Exploring the epidemiological role of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii

Scherrer, P; Ryser-Degiorgis, Marie-Pierre; Marti, Iris; Borel, Stéphanie; Frey, Claude; Müller, Norbert; Ruetten, Maja; Basso, Walter

doi:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.03.005

Cited by 6 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 80 publications

(103 reference statements)

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“…However, some studies conducted in feral cats observed greater predation by males and, therefore, a higher risk for infection [60]. Only adult wildcats have been analyzed in this study, but lynxes from all three age groups were analyzed, although there was a predominance of adult individuals (58) compared to juveniles (7) and seniors (4). In lynxes, we observed a significant difference among age groups, with an increase in individuals over 1year old (adults and seniors).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 73%

“…This negative result is not surprising; due to the short patent period, it is difficult to detect oocysts, even in cat feces [52]. However, the diversity of felid species accepted as definitive hosts, including congeneric species (L. lynx, L. rufus) [7,8] on that list, strongly suggests that the Iberian lynx may also be a definitive host. Further studies are needed to undoubtedly confirm this possibility.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Intra-species transmission is also possible during fetal development, lactation, or through sperm [6]. In addition to domestic cats, nearly 20 species of wild felines belonging to Acinonyx (cheetah), Felis ("cats"), Leopardus (ocelot, Geoffroy's cat, Pampa's cat), Herpailurus (jaguarundi), Lynx (lynxes), Panthera (lion, tiger), and Puma (cougar) have been reported to shed oocysts of T. gondii [7,8]. As definitive hosts, felines (both domestic and wild) play a crucial role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in all species and can be responsible (at least, domestic cats) for outbreaks [5,9], and it is essential to determine the prevalence of infection in these animals to implement appropriate control measures.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Endangered Wild Felines (Felis silvestris and Lynx pardinus) in Spain

Matas Méndez,

Fuentes Corripio,

Montoya Matute

et al. 2023

Animals

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The wildcat (Felis silvestris) and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) are important species in Spain, considered as near-threatened and endangered, respectively. Both can be infected by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can cause morbidity and mortality in transplacentally-infected or immunocompromised mammals. The data on the prevalence of this parasite in wild populations of these species in Spain are outdated. The objective of this study was to update information and evaluate the role of these felines in parasite epidemiology and the potential impact of the parasite on their conservation. Blood and fecal samples were collected from captured animals, as well as the tongue, diaphragm, and spleen, from animals killed in road accidents in central Spain. An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect parasite antibodies in serum, microscopy and molecular analysis were used to detect oocysts in feces, and molecular analysis was used to determine the existence of tissue cysts. Seroprevalence was 85% in wildcats and 45% in lynx, and parasite DNA was detected in the feces of one wildcat and in tissue samples from 10 wildcats and 11 Iberian lynxes. These results highlight the epidemiological importance and high risk of T. gondii infection in animals and humans in the studied areas. Considering feline susceptibility to infection, monitoring programs are needed to assess the health status of wild felines.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 73%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Endangered Wild Felines (Felis silvestris and Lynx pardinus) in Spain

Matas Méndez,

Fuentes Corripio,

Montoya Matute

et al. 2023

Animals

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“…Recent studies demonstrate the involvement of the Eurasian lynx in the Toxoplasma cycle, acting as both an intermediate and definitive host. This is evidenced by the detection of cysts and the elimination of oocysts [ 4 ]. This felid is common in Sierra Morena, where the two largest populations of the Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardinus ) are found; specifically, in two of the provinces under study (Córdoba and Jaén) [ 59 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In our region, cats and lynxes serve as definitive hosts in the complex life cycle of T. gondii , excreting millions of oocysts in their feces. These oocysts can infect intermediate hosts through the contamination of soil, water, or food [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. However, T. gondii can also circulate in the environment without the involvement of definitive hosts (via tissue cysts in the tissues of intermediate hosts), as well as without the involvement of intermediate hosts (via environmentally contaminated oocysts) [ 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Revealing the Prevalence of Toxoplasma in Sierra Morena’s Wild Boar: An ELISA-Based Study Using Meat Juice

Castillo-Castillo,

Rufino-Moya,

Martínez-Moreno

et al. 2024

Pathogens

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This research work focused on the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in wild boar from the Sierra Morena region. We conducted an ELISA analysis using meat juice samples. A total of 892 samples from six hunting seasons (2013–2019) were collected from the provinces that constitute the Sierra Morena Mountain range. These samples were analyzed using the Pigtype® ELISA kit, specifically developed for detecting T. gondii in meat juice. The overall prevalence of T. gondii in Sierra Morena was 23.2%. The highest prevalences were observed in Córdoba (31.6%) and Jaén (25.9%). These provinces exhibit the highest density of wild boar as well as the greatest presence of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Further in-depth studies are necessary, but it appears that the presence of wild felids and scavenger behavior may be associated with this observation.

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Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in northern Sweden: a cross-sectional study from 2014

Kautto,

Olsen,

Wallander

et al. 2023

Acta Vet Scand

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Background Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan that can infect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The infection with T. gondii, is of particular concern due to its potential impact on human and animal health. In Sweden, semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) is an important species both economically and culturally, but susceptibility to Toxoplasma infection and seroprevalence in reindeer herds remain relatively understudied. Results A total of 528 reindeer, sampled at two slaughterhouses in Sweden in 2014, were investigated for antibodies to T. gondii. Specific antibodies to T. gondii were found in 5 of 209 (2.3%) tested adult reindeer and in 6 of 308 (1.9%) tested calves, giving an apparent total prevalence of 2.1% (95% confidence interval 1.1–3.8%). None of four putative risk factors studied (sex, age, type of grazing area, county) were statistically associated with T. gondii seroprevalence. Conclusions Swedish semi-domesticated reindeer are exposed to T. gondii and may harbour infectious tissue cysts. To mitigate the risk of T. gondii infection in consumers, reindeer meat should be frozen or cooked thoroughly before consumption. The global climate change may influence the seroprevalence and possible associated risk factors for T. gondii in reindeer. To be able to manage the risk and get better advice to the consumers there is a need for further investigations covering the whole spectra of herding conditions for reindeer.

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Exploring the epidemiological role of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii

Cited by 6 publications

References 80 publications

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Endangered Wild Felines (Felis silvestris and Lynx pardinus) in Spain

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Endangered Wild Felines (Felis silvestris and Lynx pardinus) in Spain

Revealing the Prevalence of Toxoplasma in Sierra Morena’s Wild Boar: An ELISA-Based Study Using Meat Juice

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) in northern Sweden: a cross-sectional study from 2014

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