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Kokkinaki KCG, Saridomichelakis MN, Mylonakis ME, Leontides L, Xenoulis PG. Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cats from Greece. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071173. [PMID: 37048429 PMCID: PMC10093379 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important protozoan diseases with a global impact on the health of domestic cats and with zoonotic significance. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in different populations of cats in Greece and to assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 457 cats were prospectively enrolled, and a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) kit was used for the detection of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum. Overall, 95 (20.8%) of the 457 cats were seropositive for T. gondii. Based on multivariate analysis, factors associated with seropositivity included older age [Odds ratio (OR), 1.33; p < 0.001]; a history of cat-fight trauma (OR, 3.88; p = 0.004); and lack of vaccination against calicivirus, herpesvirus-1, panleukopenia, and rabies (OR, 10; p = 0.002). This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for T. gondii in cats in Greece. This implies that toxoplasmosis is still a major public health concern and that optimal strategies for the prevention of infection with T. gondii in cats should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassiopi Christina G. Kokkinaki
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
- Correspondence: (K.C.G.K.); (P.G.X.); Tel.: +30-244-106-6053 (K.C.G.K.); +30-244-106-6085 (P.G.X.)
| | - Manolis N. Saridomichelakis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Mathios E. Mylonakis
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., GR-54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Leonidas Leontides
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Animal Health Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Panagiotis G. Xenoulis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Correspondence: (K.C.G.K.); (P.G.X.); Tel.: +30-244-106-6053 (K.C.G.K.); +30-244-106-6085 (P.G.X.)
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Feline Toxoplasmosis in Greece: A Countrywide Seroprevalence Study and Associated Risk Factors. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121511. [PMID: 36558845 PMCID: PMC9785270 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic parasite, with felines being the only definitive hosts. Cats shed oocysts with their faeces, and seroprevalence studies can be used to indirectly assess the environmental contamination. The current study aimed to evaluate T. gondii seroprevalence in Greek cats and identify possible risk factors. In total, 1554 blood samples were analyzed from different cats across all nine geographic regions of Greece, and a short questionnaire was completed for each cat. A rapid immunochromatographic test was used to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies, IgG type, and 21.8% of cats were seropositive. Regarding risk factors, when chi-square tests were applied, seropositivity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in rural cats, cats with outdoor access, and hunting cats. Gender, age, ownership, and raw feeding were not significant risk factors, although female, adult, stray, and raw-feeding cats had a higher seroprevalence than their counterparts. Binary logistic regression models were developed to adjust for the confounding effects of the initially recognized risk factors, and only hunting in urban areas remained a significant risk factor. Greek cats had lower seropositivity than the average European value, and the present research highlights the importance of updated seroprevalence and risk factor studies within the context of One-Health.
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Charles-Niño C, Pedroza-Roldán C, Salazar-Reveles C, Ocampo-Figueroa KL, Rodríguez-Pérez LR, Paez-Magallán VM. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Measured by Western Blot, ELISA and DNA Analysis, by PCR, in Cats of Western Mexico. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11010109. [PMID: 35056057 PMCID: PMC8778430 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. The sexual reproductive cycle of Toxoplasma takes place in the small intestine of felines, the definitive hosts. In the final part of the sexual cycle, T. gondii forms oocysts in infected cats. Oocysts transferred via the faeces to the environment are highly infectious to both animals and humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in cats from the metropolitan region of Guadalajara in western Mexico. Western blotting and ELISA for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was performed, and Toxoplasma DNA was identified using polymerase chain reaction. Prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 14.8% (44/297), and only 2/297 cases were positive for PCR. Cats older than one year were at an increased risk of infection (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.844–8.362). Sex, raw meat feeding, hunting habits, vaccination status, and body condition were not associated with positivity. The prevalence of T. gondii infection determined with Western blot in cats in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was lower than that reported in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (M.d.l.L.G.-R.); (C.C.-N.); (C.P.-R.)
| | - Claudia Charles-Niño
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (M.d.l.L.G.-R.); (C.C.-N.); (C.P.-R.)
| | - César Pedroza-Roldán
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
- Correspondence: (M.d.l.L.G.-R.); (C.C.-N.); (C.P.-R.)
| | - Carolina Salazar-Reveles
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
| | - Karen Lissete Ocampo-Figueroa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
| | - Laura Roció Rodríguez-Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara C.P. 44340, Mexico;
| | - Varinia Margarita Paez-Magallán
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 45187, Mexico; (C.S.-R.); (K.L.O.-F.); (V.M.P.-M.)
