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This study presents 35 negative serologies for antibodies anti-T. gondii in free-living primates from Central Amazonia. Our results suggest that these populations have not had contact with the parasite and, therefore, do not have antibodies. This was the first study surveying T. gondii in Cacajao, Callicebus, Pithecia, and Saguinus monkeys., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The presence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum have been described in dogs from virtually all Brazilian states, however in the state of Amazonas, there are few studies on these coccidia. In this study the occurrence of antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum and risk factors were determined in domiciliated dogs of Manaus, AM. Blood samples were collected from 154 dogs and, during the harvest, a questionnaire was applied with questions related to the animals. The samples were analyzed, for the presence of anti-T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies, by indirect fluorescence antibody test, with cutoff of 16 and 50, respectively. Associations between the variables studied and the presence of antibodies were made by chi-square test, fisher's exact test or G test (p<0.05). Of the 154 samples, 19 (12.3% 95% CI = 7.1% - 17.5%) were reagents to T. gondii, and association (p <0.05) was observed between the presence of antibodies and contact with other dogs. The occurrence of dogs reactive to N. caninum was 1.9% (95% CI = 0.4% - 5.6%) with 3 of the 154 dogs positives, and no association (p>0.05) was observed between the presence of N. caninum antibodies, and the variables studied.

Purpose: The present study was conducted to determine the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in donkeys by molecular tests and genetic diversity analysis of the obtained DNA samples from central Kenya., Method: A total of 363 blood samples were collected from donkeys in Meru and Kirinyaga Counties, and 96 samples that were previously seropositive for T. gondii using indirect ELISA were subjected to nested PCR based on the amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) gene followed by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Genotyping was performed on 15 selected positive samples using multilocus nested polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (Mn-PCR-RFLP) with eight genetic markers ('SAG 2, 5'SAG 2, Alt. SAG 2, SAG 3, GRA 6, C29-2, BTUB and L358)., Results: Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 36.5% (35/96) of the blood samples. The sequences obtained exhibited 98.2-99.5% homology with those deposited in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the obtained sequences are conserved and clustered with those of infecting animals from other regions of the world. Eighteen distinct T. gondii haplotypes were identified to be circulating in donkeys from central Kenya. The T. gondii DNA samples exhibited high haplotype diversity (Hd: 0.915) and limited genetic diversity (π = 0.01027). PCR-RFLP of T. gondii DNA-positive samples revealed three different genetic combinations that consisted of alleles I, II and III, indicating the dissemination of atypical genotypes., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that T. gondii is widespread in donkeys from Kenya and could be a possible source of infection in humans. These findings are important for designing control strategies for this parasite to improve the livestock sector, which is one of the main sources of livelihood for farmers in Kenya., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Armadillos are specialist diggers and their burrows are used to find food, seek shelter and protect their pups. These burrows can also be shared with dozens of vertebrate and invertebrate species and; consequently, their parasites including the zoonotics. The aim of this study was to diagnose the presence of zoonotic parasites in four wild-caught armadillo species from two different Brazilian ecosystems, the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and the Pantanal (wetland). The investigated parasites and their correspondent diseases were: Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis), Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease), Leishmania spp., (leishmaniasis), Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Paracoccidioidomicosis) and Mycobacterium leprae (Hansen's disease). Forty-three free-living armadillos from Pantanal and seven road-killed armadillos from the Cerrado were sampled. Trypanosoma cruzi DTU TcIII were isolated from 2 out of 43 (4.65%) armadillos, including one of them also infected with Trypanosoma rangeli. Antibodies anti-T. gondii were detected in 13 out of 43 (30.2%) armadillos. All seven armadillos from Cerrado tested positive for P. brasiliensis DNA, in the lungs, spleen, liver fragments. Also, by molecular analysis, all 43 individuals were negative for M. leprae and Leishmania spp. Armadillos were infected by T. cruzi, T. rangeli, P. brasiliensis and presented seric antibodies to T. gondii, highlighting the importance of those armadillos could have in the epidemiology of zoonotic parasites., (© 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

We investigated the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in pigs raised in the Northeast of Pará, Brazil. At Study I, convenience sampled 151 pigs at two slaughterhouses, with and without state inspection; and Study II, which assessed 159 pigs with probabilistic sampling from nine pig farms. Serological analysis was performed using indirect fluorescent antibody test for T. gondii and N. caninum with a cutoff of 64 and 50, respectively. Overall, 6.77% pigs were seropositive for T. gondii and 5.16% for N. caninum. In Study I, pigs slaughtered with and without state inspection presented similar occurrence for both coccidia (p>0.05). Study II found an association between N. caninum seropositivity and sludge discarded into the soil, feeding pigs with animal-based protein, subsistence system, and absence of nipple drinkers. No association was found for T. gondii. Pigs from Pará are a potential source of T. gondii infection to humans. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to report anti-N. caninum antibodies in the serum of pigs in Pará State, Brazilian Amazon.

