Toxoplasmosis in Wild and Domestic Animals

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is widely distributed in wild and domestic animals. The present chapter reviews toxoplasmosis in wild and domestic animals. Coverage in wild animal species is limited to confirmed cases of toxoplasmosis, cases with parasite isolation, cases with parasite detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and experimental infection studies (Figs. 6.1À6.3). Studies concerning serological prevalence have not been included for the majority of host species. This was done because many serological tests, e.g. latex agglutination (LAT), indirect fluorescent antibody (IFAT), and indirect hemagglutination), have been demonstrated to underestimate the prevalence of T. gondii. Toxoplasmosis in wildlife 6.2.1 FelidsCongenital toxoplasmosis has been reported in bobcats (Felis rufus) kits (Dubey et al., 1987). Toxoplasmic meningoencephalitis has been observed in a 6-month-old bobcat . T. gondii has been isolated from the tissues of adult bobcats (Lindsay et al., 1997b;Dubey et al., 2004b). Bobcats are important in maintaining T. gondii in wild herbivores in many areas of the United States (Fig. 6.1). Oocysts excreted by cougars (Felis concolor) were thought to be the source of a large water borne outbreak of human toxoplasmosis in Victoria,

Frequency of antibodies and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in backyard pig production in the city of Mossoró, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

“…Another risk factor associated with seropositivity for T. gondii among the pigs in the present study was the presence of birds on the farms that were sampled, especially vultures. The infection rate among birds in certain areas is decisive for the T. gondii infection rate among cats (LINDSAY & DUBEY, 2014). Birds play a role as intermediate hosts in this parasite's epidemiological cycle and can also mechanically transport sporulated oocysts on their legs and feet, as also envisaged in relation to other animal species (LINDSAY et al, 1997).…”

“…The presence of rodents on the farm, which also act as intermediate hosts for T. gondii, was identified as a significant risk factor. The rodent infection rate in certain areas is also decisive in relation to the feline infection rate (LINDSAY & DUBEY, 2014). This animal group, just like birds, plays a role in the parasite's epidemiological cycle, through harboring cysts in the musculature and nervous system and acting as a source of infection for cats.…”

Harmonization of Protocols for Multi-Species Organoid Platforms to Study the Intestinal Biology of Toxoplasma gondii and Other Protozoan Infections

“…T. gondii is capable of infecting virtually any nucleated cell of vertebrate hosts, including humans, rodents, birds and livestock ( Lindsay and Dubey, 2007 ). Approximately 30% of the human population is infected with the parasite ( Montoya and Liesenfeld, 2004 ), and more than 50% of T. gondii infections are associated with the consumption of contaminated meat products from wildlife and livestock ( Dubey and Jones, 2008 ; Kijlstra and Jongert, 2008 ; Stelzer et al, 2019 ).…”

Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in a lethal toxoplasmosis outbreak affecting captive howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.)

“…Usually, infected kittens shed oocysts in their feces only once, over a period of 7‐8 days, and although under certain circumstances, they may shed oocysts more than once, particularly if they develop immunosuppression 14 . Although wild felids can shed oocysts, they are less efficient as sources of infection compared to domestic cats 13 …”