Isolation and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from a captive black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya Humboldt, 1812) in Brazil

Amendoeira, Maria Regina Reis; Arruda, Igor Falco; Moreira, Sílvia Bahadian; Ubiali, Daniel G.; Barbosa, Alynne da Silva; Pena, Hilda Fátima Jesus; Pereira, Asheley Henrique Barbosa; Silveira, Clarissa Nascimento da; Bonifácio, Thamires Francisco; Clemes, Yara Souza; Pissinatti, Thalita de Abreu; Santos, André F.; Pissinatti, Alcides

doi:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.09.005

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…These signs and symptoms were also described by Sabin [20] when this strain was isolated and, more recently, by Sudan et al [35] in Swiss Webster mice infected with the RH strain. In addition, these same parameters have also been described in laboratory mice infected with atypical T. gondii strains of virulent phenotype isolated from domestic and wild animals [36][37][38]. In this way, the humane endpoints identified in this study can also be implemented in research protocols that use not only the RH strain and others of clonal genotype type I but also atypical strains of virulent phenotype, in line with good animal experimentation practices.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 62%

Humane Endpoints in Swiss Webster Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii RH Strain

Arruda,

Amendoeira,

Bonifácio

et al. 2024

Animals

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The highly virulent Toxoplasma gondii RH strain is maintained through successive passages in mice, but there is still a lack of studies that refine these procedures from a 3Rs perspective, where humanitarian ideals aim to minimize the stress, pain, or suffering of the animals used in the research without the loss of results. The aim of this study was to establish humane endpoints in Swiss Webster mice inoculated with the T. gondii RH strain. A total of 52 mice were infected with 5 × 106 tachyzoites/mL and monitored for periods of up to 5 days. The parameters body weight; hair condition; higher than normal body temperature; hypothermia; respiratory function; pain; soft stools or diarrhea; bloody diarrhea; tense, nervous, or in distress during handling; and ascites were recorded daily in score tables. The results showed that prominent piloerection, respiratory function, pain parameters, and ascites are important clinical signs to be used as a cut-off point for implementing euthanasia. The application of this refinement method helped to avoid animal suffering and pain without compromising the number of parasites recovered. We therefore suggest adopting these parameters in research protocols that require the maintenance of the T. gondii RH strain in murine models to avoid and reduce animal suffering.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 62%

Humane Endpoints in Swiss Webster Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii RH Strain

Arruda,

Amendoeira,

Bonifácio

et al. 2024

Animals

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“…However, by the time when toxoplasmosis was detected, there was no foliage left to be analyzed. It is important to note that, as previously discussed [53], the strain of T. gondii isolated from the tissues of specimen 2576 (A. caraya, #8), for which inoculum in mice proved to be highly virulent [53], is genetically similar to the ones found in seven asymptomatic birds in Espírito Santo (ES) [54][55][56] and four human congenital toxoplasmosis cases in Minas Gerais (MG) in 2012 [56,57]. Both states border Rio de Janeiro, where the CPRJ is located.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 70%

Lessons from a Multilaboratorial Task Force for Diagnosis of a Fatal Toxoplasmosis Outbreak in Captive Primates in Brazil

Schiffler,

Pereira,

Moreira

et al. 2023

Microorganisms

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Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and is especially fatal for neotropical primates. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health is responsible for national epizootic surveillance, but some diseases are still neglected. Here, we present an integrated investigation of an outbreak that occurred during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic among eleven neotropical primates housed at a primatology center in Brazil. After presenting non-specific clinical signs, all animals died within four days. A wide range of pathogens were evaluated, and we successfully identified T. gondii as the causative agent within four days after necropsies. The liver was the most affected organ, presenting hemorrhage and hepatocellular necrosis. Tachyzoites and bradyzoite cysts were observed in histological examinations and immunohistochemistry in different organs; in addition, parasitic DNA was detected through PCR in blood samples from all specimens evaluated. A high prevalence of Escherichia coli was also observed, indicating sepsis. This case highlights some of the obstacles faced by the current Brazilian surveillance system. A diagnosis was obtained through the integrated action of researchers since investigation for toxoplasmosis is currently absent in national guidelines. An interdisciplinary investigation could be a possible model for future epizootic investigations in animals.

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“…However, by the time when toxoplasmosis was detected, there was no foliage left to be analyzed. Furthermore, it is important to note that, as discussed by Amendoeira et al , the strain of T. gondii isolated from the tissues of specimen 2576 ( A. caraya ), which inoculum in mice proved to be highly virulent [67], is genetically similar to the ones found in seven asymptomatic birds in Espírito Santo (ES) [68–70] and four human congenital toxoplasmosis cases in Minas Gerais (MG) in 2012 [70,71]. Both ES and MG states border Rio de Janeiro state, where the CPRJ is located.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lessons from a multilaboratorial task force for diagnosis of a fatal toxoplasmosis outbreak in captive primates in Brazil

Schiffler,

Moreira,

Pereira

et al. 2023

Preprint

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As exemplified by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, infectious diseases may emerge and spread rapidly, often causing serious economic losses and public health concerns. In fact, disease outbreaks have become increasingly common, especially those of zoonotic origin. The Brazilian Ministry of Health is responsible for national epizootic surveillance. However, the system’s focus primarily on diseases affecting humans has led to the neglect of other zoonotic diseases. In this report, we present an integrated investigation of an outbreak that occurred during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic among captive neotropical primates housed at a primatology center in Brazil. After presenting a range of non-specific clinical signs, including fever, prostration, inappetence, and abdominal pain, ten primates from five different species died within approximately four days. Despite the state of health emergency due to the pandemic, a network of volunteer researchers was established to investigate the outbreak. A wide range of high-resolution techniques was used for different pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2 (RTq-PCR, ELISA and IHC), Toxoplasma gondii (IHC and IFA) and Escherichia coli (IFA), as well as a portable Metagenomic Sequencing utilizing Nanopore Technology. Within a span of four days after necropsies, we successfully identified T. gondii as the causative agent of this outbreak. This case highlights some of the obstacles faced with the current Brazilian surveillance system, which is still limited. A cross-platform interdisciplinary investigation could be a possible model for future epizootic investigations in non-human animals.Author summaryThe Brazilian epizootic surveillance system, under the regulation of the Ministry of Health, has been established to address a national list of compulsory notifiable diseases. However, focusing mainly on the risks to humans causes other zoonoses to be neglected. Here we present an outbreak that occurred during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected eleven neotropical primates (NP) belonging to six different species. Within four days of exhibiting a range of non-specific clinical signs, including fever, prostration, inappetence, and abdominal pain, ten NPs died. Despite testing negative for pathogens included in the national surveillance policy, a collaborative group of researchers investigated the outbreak in detail. Using integrated diagnostic techniques, we identifiedToxoplasma gondiias the causative agent four days after necropsy. Toxoplasmosis causes devastating acute death outbreaks in neotropical primates and is currently absent in the national guidelines. This unified effort proved the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary collaborative surveillance network in facilitating precise diagnoses.

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Isolation and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from a captive black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya Humboldt, 1812) in Brazil

Cited by 4 publications

References 24 publications

Humane Endpoints in Swiss Webster Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii RH Strain

Humane Endpoints in Swiss Webster Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii RH Strain

Lessons from a Multilaboratorial Task Force for Diagnosis of a Fatal Toxoplasmosis Outbreak in Captive Primates in Brazil

Lessons from a multilaboratorial task force for diagnosis of a fatal toxoplasmosis outbreak in captive primates in Brazil

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