Toxoplasma gondii infection in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in Brazil.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis that affects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Wild animals can act as intermediate hosts of this pathogen; thus, this study aims to detect Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. For this, 72 wild European brown hares were captured from July 2020 to June 2022 in three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul. The diagnostic of Toxoplasma gondii infection was performed by bioassay in mouse, histopathology in Hematoxylin-Eosin-stained tissue sections (brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, and small intestine), serology by IFAT, and molecular techniques by conventional PCR and qPCR. The combined prevalence of the different diagnostic methods was 51.4% (37/72, CI= 40.1 - 62.6 %), and there was no statistical difference between sexes, age range, or geographical region of the hosts. Mouse bioassay was the technique that detected more positive hares. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in invasive European brown hares in Brazil. These animals act as reservoirs and potential infection source for carnivores and other wild and domestic animals, including humans, thus contributing to perpetuate the disease cycle in São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul States. Research such as the present study is necessary to raise awareness about the role of animals in the disease cycle.

Unilateral Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis with frosted branch angiitis: a multimodal imaging study.

A woman in her late 30s presented with sudden diminution of vision, redness and pain in the right eye (OD) of 10 days' duration. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/160 in OD and 20/20 in the left eye (OS). Anterior segment of OD showed keratic precipitates, flare 3+, cells 2+ and a festooned pupil. Vitreous haze and cells were seen in OD. Frosted branch angiitis (FBA) was seen in all quadrants in OD and old Toxoplasma scar was seen in both eyes. Serum toxoplasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) was positive and IgM negative, and PCR of an aqueous humour sample was negative for Toxoplasma She was diagnosed with toxoplasa retinochoroiditis in OD and treated with intravitreal clindamycin injections, oral anti-Toxoplasma antibiotics and steroids. Three months later, her BCVA in OD was 20/40 with resolving inflammation. She presented 2 months later with a new focus of retinochoroiditis without FBA and an old Toxoplasma scar.

First report on prevalence, molecular characterization and phylogenetic study of Toxoplasma gondii infecting sheep of the Malakand Division of Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that infects one-third of the population of the world, including humans, animals, birds, and other vertebrates. The present investigation is the first molecular attempt in the Malakand Division of Pakistan to determine the epidemiology and phylogenetic study of Toxoplasma gondii infecting small ruminants. METHODOLOGY: A total of (N = 450) blood samples of sheep were randomly collected during the study period (December 2020 to November 2021), and DNA detection was done using PCR by amplifying ITS-1 genes. SPSS.20 and MEGA-11 software were used for statistical significance and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of T. gondii infection among sheep was 14.44 % (65/450). A high infection rate was found in more than five-year-olds at 18.33 % (11/60). Sequencing and BLAST analysis of PCR-positive samples confirmed the presence of T. gondii. Randomly, three isolates were sequenced and submitted to GenBank under accession numbers (PP028089-PP028091), respectively. The BLAST analysis of the obtained sequences based on the ITS-1 gene showed 99 % similarities with reported genotypes found in goats of Malakand, Pakistan (PP028089) and dogs of Brazil (MF766454). The study concludes that T. gondii is notably prevalent among the sheep population in the region, emphasizing the significant role of risk factors in disease transmission across animals and potentially to humans. Further research, zoonotic potential analysis, and targeted control measures are warranted to address and manage this parasitic infection effectively.

The geographic distribution, and the biotic and abiotic predictors of select zoonotic pathogen detections in Canadian polar bears.

