Abstract
Recent genetic population studies on Toxoplasma gondii in Brazil have shown large genetic variability. The objective of the present study was to isolate and genotypically characterize T. gondii from free-ranging and captive wild mammals and birds in Pernambuco state, Brazil. Fragments of heart, brain, skeletal muscle and diaphragm tissue from 71 birds and 34 mammals, which were either free-ranging or captive, were collected. Samples from 32 of these animals were subjected to bioassays in mice. Samples from the remaining 73 animals underwent biomolecular diagnosis, using PCR technique, targeting a repetitive DNA fragment of 529 bp in T. gondii. A non-virulent isolate (TgButstBrPE1) was obtained from a free-ranging striated heron (Butorides striata) and, based on primary samples, seven animals were found to be positive. The primary samples and the isolate obtained were subjected to PCR-RFLP using the markers SAG1, 5'3'SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico and CS3. ToxoDB-RFLP genotype #13 from the striated heron isolate and Type BrIII genotype from a captive otter ( Lontra longicaudis) (PS-TgLonloBrPE1) were obtained. The present study describes the first isolation and genotypic characterization of T. gondii in free-ranging striated heron, and the first genotypic characterization of T. gondii in a captive otter.
Highlights
Infections by Toxoplasma gondii are cosmopolitan, affecting endothermal animals, including humans (DUBEY, 2010)
Studies have suggested that the existence of a wild cycle for T. gondii with sexual reproduction in wild felids, together with genetic changes due to clonal reproduction in multiple species of wild animals, could be intrinsically related to the existence of greater genetic variability of the parasite in South America (CARME et al, 2009; KHAN et al, 2011; WENDTE et al, 2011)
Among the 32 samples animals that were used for the bioassay in mice, T. gondii was isolated from a free-ranging striated heron (Butorides striata) (3.1%) in the metropolitan region of Recife‐PE
Summary
Infections by Toxoplasma gondii are cosmopolitan, affecting endothermal animals, including humans (DUBEY, 2010). Recent studies regarding the population genetics of T. gondii worldwide have shown that, reproduction is almost always asexual, the genetic variability of this infectious agent is much greater than previously expected (PENA et al, 2008; SHWAB et al, 2014). This variability may be related to clinical conditions, which can range from unapparent infections to cases of encephalitis. Studies have suggested that the existence of a wild cycle for T. gondii with sexual reproduction in wild felids, together with genetic changes due to clonal reproduction (asexual) in multiple species of wild animals, could be intrinsically related to the existence of greater genetic variability of the parasite in South America (CARME et al, 2009; KHAN et al, 2011; WENDTE et al, 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
