Serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and Neospora caninum in geese (Anser sp.) from urban parks and captivity

Abstract

Geese, ducks, mallards, and swans are birds of the order Anseriformes, which are found in the wild, in zoos and parks, and raised for meat consumption. Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis sp., and Neospora caninum are protozoans of several species of animals. Wild and domestic birds can serve as intermediate hosts, disseminators and potential sources of infection of these protozoa to humans through contaminated meat. The aims of this study were: (i) to perform a serological survey of T. gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and N. caninum in geese (Anser sp.) from public parks and from captivity and (ii) to compare seroprevalence between these two locations. Antibodies were detected by Immunofluorescence antibody test using the serum of 149 geese. Antibodies to Sarcocystis sp., T. gondii, and N. caninum were detected in 28.18%, 18% and 0.67% of geese, respectively; 57% of geese from urban parks and 26.53% of geese from captivity were seropositive for at least one protozoa. The results indicate environmental contamination, particularly for the occurrence of antibodies against T. gondii – a zoonosis that causes toxoplasmosis and is transmitted through oocyte ingestion. This is the first serological survey of T. gondii, Sarcocystis sp. and N. caninum in geese from urban parks in Curitiba, Brazil.

Serological evidence of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in free-ranging Orinoco goose (Neochen jubata) in Brazil

“…), with prevalence rates lower than that presented in the present study (18% and 0.67%, respectively, n=149). While the titers for T. gondii in that study (150) were also lower than those found in the present study, the titers for N. caninum were slightly higher (25) (KONELL et al, 2019). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first serological evidence of exposure to T. gondii and N. caninum in the Orinoco goose.…”

Detecção molecular de Sarcocystis spp. no músculo peitoral de aves de cativeiro da região sul do Brasil

“…A study in geese (Anser sp.) from public parks and captivity in Curitiba, Brazil, verified through indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) that 28% (42/149) of the birds had antibodies against Sarcocystis spp., with 90% of the birds showing no clinical signs; nonetheless, only four birds with positive serology manifested nonspecific clinical signs (diarrhea, cloaca prolapse, and difficult breathing) (Konell et al, 2019). The frequency of reports of natural infection in New World birds by Sarcocystis species is low because of co-evolution with the parasite (Dubey et al, 2001a).…”

Survey of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis neurona antibodies in wild red-tailed Amazon parrots (Amazona brasiliensis)

“…There are no data on the T. gondii and N. caninum seropositivity in cats and dogs in Rasa Island. Most of the serologic surveys in the state of Paraná were conducted in domestic animals and distant from the study area (Dubey et al, 2012;Cerqueira-Cézar et al, 2017;Konell et al, 2019).…”