Seroprevalence and risk factors ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection in wild ungulates that cohabit in a natural park with human–animal interaction in the Mediterranean ecosystem

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite of worldwide distribution. This parasite has an indirect life cycle in which domestic cats and other wild felids are definitive hosts, and virtually all warm-blooded species, including human, are intermediate hosts (Dubey, 2010). Up to a third of the human population worldwide is estimated to be chronically infected by this parasite

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii in wild ruminants in Spain

“…In the present study, fallow deer showed the highest seroprevalence levels compared with the other wild ruminant species analysed in four of the five BRs, being the third in BR4. The higher seroprevalence of T. gondii in fallow deer compared with other wild ruminant species, with exception of roe deer, is consistent with previous serological studies in Spain (Almería et al, 2018(Almería et al, , 2021Barroso et al, 2020;Gauss et al, 2006). A molecular study in South-West Spain reported the highest prevalence (48% of 21 fallow deer) of T. gondii DNA in this species compared with other wild ruminants analysed (Calero-Bernal et al, 2015).…”

“…Toxoplasma gondii exposure has been shown to be widespread in wild ruminant species in different areas and regions of Spain (Almería et al, 2018(Almería et al, , 2021García-Bocanegra et al, 2013;Panadero et al, 2010). However, no large nationwide scale studies have been carried out involving a representative sample size, both at bioregion and species levels, to get a deeper and broader understanding of the epidemiological situation of this zoonotic pathogen in wild ruminant populations.…”

A Review on Alaria alata, Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. in Mammalian Game Meat Consumed in Europe: Epidemiology, Risk Management and Future Directions

“…The global pooled prevalence in fallow deer was estimated to be 15.52% (683 animals in four studies) [89]. As regards specifically Europe, seroprevalences ranging from 15.6% to ~30% were found in Spain [82,83,90,91]. Lower values were found in the Czech Republic [92], while four farmed fallow deer in Belgium were all negative [93].…”

“…In particular, a study observed a significantly higher prevalence of antibodies against T. gondii in adult wild ungulates compared to subadults and yearlings, suggesting a cumulative likelihood for exposure, lifelong persistence of antibodies and horizontal transmission as the main route of infection in these species [82]. An effect of the habitat can also be observed, as animals living closer to inhabited areas seem to be at higher risk [77,83].…”

“…In fact, in order to avoid the transmission and spread of parasitic infections, viscera and carcasses should be properly managed. In particular, general hygienic procedures should be followed while processing raw game meat [83]. Moreover, in the last phases of the supply chain, the role of restaurateurs and consumers' education is also important, as, if not submitted to other procedures able to inactivate pathogens/toxins, game meat should be cooked thoroughly before human consumption [83].…”