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Bawm S, Phyu AZ, Chel HM, Htun LL, Nakao R, Katakura K. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in household cats in Myanmar and molecular identification of parasites using feline faecal oocysts. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2020; 20:e00094. [PMID: 32995585 PMCID: PMC7502821 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2020.e00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Felids play an important role in the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii to humans and other animals since they can excrete millions of oocysts into the environment as definitive hosts. In the present study, seroprevalence and risk factors of feline Toxoplasma infection were investigated, and molecular identification was conducted for T. gondii oocysts isolated from faecal samples of seropositive cats. A total of 276 cat serum samples collected from the Yangon, Myanmar were tested for T. gondii antibodies by ELISA. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was 41.30% (114 seropositive cats). Age between 1 and 6 years (OR = 3.284; 95% CI = 1.462–7.375), age > 6 years (OR = 4.560; 95% CI = 1.588–13.100) and sex (OR = 1.725; 95% CI = 1.026–2.899) were found to be significant (P < 0.05) factors associated with T. gondii infection. DNA samples extracted from a single oocyst of seropositive cats were employed in three PCR assays amplifying parasite TOX-element and mitochondrial COI, and SAG2 locus. The obtained sequences of TOX-elements (n = 6) and COI (n = 5) were identical to those of T. gondii previously deposited in Genbank. SAG2 PCR yielded three different sequences, all of which were clustered with Type I T. gondii isolates in a phylogenetic tree. This study reported the seroprevalence and risk factors for T. gondii infection in cats and provided the molecular information on the parasite in Myanmar. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cats was investigated for the first time in Myanmar. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in cats was 41.30% (out of 114 seropositive individuals). Age, sex, and type of feed were associated with T. gondii infection. The obtained sequences of TOX-element and COI were identical to those of T. gondii deposited in GenBank. The obtained SAG2 sequences were clustered with T. gondii Type I isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saw Bawm
- Department of International Relations and Information Technology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 15013, Myanmar.,Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 15013, Myanmar
| | - Aye Zar Phyu
- Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Hla Myet Chel
- Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 15013, Myanmar.,Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Lat Lat Htun
- Department of Pharmacology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw 15013, Myanmar
| | - Ryo Nakao
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Ken Katakura
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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Gomez-Rios A, Ortega-Pacheco A, Gutierrez-Blanco E, Acosta-Viana KY, Guzman-Marin E, Guiris-Andrade MD, Hernandez-Cortazar IB, López-Alonso R, Cruz-Aldán E, Jiménez-Coello M. Toxoplasma gondii in Captive Wild Felids of Mexico: Its Frequency and Capability to Eliminate Oocysts. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:619-624. [PMID: 30615592 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is little information about Toxoplasma gondii in wild felids, even when these species have been associated with cases of toxoplasmosis in humans. In this study, samples of serum and whole blood were collected from 42 felids from 10 different species, in 4 Mexican zoos. Stool samples from 36 animals were also collected, corresponding to 82% of the felids included in the study. Stool samples were used for the search of oocysts by light field microscopy and PCR. Serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). DNA samples were purified from whole blood and stool for the amplification of a fragment of the SAG1 gene of T. gondii by a nested PCR (nPCR). The seroprevalence of IgG anti-T. gondii-specific antibodies by means of the ELISA was 100% (42/42) and 52.4% (22/42) by IFAT. The titers obtained varied from 1:80 to 1:2560. DNA of T. gondii was detected in 9.5% (4/42) of the blood samples by using nPCR. No oocysts were observed in the stool samples analyzed by light field microscopy. However, the DNA of the parasite was identified in 14.3% (5/35) of the stool samples evaluated. These results indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii in the studied populations of wild felids in captivity, with evidence of parasitemia and elimination of few oocysts even in adult hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Gomez-Rios
- 1Laboratory of Cell Biology, CA Biomedicine of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, C.I.R. 'Dr. Hideyo Noguchi', University Autonomous of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico.,2Department of Animal Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zoothecnics, Campus of Biological and Agropecuary Sciences, University Autonomous of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Antonio Ortega-Pacheco
