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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide zoonotic parasite. According to the “One Health” approach, studies on toxoplasmosis are essential since it affects humans and domestic and wild animals. In the present study, antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 263 wild birds located in five wildlife rehabilitation centres in mainland Portugal by using the modified agglutination test (MAT) with a cut-off titre of 20. An overall seroprevalence of 36.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.7–42.6) was observed. For the first time, antibodies to T. gondii were detected in some avian species, including pallid swift (Apus pallidus) (33.3%), black-backed gull (Larus fuscus) (39.3%), European turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur) (100%), bee-eater (Merops apiaster) (50.0%), carrion crow (Corvus corone) (33.3%), and Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) (100%), which expands the list of intermediate hosts of T. gondii. A lower seroprevalence was found in juvenile birds (31.9%) compared to adults (48.7%) (p = 0.016). The central region of Portugal was considered a risk factor for T. gondii infection in wild birds (odds ratio: 3.61; 95% CI: 1.09–11.91). This pioneer study calls attention to the need for further studies, to provide a clearer understanding of T. gondii epidemiology in Portugal, because it reflects wide dispersion of T. gondii oocysts in the environment.
Highlights
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widespread zoonotic pathogens and its importance has increased in light of the “One Health” approach [1]
The purpose of the present study was to provide updated information on the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in wild birds admitted to rehabilitation centres across mainland Portugal
59.0% of the birds were seropositive at CRAS-University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) (Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of UTAD), 32.9% at CERVAS (Centre for Ecology, Recovery and Surveillance of Wild Animals), 31.0% at CERAS
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widespread zoonotic pathogens and its importance has increased in light of the “One Health” approach [1]. This protozoan may virtually affect all warm-blooded animals, i.e., mammals and birds; only members of family. Some species of birds develop clinical toxoplasmosis, which can be a considerable concern from the wildlife conservation perspective [6]. Toxoplasmosis was reported in the Hawaiian crow or ‘alalã (Corvus hawaiiensis) and appears to pose a significant threat and a management challenge to the reintroduction programs of this endangered species [7]
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