scholarly journals Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis Species DNA in the Heart and Breast Muscles of Rock Pigeons (Columbia livia)

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Mudasser Nazir ◽  
Muhammad Mazhar Ayaz ◽  
Atif Nisar Ahmed ◽  
Azhar Maqbool ◽  
Kamran Ashraf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Environmental Contamination ◽  
Breast Tissue ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Breast Muscle ◽  
Sarcocystis Species ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Columbia Livia ◽  
Animal Sciences

Little is known about the prevalence of protozoan parasites in the muscles of rock pigeons (Columbia livia). The muscles from 54 (heart from 45 and breast from 54) rock pigeons were examined for DNA of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis species using PCR. Twenty-four were female and 30 were males. The birds were part of flocks of pigeons housed at the tombs of saints in Lahore, Pakistan. Birds that died or were euthanized due to poor health were submitted for necropsy at the Department of Parasitology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan, where DNA isolations and PCR were conducted. Nineteen (35.1%) of the birds were positive for T. gondii DNA. Seven males and 12 females were positive. Breast tissue was always infected in T. gondii positive birds, while the heart was infected in 13 (28.8%) of breast positive birds. Five (9.2%) of the pigeons, 2 males and 3 females, were positive for N. caninum. The distribution of N. caninum DNA was more variable in the muscles of pigeons than T. gondii and was found only in the heart of 1 (female), heart and breast muscle of 2 (male), and only the breast muscle of 2 birds (female). One of the 54 rock pigeons (female) was positive for both T. gondii (heart and breast) and N. caninum (heart only). Two of the positive Neospora caninum amplicons were sequenced and had 97% nucleotide identity with N. caninum isolates. Sarcocystis DNA was not found in any bird. The prevalence of T. gondii in rock pigeons and their predation by cats suggest that they may play an unrecognized role in maintaining environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts by cats. Our study indicates that rock pigeons are intermediate hosts of N. caninum and this information will aid in understanding the epidemiology of N. caninum.

scholarly journals Occurrences of anti-Toxoplasma gondiiand anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in Barbary sheep at Curitiba zoo, southern Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivien Midori Morikawa ◽  
Cristina Kraemer Zimpel ◽  
Igor Adolfo Dexheimer Paploski ◽  
Maria do Carmo Custódio de Souza Hunold Lara ◽  
Eliana Monteforte Cassaro Villalobos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Ammotragus Lervia ◽  
Barbary Sheep ◽  
Immunofluorescence Antibody Test ◽  
Immunofluorescence Antibody

Barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia) have the potential to act as hosts of important infectious diseases, particularly zoonoses. Blood samples from 17 Barbary sheep at the Curitiba zoo were collected to evaluate occurrences of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies, tested using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected in 4/17 (23.5%) and 4/17 (23.5%) samples, respectively. The present study has shown that Barbary sheep at Curitiba zoo were exposed to T. gondii andN. caninum and therefore may act as intermediate hosts, spreading toxoplasmosis and neosporosis within and between species in shared areas.

scholarly journals Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from Itu Municipality, São Paulo

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Aizawa Porto de Abreu ◽  
Felipe da Silva Krawczak ◽  
Fernanda Passos Nunes ◽  
Marcelo Bahia Labruna ◽  
Hilda Fátima de Jesus Pena
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris ◽  
Park Area

Abstract Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the largest rodents found in South America. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in 170 free-living capybaras in a residential park area in Itu Municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil. Serum samples were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for T. gondii (IFAT ≥ 1:16) and N. caninum (IFAT ≥ 1:50). Among the 170 samples analyzed, 10% (17/170) and 0% (0/170) were seropositive for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. This study confirms the widespread presence of T. gondii and reinforces the role of capybaras in the life cycle of this parasite. Capybaras may not be important as intermediate hosts of N. caninum in the studied environment.

scholarly journals The Role of Birds of the Family Corvidae in Transmitting Sarcocystis Protozoan Parasites

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3258
Author(s):  
Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu ◽  
Saulius Švažas ◽  
Donatas Šneideris ◽  
Eglė Rudaitytė-Lukošienė ◽  
Dalius Butkauskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Microscope ◽  
Sarcocystis Species ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Sarcocystis Spp ◽  
The Family ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Members of the family Corvidae are ecologically flexible omnivorous birds, particularly adaptive to urban habitats, and living in proximity to humans; these birds may serve as definitive hosts (DH) for Sarcocystis spp., but research about this is lacking. In the present study, intestinal samples from 91 corvids collected in Lithuania were molecularly tested by species-specific PCR targeting the ITS1 and cox1 genes and subsequently sequenced for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Under a light microscope, oocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were observed in 43 samples (47.3%), while molecular methods, detected Sarcocystis spp. in 77 birds (84.6%). Eleven Sarcocystis spp. (S. columbae, S. cornixi, potentially pathogenic S. halieti, S. kutkienae, S. lari, S. turdusi, S. wobeseri, S. arctica, S. lutrae, S. ovalis, and S. oviformis) were identified in the intestinal samples from six corvid species from Lithuania. Infections with multiple Sarcocystis spp. were detected in 79.2% of the infected corvid birds. Three of the identified Sarcocystis spp. use corvids as intermediate hosts (IH); therefore, corvids may serve as IH and DH of the same Sarcocystis species. Based on molecular results and on corvid diet, omnivorous corvids may play an important role in transmitting Sarcocystis spp.

