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occurrence of anti-neospora caninum and anti-toxoplasma gondii igg antibodies in goats and sheep in western maranhão, brazil.neosporosis and toxoplasmosis are parasitic diseases which can cause reproductive problems in goats and sheep. the current study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-neospora caninum and anti-toxoplasma gondii igg antibodies in goats and sheep from the districts of amarante do maranhão and buritirana, imperatriz microregion, western area of maranhão state, northeastern brazil, and to assess factors associated to infection by these etiologic agents. blood samples from 110 animals (46 goats a ...201122166386
comparison of different commercial dna extraction kits to detect toxoplasma gondii oocysts in cat faeces.the cat is the definitive host of toxoplasma gondii and plays an important role in the transmission of this and other coccidian parasites, e.g. hammondia hammondi, a protozoon closely related and morphologically similar to t. gondii. a number of techniques to detect t. gondii nucleic acids in feline faeces are described and several extraction kits for isolating pathogen dna from faeces or soil are commercially available. to compare the performance of such kits with regard to isolating oocyst dna ...201122191171
the distribution of toxoplasma gondii cysts in the brain of a mouse with latent toxoplasmosis: implications for the behavioral manipulation hypothesis.the highly prevalent parasite toxoplasma gondii reportedly manipulates rodent behavior to enhance the likelihood of transmission to its definitive cat host. the proximate mechanisms underlying this adaptive manipulation remain largely unclear, though a growing body of evidence suggests that the parasite-entrained dysregulation of dopamine metabolism plays a central role. paradoxically, the distribution of the parasite in the brain has received only scant attention.201122194951
[Investigation of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies among Foreign Students in a High School].Objective: Toxoplasmosis is a major health problem in both developed and developing countries. Infection is transmitted to humans by consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing tissue cysts and by ingesting foods contaminated with oocysts from the feces of infected cats and felidae. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the incidence of T. gondii antibodies in 347 high school students from 28 different countries studying in Kayseri city. Methods: These students ...201122203499
molecular genotyping of toxoplasma gondii from central and south america revealed high diversity within and between populations.recent population studies revealed that a few major clonal lineages of toxoplasma gondii dominate in different geographical regions. the type ii and iii lineages are widespread in all continents and dominate in europe, africa and north america. in addition, the type 12 lineage is the most common type in wildlife in north america, the africa 1 and 3 are among the major types in africa, and toxodb pcr-rflp #9 is the major type in china. overall the t. gondii strains are more diverse in south ameri ...201122226702
seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats in the netherlands.cats, as definitive hosts, play an important role in the transmission of toxoplasma gondii. to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for t. gondii infection in dutch domestic cats, serum samples of 450 cats were tested for t. gondii antibodies by indirect elisa. binary mixture analysis was used to estimate the seroprevalence, the optimal cut-off value and the probability of being positive for each cat. the seroprevalence was estimated at 18.2% (95% ci: 16.6-20.0%) and showed a decrease w ...201222305876
three pathogens in sympatric populations of pumas, bobcats, and domestic cats: implications for infectious disease transmission.anthropogenic landscape change can lead to increased opportunities for pathogen transmission between domestic and non-domestic animals. pumas, bobcats, and domestic cats are sympatric in many areas of north america and share many of the same pathogens, some of which are zoonotic. we analyzed bobcat, puma, and feral domestic cat samples collected from targeted geographic areas. we examined exposure to three pathogens that are taxonomically diverse (bacterial, protozoal, viral), that incorporate m ...201222347471
an investigation into the seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii, bartonella spp., feline immunodeficiency virus (fiv), and feline leukaemia virus (felv) in cats in addis ababa, ethiopia.toxoplasma gondii and bartonella spp. are zoonotic pathogens of cats. feline immunodeficiency virus (fiv), and feline leukaemia virus (felv) are immunosuppressive viruses of cats that can affect t. gondii oocyst shedding. in this study, the prevalence of antibodies to t. gondii, bartonella spp., fiv, as well as felv antigens were determined in sera from feral cats (felis catus) from addis ababa, ethiopia. using the modified agglutination test, igg antibodies to t. gondii were found in 41 (85.4%) ...201322857007
seroprevalence and factors associated with toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats from urban areas in latvia.felids are important in the epidemiology of toxoplasma gondii infection because they are the only hosts that shed resistant oocysts in the environment. a total of 242 serum samples and 80 fecal samples from domestic cats in latvia was tested for t. gondii infection. serum samples were tested for t. gondii antibodies by an indirect in-house elisa; antibodies were found in 125 (51.6%) of 242 cats; seroprevalence increased with age, indicating postnatal infection. using multiple logistic regression ...201322924919
prevalence and risk factors of toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats from the tropics of mexico using serological and molecular tests.the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats using an indirect-elisa (igm and igg) and pcr. samples collected from 220 cats from merida, yucatan, mexico, were analyzed. cases were reported as acute or chronic. cases when positive to igm and igg and pcr were considered as reactivated chronic infection. risk factors (sex, age, body condition, diet access to hunting, and number of cats in home) were assessed with ...201222997512
