Article
Veterinary Sciences
Luis Fernando Valenzuela-Moreno, Sara Teresa Mendez-Cruz, Claudia Patricia Rico-Torres, Carlos Cedillo-Pelaez, Dolores Correa, Heriberto Caballero-Ortega
Summary: The study identified multiple genotypes of T. gondii in the blood of feral cats in southeastern Mexico, suggesting a high genetic diversity of the parasite in felines in this region. The cloning and sequencing process revealed six different SAG3 sequences, with some showing intragenic recombination and unique genetic patterns not shared with globally reported sequences.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lokman Galal, Frederic Ariey, Meriadeg Ar Gouilh, Marie-Laure Darde, Azra Hamidovic, Franck Letourneur, Franck Prugnolle, Aurelien Mercier
Summary: This study analyzes 156 genomes of Toxoplasma gondii and provides estimates of the parasite's mutation rate and generation time. It reveals that a specific haplotype is associated with the spread of the parasite through cats, indicating its role in sexual reproduction.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mohammad Taher Ismail, Abeer Al-Kafri
Summary: The incidence of toxoplasmosis in humans in Syria is increasing, and both feral cats and owned cats contribute to the spread of the disease through oocyst shedding. A study collected 100 fecal samples from domestic cats and found that 36% of the cats were shedding toxoplasma-like oocysts. The presence of high levels of oocyst shedding in cat feces emphasizes the need for further research on Toxoplasma infection in humans and animals in this region.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Xinyu Chi, Kexin Fang, Liza Koster, Jevan Christie, Chaoqun Yao
Summary: The study collected fecal samples from feral cats on St. Kitts and found a significantly higher prevalence of FIV-positive cats, which was associated with male and adult cats. However, no T. gondii DNA was detected in the feces of either FIV-positive or FIV-negative cats. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm or refute the hypothesis that FIV-positive cats have a higher prevalence of shedding T. gondii oocysts than FIV-negative cats.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh, Shahabeddin Sarvi, Seyed Abdollah Hosseini, Ahmad Daryani
Summary: Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a common food-borne infection in humans. In rodent populations, atypical genotypes are dominant, while clonal strains circulate with low genetic diversity in this mammal species.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Afsaneh Amouei, Shahabeddin Sarvi, Azadeh Mizani, Mohammad Bagher Hashemi-Soteh, Saeid Salehi, Javad Javidnia, Seyed Abdollah Hosseini, Fateme Amuei, Ahad Alizadeh, Shafigheh Shabanzade, Sara Gholami, Ahmad Daryani
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in intermediate host animals in Mazandaran Province, Iran. The results revealed the presence of different genotypes and a high prevalence of T. gondii in ruminants and birds, suggesting their potential role in transmitting the parasite to humans through meat consumption. The identification of genotypes also indicates a higher genetic diversity and local environmental contamination. These findings have important implications for public health strategies in preventing and controlling infection.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Webster Leonardo Guimaraes da Costa, Isa Marianny Ferreira Nascimento Barbosa, Debora Pereira Gomes do Prado, Natalia Domann, Hanstter Hallison Alves Rezende
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review to understand the genetic characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii in free-range chickens, revealing 190 genotypes. The most frequent genotypes were ToxoDB #59 and #2 in America, #1 in Africa, and three atypical isolates from genotype ToxoDB #9 in Asia. The study highlights the necessity of further research in Continents such as Europe, Asia, and Oceania due to the lack of data in these regions.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Charalampos Attipa, Christos Yiapanis, Severine Tasker, Anastasia Diakou
Summary: The study found that 32.3% of cats in Cyprus were infected with T. gondii, with factors such as feline immunodeficiency virus and lack of vaccination history being associated with seropositivity. This research highlights the importance of raising public awareness to prevent infection in animals and humans.
Article
Microbiology
Scott Souza, Samantha Splitt, Juan Sanchez-Arcila, Julia Alvarez, Jessica Wilson, Safuwra Wizzard, Zheng Luo, Nicole Baumgarth, Kirk D. C. Jensen
Summary: Protective immunity to parasitic infections, particularly against Toxoplasma gondii, is regulated by the Nfkbid gene, which controls B cell activation and class-switch recombination. B-1 and B-2 cells work together to provide full protection against the parasite, with potential implications for developing vaccines against parasitic pathogens.
Article
Immunology
Salar Maani, Hassan Rezanezhad, Kavous Solhjoo, Mohsen Kalantari, Saiedeh Erfanian
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and genotype of Toxoplasma infection in spontaneously aborted fetuses in Jahrom city. The results showed a significant correlation between the infection rate and the education levels of mothers, as well as the age of the fetus. The findings suggest an important role of toxoplasmosis in spontaneously aborted fetuses in Jahrom city.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Wen Jiang, Mengyue Wang
Summary: Through studying the genotype of Toxoplasma gondii, it was found that there are genetic differences in Central and South America. From the perspective of pathogen virulence evolution, it is discovered that transmission route is a key factor causing global genetic differences in Toxoplasma gondii, and the diversity of hosts does not always increase its virulence differences. The reproductive mode of Toxoplasma gondii and frequent human trades are prerequisites for the development of its virulence.