Mechanisms of apoptosis in murine fibroblasts by two intracellular protozoan parasites, Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum

2002 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 347-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshifumi Nishikawa ◽  
Levi Makala ◽  
Haruki Otsuka ◽  
Takeshi Mikami ◽  
Hideyuki Nagasawa
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Murine Fibroblasts

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum prevalence and risk factors on goat farms in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-74
Author(s):  
Ruenruetai Udonsom ◽  
◽  
Jarawee Supanta ◽  
Onrampha Tanglakmankhong ◽  
Kanamon Ngoenphisutsin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Confidential Interval ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
And Control ◽  
On Farm

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are apicomplexan protozoan parasites that have been associated with reproductive problems in ruminants. Despite the high seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum reported in goats worldwide, little information about the seroprevalence of these parasites in goats in Thailand. In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in 389 goat samples from five districts of Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) using recombinant TgGRA7 and NcSAG1 antigens was used for the detection of anti-T.gondii and anti-N.caninum antibodies, respectively. Risk factors for the occurrence of these protozoan parasites on goat farms were also assessed. Specific IgG against T. gondii and N. caninum was detected in 28.5% and 16.7% samples, respectively. Co-infections were observed in 11.8% of samples. The risk factors significantly associated with T. gondii seroprevalence was the presence of cats (odds ratio [OR]= 2.55, 95% confidential interval [CI]=1.67- 3.89). The presence of other domestic animals on farm contributed to the risk of T. gondii and N. caninum infection on goat farms (OR=1.692, 95% CI= 1.08- 2.63). The present study provides data on the seroprevalence and risk of T. gondii and N. caninum infections among goats in Kanchanaburi province, Thailand. Integrated and efficient measures are required to prevent and control infections on goat farms.

Epidemiologic significance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in turkeys, ducks, ratites and other wild birds: 2009–2020

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Dubey ◽  
F. H. A. Murata ◽  
C. K. Cerqueira-Cézar ◽  
O. C. H. Kwok ◽  
C. Su
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Environmental Contamination ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Clinical Disease ◽  
Birds Of Prey ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Disease Epidemiology

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Wild and domestic avian species are important in the epidemiology of T. gondii infections because felids prey on them and excrete millions of oocysts in the environment, disseminating the infection. Herbivorous birds are also excellent sentinels of environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts because they feed on the ground. Toxoplasma gondii infections in birds of prey reflect infections in intermediate hosts. Humans can become infected by consuming undercooked avian tissues. Here, the authors reviewed prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. gondii strains isolated from turkeys, geese, ducks, ratites and avian species (excluding chickens) worldwide 2009–2020. Genetic diversity of 102 T. gondii DNA samples isolated worldwide is discussed. The role of migratory birds in dissemination of T. gondii infection is discussed.

scholarly journals Serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and Neospora caninum in geese (Anser sp.) from urban parks and captivity

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Luiza Konell ◽  
Ana Paula Sato ◽  
Marina Stival ◽  
Nathália Parreira Malaguini ◽  
Alan dos Anjos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Urban Parks ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Serological Survey ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Sources Of Infection ◽  
Immunofluorescence Antibody Test

Abstract Geese, ducks, mallards, and swans are birds of the order Anseriformes, which are found in the wild, in zoos and parks, and raised for meat consumption. Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp., and Neospora caninum are protozoans of several species of animals. Wild and domestic birds can serve as intermediate hosts, disseminators and potential sources of infection of these protozoa to humans through contaminated meat. The aims of this study were: (i) to perform a serological survey of T. gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and N. caninum in geese (Anser sp.) from public parks and from captivity and (ii) to compare seroprevalence between these two locations. Antibodies were detected by Immunofluorescence antibody test using the serum of 149 geese. Antibodies to Sarcocystis sp., T. gondii, and N. caninum were detected in 28.18%, 18% and 0.67% of geese, respectively; 57% of geese from urban parks and 26.53% of geese from captivity were seropositive for at least one protozoa. The results indicate environmental contamination, particularly for the occurrence of antibodies against T. gondii – a zoonosis that causes toxoplasmosis and is transmitted through oocyte ingestion. This is the first serological survey of T. gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and N. caninum in geese from urban parks in Curitiba, Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and tick-transmitted bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum infections in one selected goat farm in Slovakia