Increasing Arctic temperatures are facilitating the northward expansion of more southerly hosts, vectors, and pathogens, exposing naïve populations to pathogens not typical at northern latitudes. To understand such rapidly changing host-pathogen dynamics, we need sensitive and robust surveillance tools. Here, we use a novel multiplexed magnetic-capture and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) tool to assess a sentinel Arctic species, the polar bear (Ursus maritimus; n = 68), for the presence of five zoonotic pathogens (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Francisella tularensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp.), and observe associations between pathogen presence and biotic and abiotic predictors. We made two novel detections: the first detection of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex member in Arctic wildlife and the first of E. rhusiopathiae in a polar bear. We found a prevalence of 37% for E. rhusiopathiae, 16% for F. tularensis, 29% for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, 18% for T. gondii, and 75% for Trichinella spp. We also identify associations with bear age (Trichinella spp.), harvest season (F. tularensis and MTBC), and human settlements (E. rhusiopathiae, F. tularensis, MTBC, and Trichinella spp.). We demonstrate that monitoring a sentinel species, the polar bear, could be a powerful tool in disease surveillance and highlight the need to better characterize pathogen distributions and diversity in the Arctic.

Atypical acquired toxoplasmosis.

A 33-year-old male presented with unilateral painless vision loss with a history of sub-tenon steroid for the same. The fundus showed an elevated focus of retinochoroiditis with vitritis. On investigating for the cause, polymerase chain reaction test on the anterior chamber tap was found to be positive for Toxoplasma. Such confusing and atypical cases usually produce a clinical dilemma and should be managed in a stepwise manner. Ancillary investigations usually provide a clue to the clinician and should be performed without any hesitation.

Toxoplasmic encephalitis with high 201Tl uptake and retention mimicking malignant lymphoma in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Various opportunistic infections develop during immunodeficiency due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The treatment options for malignant lymphoma (ML) and toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) are completely different; therefore, their discrimination is critical. A 25-year-old female of foreign nationality had been experiencing headaches for several weeks and suddenly developed convulsions. Brain computed tomography revealed multiple intracranial lesions; therefore, the patient was referred to the neurosurgery department. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple masses with surrounding edema, accompanied by enhanced contrast. The largest mass (2 cm) in the left occipital lobe exhibited ringed contrast enhancement. Her blood test results showed a CD4 count of 40/µL, positive HIV Ag/Ab, HIV-RNA level of 56 × 104 copies/mL, positive anti-Toxoplasma IgG (63 IU/mL), and negative anti-Toxoplasma IgM. 201Tl- single photon emission computed tomography (201Tl-SPECT) revealed abnormal accumulation only in the tumor in the left occipital lobe (early T/N ratio, 3.034; delayed T/N ratio, 2.738; retention index, 0.9), which was suspected to be a ML. Both tumors, with or without high accumulation of 201Tl, were subjected to craniotomy biopsy. Pathological examination revealed infiltration of small lymphocytes with a necrotic background. The patient was diagnosed with TE based on a positive result of a tissue polymerase chain reaction test for Toxoplasma gondii. Two weeks after sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination therapy, MRI imaging showed dramatic improvement in multiple brain tumors. This case is atypical because ML was ruled out despite high 201Tl-SPECT uptake and retention. Careful diagnosis through pathological examination and DNA testing is important.

