Low Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs From Central China

Zhu, Niuping; Yang, Liulu; Xin, Shilin; Wei, Huang; Jiang, Yibao; Yang, Yurong

doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.885348

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Recent data available on T. gondii seroprevalence in dogs in different countries of the world are quite divergent, even in the context of the same country: in Brazil it varies from 7.9 to 48.8% [30,31], in China, T. gondii prevalence ranges from 4.4 to 40.3% [32,33]. Of owned dogs in Bangkok, Thailand, 7.9% were found to be T. gondii positive in 2021 [24].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs: a serological survey

Dini,

Stancampiano,

Poglayen

et al. 2024

Acta Vet Scand

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Background Dogs, as well as a wide variety of other warm-blooded animals, act as intermediate host of Toxoplasma gondii. In dogs, most cases of toxoplasmosis are subclinical, although clinical disease has been sporadically reported. Beyond its role in diagnostic pathways, seropositivity also functions as a reflection of the parasite’s spread within the dog’s living environment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible risk factor associated with seropositivity to T. gondii in dogs in Central-Northern Italy, analysing 120 dogs sera for the presence of IgG antibodies by indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Results The population examined was composed of 54.2% hunting dogs, 24.2% companion dogs, 14.2% truffle dogs and 7.5% watchdogs. Thirty-four (29.2%) dogs tested positive for T. gondii IgG, with titres ranging from 1:40 to 1:1280. Seroprevalence and antibodies titres were not related to dog gender, age or function. The logistic regression and ordered logistic regression results indicated that seroprevalence, and antibody titres were significantly higher in dogs cohabiting with cats, exhibiting coprophagy habits, and living constantly outdoors. Notably, the lifestyle factor showed the highest odds-ratios in the study: dogs living constantly outdoors were found to be at approximately 5 times greater risk of testing positive and having higher antibody titres compared to dogs living both indoors and outdoors. Conclusion Both logistic and ordered logistic regression results support the key role of living with cats, engaging in coprophagy behaviours, and maintaining an outdoor lifestyle in increasing the risk of T. gondii infection in dogs. These identified risk factors collectively suggest that both ingesting oocysts, as observed through cat cohabitation and coprophagy, and engaging in predatory behaviours, as possible for outdoor living dogs, are indicating likely sources of T. gondii infection in this host species.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs: a serological survey

Dini,

Stancampiano,

Poglayen

et al. 2024

Acta Vet Scand

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“…Furthermore, a recently published study analyzed commercial frozen RMBDs and reported the presence of Sarcocystis cruzi , Sarcocystis tenella , and T. gondii (van Bree et al 2018 ). It is worth noting that the definitive host of T. gondii is the cat; however, interestingly, the DNA of this zoonotic protozoon has also been reported in dog feces (Zhu et al 2022 ). This phenomenon might be related to coprophagia of feline feces, or to the ingestion of meat harboring T. gondii (Zhu et al 2022 ), the latter relevant to BARF diet.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is worth noting that the definitive host of T. gondii is the cat; however, interestingly, the DNA of this zoonotic protozoon has also been reported in dog feces (Zhu et al 2022 ). This phenomenon might be related to coprophagia of feline feces, or to the ingestion of meat harboring T. gondii (Zhu et al 2022 ), the latter relevant to BARF diet. The chance to detect its oocyst in cat feces is limited, since the oocysts are shed for relatively short periods of time (2–3 weeks) after infection, and the detection with microscope has low sensitivity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Parasitological and molecular investigation of consequences of raw meat feeding (BARF) in dogs and cats: implications for other pets living nearby

Tuska-Szalay,

Papdeák,

Vizi

et al. 2024

Parasitol Res

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Considering the original nature of carnivorism among dogs and cats, nowadays these pets are increasingly fed BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food/Bone And Raw Food) diet to improve their health conditions. However, this diet may also carry health risks, such as vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and infection with pathogens including parasites. In our study, fecal samples of 89 pet animals kept on BARF diet were subjected to coprological examination followed by molecular analyses. Six of them shed eggs of Dicrocoelium dendriticum. This result was confirmed with PCR and sequencing, and in one case, the DNA of Fasciola hepatica was also demonstrated. In addition, oocysts of Cystoisospora canis, a Cystoisospora ohioensis-like sp. and Eimeria stiedai, as well as sporocysts of a Sarcocystis sp. were also detected. All samples were negative for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. In conclusion, no evidence was found for the infection of BARF-fed dogs and cats with parasites that are usually associated with this diet and considered as clinico-pathological risk factors for these pets themselves (e.g., N. caninum, T. gondii). However, fluke eggs (probably originating from ruminants) and oocysts of E. stiedai (from rabbit liver in the food) were demonstrated as pseudoparasites. These species are usually not considered among parasite-associated risks of BARF-feeding, implying that other animals living near BARF-fed pets are neglected in this context. However, where intermediate hosts of D. dendriticum occur in urban areas, BARF-feeding may indirectly affect later other dogs and cats. It was also shown here that BARF-feeding may contribute to the contamination of the environment with E. stiedai oocysts, thus increasing the risks of biliary coccidiosis in nearby living pet rabbits that would otherwise not have access to oocysts of E. stiedai. Graphical abstract

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Exploring similarities and differences between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in dogs

Morganti,

Rigamonti,

Brustenga

et al. 2024

Vet Res Commun

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Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in dogs are predominantly manifest asymptomatic. However, these infections can also present highly varied and potentially severe clinical signs. This is due to the parasites’ ability to replicate in a number of cell types within the host organism, with N. caninum exhibiting a particular tropism for the central and peripheral nervous systems, and T. gondii targeting the central nervous system and musculature. In clinical practice, toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are often considered to be closely related diseases, despite their distinct epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic characteristics. The present review analyses the similarities and differences between these two protozoan infections, since an accurate and timely aetiological diagnosis is essential for establishing effective therapeutic protocols and control strategies.

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Low Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs From Central China

Cited by 4 publications

References 28 publications

Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs: a serological survey

Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs: a serological survey

Parasitological and molecular investigation of consequences of raw meat feeding (BARF) in dogs and cats: implications for other pets living nearby

Exploring similarities and differences between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in dogs

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