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Čobádiová ◽  
Katarina Reiterová ◽  
Markéta Derdáková ◽  
Silvia Špilovská ◽  
Ľudmila Turčeková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Anaplasma Phagocytophilum ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Goat Farm ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Poor Welfare

AbstractParasitic diseases of livestock together with poor welfare conditions can negatively affect the health status and production of small ruminants. Protozoan parasites and tick-borne infectious agents are common threat of livestock including small ruminants mostly during the pasture season. Therefore the priority of the study was to analyse the circulation and presence of two protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum as well as tick-transmitted bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum in one selected goat farm in Eastern Slovakia. Throughout a three-year study period we have repeatedly screened the sera and blood of goats and dogs from monitored farm. In total, 343 blood serum samples from 116 goats were examined by ELISA. The mean seropositivity for T. gondii was 56.9% (66/116, CI (95%) = 48–66.0) and 15.5% (18/116, CI (95%) = 9.3–22.7) for N. caninum. The permanent occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Neospora antibodies was detected in repeatedly examined goats during the whole monitored period. The presence of both parasites in the flock was analysed by PCR. DNA of T. gondii was confirmed in 12 out of 25 Toxoplasma-seropositive goats and N. caninum in 14 samples out of 18 Neospora-seropositive animals; four goats were co-infected with both pathogens. The risk of endogenous transmission of both parasites was pursued by examination of 41 kid’s sera, where seropositivity for toxoplasmosis was 31.7% and for neosporosis 14.6%. In dogs 61.1% seropositivity for T. gondii and 38.9% for N. caninum was found, however, their faeces were negative for coccidian oocysts. Eight out of 108 tested animals were infected with A. phagocytophilum, the causative agent of tick-borne fever. Seven of them were simultaneously infected with T. gondii and A. phagocytophilum, out of which four goats were concurrently infected with all three pathogens.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in dairy cows in subtropical southern China

Parasitology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 139 (11) ◽  
pp. 1425-1428 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. XU ◽  
Q. Y. LIU ◽  
J. H. FU ◽  
A. J. NISBET ◽  
D. S. SHI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
Indirect Haemagglutination

SUMMARYToxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related protozoan parasites which cause lowered production and increased abortion in dairy cows. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum infection in dairy cows in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GZAR), subtropical southern China. In total, 875 serum samples were collected from the tail veins of dairy cows in 6 main dairy cow-rearing districts of 4 administrative cities in GZAR. The samples were surveyed for T. gondii antibody using the Indirect Haemagglutination Test (IHA), and 365 of the serum samples were examined for N. caninum antibody by indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in dairy cows was 13·71% (120/875), and the average seroprevalence of N. caninum was 15·07% (55/365). There were significant differences in the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection between different districts (P = 0·002, χ2 = 9·261). The highest prevalences of T. gondii and N. caninum were found in cows older than 8 years and those that had completed 5–6 pregnancies. Five cows (1·37%) presented antibodies against both T. gondii and N. caninum, and dairy cows with both T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies had higher abortion rates. The present results indicate widespread exposure of dairy cows to T. gondii and N. caninum in GZAR, subtropical southern China.

scholarly journals Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence: Vaccination against PCV2 and Muscle Enzyme Activity in Seropositive and Seronegative Pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1097
Author(s):  
Labrini V. Athanasiou ◽  
Vasileios G. Papatsiros ◽  
Victoria M. Spanou ◽  
Eleni G. Katsogiannou ◽  
Anna Dedousi
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Activity ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Porcine Circovirus ◽  
Muscle Enzyme ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Zoonotic Pathogen ◽  
Muscle Enzyme Activity ◽  
Immunofluorescence Antibody

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii affect both humans and animals worldwide. To investigate their seroprevalence and differences in seropositivity between pigs vaccinated and unvaccinated against porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), as well as differences in muscle enzyme activity between seropositive and seronegative pigs, blood samples were collected from 380 sows. Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay, while the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were biochemically assessed. Out of the 364 sows finally included in the study, 4.4%, 3.5%, and 0.5% were seropositive to T. gondii, N. caninum, or both. A significantly higher percentage of seropositivity against T. gondii and/or N. caninum in PCV2 unvaccinated pigs compared with vaccinated pigs was observed. Increased serum activities of CK and AST were detected in 71.43% and 100% of only against T. gondii (T+) and 63.64% and 90.91% of only against N. caninum (N+) seropositive sows, respectively, and were significantly higher compared to seronegative animals. T. gondii and N. caninum seropositivity, especially in presumed immunocompromised pigs, and the evidence of muscle damage highlight their importance as a zoonotic pathogen and animal model of human infection, respectively.

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