Abstract
Molecular methods such as Copro-PCR stand out in the diagnosis of T. gondii, because they are highly sensitive and specific, and can distinguish T. gondii from other morphologically similar coccids. The purpose was the detection of Toxoplasma gondii copro-prevalence by polymerase chain reaction in 149 fecal samples from stray and domiciled cats, using three distinct markers (B5-B6, 18S and 529bp RE). Oocysts of T. gondii/H. hammondi were detected in 15.4% by parasitology fecal tests (PFT), and 4% of these oocysts were positively identified as T. gondii by Copro-PCR. The presence of T. gondii genetic material was detected in 16.1%, but 12% of the samples that tested positive by Copro-PCR were negative in PFT. Samples with discordant results were subjected to a new Copro-PCR with 18S marker and a 529, and of the 17 samples, 9 contained T. gondii genetic material. A comparison of the PFT and the molecular methods showed the latter was more sensitive, since it detected 22.1% while the PFT detected 15.4%. Demonstrating the high sensitivity and specificity of the Copro-PCR, particularly with the association of primers (k=0.809), but also confirms the importance of using molecular techniques in laboratories, since Copro-PCR was able to detect samples considered negative by PFT.
Highlights
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan of worldwide prevalence, found in every continent and every type of climate
This study aims the detection of Toxoplasma gondii copro-prevalence by polymerase chain reaction using three different primers in feces of cats in Goiania, contributing to the use of genetic markers for the diagnosis of T. gondii in fecal samples of cats
Domiciled cats were considered those that lived in houses or apartments with their owners, without access to the street, and stray cats were captured by the Zoonosis Control Center (ZCC) of Goiânia and by a non-governmental organization (NGO) that protects animals
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan of worldwide prevalence, found in every continent and every type of climate. The routes for T. gondii include vertical transmission from mother to fetus and horizontal transmission, which involves three life-cycle stages, i.e. ingesting infectious oocysts from the environment or ingesting tissue cysts or tachyzoites which are contained in meat or primary offal (viscera) of many different animals. Transmission may occur via tachyzoites contained in blood products, tissue transplants, or unpasteurised milk (Tenter et al, 2000). This parasite is transmitted by oocysts present in the feces of stray and domiciled felines, the definitive hosts of this coccidian, which shed millions of immature oocysts in their feces after the primary infection, thereby contaminating the environment. The presence of stray cats may be a factor that contributes to the high urban prevalence of this parasite (Lima et al, 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
