ABSTRACT
@#Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite causing significant health problems to humans and animals. In recent years, a number of investigations about the seroprevalence of T. gondii in China have been reported, but little is known on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep in northern China. In the present study, a total of 288 sheep serum samples were collected from Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin and Hebei provinces of northern China for T. gondii antibody survey using a latex agglutination test (LAT). Of these, 87 (30.2%) serum samples were positive for antibodies to T. gondii, and the antibody titres ranged from 1:64 to 1:1,024. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep was 17.1% in Inner Mongolia, 33.8% in Heilongjiang, 24.6% in Jilin and 46.3% in Hebei. Age and rearing system significantly affected seropositivity. The present survey indicates antibodies to T. gondii are widely prevalent in sheep in northern China, which may cause public health problems in these provinces.
ABSTRACT
Bovine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease that is hampering the development of the domestic cattle industry in northern China. This study involved a molecular survey of bovine Theileria species in 137 blood samples from cattle in the Jilin province of China. The DNA samples were screened by species-specific 18S rRNA PCR. Results revealed that 19.7% (27/137), 17.5% (24/137) and 10.9% (15/137) were found to be infected with Theileria sinensis, Theileria orientalis, respectively. Mixed infection was found in 8.8% (12/137). The overall detection rates of Baishan, Yanji, Jilin and Liaoyuan districts was 60.0%, 17.5%, 5.3% and 0%, respectively. There is little information on the detection and distribution of bovine Theileria species in northern China. Therefore, this study provides important data for understanding the epidemiology of Theileria species and designing appropriate approaches for the diagnosis and control of bovine theileriosis in northern China.