The present study evaluated the viability of Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts in dry-aged pork loins (m. longissimus) after 14, 21 and 28 days under controlled temperature (0 °C ± 1 °C). The pigs (n = 9) were orally inoculated with 3,000 T. gondii oocysts. The right loin of each pig was aged for a predetermined period, and the left loin was kept unprocessed as a control. Two experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, the loins of three pigs were aged for 14 days and then bioassayed in both cats and mice. In Experiment 2, the loins of six pigs were bioassayed only in mice, and the ageing periods were 14, 21, and 28 days. Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts remained viable in loins aged up to 14 days, as confirmed by bioassays in cats and mice. Viable T. gondii was not recovered by bioassays in mice from loins that were aged for 21 or 28 days. These results demonstrate that T. gondii remained viable in vacuum-packed dry-aged pork loins for 14 days at controlled temperature but not for 21 days or longer., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals worldwide but little is known of its infection in the endangered giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). The present study found antibodies to T. gondii in 13 of 23 free-living M. tridactyla from the northwest region of São Paulo state, Brazil, by the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT, cut-off titer 1:25). Unfrozen tissues of seven M. tridactyla were bioassayed in mice and viable T. gondii (strain designated TgMytrBrSP1) isolated from one seropositive giant anteater. To our knowledge, this is a new host record for T. gondii. Genotyping using PCR-RFLP revealed the Brazilian clonal Type BrIII genotype, and a unique non-archetypal genotype was revealed by microsatellite analysis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The present study evaluated the distribution and viability of Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts in the organs and Brazilian commercial cuts of experimentally infected pigs. The pigs were infected with 3 × 10 3 oocysts of the T. gondii isolate TgCkBr57 (Type BrII). Mouse bioassays were performed on the brain, retina, tongue, diaphragm, and heart as well as the following muscle cuts: loin (longissimus), coppa (longissimus, spinalis dorsi, rhomboideus), tenderloin (psoas major), outside flat (biceps femoris), topside (semimembranosus), and top sirloin (gluteus medius). Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from the coppa, heart, diaphragm, and tongue of three pigs; from the tenderloin, outside flat, and brain of two pigs; and from the top sirloin and loin of one pig. Thus, the viability of T. gondii cysts was observed in all of the organs and cuts evaluated (except for the topside and retina), demonstrating the broad distribution of this parasite in pig organs and commercial meat cuts, and the importance of this species as a source of human infection.

Toxoplasmosis has been reported in many avian species, but little information is available from wild penguin populations. Leptospira can infects domestic and wild animals. Spheniscus magellanicus belong to the order Sphenisciformes, family Spheniscidae, and are colonial birds. These seabirds live in temperate waters along the Atlantic shores of South America, and their total population has been estimated to be 1,300,000 breeding pairs. Magdalena Island (Chile) hosts an important breeding colony but, over recent decades, a marked decline in the number of birds has been seen. The objective of this study was to determine occurrences of antibodies against T. gondii and Leptospira spp. in penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) on Magdalena Island, from where no previous data on these agents were available. Serum samples were collected from 132 penguins on Magdalena Island. Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were detected using the modified agglutination test (Titer ≥20), and anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected using the microscopic agglutination test (Titer ≥100). T. gondii antibodies were detected in 57 (43.18%) of the 132 serum samples, with titers that ranged from 20 to 320. None of the penguins in this study was reactive to anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. This is the first report of T. gondii seropositivity in free-living Magellanic penguins in Chile., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Infections occur via the ingestion of oocysts, consumption of cysts containing bradyzoites, and transplacental transmission of tachyzoites. Diversity in T. gondii strains may affect the outcome of clinical toxoplasmosis. The consumption of horse meat is a common practice in some parts of the world. The objectives of the present study were to isolate and genotype T. gondii from horses from an abattoir in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil that exports horse meat to Europe. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 32.5% (13/40) of the horses using the modified agglutination test (MAT) with a cut-off of 1:25. Tissues from the 13 seropositive horses were bioassayed in mice, and one isolate, designated TgHorseBrRS1, was obtained. PCR-RFLP of the isolate revealed the ToxoDB-RFLP #228 genotype, a typical non-archetypal Brazilian genotype, and microsatellite analysis showed a unique non-archetypal genotype. This study showed that horses from Brazil can harbor viable T. gondii in their tissues, suggesting that recommendations to consumers should be made, especially in European countries where consumption of raw horse meat is common.