exposure to selected pathogens in to selected pathogens in geoffroy's cats and domestic carnivores from central argentina.wild carnivores share a high percentage of parasites and viruses with closely related domestic carnivores. because of increased overlap and potential contact with domestic species, we conducted a retrospective serosurvey for 11 common carnivore pathogens in 40 geoffroy's cats (leopardus geoffroyi) sampled between 2000 and 2008 within or near two protected areas in central argentina (lihué calel national park, la pampa, and campos del tuyú national park, buenos aires), as well as five domestic ca ...201223060491
seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors among pregnant women in jimma town, southwestern ethiopia.toxoplasmosis is a common parasitic infection caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan, toxoplasma gondii. if primary toxoplasmosis occurs during pregnancy about one third of the cases could lead to congenital toxoplasmosis, with subsequent pathological effects. this study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of t. gondii among pregnant women in jimma town, southwest ethiopia.201223216887
spatiotemporal dynamics of toxoplasma gondii infection in canadian lynx (lynx canadensis) in western québec, canada.toxoplasma gondii, one of the more common zoonotic parasites in the world, can cause serious illness in humans and other animals worldwide. felids are the only known host that can shed t. gondii oocysts, which are essential to the perpetuation of the parasite. in much of boreal canada, the canadian lynx (lynx canadensis) is the only wild felid host that could contribute to environmental contamination with t. gondii oocysts. we estimated the prevalence of t. gondii antibodies in canadian lynx fro ...201323307370
serologic survey of infectious diseases in populations of maned wolf (chrysocyon brachyurus) and crab-eating fox (cerdocyon thous) from aguas emendadas ecological station, brazil.domestic dogs are reservoirs for many infectious diseases and may represent a potential source of infection for wild canid populations. a serologic investigation of antibodies to toxoplasma gondii, neospora caninum, brucella abortus, and leptospira spp. was conducted on three maned wolves (chrysocyon brachyurus) and seven crab-eating foxes (cerdocyon thous), all free-living, at the aguas emendadas ecological station (esecae), federal district, brazil, between february and october 2006. out of th ...201323505716
molecular and biological characterization of first isolates of hammondia hammondi from cats from ethiopia.toxoplasma gondii oocysts are morphologically and antigenically similar to oocysts of another feline coccidian, hammondia hammondi. the distinction between h. hammondi and t. gondii is important from an epidemiological perspective because all isolates of t. gondii are potentially pathogenic for humans and animals, whereas h. hammondi is not known to cause clinical disease in any naturally infected intermediate or definitive hosts. in the present report, h. hammondi (designated hhcatet1 and hhcat ...201323517380
a rare case of feline congenital toxoplasma gondii infection: fatal outcome of systemic toxoplasmosis for the mother and its kitten.this report describes a case of fatal systemic toxoplasmosis in a 2.5-year-old mixed breed pregnant cat and its kittens. the pregnant cat was presented to the gynecology clinic with symptoms of dystocia. the ultrasound examination revealed the presence of five fetuses in the uterus, three of which were not alive, and consequently a cesarean section was performed. however, the mother cat and the remaining two live kittens died two and ten days after cesarean section, respectively. pathologically, ...201323758036
experimental transmission of sarcocystis muris (apicomplexa: sarcocystidae) sporocysts from a naturally infected cat (felis catus) to immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice.cats serve as definitive hosts for zoonotic toxoplasma gondii , a protozoan that threatens human reproductive health, but they also excrete sporocysts of related protozoan that pose no known human health risk. here we provide the first definitive evidence for natural infection with the enzootic parasite sarcocystis muris, one such enzootic parasite. sporulated sarcocystis sp. sporocysts were found in rectal contents of an adult feral cat ( felis catus ) in giza, egypt. after these sporocysts wer ...201323758571
prevalence of toxoplasma gondii and leishmania spp. infection in cats from brazil.a total of 386 feline blood samples from brazil were collected and analyzed by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (ifat) for the presence of toxoplasma gondii and leishmania spp. antibodies. specific antitoxoplasma igg were found in 63 of 386 (16.3%) cats and immunoglobulin g against leishmania spp. was detected in two serum samples. the overall prevalence was significantly higher in adult cats than in juvenile cats for t. gondii infection. there were no significant differences betwee ...201323932640
toxoplasma gondii, source to sea: higher contribution of domestic felids to terrestrial parasite loading despite lower infection prevalence.environmental transmission of toxoplasma gondii, a global zoonotic parasite, adversely impacts human and animal health. toxoplasma is a significant cause of mortality in threatened southern sea otters, which serve as sentinels for disease threats to people and animals in coastal environments. as wild and domestic felids are the only recognized hosts capable of shedding toxoplasma oocysts into the environment, otter infection suggests land-to-sea pathogen transmission. to assess relative contribu ...201324048652
