Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) are protozoan parasites infecting a wide range of intermediate hosts worldwide, including birds. Raptors acquire the infections through the ingestion of both infected preys and oocysts in the environment suggesting they might be used as indicators of the spread of these pathogens. Here, we report an epidemiological survey with the aim of determining the prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum infections in wild birds of prey, hospitalized in two Wildlife Recovery Centres (WRCs) in Northern Italy. Genomic DNA extracted from brain tissue samples was submitted to Real Time PCR targeting T. gondii B1 and N. caninum Nc5 genes. T. gondii genotyping was then performed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis, targeting three polymorphic genes (GRA6, BTUB, and altSAG2). T. gondii DNA was found in 35 (62.5%) out of 56 examined samples; concerning genotyping, it was possible to amplify at least one gene for 26 animals, and obtained sequences belonged to Type II. N. caninum DNA was only detected in two (3.6%) common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), adding a new species to the list of suitable intermediate hosts for this pathogen. Data obtained in the present study thus confirmed the spread of both T. gondii and N. caninum in wild bird of prey, endorsing the role of WRCs in the epidemiological surveillance of wildlife.
Highlights
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two closely-related parasites belonging to the family Sarcocystidae (Apicomplexa)
T. gondii, which has the cat as a definite host, is able to infect a wide range of mammals and birds as intermediate hosts
T. gondii DNA was found in thirty-five (62.5%) samples examined by B1 real-time
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two closely-related parasites belonging to the family Sarcocystidae (Apicomplexa) They have a worldwide distribution and are considered to be major abortigenic pathogens of domestic ruminants. N. caninum, capable of infecting numerous species of mammals and birds, has bovine as its main intermediate host Definitive hosts, such as dogs and wild canids, can become infected by ingesting the placentas or fetal cravings of infected intermediate hosts [1,2]. For both parasites, a sylvatic cycle is described as interfacing with the domestic cycle, which is often considered to be the primary cause of infection in livestock farms [3]. Birds of prey are of particular interest because, acquiring the infections mainly through the ingestion of infected preys (other birds, or small mammals), they can be used as sentinel species of environmental contamination with these parasites [4]
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