Seroprevalence and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in beef cattle and goats in Hunan province, China.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related protozoan parasites that are considered important causes of abortion in livestock, causing huge economic losses. Hunan Province ranks 12th in the production of beef and mutton in China. However, limited data are available on the seroprevalence, risk factors and molecular characterization of T. gondii and N. caninum in beef cattle and goats in Hunan province, China. METHODS: Sera of 985 beef cattle and 1147 goats were examined for the presence of specific antibodies against T. gondii using indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) and anti-N. caninum IgG using competitive-inhibition enzyme-linked immunoassay assay (cELISA). Statistical analysis of possible risk factors was performed using PASW Statistics. Muscle samples of 160 beef cattle and 160 goats were examined for the presence of T. gondii DNA (B1 gene) and N. caninum DNA (Nc-5 gene) by nested PCR. The B1 gene-positive samples were genotyped at 10 genetic markers using the multilocus nested PCR-RFLP (Mn-PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: Specific IgG against T. gondii were detected in 8.3% (82/985) and 13.3% (153/1147) and against N. caninum in 2.1% (21/985) and 2.0% (23/1147) of the beef cattle and goats, respectively. Based on statistical analysis, the presence of cats, semi-intensive management mode and gender were identified as significant risk factors for T. gondii infection in beef cattle. Age was a significant risk factor for T. gondii infection in goats (P < 0.05), and age > 3 years was a significant risk factor for N. caninum infection in beef cattle (P < 0.05). PCR positivity for T. gondii was observed in three beef samples (1.9%; 3/160) and seven chevon samples (4.4%; 7/160). Genotyping of PCR positive samples identified one to be ToxoDB#10. The N. caninum DNA was observed in one beef sample (0.6%; 1/160) but was negative in all chevon samples. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale serological and molecular investigation of T. gondii and N. caninum and assessment of related risk factors in beef cattle and goats in Hunan Province, China. The findings provide baseline data for executing prevention and control of these two important parasites in beef cattle and goats in China.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in seabirds collected along the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two closely related protozoans that infect a wide range of animals, including birds. However, the occurrence of N. caninum and T. gondii in seabirds is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum DNA in tissue samples of seabirds. Tissue samples of the pectoral muscles, heart, and brain were collected from 47 birds along the coastline of Santa Catarina State, SC, Brazil. The DNA was extracted from the tissues and screened using nested-PCR (nPCR) targeting internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). T. gondii DNA was detected in tissues from seven seabirds (7/47, 14.8%), kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) (5/21), and Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) (2/8). N. caninum DNA was detected in tissues of nine seabirds (9/47, 19.1%), the kelp gull (L. dominicanus) (4/21), Manx shearwater (P. puffinus) (2/8), neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) (1/4), brown booby (Sula leucogaster) (1/5), and white-chinned petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) (1/1); however, no co-infection was observed. In conclusion, this study showed the circulation of N. caninum and T. gondii in seabirds along the coastline of Santa Catarina State. Further studies are required to clarify the role of these birds in the epidemiology of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis.

Granulomatous pneumonia in a cow infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

We report a confirmed case of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the lungs of a cow exhibiting respiratory symptoms. At slaughter, white nodules were discovered in lung tissue, accompanied by enlarged hilar lymph nodes. Histological examination revealed the disappearance of alveolar structures in nodular areas, replaced by granulomas containing inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-T. gondii antibody and nucleotide sequencing of 18S rDNA confirmed T. gondii infection. However, the link between T. gondii and observed symptoms remains unclear. Various factors, including host genetics, underlying diseases, infection route, and exposure level, may contribute to these uncommon symptoms. Although T. gondii infections in cattle are traditionally considered asymptomatic, our study suggests the possible existence of clinical symptoms associated with Toxoplasma infection. Beef cattle are generally not assumed to be a relevant source of human T. gondii infection; however, sporadic transmission by infected edible beef to humans cannot be completely excluded and deserves further studies.

Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic animals from Campeche, México, reveals virulent genotypes and a recombinant ROP5 allele.

Toxoplasma gondii has at least 318 genotypes distributed worldwide, and tropical regions usually have greater genetic diversity. Campeche is a state located in the southeastern region of México and has favourable climate conditions for the replication and dissemination of this protozoan, similar to those in South American countries where broad genetic diversity has been described. Thus, in this study, 4 T. gondii isolates were obtained from tissues of stray dogs and free-range chickens in Campeche, México, and were genotyped by Mn-PCR-RFLP with 10 typing markers (SAG1, altSAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico) and 5 virulence markers (CS3, ROP16, ROP17, ROP18 and ROP5) to provide new information about the distribution and virulence prediction of T. gondii genotypes. Two isolates of T. gondii genotype #116 and 2 of genotype #38 were obtained from stray dogs and chickens, respectively. The parasite load found in these species was between <50 and more than 35 000 tachyzoites per mg of tissue. Virulence marker genotyping revealed a recombinant 1&3 ROP5 RFLP pattern in 2 ToxoDB #116 isolates with no prediction of virulence in a murine model, while in the 2 ToxoDB #38 isolates, the ROP18/ROP5 combination predicted high virulence. Considering all the typed markers, there is a predominance of type I and III alleles, as constantly reported for the isolates characterized in various regions of México. It is crucial to determine their phenotype to corroborate the genetic virulence profile of the T. gondii isolates obtained in this study.