seropositivity of toxoplasma gondii in domestic donkeys (equus asinus) and isolation of t. gondii from farm cats.donkeys (equus asinus) are used as both companion and working animals throughout the world and in some countries, their meat and milk are used for human consumption. here we report the first serological survey of toxoplasma gondii in donkeys in the united states. serum samples from 373 donkeys from eight farms in five states were tested for t. gondii antibodies by the modified agglutination test (mat). twenty-four of 373 (6.4%) of donkeys were seropositive, with mat titers ranging from 25 to ≥ 2 ...201424140163
serotyping of toxoplasma gondii in cats (felis domesticus) reveals predominance of type ii infections in germany.cats are definitive hosts of toxoplasma gondii and play an essential role in the epidemiology of this parasite. the study aims at clarifying whether cats are able to develop specific antibodies against different clonal types of t. gondii and to determine by serotyping the t. gondii clonal types prevailing in cats as intermediate hosts in germany.201324244652
attempted detection of toxoplasma gondii oocysts in environmental waters using a simple approach to evaluate the potential for waterborne transmission in the galápagos islands, ecuador.toxoplasmosis is a health concern for wildlife and humans, particularly in island ecosystems. in the galápagos islands, exposure to toxoplasma gondii has been found in marine avifauna on islands with and without domestic cats. to evaluate potential waterborne transmission of t. gondii, we attempted to use filtration and epifluorescent microscopy to detect autofluorescent t. gondii oocysts in fresh and estuarine surface water samples. t. gondii oocyst-like structures were microscopically visualiz ...201424306552
high prevalence of toxoplasma gondii oocyst shedding in stray and pet cats (felis catus) in virginia, united states.the protozoan toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, with complications varying from mental disease to death. while human infection can occur via ingestion of tissue cysts from infected meat, most human infection comes from oocysts. cats are the only definitive host, and thus shedding of oocysts by cats provides the ultimate source of toxoplasmosis.201324330950
toxoplasma gondii prevalence in cats from lisbon and in pigs from centre and south of portugal.toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis worldwide. here we determined the presence of toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sera and t. gondii dna in faeces of 215 domestic cats from veterinary clinics in the lisbon area; 44 (20.5%) had anti-t. gondii igg antibodies by the modified agglutination test (cut-off 1:40) and dna was detected in 16 (35.6%) of 45 cat faeces tested. risk factor analysis indicated increase of seroprevalence with age of the cats. sera and tissues of 381 pigs from a slaughterhouse ...201424418601
survey of toxoplasma gondii and neospora caninum, haemotropic mycoplasmas and other arthropod-borne pathogens in cats from albania.albania is a country on the western part of the balkan peninsula. the mediterranean climate is favourable for the stable development of many arthropod species, which are incriminated as vectors for various agents. recently, several papers have reported on epidemiological aspects of parasitic diseases including vector-borne disease agents of dogs with zoonotic characteristics in albania. however, data on the epidemiology of feline parasitic and bacterial agents in albania is scarce.201424517118
adverse socioeconomic conditions and oocyst-related factors are associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in a population-based study in minas gerais, brazil.congenital toxoplasmosis is a public health problem in brazil. this study aimed to determine risk factors associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in minas gerais which is the second largest brazilian state based on number of inhabitants, and its territorial extension is larger than that of france.201424523920
wildlife disease ecology in changing landscapes: mesopredator release and toxoplasmosis.changing ecosystem dynamics are increasing the threat of disease epidemics arising in wildlife populations. several recent disease outbreaks have highlighted the critical need for understanding pathogen dynamics, including the role host densities play in disease transmission. in australia, introduced feral cats are of immense concern because of the risk they pose to native wildlife through predation and competition. they are also the only known definitive host of the coccidian parasite, toxoplas ...201324533323
environmental determinants of spatial and temporal variations in the transmission of toxoplasma gondii in its definitive hosts.toxoplasmosis is a major zoonosis, and its prevention requires multiple approaches due to the complex life-cycle of its causative agent, toxoplasma gondii. environmental contamination by oocysts is a key factor in the transmission of t. gondii to both humans and meat-producing animals; however, its spatial and temporal variations are poorly understood. we analysed the distribution of t. gondii seropositivity in a sample of 210 cats, including the european wildcat (felis silvestris silvestris), t ...201324533347
risk factors for acute toxoplasma gondii diseases in taiwan: a population-based case-control study.although human toxoplasmosis is a notifiable disease in taiwan since 2007, little is known about its risk factors. this study aimed to investigate the risk factors for acute toxoplasma gondii diseases in taiwan. we conducted a nationwide population-based case-control study. cases of acute human toxoplasmosis notified to the taiwan centers for diseases control (taipei, taiwan) during 2008-2013 were compared with controls that were randomly selected from healthy t. gondii-seronegative blood donors ...201424609112
seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in cats (felis catus, linnaeus 1758) living in lima, peru.the aim of this study was to determine the frequency of infection by t. gondii in cats, by examining serum and fecal samples from animals attended at veterinary clinics in the metropolitan region of lima, peru. we collected and analyzed 154 cat serum samples and 50 fecal samples, regardless of the age, gender or breed. in parallel with the sample collections, the owners answered an epidemiological questionnaire that investigated the following variables: age group, gender, lifestyle (confined, se ...201424728367
toxoplasma gondii in sympatric wild herbivores and carnivores: epidemiology of infection in the western alps.toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that is able to infect almost all warm blooded animals. in europe, the domestic cat is the main definitive host. worldwide, 6 billion people are infected with this parasite. the goal of our research is to evaluate the prevalence of t. gondii infection in wild animals from a previously unsampled area in northern italy where 0.1% of women seroconvert during pregnancy each year.201424766665
using molecular epidemiology to track toxoplasma gondii from terrestrial carnivores to marine hosts: implications for public health and conservation.environmental transmission of the zoonotic parasite toxoplasma gondii, which is shed only by felids, poses risks to human and animal health in temperate and tropical ecosystems. atypical t. gondii genotypes have been linked to severe disease in people and the threatened population of california sea otters. to investigate land-to-sea parasite transmission, we screened 373 carnivores (feral domestic cats, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, and coyotes) for t. gondii infection and examined the distrib ...201424874796
seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii (nicole & manceaux, 1909) and retroviral status of client-owned pet cats (felis catus, linnaeus, 1758) in rio de janeiro, brazil.cats, as definitive host, play an important role in the transmission of toxoplasma gondii. this study aimed to establish the seroprevalence of anti-t. gondii immunoglobulins g and m, and determine the frequency of oocysts in the feces of the domestic cat population in rio de janeiro, brazil. we also aimed to study the association between t. gondii infection and age, sex, breed, lifestyle, diet and retroviral infection. a total of 108 cats were included in the study and fecal samples of 54 of tho ...201524878997
what makes a feline fatal in toxoplasma gondii's fatal feline attraction? infected rats choose wild cats.toxoplasma gondii is an indirectly transmitted protozoan parasite, of which members of the cat family (felidae) are the only definitive hosts and small mammals such as rats serve as intermediate hosts. the innate aversion of rodents to cat odor provides an obstacle for the parasite against successful predation by the feline definitive host. previous research has demonstrated that t. gondii appears to alter a rat's perception of the risk of being preyed upon by cats. although uninfected rats disp ...201424907200
beyond the disease: is toxoplasma gondii infection causing population declines in the eastern quoll (dasyurus viverrinus)?disease is often considered a key threat to species of conservation significance. for some, it has resulted in localised extinctions and declines in range and abundance. however, for some species, the assertion that a disease poses a significant threat of extinction is based solely on correlative or anecdotal evidence, often inferred from individual clinical case reports. while a species' susceptibility to a disease may be demonstrated in a number of individuals, investigations rarely extend to ...201425161908
spatial distribution of toxoplasma gondii oocysts in soil in a rural area: influence of cats and land use.toxoplasma gondii is the protozoan parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, one of the most prevalent zoonoses worldwide. t. gondii infects humans through the ingestion of meat containing bradyzoites or through soil, food or water contaminated with oocysts. soil contamination with oocysts is increasingly recognized as a major source of infection for humans, but has rarely been quantified directly. in this study, we investigated the spatial pattern of soil contamination with t. gondii over an area ...201425178554
an experimental toxoplasma gondii dose response challenge model to study therapeutic or vaccine efficacy in cats.high numbers of toxoplasma gondii oocysts in the environment are a risk factor to humans. the environmental contamination might be reduced by vaccinating the definitive host, cats. an experimental challenge model is necessary to quantitatively assess the efficacy of a vaccine or drug treatment. previous studies have indicated that bradyzoites are highly infectious for cats. to infect cats, tissue cysts were isolated from the brains of mice infected with oocysts of t. gondii m4 strain, and bradyz ...201425184619
geographic separation of domestic and wild strains of toxoplasma gondii in french guiana correlates with a monomorphic version of chromosome1a.previous studies have stressed the genetic divergence and high pathogenicity of strains of t. gondii from french guiana. although strains from coastal, human adapted environments (so called anthropized) resemble those found in other regions of the caribbean, strains collected from inland jungle environment are genetically quite diverse. to better understand the composition of these distinct strain types, we undertook a more in depth analysis of t. gondii strains from french guiana including prof ...201425233228
first report of toxoplasma gondii in camels (camelus dromedarius) in ethiopia: bioassay and seroepidemiological investigation.toxoplasmosis is a major public health concern in many countries of the world. a cross-sectional and follow up experimental study designs were used for seroepidemiological and bioassay studies, respectively from november 2012 to april 2013. the objectives were to estimate the seroprevalence of t. gondii infection, to assess risk factors and to isolate the parasite from camels in the fentale district, ethiopia. a direct agglutination test (dat) and indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (elis ...201425266944
seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in white-tailed deer (odocoileus virginianus) and free-roaming cats (felis catus) across a suburban to urban gradient in northeastern ohio.felids serve as the definitive host of toxoplasma gondii contaminating environments with oocysts. white-tailed deer (wtd; odocoileus virginianus) are used as sentinel species for contaminated environments as well as a potential source for human foodborne infection with t. gondii. here we determine the seroprevalence of t. gondii in a wtd and felid population, and examine those risk factors that increase exposure to the parasite. serum samples from 444 wtd and 200 free-roaming cats (felis catus) ...201525269422
isolation and genetic characterization of toxoplasma gondii from black bears (ursus americanus), bobcats (lynx rufus), and feral cats (felis catus) from pennsylvania.toxoplasma gondii infects virtually all warm-blooded hosts worldwide. recently, attention has been focused on the genetic diversity of the parasite to explain its pathogenicity in different hosts. it has been hypothesized that interaction between feral and domestic cycles of t. gondii may increase unusual genotypes in domestic cats and facilitate transmission of potentially more pathogenic genotypes to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. in the present study, we tested black bear (ursus amer ...201525393429
genetic characterization of toxoplasma gondii isolates from eared doves (zenaida auriculata) in brazil.eared doves (zenaida auriculata), which are common in urban, rural and wild areas in many regions of brazil, are frequently prey for domestic cats. therefore toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from doves may reflect greater environmental diversity than those from other hosts. the aim of the present study was to evaluate t. gondii seroprevalence, isolate and genotype strains from z. auriculata. serum and tissue samples were collected from 206 doves for use in the modified agglutination test (mat ...201725517521
serological detection of toxoplasma gondii, leishmania infantum and neospora caninum in cats from an area endemic for leishmaniasis in brazil.an investigation was made into the occurrence of antibodies to toxoplasma gondii, leishmania infantum and neospora caninum in 151 domestic cats, based on the indirect fluorescent antibody test (ifat). serum samples were collected from 151 domestic cats (65 free-roaming and 86 domiciled cats; 55 males and 96 females) in campo grande, mato grosso do sul, brazil between january and april 2013. igg antibodies to t. gondii, l. infantum and n. caninum were found, respectively, in 49 (32.5%), 34 (22.5% ...201725517522
toxoplasma gondii in domestic and wild animals from forest fragments of the municipality of natal, northeastern brazil.toxoplasmosis stands out as a global disease that has felines as definitive hosts. in the municipality of natal, rio grande do norte state, brazil, two parks are notable for their ecological and social importance. this study aimed to investigate the presence of toxoplasma gondii in short hair cats, bats and small non-volant mammals in these two ecological reserves. altogether, biological samples were obtained from 154 mammals, 92 wild animals from both areas and 62 domestic cats of the parque da ...201725517529
coinfection by toxoplasma gondii and leishmania spp. in domestic cats (felis catus) in state of mato grosso do sul.leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis are important to public health.201525626663
toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in norway and risk factors for seropositivity.the aims of the study were to estimate toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in norway and to evaluate risk factors for seropositivity. additionally, serum biochemistry and haematological variables for t gondii seropositive and seronegative cats were compared.201525666851
isolation and genetic characterization of viable toxoplasma gondii from tissues and feces of cats from the central region of china.cats are important in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis because they are the only definitive hosts that excrete environmentally resistant toxoplasma gondii oocysts. little is known of feline toxoplasmosis in china and most of the literature is in chinese. here we summarized all published reports on feline toxoplasmosis in english and report first identification of oocyst excretion by naturally infected cats in china. unfrozen tissues of 42 cats and feces of 360 cats from china were bioassayed in ...201526033402
mortality patterns in endangered hawaiian geese (nene; branta sandvicensis).understanding causes of death can aid management and recovery of endangered bird populations. toward those ends, we systematically examined 300 carcasses of endangered hawaiian geese (nene; branta sandvicensis) from hawaii, maui, molokai, and kauai between 1992 and 2013. the most common cause of death was emaciation, followed by trauma (vehicular strikes and predation), and infectious/inflammatory diseases of which toxoplasmosis (infection with toxoplasma gondii) predominated. toxicoses were les ...201526161721
sero-prevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at felege hiwot referral hospital, northwest ethiopia.to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and to assess the possible risk factors associated with the infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care center at felege hiwot referral hospital, bahir dar town, northwest ethiopia.201526276286
a game-theoretic approach to valuating toxoplasmosis vaccination strategies.the protozoan toxoplasma gondii is a parasite often found in wild and domestic cats, and it is the cause of the disease toxoplasmosis. more than 60 million people in the united states carry the parasite, and the centers for disease control have placed toxoplasmosis in their disease classification group neglected parasitic infections as one of five parasitic diseases targeted as priorities for public health action. in recent years, there has been significant progress toward the development of a p ...201526319752
