes. SPSS.20 and MEGA-11 software were used for statistical significance and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of T. gondii infection among sheep was 14.44â¯% (65/450). A high infection rate was found in more than five-year-olds at 18.33â¯% (11/60). Sequencing and BLAST analysis of PCR-positive samples confirmed the presence of T. gondii. Randomly, three isolates were sequenced and submitted to GenBank under accession numbers (PP028089-PP028091), respectively. The BLAST analysis of the obtained sequences based on the ITS-1 gene showed 99â¯% similarities with reported genotypes found in goats of Malakand, Pakistan (PP028089) and dogs of Brazil (MF766454). The study concludes that T. gondii is notably prevalent among the sheep population in the region, emphasizing the significant role of risk factors in disease transmission across animals and potentially to humans. Further research, zoonotic potential analysis, and targeted control measures are warranted to address and manage this parasitic infection effectively.
Subject(s)
DNA, Protozoan , Phylogeny , Sheep Diseases , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasma/classification , Pakistan/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Sheep , Sheep Diseases/epidemiology , Sheep Diseases/parasitology , Prevalence , DNA, Protozoan/genetics , Genotype , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular zoonotic parasite that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Currently, clinical findings of toxoplasmosis are being related to T. gondii strains such as Type I genotype may cause high pathogenicity and Type II genotype causes a milder clinical presentation. We have showed in our previous that Type II genotype is the most frequent strain detected in stray cats and wild birds living in natural life of Izmir. The aim of this study was to assess toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in immunocompromised patients, investigate the presence of T. gondii DNA in their blood samples, and genotype the PCR positive ones. METHODS: The 42 buffy-coat and serum samples were collected from immunocompromised patients who were from various clinics. Thereafter, Real-Time PCR targeting RE gene of T. gondii was performed with DNA samples obtained from buffy-coat samples. Genotyping was performed by sequencing of GRA6 and GRA7 gene regions of positive DNA samples obtained from tissues of bioassay and PCR positive samples. RESULTS: According to Real-Time PCR results, T. gondii DNA was detected in 23.8% (10/42) samples. Among these 10 samples, two samples were determined as T. gondii Type II genotype. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 28.57% (12/42) samples. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the detection of Type II genotype in humans in Izmir province suggested that T. gondii infection in humans, stray cats, and wild animals may be associated to each other in terms of transmission.
Subject(s)
DNA, Protozoan , Genotype , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasma/immunology , Toxoplasma/classification , Humans , Toxoplasmosis/parasitology , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiology , DNA, Protozoan/genetics , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Protozoan Proteins/genetics , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Immunocompromised Host , Animals , Antigens, Protozoan/genetics , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Young Adult , Cats , Adolescent , Aged , ChildABSTRACT
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic pathogen that can intrude into the blood-brain barrier and reside in the brain only with low inflammatory reaction. When infected with HIV, the immune system becomes severely compromised and leads to the reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis infection, which can mimic the clinical manifestation of stroke. We report a case of a 65-year-old female patient who presented with sudden right limb weakness, walking difficulty, and numbness without other typical symptoms, raising suspicion of acute ischemic stroke. The HIV serology returned positive, which expedited the diagnostic workup for opportunistic infection. Combining imageological examination and metagenomics next-generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid, HIV-associated cerebral toxoplasmosis was confirmed. The patient underwent treatment for toxoplasmosis and HIV. Six months after onset, the patient can walk independently but still exhibits weakness in the right upper limb. In HIV-infected patients, cerebral toxoplasmosis, particularly presenting as isolated stroke-like episodes, poses a more significant challenge, emphasizing the need for more thorough investigations to reduce the potential for misdiagnosis.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Stroke , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral , Humans , Female , Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/diagnosis , Aged , Stroke/diagnosis , HIV Infections/complications , Diagnosis, Differential , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Brain/pathology , Brain/parasitologyABSTRACT
We report a confirmed case of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the lungs of a cow exhibiting respiratory symptoms. At slaughter, white nodules were discovered in lung tissue, accompanied by enlarged hilar lymph nodes. Histological examination revealed the disappearance of alveolar structures in nodular areas, replaced by granulomas containing inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-T. gondii antibody and nucleotide sequencing of 18S rDNA confirmed T. gondii infection. However, the link between T. gondii and observed symptoms remains unclear. Various factors, including host genetics, underlying diseases, infection route, and exposure level, may contribute to these uncommon symptoms. Although T. gondii infections in cattle are traditionally considered asymptomatic, our study suggests the possible existence of clinical symptoms associated with Toxoplasma infection. Beef cattle are generally not assumed to be a relevant source of human T. gondii infection; however, sporadic transmission by infected edible beef to humans cannot be completely excluded and deserves further studies.