- 2Department of Animal Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zoothecnics, Campus of Biological and Agropecuary Sciences, University Autonomous of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Gutierrez-Blanco
- 2Department of Animal Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zoothecnics, Campus of Biological and Agropecuary Sciences, University Autonomous of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Karla Y Acosta-Viana
- 1Laboratory of Cell Biology, CA Biomedicine of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, C.I.R. 'Dr. Hideyo Noguchi', University Autonomous of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Eugenia Guzman-Marin
- 1Laboratory of Cell Biology, CA Biomedicine of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, C.I.R. 'Dr. Hideyo Noguchi', University Autonomous of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | - Marcelino D Guiris-Andrade
- 3Academic Group "Biomedics and Health Studies of Fauna in Chiapas, Mexico", Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty Veterinary Medicine, University Autonomous of Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Mexico
| | - Ivonne B Hernandez-Cortazar
- 1Laboratory of Cell Biology, CA Biomedicine of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, C.I.R. 'Dr. Hideyo Noguchi', University Autonomous of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
| | | | | | - Matilde Jiménez-Coello
- 1Laboratory of Cell Biology, CA Biomedicine of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, C.I.R. 'Dr. Hideyo Noguchi', University Autonomous of Yucatan, Merida, Mexico
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Yekkour F, Aubert D, Mercier A, Murat JB, Khames M, Nguewa P, Ait-Oudhia K, Villena I, Bouchene Z. First genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in stray cats from Algeria. Vet Parasitol 2017; 239:31-36. [PMID: 28495193 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease with worldwide distribution and a major public health problem. In Algeria, no data are currently available about genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from animals or humans. The present study assesses for the first time the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in stray cats, and provides molecular characterization of T. gondii strains circulating in this feline population in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria. Sera from 96 stray cats were tested for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii using the modified agglutination test. The seroprevalence was 50% (48/96) using 1:6 as the positivity cut-off. Different organs samples from stray cats, including heart samples, were tested for the presence of Toxoplasma DNA using real-time PCR. T. Gondii DNA was detected in 90.6% (87/96) of hearts. Of these parasitic DNAs, 22 were submitted to genotyping through the analysis of 15 microsatellite markers. The identified genotypes (12 of 22) mainly belonged to the type II lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feriel Yekkour
- University of Medea, School of Sciences, Department of Biology, Medea, Algeria; National Veterinary High School, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - Dominique Aubert
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims and EA3800, SFR CAP-Santé, University Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- INSERM, UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Jean-Benjamin Murat
- INSERM, UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France; National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Mammar Khames
- University of Medea, School of Sciences, Department of Biology, Medea, Algeria; National Veterinary High School, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Paul Nguewa
- Institute of Tropical Health (ISTUN) and Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Isabelle Villena
- National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims and EA3800, SFR CAP-Santé, University Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Zahida Bouchene
- University Hospital of Beni Messous, School of Medicine, Algiers, Algeria.
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Hernández-Cortazar I, Acosta-Viana KY, Ortega-Pacheco A, Guzman-Marin EDS, Aguilar-Caballero AJ, Jiménez-Coello M. Toxoplasmosis in Mexico: epidemiological situation in humans and animals. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 57:93-103. [PMID: 25923887 PMCID: PMC4435006 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652015000200001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease widely distributed throughout the world,
infecting a wide variety of animal species including humans. In Mexico, this parasite
has been detected in different parts of the country, particularly in the tropical
areas where the parasite can remain infective for long periods of time due to the
environmental conditions (i.e. high temperature and humidity over the whole year).