Neospora caninum is a coccidian parasite originally reported in dogs and widely prevalent in numerous species of wild and domestic animals and has as definitive hosts some species of canids. The white-lipped peccary (WLP) ( Tayassu pecari) is a Tayassuidae mammal, found from Mexico to south of Brazil and north of Argentina. It is a game species with great economic importance in the Peruvian Amazon. Blood samples from 101 WLPs were collected from near or within three different conservation reserves located in the southeastern region of the Peruvian Amazon. For the detection of antibodies against N. caninum, indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFAT) were performed using collared peccary ( Pecari tajacu) and swine ( Sus scrofa domesticus) heterologous secondary antibodies. For both IFAT tests, the cutoff was 1:50. Positive samples were titrated by a two fold serial dilution. In addition to IFAT, samples were also analyzed using an immunoblotting test (IB) with anti-swine conjugate. To confirm the viability of the anti-swine conjugate, the results of these samples previously tested by a modified agglutination test (MAT) for Toxoplasma gondii were used as reference. From the total of 101 samples tested, 5 (4.9%) were N. caninum positive by the three tests and an extra sample was positive by both IFATs and negative in the IB. Comparing both IFATs and considering IB as the gold standard, the relative sensitivity of IFATs was 100%, the specificity was 98.9%, the positive predictive value was 83.3%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. The agreement between tests was characterized by a κ value of 0.904 (95% confidence interval, 0.717 to 1.0) and an SE of 0.095. This is the first report of N. caninum antibodies in free-ranging T. pecari, and swine and collared peccary conjugate can be used as a secondary antibody for detection of antibodies in Tayassu species.

Chickens are a host that is very resistant to the development of clinical toxoplasmosis. Free-range chickens have been used to indirectly track environmental contamination with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts because they feed on the ground. This study evaluated the genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates from free-range chickens from Florianópolis island in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. Sera from 21 chickens were tested for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Tissue homogenates from the 11 seropositive birds (MAT titres ≥5) were bioassayed in mice. The four obtained isolates (TgCkBrSC1-4) were genotyped using 11 PCR-RFLP markers and 15 microsatellite markers (MS). Four genotypes were identified, three of which are typical Brazilian genotypes (ToxoDB-RFLP #26 and #53 were previously reported and #278 is new), and the other is the rare clonal type I genotype. This type I isolate was considered a variant according to MS analysis, with two atypical alleles, which emphasizes the genetic diversity of the parasite in Brazil. The genetic variability of T. gondii in South America may be related to the high occurrence of severe ocular and congenital toxoplasmosis in humans in this region. High human seroprevalence and frequency of ocular toxoplasmosis are reported in southern Brazil, but there is limited information on the T. gondii strains that are circulating in this region, so more studies should be conducted to identify the strains in different hosts and in human toxoplasmosis cases., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: In Brazil, studies on animals and humans in mainland areas have shown that most strains of Toxoplasma gondii are pathogenic to mice and exhibit great genetic variability., Results: In this study, using a set of 11 PCR-RFLP and 15 microsatellite markers, we isolated and genetically characterised T. gondii strains from one cat and three rats on Fernando de Noronha Island. The cat had antibodies to T. gondii, which were revealed using a modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off 1:25) and the seroprevalence among the 46 rodents was 15.2%. Viable T. gondii was isolated from one cat (TgCatBrFN1), two brown rats (TgRatnoBrFN1 and TgRatnoBrFN2) and one black rat (TgRatraBrFN1). Unlike the strains from mainland Brazil, these isolates were not pathogenic to outbred mice. The genotypes of these strains were compared with strains previously isolated on the island and in mainland Brazil. The analysis based on microsatellite data showed a limited genetic diversity of T. gondii on Fernando de Noronha Island with the majority of strains clustered into the following three groups: type II, III, and Caribbean 1., Conclusions: There was little variation among strains within the same group, suggesting that the majority of strains circulating on Fernando de Noronha are derived from only a few strains that were recently introduced to the island, likely from imported cats. Except for the strain belonging to the Caribbean 1 group that originates from northeast Brazil, there was little evidence that strains from the other groups were introduced to Fernando de Noronha via mainland Brazil.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in serum samples of 187 dogs from 30 rural properties surrounding Córrego do Veado Biological Reserve, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. The Reserve is one of the last lowland Atlantic Forest remnants of the region, surrounded by agriculture farms and cattle pastures. The presence of IgG antibodies was determined by the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test for T. gondii (cut-off 1:16) and N. caninum (cut-off 1:50). Positive samples were diluted 2-fold until the last positive dilution. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 77 (47.05%) dogs and antibodies to N. caninum in 22 dogs (11.76%) and one only dog was positive for both infections. No association between T. gondii and N. caninum infection and sex was observed (p>0.05). Control measures to prevent those infections in dogs that living surrounding the reserve and that had contact with wild animals are important to avoid the introduction of N. caninum in wild animals. This was the first study of frequency of occurrence of T. gondii and N. caninum in dogs from Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidian parasite that infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including birds. Abrolhos is an archipelago of five islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean, 56 nautical kilometers from the south coast of the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Part of this archipelago is a National Marine Park, which is a conservation area protected by the Brazilian government. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in sera of seabird's species Sula spp. and Phaeton spp. from breeding colonies located in the Islands of Santa Bárbara and Redonda, Abrolhos's archipelago. Sera were tested by modified agglutination test, first screened at 1:5 dilution (cut-off point) and the positive samples were titrated at a two-fold serial dilution. Serum samples were obtained from 69 birds of four species: Sula dactylatra (23 birds), Sula leucogaster (19 birds), Phaeton aethereus (25 birds) and Phaeton lepturus (2 birds). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 24 (34.8%) of 69 seabirds with titers that ranged from 5 to 640. Occurrence value in S. dactylatra was 34.8% (8/23), in S. leucogaster was 47.4% (9/19), in P. aethereus was 28% (7/25) and the 2 P. lepturus were negative. This is the first description of T. gondii antibodies in free ranging seabirds of the orders Suliformes and Phaethontiformes., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Antillean manatees ( Trichechus manatus manatus) are aquatic mammals that inhabit marine waters from Central America to the northeastern region of Brazil, and they are an endangered species. Infection with Toxoplasma gondii through intake of water or food contaminated with oocysts has been reported among marine mammals. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in West Indian manatees living in captivity in northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 55 West Indian manatees from three different captive groups were tested for T. gondii antibodies by means of the modified agglutination test using a cutoff of 1:25. The samples were screened at dilutions of 1:25, 1:50, and 1:500, and positive samples were end-titrated using twofold serial dilutions; antibodies were found in six Antillean manatees (10.9%) with titers of 1:50 in three, 1:500 in one, 1:3,200 in one, and 1:51,200 in one manatee. This study is the first report of T. gondii antibodies in captive Antillean manatees in Brazil.

Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) breed on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the southernmost parts of South America and migrate northward as far as Peru and Brazil. Serum samples (n = 100) from Magellanic penguins from three zoos and two rehabilitation centers (RCs) in Brazil were assayed for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by means of the modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off ≥ 20). The penguins were categorized as young (≤4 yr old) or adults (≥4 yr old) and sexed (male, female, or not identified), and data were analyzed using the chi-square test (P ≤ 0.05). Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found in 28% of penguins: 25.8% males, 27.8% females, 30.3% unknown sex, 25.4% young, and 31.1% adults. Statistical analyses did not find any difference (P > 0.05) with respect to age, sex, or source of birds. This is the first report of T. gondii antibodies in S. magellanicus.

The occurrence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii was determined in donkeys, mules, and horses from different regions of Brazil. Serum samples from 304 donkeys (67.11%), 118 horses (26.05%), and 31 mules (6.84%) were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (cutoff=64). Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 129 equids (28.47%) (82 donkeys, 32 horses, and 15 mules). Tissue samples from 19 seropositive and 50 seronegative animals were obtained in order to isolate the parasite by means of mouse bioassay, and T. gondii was isolated from a donkey. Through genotypic characterization of the isolate, by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using 11 genotypic markers, the genotype #163 (TgCkBr220), which has already been described in chickens in Brazil, was identified., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this study, serum samples of 53 wild animals from two different states from the southeast region of Brazil were analyzed for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by the modified agglutination test (MAT), with a cut-off of 1: 5 for birds and of 1: 25 for mammals. Out of the sampled animals, 27 were birds and 26 were mammals, and from this total, 83% (n = 44) were free-living animals. Antibodies were found in 13 mammals, from which 11 were free-living animals, and in five birds, all of which were free-living. In this study, T. gondii antibodies were detected in four bird species (crested seriema, Cariama cristata; buff-necked ibis, Theristicus caudatus; picazuro pigeon, Patagioenas picazuro; and burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia) and in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) for the first time.