toxoplasma gondii, dirofilaria immitis, feline immunodeficiency virus (fiv), and feline leukemia virus (felv) infections in stray and pet cats (felis catus) in northwest china: co-infections and risk factors.this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of toxoplasma gondii, dirofilaria immitis, feline immunodeficiency virus (fiv), and feline leukemia virus (felv) infections among stray and pet cats in lanzhou, northwest china, and to identify the influence of age, gender, and regions on seropositivity. t. gondii antibodies were examined in cat sera by the modified agglutination test (mat). the circulating antigens of d. immitis and felv and specific antibodies to fiv were examined using kits ...201626362646
seroprevalence of and risk factors for toxoplasma gondii infection in cats in estonia.in estonia, northeastern europe, toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in humans has not declined, in contrast to many other countries. the reasons for this are unknown. domestic cats are important hosts in the epidemiology of the parasite, but information on local feline t. gondii infections has been lacking. an epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of t. gondii and the risk factors associated with seropositivity in cats in estonia. surplus from blood sam ...201526394196
serosurvey of smooth brucella, leptospira spp. and toxoplasma gondii in free-ranging jaguars (panthera onca) and domestic animals from brazil.this study investigated the exposure of jaguar populations and domestic animals to smooth brucella, leptospira spp. and toxoplasma gondii in the cerrado, pantanal and amazon biomes of brazil. between february 2000 and january 2010, serum samples from 31 jaguars (panthera onca), 1,245 cattle (bos taurus), 168 domestic dogs (canis lupus familiaris) and 29 domestic cats (felis catus) were collected and analysed by rose bengal test for smooth brucella, microscopic agglutination test for leptospira s ...201526605787
seasonality in the proportions of domestic cats shedding toxoplasma gondii or hammondia hammondi oocysts is associated with climatic factors.a previous study on domestic cats in germany and neighbouring countries suggested seasonality in shedding toxoplasma gondii oocysts. the aim of the present study was to elucidate whether this seasonality in shedding could be explained by climatic effects and whether differences between years in the proportions of cats shedding oocysts could also be explained by climatic factors. to this end, a long-term study over a period of 55 months on domestic cats for t. gondii and hammondia hammondi oocyst ...201626820303
antibody detection and molecular characterization of toxoplasma gondii from bobcats (lynx rufus), domestic cats (felis catus), and wildlife from minnesota, usa.little is known of the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in minnesota. here, we evaluated toxoplasma gondii infection in 50 wild bobcats (lynx rufus) and 75 other animals on/near 10 cattle farms. antibodies to t. gondii were assayed in serum samples or tissue fluids by the modified agglutination test (mat, cut-off 1:25). twenty nine of 50 bobcats and 15 of 41 wildlife trapped on the vicinity of 10 farms and nine of 16 adult domestic cats (felis catus) and six of 14 domestic dogs resident on farms we ...201626824935
toxoplasma gondii antibody prevalence and two new genotypes of the parasite in endangered hawaiian geese (nene: branta sandvicensis).toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite transmitted by domestic cats ( felis catus ) that has historically caused mortality in native hawaiian birds. to estimate how widespread exposure to the parasite is in nene (hawaiian geese, branta sandvicensis), we did a serologic survey for t. gondii antibody and genetically characterized parasite dna from the tissues of dead birds that had confirmed infections by immunohistochemistry. of 94 geese sampled, prevalence on the island of kauai, maui, and mo ...201626967138
high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in free-range chicken of the fernando de noronha archipelago, brazil.the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in free-range chickens of the fernando de noronha archipelago, brazil and to identify risk factors associated with toxoplasma gondii infection. blood samples were collected from all the adult chickens raised in the archipelago and screened by indirect fluorescent antibody test (430 samples, in total). univariate analysis (chi-square) and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between various variables pos ...201627032879
the impact of toxoplasma gondii on the mammalian genome.nobody doubts that infections have imposed specialisations on the mammalian genome. however sufficient information is usually missing to attribute a specific genomic modification to pressure from a specific pathogen. recent studies on mechanisms of mammalian resistance against the ubiquitous protozoan parasite, toxoplasma gondii, have shown that the small rodents presumed to be largely responsible for transmission of the parasite to its definitive host, the domestic cat, possess distinctive reco ...201627128504
prevalence of antibodies to selected viruses and parasites in introduced and endemic carnivores in western madagascar.introduced animals impact endemic populations through predation, competition, and disease transmission. populations of endemic carnivores in madagascar are declining, and pathogens transmitted from introduced species may further endanger these unique species. we assessed the exposure of introduced and endemic carnivores to common viral and parasitic pathogens in two national parks of madagascar (kirindy mitea national park and ankarafantsika national park) and their neighboring villages. we also ...201627195685
pathogen exposure varies widely among sympatric populations of wild and domestic felids across the united states.understanding how landscape, host, and pathogen traits contribute to disease exposure requires systematic evaluations of pathogens within and among host species and geographic regions. the relative importance of these attributes is critical for management of wildlife and mitigating domestic animal and human disease, particularly given rapid ecological changes, such as urbanization. we screened > 1000 samples from sympatric populations of puma (puma concolor), bobcat (lynx rufus), and domestic ca ...201627209780
