Article
Immunology
Chanjuan Yue, Wanjing Yang, Xueyang Fan, Jingchao Lan, Wenjun Huang, Dongsheng Zhang, Yunli Li, Lihui Liao, James Edward Ayala, Kongju Wu, Yiyan Liu, Weichao Zheng, Lin Li, Hongwen Zhang, Xiaoyan Su, Xia Yan, Rong Hou, Songrui Liu
Summary: The study showed a high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in giant pandas, with age and transfer history between institutions identified as main risk factors. It is suggested that age is a major factor, and housing multiple species in the same environment may increase the chance of cross-infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(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
Cristiana Luiza Radoi, Ovidiu Mircea Zlatian, Maria Balasoiu, Lucian Giubelan, Andreea Cristina Stoian, Livia Dragonu, Alexandru Neacsu, Dominic Gabriel Iliescu
Summary: This study examined the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in two groups of childbearing age women. The results showed a decrease in the overall positivity rate of anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies, indicating improved public health interventions. However, there were variations among different age groups and between rural and urban environments, with a significant decrease in urban areas.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maciej Grzybek, Daniela Antolova, Katarzyna Tolkacz, Mohammed Alsarraf, Jolanta Behnke-Borowczyk, Joanna Nowicka, Jerzy Paleolog, Beata Biernat, Jerzy M. Behnke, Anna Bajer
Summary: A serosurvey for Toxoplasma gondii in sylvatic rodent species in Poland revealed an overall seroprevalence of 5.5%, with Myodes glareolus at 3.6% and other vole species at 20%. Seroprevalence in bank voles varied significantly between host age and sex. These findings contribute to understanding the role of wild rodent populations in the maintenance and dissemination of T. gondii.
Review
Microbiology
Refilwe Philadelphia Bokaba, Veronique Dermauw, Darshana Morar-Leather, Pierre Dorny, Luis Neves
Summary: This study systematically explores the presence and distribution of Toxoplasma gondii in African wildlife species. The results show a lack of knowledge and understanding of the parasite in Africa, especially in wildlife.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Scott A. Lindsay, Charles G. B. Caraguel, Ryan O'Handley, Jan Slapeta, Rachael Gray
Summary: This study reports on the exposure of the Australian sea lion to Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoon. The results showed that adult female sea lions had a seroprevalence of 30.4%, while no antibodies were detected in the surveyed pups. The study suggests that the infection may be associated with food intake. These findings have implications for parasitic disease risk in wildlife inhabiting Australia's islands and for the feral cat control program.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel, Sergio Estrada-Martinez, Alma Rosa Perez-Alamos, Agar Ramos-Nevarez, Karina Botello-Calderon, Angel Osvaldo Alvarado-Felix, Raquel Vaquera-Enriquez, Gustavo Alexis Alvarado-Felix, Antonio Sifuentes-Alvarez, Carlos Alberto Guido-Arreola, Elizabeth Rabago-Sanchez, Leandro Saenz-Soto
Summary: This study determined the association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and insomnia. The results showed that individuals with insomnia had a higher prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies compared to those without insomnia. Men and individuals over the age of 50 were more susceptible to T. gondii infection-related insomnia.
Article
Agronomy
Abdelfattah Selim, Marawan A. Marawan, Abdelhamed Abdelhady, Majed H. Wakid
Summary: A cross-sectional study conducted in Egypt found that the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in dromedary camels was 46.9%. Risk factors for T. gondii infection in camels included locality, sex, age, contact with small ruminants, history of abortion, and number of parities. Evaluating the seroprevalence and related risk factors is crucial for controlling T. gondii infection in camels and preventing transmission to humans.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Petra Bandelj, Diana Zele Vengust, Rok Blagus, Aleksandra Vergles Rataj, Branko Krt
Summary: The study revealed a high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the Slovenian wild boar population at 62%, the highest reported worldwide. The prevalence increased with age and weight, but not with gender. Due to the high prevalence, handling raw or undercooked wild boar meat poses a significant risk of Toxoplasma exposure.
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)
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
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kassiopi Christina G. Kokkinaki, Manolis N. Saridomichelakis, Mathios E. Mylonakis, Leonidas Leontides, Panagiotis G. Xenoulis
Summary: The prevalence of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii varies in different subpopulations of cats in Greece, and is associated with age, history of cat-fight trauma, and lack of vaccination. This indicates that toxoplasmosis is still a significant public health concern in Greece, and optimal strategies for preventing T. gondii infection in cats should be established.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mohamed Marzok, Omar A. AL-Jabr, Mohamed Salem, Khalid Alkashif, Mohamed Sayed-Ahmed, Majed H. Wakid, Mahmoud Kandeel, Abdelfattah Selim
Summary: This study confirms that horses in Northern Egypt are exposed to Toxoplasma gondii and raises the possibility that people and other animals could contract the disease.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Helga Waap, Andrea Baerwald, Telmo Nunes, Gereon Schares
Summary: This study evaluated the seroprevalence and risk factors for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in naturally exposed cattle in Portugal. The results showed a low but widespread seroprevalence of T. gondii, while N. caninum had a seroprevalence similar to other Mediterranean countries. Climate factors and management practices were significant predictors of infection for both parasites. The study highlights the importance of considering neosporosis in the differential diagnosis of cattle reproductive disorders and informing source attribution models for human toxoplasmosis.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julio Cesar Castillo-Cuenca, Sonia Almeria, Rafael Calero-Bernal, Mercedes Fernandez-Escobar, Jorge Fraga, Angel Entrena-Garcia, Pedro Casanova Arias, Alvaro Martinez-Moreno, Ignacio Garcia-Bocanegra
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in slaughtered pigs in Central Cuba. The results showed that T. gondii is widely distributed in domestic pigs in Cuba with high genetic diversity, which might have important implications for public health.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
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.