Is GRA6 Gene a Suitable Marker for Molecular Typing of Toxoplasma Gondii? A Scoping Systematic Review.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide prevalence that is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This study aimed to summarize available data on genotyping T. gondii strains based on the GRA6 gene marker in different hosts around the world. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using five international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) from inception until December 2021. We identified 32 papers eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. The majority of studies (50%) were carried out in Iran (n = 16) to identify T. gondii genotypes based on the GRA6 gene. Other countries with reported studies include China, Japan, Sweden, and Italy (n = 2 each). Out of 3,434 samples collected from various hosts, most studies (n = 11) focused on human samples (34.4%), followed by ovine (n = 7), pig (n = 4), goat (n = 3) and soil and cattle (n = 2).Using various molecular methods such as conventional PCR, nested-PCR, real-time PCR, microsatellite analysis, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), we found DNA positive results in 805 out of 3,434 samples. Of these, 285 (35.40%), 207 (25.71%), 182 (22.60%), 65 (8.07%), and 18 (2.23%) were infected with types I, II, III, mix I, II, III, and mix II, III, respectively. Our data demonstrate that the GRA6 gene marker has sufficient polymorphism to detect three types of T. gondii genotypes in various hosts. Identifying the specific genotype could be valuable in developing new strategies for treatment, vaccination, diagnosis, control, and prevention of T. gondii infection.

Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing May be a Tool for Timely Diagnosis of Seronegative and Primary Toxoplasma Infection After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We report a case of Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ) antibody seronegativity in a 14-year-old boy with a primary infection of T. gondii after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia who was rapidly diagnosed through metagenomic next-generation sequencing of peripheral blood as well as clinical manifestations. He was successfully cured with timely administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole due to early diagnosis.

OUTCOMES OF INFECTIOUS PANUVEITIS ASSOCIATED WITH SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-POSITIVE OCULAR FLUID POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION.

PURPOSE: To evaluate features of infectious panuveitis associated with multiple pathogens detected by ocular fluid sampling. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, consecutive case series of patients with aqueous/vitreous polymerase chain reaction testing with >1 positive result in a single sample from 2001 to 2021. RESULTS: Of 1,588 polymerase chain reaction samples, 28 (1.76%) were positive for two pathogens. Most common pathogens were cytomegalovirus (n = 16, 57.1%) and Epstein-Barr virus (n = 13, 46.4%), followed by varicella zoster virus (n = 8, 28.6%), Toxoplasma gondii (n = 6, 21.4%), herpes simplex virus 2 (n = 6, 21.4%), herpes simplex virus 1 (n = 6, 21.4%), and Toxocara (n = 1, 3.6%). Mean initial and final visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) were 1.3 ± 0.9 (Snellen ∼20/400) and 1.3 ± 1.1 (Snellen ∼20/400), respectively. Cytomegalovirus-positive eyes (n = 16, 61.5%) had a mean final visual acuity of 0.94 ± 1.1 (Snellen ∼20/175), whereas cytomegalovirus-negative eyes (n = 10, 38%) had a final visual acuity of 1.82 ± 1.0 (Snellen ∼20/1,320) ( P < 0.05). Main clinical features included intraocular inflammation (100%), retinal whitening (84.6%), immunosuppression (65.4%), retinal hemorrhage (38.5%), and retinal detachment (34.6%). CONCLUSION: Cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus were common unique pathogens identified in multi-PCR-positive samples. Most patients with co-infection were immunosuppressed with a high rate of retinal detachment and poor final visual acuity. Cytomegalovirus-positive eyes had better visual outcomes compared with cytomegalovirus-negative eyes.

ABORTION AND NEONATAL MORTALITY DUE TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN BIGHORN SHEEP (OVIS CANADENSIS).