antibody prevalence and isolation of viable toxoplasma gondii from raptors in the southeastern usa.raptors are good indicators of the prevalence of toxoplasma gondii in the environment because they prey on small mammals and birds. these prey species are a major source of infection in domestic cats ( felis catus ), which shed the environmentally resistant oocysts. we assessed t. gondii infection in 281 opportunistically available raptors at a rehabilitation facility between 2012 and 2014. antibodies to t. gondii were assayed by a modified agglutination test (cutoff 1:25) and found in serum of ...201627243150
atypical toxoplasma gondii genotype in feral cats from the fernando de noronha island, northeastern brazil.toxoplasma gondii isolates from brazil have a different phenotypic and genotypic pattern, with predominance of virulent isolates and recombinant genotypes, compared to the north hemisphere. considering that a new t. gondii genotype, non-pathogenic to mice, was previously identified from free-range chickens from the fernando de noronha island, brazil, this study aimed to identify genotypes of this parasite in tissue samples of feral cats (felis catus) from this brazilian island. anti-t. gondii ig ...201627270396
coastal development and precipitation drive pathogen flow from land to sea: evidence from a toxoplasma gondii and felid host system.rapidly developing coastal regions face consequences of land use and climate change including flooding and increased sediment, nutrient, and chemical runoff, but these forces may also enhance pathogen runoff, which threatens human, animal, and ecosystem health. using the zoonotic parasite toxoplasma gondii in california, usa as a model for coastal pathogen pollution, we examine the spatial distribution of parasite runoff and the impacts of precipitation and development on projected pathogen deli ...201627456911
toxoplasmosis in camels (camelus dromedarius) of borana zone, oromia region, ethiopia: seroprevalence and risk factors.toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections of medical and veterinary importance. a cross-sectional study was conducted from november 2013 to january 2014 to estimate the seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection in camels from four districts of borana zone, southern oromia, ethiopia. in addition, a questionnaire survey was administered to 124 pastoralists to identify possible risk factors and to assess the awareness level of pastoral communities about toxoplasmosis. a to ...201627554500
prevalence and potential impact of toxoplasma gondii on the endangered amargosa vole (microtus californicus scirpensis), california, usa.we investigated the prevalence of toxoplasma gondii in 2011-15 to assess its potential threat on the endangered amargosa vole ( microtus californicus scirpensis) in california, us. surveillance was simultaneously performed on populations of syntopic rodent species. we detected antibodies to t. gondii in sera from 10.5% of 135 wild-caught amargosa voles; 8% of 95 blood samples were pcr-positive for the t. gondii b1 gene, and 5.0% of 140 sympatric rodent brain samples were pcr-positive. exposure t ...201727690194
comparison of genotypes of toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats from australia with latent infection or clinical toxoplasmosis.whether toxoplasma gondii genotype is associated with disease severity in naturally occurring toxoplasmosis in domestic cats is unknown. the aim of this study was to compare genotypes of t. gondii in latently infected cats with those in cats with clinical toxoplasmosis. results of a pcr targeting the b1 gene to detect t. gondii dna were positive in tissue samples from 11 of 17 (65%) seropositive cats tested including four with clinical toxoplasmosis and seven with latent infections, as determine ...201627692314
seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in dogs of riverside communities of mato grosso pantanal, brazil.toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan with worldwide distribution and dogs act as sentinels of human infection. this search aimed to determine the occurrence of antibodies against t. gondii in dogs of the communities on the cuiabá river, mato grosso and variables associated with infection. the dogs of the riverside communities in cuiabá river, which includes barranco alto, praia do poço, engenho velho, varginha, bom sucesso, passagem da conceição and são gonçalo beira rio, were evaluat ...201627925062
high seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in elk (cervus canadensis) of the central appalachians, usa.toxoplasma gondii is an important protozoan parasite of mammals that impacts animal health and behavior. although this parasite has been documented in several cervid species, including red deer (cervus elaphus) in europe, little is known about t. gondii impacts on the closely related north american counterpart, the elk (wapiti, cervus canadensis), which has increased in number and expanded in range during the past century. we assessed seroprevalence of t. gondii antibodies using a modified agglu ...201728130658
toxoplasma gondii survey in cats from two environments of the city of rio de janeiro, brazil by modified agglutination test on sera and filter-paper.toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan with a worldwide distribution, in warm-blood animals, including humans. local conditions and environmental disturbances may influence transmission dynamics of a zoonotic agent. this study evaluates the epidemiology of t. gondii based on toxoplasmosis prevalence in two populations of cats living in distinct urbanization conditions in rio de janeiro, brazil.201728212681
seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in domestic pets from metropolitan regions of panama.toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease but information regarding domestic animals in central america is scarce and fragmented. the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats and dogs in different metropolitan regions of panama. a total of 576 samples were collected; sera from 120 cats and 456 dogs were tested using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa). the overall seroprevalence of igg antibodies was 30.73%. there ...201728287391
spatial distribution of soil contaminated with toxoplasma gondii oocysts in relation to the distribution and use of domestic cat defecation sites on dairy farms.little information is available on the relationship between the spatial distribution of zoonotic parasites in soil and the pattern of hosts' faeces deposition at a local scale. in this study, the spatial distribution of soil contaminated by the parasite toxoplasma gondii was investigated in relation to the distribution and use of the defecation sites of its definitive host, the domestic cat (felis catus). the study was conducted on six dairy farms with a high number of cats (seven to 30 cats). d ...201728315671
seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats in central china.to investigate the seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic cats in central china, 843 serum samples were collected in henan province between march 2015 and may 2016 and tested for igg antibodies against t. gondii using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa). the overall seroprevalence of t. gondii was 21% (178/843). no significant difference was observed based on the sex of cats (p > 0.05). significantly higher seroprevalence (p < 0.05) was observed in mixed-breed cats ( ...201728322721
infection to pathogens with different transmission modes in feral cats from urban and rural areas of korea.in this study, we examine the prevalence of three infectious pathogens with different transmission modes (bartonella henselae, hemoplasma and toxoplasma gondii) in feral cats (felis catus) from two unique habitat types, urban and rural. we determined the infection status of three pathogens in blood samples (total n=117) through molecular or serological diagnostic methods. overall prevalence of hemoplasma, t. gondii and b. henselae was 47.9%, 50% and 35.7%, respectively. only seroprevalence of b. ...201728385003
rrop2 from toxoplasma gondii as a potential vaccine against oocyst shedding in domestic cats.the aim of the present study was to evaluate oocyst shedding in cats immunized by nasal route with t. gondii proteins rop2. twelve short hair cats (felis catus) were divided in three groups g1, g2 and g3 (n=4). animals from g1 received 100 μg of rrop2 proteins plus 20 μg of quil-a, g2 received 100 μg of bsa plus 20 μg of quil-a, and the g3 only saline solution (control group). all treatments were done by intranasal route at days 0, 21, 42, and 63. the challenge was performed in all groups on day ...201728403374
investigation of toxoplasma gondii in semen, testicle and epididymis tissues of primo-infected cats (felis catus).this study aimed to investigate the presence of toxoplasma gondii in semen, testicle and epididymis tissues of cats experimentally infected by this coccidium. a total of 12 male felines without a definite breed that were of reproductive age and serologically negative for t. gondii were selected and distributed to the following three experimental groups: gi, inoculated with 600 tissue cysts of the p strain of t. gondii (isolate iii); gii, inoculated with 2×10(5) tachyzoites of the rh strain (isol ...201728404209
global mirna expression profiling of domestic cat livers following acute toxoplasma gondii infection.although micrornas (mirnas) play an important role in liver homeostasis, the extent to which they can be altered by toxoplasma gondii infection is unknown. here, we utilized small rna sequencing and bioinformatic analyses to characterize mirna expression profiles in the liver of domestic cats at 7 days after oral infection with t. gondii (type ii) strain. a total of 384 mirnas were identified and 82 were differentially expressed, of which 33 were up-regulated and 49 down-regulated. also, 5690 pr ...201728424428
antibodies to toxoplasma gondii and leishmania spp. in domestic cats from luanda, angola.toxoplasma gondii and leishmania spp. are zoonotic protozoa of importance to animal and public health. the present study aimed to assess for the first time the seroprevalence of these zoonotic parasites in a domestic feline population living in luanda, angola. one hundred and two cats were sampled at a veterinary medical centre, from may 2014 to february 2016. the age of the cats ranged from 2.5 to 143 months (median: 12 months; interquartile range: 7.5-24). serum samples were tested for immunog ...201728495190
prevalence of toxoplasma gondii and other gastrointestinal parasites in domestic cats from households in thika region, kenya.gastrointestinal (git) parasites of domestic cats (felis catus) not only cause morbidity but are also potential zoonotic agents. the current study aimed at establishing the prevalence of git parasites in cats kept by households in thika region, kenya. fecal samples were collected randomly from 103 cats and analyzed for presence of parasites using standard parasitological methods. in descending order, the prevalence of the detected protozoa parasites was isospora spp. 43.7% (95% ci: 40.4-47%), cr ...201728691033
fatal toxoplasmosis in an immunosuppressed domestic cat from brazil caused by toxoplasma gondii clonal type i.the objective of the study was to report on a fatal case of feline toxoplasmosis with coinfection with the feline leukemia virus (felv). a domestic cat (felis silvestris catus) presented intense dyspnea and died three days later. in the necropsy, the lungs were firm, without collapse and with many white areas; moderate lymphadenomegaly and splenomegaly were also observed. the histopathological examination showed severe necrotic interstitial bronchopneumonia and mild necrotic hepatitis, associate ...201728746448
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