APPLIED MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ragab M. Fereig, Yoshifumi Nishikawa
Summary: In this study, the cyto-nuclear and mitochondrial localization of TgPrx1 and TgPrx3 proteins in Toxoplasma gondii were revealed. Knocking out TgPrx1 and TgPrx3 genes in T. gondii resulted in decreased survival rate in mice infected with TgPrx3KO strain compared to TgPrx1KO and control strains. Additionally, TgPrx1KO and TgPrx3KO induced high levels of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and increased IL-6 and IL-12p40 production in infected mice and murine macrophages. These findings suggest that TgPrx3 may be a potential sub-unit vaccine candidate for controlling toxoplasmosis in susceptible humans and animals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mercedes Fernandez-Escobar, Federica Giorda, Virgina Mattioda, Tania Audino, Fabio Di Nocera, Giuseppe Lucifora, Katia Varello, Carla Grattarola, Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora, Cristina Casalone, Rafael Calero-Bernal
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains in stranded dolphins found in the Mediterranean coastlines of Italy. The results showed that dolphins were mainly infected with ToxoDB#3 and #2 genotypes.
Article
Parasitology
Hanstter Hallison Alves Rezende, Jaqueline Ataide Silva Lima da Igreja, Antonio Roberto Gomes-Junior, Jade de Oliveira Melo, Joao Luis Garcia, Felippe Danyel Cardoso Martins, Heloisa Ribeiro Storchilo, Taynara Cristina Gomes, Marina Clare Vinaud, Ana Maria de Castro
Summary: This study evaluated the genotypic characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from free-range chickens in the metropolitan area of Goiania, Brazil. The findings revealed relatively low genetic diversity in the isolates.
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ningbo Xia, Nuo Ji, Longjiao Li, Yuan Huang, Congshan Yang, Xuefang Guo, Qinghong Guo, Bang Shen, Lihua Xiao, Yaoyu Feng
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in cats across China. The study found higher infection rates in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Hunan, and reported the seroprevalence in Qinghai, Anhui, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, and Ningxia for the first time. Age and lifestyle (stray or pet) of cats were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
J. P. Dubey, F. H. A. Murata, C. K. Cerqueira-Cezar, O. C. H. Kwok, C. Su
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide, with wild and domestic avian species playing a crucial role in the dissemination of the infection. Humans can become infected by consuming undercooked avian tissues. The genetic diversity of T. gondii strains isolated from various avian species worldwide from 2009 to 2020 is discussed, as well as the role of migratory birds in spreading T. gondii infection.
Review
Parasitology
J. P. Dubey, F. H. A. Murata, C. K. Cerqueira-Cezar, O. C. H. Kwok, C. Su
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of Toxoplasma gondii infections in wild rodents worldwide, including prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology, and genetic diversity. Data are presented in tables organized by country, rodent species, and chronologically, making it easier for researchers to access information. The recent genetic diversity of T. gondii strains in rodents is critically evaluated in the review.
JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shilin Xin, Nan Jiang, Liulu Yang, Niuping Zhu, Wei Huang, Junbao Li, Longxian Zhang, Chunlei Su, Yurong Yang
Summary: This study identified a case of Toxoplasma gondii infection in a rhesus monkey collected from zoos in Henan Province, China. A new strain of T. gondii, designated as TgMonkeyCHn1, was successfully isolated from the monkey's myocardium, with unique characteristics in genotype and virulence genes. This is the first T. gondii strain isolated from Old World monkeys, demonstrating a new host record for T. gondii.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jitender P. Dubey, Fernando H. A. Murata, Camila K. Cerqueira-Cezar, Oliver C. H. Kwok, Yurong Yang, Chunlei Su
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide, with New World NHP being highly susceptible to infection while Old World NHP show no reports of clinical toxoplasmosis. Susceptibility to clinical toxoplasmosis varies among different genera of New World NHP, with factors affecting this susceptibility not fully understood. Genetic characteristics of T. gondii strains from monkeys are summarized.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Aline Diniz Cabral, Chunlei Su, Rodrigo Martins Soares, Solange Maria Gennari, Marcia Aparecida Speranca, Adriana Ruckert da Rosa, Hilda Fatima Jesus Pena
Summary: Studies in Sao Paulo state, Brazil, investigated the molecular frequency and diversity of Sarcocystidae parasites in bats, revealing a variety of these organisms in different bat species. The findings suggest that bats may play a role in the transmission of these parasites and highlight the need to consider Toxoplasma gondii as a differential diagnosis for rabies and other neurological syndromes in bats.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
J. P. Dubey, F. H. A. Murata, C. K. Cerqueira-Cezar, O. C. H. Kwok, C. Su
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide, including in bears. Black bears have one of the highest seroprevalence rates of T. gondii. Clinical toxoplasmosis is rare in bears, with most cases reported in young bears. Genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates in bears is relatively high, ranging from strains associated with domestic cycles to those mainly found in wildlife.
JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Jitender P. Dubey, Fernando H. A. Murata, Camila K. Cerqueira-Cezar, Oliver C. H. Kwok, Chunlei Su, Michael E. Grigg
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii infections in kangaroos and other marsupials in Australia and New Zealand are common and may pose a risk for human infection. Kangaroo meat could potentially serve as a source of T. gondii infection for humans. The genetic diversity of T. gondii strains varies among different regions and species.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Sawsan Ammar, Liberty Wood, Chunlei Su, Maria Spriggs, Justin Brown, Kyle Van Why, Richard Gerhold
Summary: Raptors from different regions in the United States showed varying seroprevalence rates of T. gondii. There were no significant differences in T. gondii exposure between raptors from different regions, sexes, or age groups. One red-shouldered hawk was found to harbor viable T. gondii tachyzoites, highlighting the need for further research to better understand the prevalence and impact of T. gondii in raptors in the US.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2021)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Yurong Yang, Shilin Xin, Fernando H. A. Murata, Camila K. Cerqueira-Cezar, Oliver C. H. Kwok, Chunlei Su, Jitender P. Dubey
Summary: The study provides an overview of Toxoplasma gondii infection in bats, including seroprevalence, genotypes, clinical cases, and transmission routes. Insectivorous bats have higher seroprevalence of T. gondii compared to fructivores bats; bats may play a significant role in the transmission and epidemiology of T. gondii. Additional research is needed to validate serological and molecular tests, and explore the transmission routes of T. gondii infection in bats.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Katherine Kurth, Tiantian Jiang, Lisa Muller, Chunlei Su, Richard W. Gerhold
Summary: The study aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii contamination by surveilling soil, wildlife, cats, and cows on a farm in Tennessee, U.S. Results showed that different contamination indicators can greatly affect the detection of T. gondii.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-PARASITES AND WILDLIFE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Trevor J. Hancock, Peyton Hickman, Niloo Kazerooni, Melissa Kennedy, Stephen A. Kania, Michelle Dennis, Nicole Szafranski, Richard Gerhold, Chunlei Su, Tom Masi, Stephen Smith, Tim E. Sparer
Summary: We report cross-reactive antibodies specific for SARS-CoV RBD from prepandemic cats and postpandemic South Carolina white-tailed deer. There are several potential explanations for this cross-reactivity, each with important implications to coronavirus disease surveillance.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Emilie Bouchard, Rajnish Sharma, Adrian Hernandez-Ortiz, Kayla Buhler, Batol Al-Adhami, Chunlei Su, Heather Fenton, Geraldine G.-Gouin, James D. Roth, Chloe Warret Rodrigues, Carla Pamak, Audrey Simon, Nicholas Bachand, Patrick Leighton, Emily Jenkins
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence and tissue infection rate of Toxoplasma gondii in foxes in northern Canada. The findings showed a higher antibody detection rate in older foxes. There was a correlation between the seroprevalence of foxes and humans in different regions of Canada.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Rafael Calero-Bernal, Mercedes Fernandez-Escobar, Frank Katzer, Chunlei Su, Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii shows significant genetic and phenotypic diversity. Different haplogroups of T. gondii exhibit different phenotypic characteristics in laboratory mouse infections. While mortality rate is an important phenotypic marker, additional non-lethal parameters could provide promising discriminatory power for field isolates. There is a need for consistent methods in phenotypic characterization and definition of virulence.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alfred Chikweto, Andy Alhassan, Chunlei Su, Calum Macpherson, Muhammad Iqbal Bhaiyat, Jitender P. Dubey
Summary: This study investigated the genotypes and diversity of T. gondii in pigs in Grenada, West Indies, revealing a lower genetic diversity compared to other Caribbean areas, with ToxoDB #2 being the most common genotype.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Sawsan Ammar, Nathan Hoggard, Liberty Wood, Chunlei Su, Richard Gerhold
Summary: Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, can infect turkeys and may lead to signs of infection at high doses. The antibody titers, weight gain, and feed conversion rate in infected birds are influenced by the dose and strain of T. gondii. A significant decrease in weight gain was observed at 14 days postinfection in birds infected with a high dose of virulent T. gondii tachyzoites. Detection of T. gondii DNA was most common in the brain and heart, followed by the bursa of Fabricius and lungs. Continued experimental infection studies in wild and domestic animals are recommended given the growing trend of outdoor-raised livestock and wildlife consumption.