Low lamb recruitment can be an obstacle to bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) conservation and restoration. Causes of abortion and neonate loss in bighorn sheep, which may affect recruitment, are poorly understood. Toxoplasma gondii is a major cause of abortion and stillbirth in domestic small ruminants worldwide, but no reports exist documenting abortion or neonatal death in bighorn sheep attributable to toxoplasmosis. Between March 2019 and May 2021, eight fetal and neonatal bighorn lamb cadavers from four western US states (Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and Washington) were submitted to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for postmortem examination, histologic examination, and ancillary testing to determine the cause of abortion or neonatal death. Necrotizing encephalitis characteristic of toxoplasmosis was identified histologically in six of eight cases, and T. gondii infection was confirmed by PCR in five cases with characteristic lesions. Other lesions attributable to toxoplasmosis were pneumonia (3/5 cases) and myocarditis (2/5 cases). Protozoal cysts were identified histologically within brain, lung, heart, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, or a combination of samples in all five sheep with PCR-confirmed T. gondii infections. Seroprevalence of T. gondii ranged from 40-81% of adult females sampled in the Washington population in October and November 2018-2021, confirming high rates of exposure before detection of Toxoplasma abortions in this study. Of 1,149 bighorn sheep postmortem samples submitted to Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory between January 2000 and May 2021, 21 of which were from fetuses or neonates, a single case of chronic toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in one adult ewe. Recent identification of Toxoplasma abortions in bighorn sheep suggests that toxoplasmosis is an underappreciated cause of reproductive loss. Abortions and neonatal mortalities should be investigated through postmortem and histologic examination, particularly in herds that are chronically small, demographically stagnant, or exhibit reproductive rates lower than expected.

The involvement of protozoan parasites in sheep abortions - A ten-year review of diagnostic results.

Abortions in sheep flocks affect animal health and lead to significant losses in productivity, with severe economic consequences. In recent years, the role of protozoan parasites as the cause of ovine abortions has been significant. Here, the diagnosis of infectious causes of abortions in sheep in Israel in the last decade is reviewed, focusing on parasitic pathogens. Analysis of the serological data of sheep sera (including aborted fetuses) submitted for diagnoses between 2010 and 2019 revealed overall seroprevalence of 67.4 % and 46.7 % for Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii respectively, with high rates of co-exposure (32.4 %). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was higher in aborting ewes than in pre-sale examinations (48.2 % and 28.9 %, respectively (P < 0.001)). The seroprevalence of Neospora spp. was significantly higher than the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma (P < 0.001), and was similar in samples from aborting ewes and in samples from pre-sale examinations. In addition, the presence of anti-Neospora spp. antibodies was the most prominent finding diagnosed in aborted fetuses (22.9 % of aborted fetuses, significantly higher than any other organism, P < 0.001). The results of this study demonstrate that in endemic areas the seroprevalence of N. caninum in sheep may be high, and should be considered as an important cause of abortions. However, since the seroprevalence is high even in non-aborting ewes, in order to determine the causative agent of abortion in endemic flocks, a comprehensive epidemiological investigation is warranted.

Posterior segment findings by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and clinical associations in active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis.

Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is a common, potentially blinding parasitic infection. We sought to define the spectrum and frequency of signs of active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and to identify clinical associations. Ninety eyes of 90 individuals presenting consecutively to a tertiary referral uveitis service with active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and gradable SD-OCT scans were evaluated prospectively. SD-OCT features were collated, and associations with lesion location, primary versus recurrent episode, serological status, human immunodeficiency virus infection and best-corrected Snellen visual acuity were explored. Active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis presented with thickened (65%) and hyperreflective (61%) retina, choroidal thickening (55%) and hyporeflectivity (61%), hyperreflective vitreous dots (80%) and deposits (36%), and posterior hyaloid thickening (35%) on SD-OCT. Most signs occurred with similar frequency across clinical groups. Retinal hyporeflectivity (17%) was significantly associated with a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse at resolution. Our observations demonstrate that active toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis has diverse SD-OCT signs and that none are universally present. Retinal hyporeflectivity-suggesting liquefactive necrosis-predicts poor visual outcome.