Several epidemiological studies have been conducted in both human and animal
populations, but despite the wide distribution of the agent in the country, there is
a significant lack of knowledge on the parasite transmission, treatment alternatives
and control measures. The lack of feral cat populations and control measures in sites
of meat production for human consumption are playing a role that has led to the wide
spread of the disease in the country, particularly in tropical areas of Southeastern
Mexico. For these reasons, this manuscript aims to review the published information
on relevant epidemiological aspects of infection with T. gondii in
humans and animals from Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Hernández-Cortazar
- CA Biomedicina de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Karla Y Acosta-Viana
- CA Biomedicina de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Antonio Ortega-Pacheco
- CA Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Eugenia del S Guzman-Marin
- CA Biomedicina de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Armando J Aguilar-Caballero
- CA Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Matilde Jiménez-Coello
- CA Biomedicina de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales "Hideyo Noguchi", Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
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Rico-Torres CP, Del Viento-Camacho A, Caballero-Ortega H, Besné-Mérida A, Luna-Pastén H, Correa D, Palma-García JM. First isolation of Toxoplasma gondii from cats of Colima, Mexico: tissue distribution and genetic characterization. Vet Parasitol 2015; 209:125-8. [PMID: 25737051 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is among the commonest zoonotic infectious agents worldwide. It infects many warm-blooded animals, including felines, the definitive hosts. This parasite is now classified in 15 haplogroups spread out around the world. Few reports reveal a predominance of genotypes I and III in Mexico, although recombinant and atypical variants have also been found in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to detect, isolate and genotype T. gondii from cats of Colima Mexico, and to analyze tissue distribution of the parasite. IgG specific antibodies were investigated in 48 serum samples from unwanted and stray cats by indirect ELISA. Isolation in mice and molecular characterization by PCR-RFLP and sequencing were attempted using pools of brain, heart, liver, lung, spleen and brachiocephalic muscle samples of seropositive cats. Fourteen animals (29.2%) were seropositive, the frequency ranged between 27.3 and 40% among the different localities. Ten seropositive animals were euthanized, eight of them were positive for the B1 gene by conventional PCR. More frequently infected tissues were the brachiocephalic muscle (75.0%) the brain (63.0%) and the spleen (63.0%). Genotype III was determined for the SAG3 locus of the parasite infecting an unwanted cat. Tachyzoites were isolated from the peritoneal cavity of two mice inoculated with the tissue pool of one kitten. Type I alleles were found in SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c29-2 and PK1 loci, while c22-8 was type II, and L358 and Apico were type III. This genotype corresponds to ToxoDB genotype #28. This is the first T. gondii isolate genetically characterized in Colima, Mexico and is different to other isolations of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Patricia Rico-Torres
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, México, D.F., CP 04530, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Del Viento-Camacho
- Centro Universitario de Investigación y Desarrollo Agropecuario, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Colima, Av. Gonzalo de Sandoval # 444, Colima, CP 28045 AP 22, Mexico
| | - Heriberto Caballero-Ortega
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, México, D.F., CP 04530, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Besné-Mérida
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, México, D.F., CP 04530, Mexico
| | - Héctor Luna-Pastén
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, México, D.F., CP 04530, Mexico
| | - Dolores Correa
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Secretaría de Salud, México, D.F., CP 04530, Mexico
| | - José Manuel Palma-García
- Centro Universitario de Investigación y Desarrollo Agropecuario, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Colima, Av. Gonzalo de Sandoval # 444, Colima, CP 28045 AP 22, Mexico.
