Sero-epidemiological investigation on Toxoplasma gondii infection in Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Italy

Abstract

Background The wild boar (Sus scrofa) and the Apennine wolf (Canis lupus italicus) are two wild species that have both increased their presence in the Italian territory, albeit in varying numbers. They can be occasionally found in peri-urban areas as well. Both of these species can serve as intermediate hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, as they can become infected either through the consumption of oocysts found in water, soil, or on vegetables, or through the ingestion of meat containing bradyzoites. Consequently, these animals can be regarded as key indicators of Toxoplasma presence in the wild or peri-urban environment. In our study, we examined a total of 174 wild boar meat juice and 128 wolf sera from Italy for the detection of T. gondii IgG using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Results The results showed that 40 (22.6%) of the wild boar meat juice and 34 (26.6%) of the wolf serum samples tested positive. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in seropositivity with respect to gender, age group, or the region of origin in both species. Conclusions Overall the results indicate a moderate exposure in both the species under investigation, highlighting the spread of T. gondii in sylvatic and periurban environments. The prevalence of T. gondii in wild boar is consistent with findings from other studies conducted in Europe. Our study, with a considerably larger sample size compared to the available research in European context, provides valuable data on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in wolves.

Sentinels in the shadows: Exploring Toxoplasma gondii and other Sarcocystidae parasites in synanthropic rodents and their public health implications

“…The main aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of T. gondii infection among synanthropic rodent populations in a specific area of Italy that has been previously studied to assess prevalence rates in animals and humans. These earlier studies revealed a consistent presence of the parasite in the region ( Dini et al, 2023a , Dini et al, 2023b ; Dini et al, 2024a , Dini et al, 2024b ). The central aim of this study is to ascertain the potential environmental significance of the parasite within urbanized settings.…”

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

“…The aim of the present work was to evaluate the risk factors for T. gondii infection in dogs with different uses, in an area of Italy where Toxoplasma infection previously have been detected in dogs [27] and in wild animals [27][28][29].…”