Subject(s)
Cattle Diseases , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Cattle , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasma/genetics , Animals , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/pathology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/diagnosis , Cattle Diseases/parasitology , Cattle Diseases/pathology , Lung/parasitology , Lung/pathology , Pneumonia/parasitology , Pneumonia/veterinary , Female , Granuloma/parasitology , Granuloma/pathology , RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/analysisABSTRACT
Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. zoonotic infections may cause severe systemic and ocular illness in infected individuals. Cats play a significant role in environmental contamination and the transmission of parasites. The goal of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Toxocara spp. infection among stray cats at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences campus. The current descriptive study began with the collection of 170 fresh cat faecal samples from various sites in the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences area. Sheather's sugar flotation method was applied to all specimens, and parasites were identified and examined microscopically. Next, a nested-PCR assay, sequencing, and real-time PCR with high-resolution melting curve (HRM) analysis were performed. In this study, out of 170 cat faecal samples microscopically evaluated, 8 (4.70%) and 37 (21.76%) were infected with T. gondii oocysts and Toxocara eggs, respectively. Using nested PCR, 8 out of 170 samples (4.70%) were found to be infected with T. gondii. HRM analysis showed that all isolates could be classified into three genetic lineages. Considerable prevalence, exceeding 50% for Toxocara and surpassing 25% for Toxoplasma in certain instances, along with genetic diversity, was observed in the present study. Hence, it is suggested that all individuals, including kindergarten children, students, employees, workers, and pregnant women who are in contact with their surroundings, take the necessary precautions.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases , Feces , Toxocara , Toxoplasma , Animals , Cats , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasma/genetics , Toxocara/isolation & purification , Toxocara/genetics , Feces/parasitology , Cat Diseases/parasitology , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Universities , Toxocariasis/epidemiology , Toxocariasis/parasitology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis/parasitologyABSTRACT
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the world's most widespread polyxenic protozoan parasites that affect all warm-blooded animals, including humans. This survey aims to study, for the first time in Algeria, the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in zoo animals. The study included eight animal species of which 54 serum samples were collected from 30 Australian goats (Capra hircus), four bulls (Bos taurus), one dromedary (Camelus dromedarius), three cuffed sheep (Ammotragus lervia), seven donkeys (Equus asinus), one pony (Equus ferus), four bearded horses (Equus ferus caballus) and four rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The presence of antibodies to T. gondii was determined using the ID Screen® Toxoplasmosis Indirect Multispecies ELISA kit (IDVet, Grabels, France). A total of 8/54 (14.8%) samples were seropositive, including 5/28 (17.9%) males and 3/26 (11.5%) females. The seroprevalence was 6.7%, 50%, 25% and 75% in Capra hircus, Bos Taurus, Equus ferus caballus, and Oryctolagus cuniculus, respectively. No cases were observed in Camelus dromedarius, Ammotragus lervia, Equus asinus, and Equus ferus. This study indicates, for the first time in Algeria, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in zoo animals.
Subject(s)
Animals, Zoo , Antibodies, Protozoan , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Algeria/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Animals, Zoo/parasitology , Toxoplasma/immunology , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Female , Male , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Goats , Cattle , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary , Horses/parasitology , Rabbits/parasitology , SheepABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasite in humans and warm-blooded animals worldwide. Infection of humans by this parasite can result in severe clinical symptoms, particularly in individuals with congenital toxoplasmosis or immunocompromised patients. Contamination mainly occurs through foodborne routes, especially the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from animals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to use PCR to detect T. gondii in tissues and organs of buffaloes and cattle slaughtered at Tabriz slaughterhouse, in Iran. METHODS: Fifty grams of heart, thigh, diaphragm and tongue from 50 buffaloes and 100 cattle slaughtered at the Tabriz industrial slaughterhouse were selected for sampling using a combination of convenience sampling. The samples were tested using a previously published PCR method. RESULTS: Out of the 150 animal samples, T. gondii was detected in 10 (6.7%, 95%CI: 3.2-11.9), including one buffalo (2%, 95%CI: 0.1-10.6) and nine cattle (9%, 95%CI: 4.2-16.4). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of T. gondii infection among cattle based on age and sex (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated a potential risk of T. gondii transmission to humans through the consumption of infected meat. Therefore, appropriate and effective preventive measures should be taken to limit the transmission of this parasite to humans, and the consumption of raw and undercooked meat should be discouraged.
Subject(s)
Abattoirs , Buffaloes , Cattle Diseases , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Buffaloes/parasitology , Iran/epidemiology , Cattle , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Cattle Diseases/epidemiology , Cattle Diseases/parasitology , Female , Male , Prevalence , Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinaryABSTRACT
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic pathogen that can infect farm animals, companion animals, and humans, sometimes causing public health issues. In Taiwan, the pig industry is a vital agricultural industry, with a self-sufficiency rate of 91â¯%, and pigs are also food-producing animal reservoirs of Toxoplasma gondii. Infected pigs are usually asymptomatic, and abortions and death may occur in severe cases. We combined an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and an indirect fluorescence assay (IFA) to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pig populations in Taiwan. A stratified sampling approach to determine the number of sample farms proportional to the number of pig farms in each county was employed, with 15 blood samples collected at each farm between July and September 2017. With the tested results, empirical Bayesian smoothing was utilized to assess the proportion of Toxoplasma-positive farms at the county level. Bayesian mixed-effects logistic regression models, incorporating farm and county as random effects, were employed to investigate associations between Toxoplasma test results and potential risk factors. A total of 930 serum samples from 62 pig farms were collected and tested. An overall herd prevalence of 27.4â¯% was shown with the seroprevalence in northern Taiwan being greater than that in southern Taiwan. The sampling month and companion dog density in 2017 were significantly associated with Toxoplasma infections in pigs. With every increase in the number of companion dogs per km² at the county level, the odds of Toxoplasma infection in pigs increased by 4.7â¯% (95â¯% CI: 1.7-8.9â¯%). This study demonstrated that combining ELISA for screening with IFA for confirmation is a cost-effective and time-saving method for conducting a large-scale sample investigation. This was also the first nationwide, cross-sectional study in Taiwanese pig herds to investigate Toxoplasma gondii infection.
