The dynamics of Toxoplasmosis epidemiology in large islands: the role of wild boar (Sus scrofa)

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite able to infect all warm-blooded animals. T. gondii is the aetiological agent of toxoplasmosis and is one of the most relevant foodborne diseases globally. The consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat derived from recreational hunting has been linked to outbreaks of human toxoplasmosis. The island of Sardinia (Italy) hosts a large wild boar population, and thus provides an opportunity to assess the distribution of Toxoplasma in this species and the associated risks of transmission to humans. A total of 562 individual heart and its meat juice samples collected from wild boar hunted in Sardinia were screened for the presence of T. gondii DNA via nested-PCR and the presence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma by commercial ELISA, respectively. IgG anti-Toxoplasma were detected in 24.6% (138/562) of examined animals, while 37.2% (209/562) of the heart samples yielded positive PCR results. The high prevalence of T. gondii antibodies and DNA highlights the role of wild boar as an important reservoir for this parasite. The study suggests that wild boar play a significant role in spreading the parasite to humans. As wild boar numbers are increasing throughout their range, their role in transmitting toxoplasmosis should be highlighted amongst stakeholders, and the impact of different methods of population control on disease transmission should be thoroughly assessed to effectively manage and mitigate potential threats.