The copro-molecular diagnosis of Sub-family Toxoplasmatinae in dog and cat population in northern Iran

Abstract

OBJECTIVES The oocysts of the Toxoplasmatinae subfamily ( Neospora caninum , Hammondia hammondi and H. heydorni , and Besnoitia besnoiti ) are morphologically similar to Toxoplasma gondii , and indistinguishable from each other. This study investigated the prevalence of the Toxoplasmatinae subfamily in dog and cat fecal samples using a nested polymerase chain reaction method. METHODS Overall, 200 fecal samples from domestic dogs (n=120) and cats (n=80) were collected from 15 farms in northern Iran. The samples were homogenized in 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and subsequently concentrated with sucrose solution. DNA was extracted from samples using a genomic DNA kit. Specific primers and the 18S rDNA gene were used to screen and detect all Toxoplasmatinae oocysts. RESULTS Overall, 2.5% (3 of 120) and 22.5% (18 of 80) of the fecal samples collected from dogs and cats were infected with Toxoplasmatinae. In dogs, 2 samples were positive for N. caninum and 1 sample was positive for T. gondii . In cats, all 18 positive samples belonged to T. gondii . No contamination with H. heydorni was observed in dog fecal samples or H. hammondi and B. besnoiti in cat fecal samples. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the T. gondii (cat) and N. caninum (dog) found had similarities with parasites reported from other regions of the world. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to provide data on the epidemiology of Toxoplasmatinae oocysts in Iran. The findings suggest that public-health monitoring for the effective control of feces from cats and dogs and improved pet hygiene habits are needed.

Endoparasites of European Wildcats (Felis silvestris) in Greece

“…Genera of the Toxoplasmatinae subfamily i.e., Toxoplasma , Besnoitia , and Hammondia , share oocyst morphology (<16 μm in diameter) and cannot be morphologically differentiated. These organisms as well as the coccidian Sarcocystis , have an indirect life cycle, and felids get infected by consuming intermediate hosts that carry the parasitic cysts in their tissues [ 49 , 50 ]. Various species of mammals are intermediate hosts of all four genera, including prey of wildcats and livestock.…”

“…Various species of mammals are intermediate hosts of all four genera, including prey of wildcats and livestock. Felids are definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii , a parasite of great relevance in animal and human medicine, causing severe disease in immunocompromised individuals and abortions [ 50 , 51 ]. However, the whole range of species of Besnoitia , Hammondia , and Sarcocystis having felids as definitive host is yet to be determined [ 49 , 52 , 53 ].…”

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Endangered Wild Felines (Felis silvestris and Lynx pardinus) in Spain

“…Oocysts can be difficult to differentiate from those of Hammondia hammondi and Besnoitia spp. [49][50][51]; therefore, identification should be confirmed through molecular analysis. In the present study, the positive fecal sample in a wildcat was confirmed through molecular analysis.…”