Toxoplasma gondii in Captive Wild Felids of Mexico: Its Frequency and Capability to Eliminate Oocysts.

There is little information about Toxoplasma gondii in wild felids, even when these species have been associated with cases of toxoplasmosis in humans. In this study, samples of serum and whole blood were collected from 42 felids from 10 different species, in 4 Mexican zoos. Stool samples from 36 animals were also collected, corresponding to 82% of the felids included in the study. Stool samples were used for the search of oocysts by light field microscopy and PCR. Serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). DNA samples were purified from whole blood and stool for the amplification of a fragment of the SAG1 gene of T. gondii by a nested PCR (nPCR). The seroprevalence of IgG anti-T. gondii-specific antibodies by means of the ELISA was 100% (42/42) and 52.4% (22/42) by IFAT. The titers obtained varied from 1:80 to 1:2560. DNA of T. gondii was detected in 9.5% (4/42) of the blood samples by using nPCR. No oocysts were observed in the stool samples analyzed by light field microscopy. However, the DNA of the parasite was identified in 14.3% (5/35) of the stool samples evaluated. These results indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii in the studied populations of wild felids in captivity, with evidence of parasitemia and elimination of few oocysts even in adult hosts.

Parásitos del tapir centroamericano Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) en Chiapas, México / Parasites of the Central American tapir Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) in Chiapas, Mexico

We analyzed 19 samples of Baird's tapir feces from La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve, collected between March and July 1999. We also took samples directly from a male tapir captured at the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. Both reserves are in Chiapas, Mexico. We used five techniques: flotation, MacMaster, micrometric, Ritchie's sedimentation and Ferreira's quantitative. In addition, we collected ectoparasites from animals captured in both reserves and from a captive couple from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. These nematodes and protozoans were found: Agriostomun sp., Lacandoria sp., Neomurshidia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongylus sp., Brachylumus sp, and an unidentified species of ancilostomaide. We also found Eimeria sp. and Balantidium coli, as well as the mites Dermacentor halli, Dermacentor latus, Amblyomma cajannense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Anocentor nitens and Ixodes bicornis.

Se recolectaron 19 muestras de excretas del tapir centroamericano (Tapirus bairdii) en la Reserva “La Sepultura” (marzo a julio de 1999), así como un muestreo directo a un tapir macho de la Reserva “Montes Azules” (Chiapas, México). Se analizaron con cinco técnicas (flotación, MacMaster, micrometría, sedimentación de Ritchie y cuantitativa de Ferreira). Además se recolectaron muestras en piel de animales capturados en en las dos reservas y en una pareja de zoológico proveniente de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Se hallaron nematodos y protozoarios: Agriostomun sp., Lacandoria sp., Neomurshidia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongylus sp., Brachylumus sp., y un ancilostomaideo aun por identificar. Además se informa la presencia de Eimeria sp., y Balantidium coli. Los ácaros hallados fueron; Dermacentor halli, Dermacentor latus, Amblyomma cajannense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Anocentor nitens e Ixodes bicornis.

[Parasites of the Central American tapir Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) in Chiapas, Mexico]. / Parásitos del tapir centroamericano Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) en Chiapas, México.

We analyzed 19 samples of Baird's tapir feces from La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve, collected between March and July 1999. We also took samples directly from a male tapir captured at the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. Both reserves are in Chiapas, Mexico. We used five techniques: flotation, MacMaster, micrometric, Ritchie's sedimentation and Ferreira's quantitative. In addition, we collected ectoparasites from animals captured in both reserves and from a captive couple from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. These nematodes and protozoans were found: Agriostomun sp., Lacandoria sp., Neomurshidia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongylus sp., Brachylumus sp, and an unidentified species of ancilostomaide. We also found Eimeria sp. and Balantidium coli, as well as the mites Dermacentor halli, Dermacentor latus, Amblyomma cajannense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Anocentor nitens and Ixodes bicornis.