Journal
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
Volume 190, Issue 1-2, Pages 259-262Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.05.020
Keywords
Toxoplasma gondii; Pinnipeds; Antarctica
Categories
Funding
- Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation [CGL-2005-25073-E/ANT, CTM2008-00570]
- Sea World & Bush Gardens Conservation Fund
- IFARHU-SENACYT
- University of Panama
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The presence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was investigated in Antarctic marine mammals. Two hundred and eleven sera from different species of pinnipeds collected in years 2007, 2010 and 2011 from different locations in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula were analysed using a commercially available agglutination test kit. The presence of antibodies (titres >= 1:25) against T. gondii was detected in a total of 28 animals (13.3%). Amongst animal species, percentages of detection were higher in Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) (76.9%; 10/13) followed by Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) (41.9%; 13/31). Antibodies were also found in 4 of 165 (2.4%) Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) and 1 of 2 Crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga). Highest titres (1:100-1:800) were also observed in Southern elephant seals and Weddell seals. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the detection of antibodies against T. gondii in Antarctic marine mammals. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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