Retrospective study of toxoplasmosis prevalence in pregnant women in Benin and its relation with malaria.

BACKGROUND: Globally distributed with variable prevalence depending on geography, toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. This disease is usually benign but poses a risk for immunocompromised people and for newborns of mothers with a primary infection during pregnancy because of the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). CT can cause severe damage to fetuses-newborns. To our knowledge, no study has been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa on toxoplasmosis seroprevalence, seroconversion and CT in a large longitudinal cohort and furthermore, no observation has been made of potential relationships with malaria. METHODS: We performed a retrospective toxoplasmosis serological study using available samples from a large cohort of 1,037 pregnant women who were enrolled in a malaria follow-up during the 2008-2010 period in a rural area in Benin. We also used some existing data to investigate potential relationships between the maternal toxoplasmosis serological status and recorded malaria infections. RESULTS: Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence, seroconversion and CT rates were 52.6%, 3.4% and 0.2%, respectively, reflecting the population situation of toxoplasmosis, without targeted medical intervention. The education level influences the toxoplasmosis serological status of women, with women with little or no formal education have greater immunity than others. Surprisingly, toxoplasmosis seropositive pregnant women tended to present lower malaria infection during pregnancy (number) or at delivery (presence) and to have lower IgG levels to Plasmodium falciparum Apical Membrane Antigen 1, compared to toxoplasmosis seronegative women. CONCLUSIONS: The high toxoplasmosis seroprevalence indicates that prevention against this parasite remains important to deploy and must be accessible and understandable to and for all individuals (educated and non-educated). A potential protective role against malaria conferred by a preexisting toxoplasmosis infection needs to be explored more precisely to examine the environmental, parasitic and/or immune aspects.

Prevalence and isolation of Toxoplasma gondii in goats slaughtered for human consumption in the semi-arid of northeastern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and factors associated with infection in goats, and to isolate protozoan strains in tissue samples from seropositive goats that were destined for human consumption in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 229 slaughtered goats were tested using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), with a cutoff point of 1:64. Epidemiological questionnaires were applied to the producers, to acquire information about the sanitary management used in their herds. Tissue samples from the animals were collected during slaughter, in order to perform bioassays in mice. The seroprevalence found was 21.39% (49/229), with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:32,768. The municipalities of origin, Patos (OR: 3.047; CI: 1.384-6.706) and Sousa (OR: 3.355; CI: 1.536-7.327), were considered to be factors associated with infection by T. gondii. Thirty-eight bioassays were performed in mice, using tissues from seropositive goats, with an isolation rate of 50% (19/38). There was no correlation between isolation rate and antibody titers. Only one mouse died, at 30 days post-infection, which demonstrated that the strains isolated had low virulence towards mice. It was concluded that there is high seroprevalence in goats in northeastern Brazil, as well as a high percentage of viable tissue cysts in slaughtered animals destined for human consumption. These results demonstrate that there is an imminent one health problem relating to toxoplasmosis, especially in the most populous municipalities in the study (Patos and Sousa), which were identified as factors associated with T. gondii infection in goats.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in placentas of women who received therapy during gestation in a toxoplasmosis outbreak.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by T. gondii, a protozoa which affects humans and animals and is widely distributed worldwide. In humans, there is great concern due to the serious consequences that can occur in the infection of pregnant women and the newborn. The early diagnosis of gestational toxoplasmosis is important for treatment to be carried out in order to prevent vertical transmission or reduce damage. The diagnosis can be made through the detection of antibodies in pregnant women or neonates and PCR of amniotic fluid. Previous studies have also reported PCR of the placenta as a good diagnostic test. Our study evaluated the detection of T. gondii DNA in placenta samples from parturients seen at the University Hospital of Santa Maria, Southern Brazil and treated during the pregnancy. We performed PCR in forty samples and five were positive, representing 12.5%. When correlating the treatment time and the detection of DNA in the placentas, no significant result was found. The prevalence of positive samples was lower than in other studies in the literature. The data reaffirm the importance of carrying out the analysis of the placenta.