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Sævik BK, Krontveit RI, Eggen KP, Malmberg N, Thoresen SI, Prestrud KW. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in Norway and risk factors for seropositivity. J Feline Med Surg 2015; 17:1049-56. [PMID: 25666851 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15569616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the study were to estimate Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in Norway and to evaluate risk factors for seropositivity. Additionally, serum biochemistry and haematological variables for T gondii seropositive and seronegative cats were compared. METHODS A convenience sample of surplus sera submitted to the Central Laboratory, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, was collected. The samples were from healthy cats and cats with a variety of diseases. Analyses for IgG antibodies to T gondii were performed with a commercial direct agglutination test, with 1:40 as the threshold value. For risk factor analysis a logistic regression model of the relationship between predictors and the outcome was applied. RESULTS One hundred and ninety-six of 478 cats were seropositive for T gondii, and the estimated seroprevalence in the study sample was 41.0% (95% confidence interval 36.6-45.4). Compared with domestic cats, pedigree cats had reduced risk for Toxoplasma seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] 0.42). Males had increased risk (OR 1.63) compared with females. The effect of age was highly significant, and an increase in the cats' age across the interquartile range (IQR; 52-160 months/4-13 years of age) doubled the risk of Toxoplasma seropositivity (OR 2.11). The risk for Toxoplasma seropositivity among cats living in Oslo was significantly reduced (OR 0.51) when compared with the rest of Norway. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Pet cats in Norway appear to be commonly exposed to T gondii. Signalment and geographical region influenced the odds of Toxoplasma seropositivity, whereas health status did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Kristin Sævik
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kristine P Eggen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Malmberg
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein I Thoresen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin W Prestrud
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway Norwegian Kennel Club, Oslo, Norway
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Castillo-Morales VJ, Acosta Viana KY, Guzmán-Marín EDS, Jiménez-Coello M, Segura-Correa JC, Aguilar-Caballero AJ, Ortega-Pacheco A. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Domestic Cats from the Tropics of Mexico Using Serological and Molecular Tests. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2012; 2012:529108. [PMID: 22997512 PMCID: PMC3446670 DOI: 10.1155/2012/529108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats using an indirect-ELISA (IgM and IgG) and PCR. Samples collected from 220 cats from Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, were analyzed. Cases were reported as acute or chronic. Cases when positive to IgM and IgG and PCR were considered as reactivated chronic infection. Risk factors (sex, age, body condition, diet access to hunting, and number of cats in home) were assessed with a multivariate analysis, 75.5% (166/220) of the cats were IgM and 91.8% (202/220) IgG-seropositive and 79% were PCR-positive (173/220). Number of cats per household and low body condition score were associated with reactivated chronic infection (P < 0.05). It is concluded that T. gondii is scattered in the studied population with several periods of reinfection, and therefore an environmental contamination with infecting oocysts exists and there are intrinsic associated factors in cats that increase the risk of becoming infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virgen J. Castillo-Morales
- Departamento de Salud Animal y Medicina Preventiva, CA Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5 Carretera, Merida-Xmatkuil, Apd. 4-116, Merida, YUC, Mexico
| | - Karla Y. Acosta Viana
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, CA Biomedicina de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Avenida Itzáes 490, 97000 Mérida, YUC, Mexico
| | - Eugenia del S. Guzmán-Marín
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, CA Biomedicina de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Avenida Itzáes 490, 97000 Mérida, YUC, Mexico
| | - Matilde Jiménez-Coello
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular, CA Biomedicina de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales “Hideyo Noguchi”, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Avenida Itzáes 490, 97000 Mérida, YUC, Mexico
| | - José C. Segura-Correa
- Departamento de Salud Animal y Medicina Preventiva, CA Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5 Carretera, Merida-Xmatkuil, Apd. 4-116, Merida, YUC, Mexico
| | - A. J. Aguilar-Caballero
- Departamento de Salud Animal y Medicina Preventiva, CA Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5 Carretera, Merida-Xmatkuil, Apd. 4-116, Merida, YUC, Mexico
| | - Antonio Ortega-Pacheco
- Departamento de Salud Animal y Medicina Preventiva, CA Salud Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatán, Km. 15.5 Carretera, Merida-Xmatkuil, Apd. 4-116, Merida, YUC, Mexico
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Waterborne toxoplasmosis--recent developments. Exp Parasitol 2009; 124:10-25. [PMID: 19324041 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2009.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Revised: 03/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Humans become infected with Toxoplasma gondii mainly by ingesting uncooked meat containing viable tissue cysts or by ingesting food or water contaminated with oocysts from the feces of infected cats. Circumstantial evidence suggests that oocyst-induced infections in humans are clinically more severe than tissue cyst-acquired infections. Until recently, waterborne transmission of T. gondii was considered uncommon, but a large human outbreak linked to contamination of a municipal water reservoir in Canada by wild felids and the widespread infection of marine mammals in the USA provided reasons to question this view. The present paper examines the possible importance of T. gondii transmission by water.
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