Abstract
BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is a worldwide zoonotic protozoan. Consumption of raw milk from infected animals is considered a risk factor for acquiring toxoplasmosis in humans. Recently, donkey milk has been indicated for therapeutic and nutritional purposes and T. gondii infection is common in donkeys. The purpose of the present paper was to detect the presence of parasite DNA in milk of T. gondii positive donkeys.FindingsAntibodies to T. gondii were found in 11 out of 44 healthy lactating donkeys by IFAT. T. gondii DNA was detected by PCR in blood of 6 and milk of 3 seropositive jennies. Results of limited RFLP-PCR genotyping indicated the presence of T. gondii genotype II or III, commonly found in Europe.ConclusionsThe occurrence of T. gondii DNA in milk suggests that the consumption of raw milk from seropositive donkeys could be a potential source of human infection.
Highlights
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide zoonotic protozoan
The occurrence of T. gondii DNA in milk suggests that the consumption of raw milk from seropositive donkeys could be a potential source of human infection
During the last five decades, Italian autochthonous donkeys (Equus asinus) suffered from a severe reduction in population size, which led to the extinction of six breeds [4]
Summary
Detection and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in the blood and milk of naturally infected donkeys (Equus asinus). Francesca Mancianti*, Simona Nardoni, Roberto Papini, Linda Mugnaini, Mina Martini, Iolanda Altomonte, Federica Salari, Carlo D’Ascenzi and Jitender P Dubey
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