Subject(s)
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Swine Diseases , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Swine Diseases/epidemiology , Swine Diseases/parasitology , Swine Diseases/blood , Taiwan/epidemiology , Swine , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect/veterinary , Prevalence , Bayes Theorem , FemaleABSTRACT
Background: Ruminants play an important role in economic sustenance in many developing countries. Abortion is one of the most important causes of economic losses in sheep livestock and, for this reason, it is very important to know, at an early stage, which pathogens caused abortion. Aim: The aim of the study is to obtain data about the distribution of abortifacient pathogens in the Italian regions of Latium and Tuscany, the awareness of the distribution of infectious agents causing abortion could allow the development of an appropriate vaccination and prophylaxis plan, to avoid major economic losses. Methods: 388 abortions were collected during the 2015-2018 period. Organs, tissues, and swabs were subjected to DNA extraction and then analyzed with commercial q-PCR kits for the detection of the most common abortion pathogens circulating in these geographical areas. Results: The positivity in 148 abortions was 56% for Chlamydia abortus, 14% for Coxiella burnetii, 16% for Salmonella spp, 12% for Toxoplasma gondii, and 2% for Neospora caninum. Interesting results were obtained for cases of abortions with co-infection of abortion pathogens. Conclusion: Diagnosing the cause of abortion remains a multifaceted process that may also include non-infectious factors such as deficiencies and toxicities. Further research is needed also to assess the role of low pathogen concentrations and co-infections in the abortions of sheep.
Subject(s)
Abortion, Veterinary , Sheep Diseases , Animals , Sheep , Italy/epidemiology , Abortion, Veterinary/microbiology , Abortion, Veterinary/parasitology , Abortion, Veterinary/epidemiology , Sheep Diseases/epidemiology , Sheep Diseases/microbiology , Sheep Diseases/parasitology , Female , Pregnancy , Chlamydia/isolation & purification , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Coxiella burnetii/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two closely related protozoans that infect a wide range of animals, including birds. However, the occurrence of N. caninum and T. gondii in seabirds is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum DNA in tissue samples of seabirds. Tissue samples of the pectoral muscles, heart, and brain were collected from 47 birds along the coastline of Santa Catarina State, SC, Brazil. The DNA was extracted from the tissues and screened using nested-PCR (nPCR) targeting internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). T. gondii DNA was detected in tissues from seven seabirds (7/47, 14.8%), kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) (5/21), and Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (2/8). N. caninum DNA was detected in tissues of nine seabirds (9/47, 19.1%), the kelp gull (L. dominicanus) (4/21), Manx shearwater (P. puffinus) (2/8), neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) (1/4), brown booby (Sula leucogaster) (1/5), and white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) (1/1); however, no co-infection was observed. In conclusion, this study showed the circulation of N. caninum and T. gondii in seabirds along the coastline of Santa Catarina State. Further studies are required to clarify the role of these birds in the epidemiology of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis.
Subject(s)
Bird Diseases , Coccidiosis , DNA, Protozoan , Neospora , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis, Animal , Animals , Toxoplasma/isolation & purification , Toxoplasma/genetics , Brazil/epidemiology , Neospora/isolation & purification , Neospora/genetics , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/diagnosis , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis, Animal/parasitology , Bird Diseases/parasitology , Bird Diseases/diagnosis , Bird Diseases/epidemiology , Coccidiosis/veterinary , Coccidiosis/diagnosis , Coccidiosis/epidemiology , Coccidiosis/parasitology , DNA, Protozoan/isolation & purification , DNA, Protozoan/analysis , Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Birds/parasitology , Charadriiformes/parasitologyABSTRACT
A woman in her late 30s presented with sudden diminution of vision, redness and pain in the right eye (OD) of 10 days' duration. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/160 in OD and 20/20 in the left eye (OS). Anterior segment of OD showed keratic precipitates, flare 3+, cells 2+ and a festooned pupil. Vitreous haze and cells were seen in OD. Frosted branch angiitis (FBA) was seen in all quadrants in OD and old Toxoplasma scar was seen in both eyes. Serum toxoplasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) was positive and IgM negative, and PCR of an aqueous humour sample was negative for Toxoplasma She was diagnosed with toxoplasa retinochoroiditis in OD and treated with intravitreal clindamycin injections, oral anti-Toxoplasma antibiotics and steroids. Three months later, her BCVA in OD was 20/40 with resolving inflammation. She presented 2 months later with a new focus of retinochoroiditis without FBA and an old Toxoplasma scar.