Avian are considered important intermediate hosts for Toxoplasma gondii because they serve as source of infection for Felidae, which shed environmentally resistant oocysts after ingesting infected tissues. Little is known of epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in wild birds. In the present study, antibodies to T. gondii were determined in 202 wild birds of 37 species captured in seven small areas of the Atlantic Forest, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and provided information on possible associated risk factors. Antibodies to T. gondii were assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT) and found in 73 (36.1%) of 202 birds with titers of 1:5 in 16 samples, 1:10 in 26 samples, 1:20 in 17 samples, 1:40 in 10 samples, 1:80 in three samples, and 1:160 in one sample. No association was observed between T. gondii seropositivity and the local where the birds were collected. Seropositivity was higher in birds that lived on the forest floor (p<0.001; U=1230.0), and in omnivorous birds (p=0.007; U=3939.0). T. gondii antibodies were reported for the first time in 23 species of birds enlarging the host range of this parasite. Notably, T. gondii antibodies were found in 83.3% (15/18) of the Rufous-bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris)., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to genetically characterize Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from free-range chickens reared in the metropolitan region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to evaluate the morbidity and histological changes associated with these isolates in mice. A mouse bioassay was used to isolate T. gondii from a pool of tissue samples (brain, heart, and thigh muscles) collected from 163 chickens. The 36 isolates obtained were genetically characterized by restriction fragment polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the SAG1, 5'-3'SAG2, aSAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3 genomic regions. Seventeen atypical genotypes were identified and nine of them were reported for the first time. All identified genotypes caused clinical signs and histological changes in mice, with the majority being associated with high cumulative morbidity (65%) and severe or very severe histological changes (76%). The exclusive identification of atypical genotypes, with a predominance of new genotypes, indicates great genetic diversity of T. gondii in the region studied. In addition, the finding that all identified genotypes caused clinical signs and often severe histological changes in mice suggests potentially relevant virulence of these strains.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in sera of 325 dogs in 11 villages inhabited by the Tapirapé and Karajá ethnic groups in the south of the Brazilian Amazon was determined by the use of an indirect fluorescence antibody test. Antibodies (cutoff 1:16) to T. gondii were found in 169 (52%) and to N. caninum (cut-off 1:50) in 32 (9.8%) of 325 dogs. Seropositivity for both parasitic infections was widely prevalent in dogs from these villages and was higher in older dogs, indicating post-natal transmission.

A cross-sectional study based on planned sampling was carried out to determine flock-level risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii antibody prevalence in dairy goat flocks in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 975 adult dairy goats from 110 flocks were examined by indirect immonufluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using cut-off point at 1:64 dilution. From the 110 flocks, 77 presented at least one seropositive animal, corresponding to a prevalence of 70% (95% CI: 60.5-78.4%). Out of the 975 animals, 177 (18.1%; 95% CI = 15.8-20.7%) tested positive. The presence of toxic plants (OR = 5.11; P = 0.045) and the fact that goat breeding is not the main activity on the farm (OR = 3.34; P = 0.014) were identified as risk factors. The results of the present study showed evidence of the presence of T. gondii infection in dairy goats from a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil using planned sampling. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of the identified risk factors in the epidemiology of the infection.

In this study, the occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Brazilian agouti (Dasyprocta aguti) was compared by modified agglutination test (MAT) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) using anti-capybara conjugate. Sera from 109 animals were tested using MAT (1:25 cut-off) and IFAT (1:16 cut-off); 19% were positive by MAT, and 18% were positive by IFAT. Overall, the 17 IFAT-positive samples were also positive for MAT. The four positive MAT samples with a titer < or = 200 were IFAT negative. All negative samples obtained by MAT matched with the results of the IFAT. Comparing both tests, and considering MAT as the gold standard, the sensitivity of IFAT was 81%, the specificity was 100%, the accuracy was 97%, the positive predictive value (PPV) was 100%, and the negative predictive value 96%. The kappa value agreement was 87.3% (75.1-99.6%). The anti-capybara conjugate can be successfully used to perform IFAT in Brazilian agouti with maximum specificity and PPV.

In the Peruvian Amazon, the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is a desirable game species and is important for the local rural economy. Blood samples from 101 white-lipped peccaries from Peru were collected from 3 different conservation areas located in the municipalities of Manu and Tambopata, southeastern region of the Peruvian Amazon. Antibodies were assayed using the modified agglutination test (MAT, cut of value of 25). Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were found in 89.1% (90 of 101) of animals, with titers of 1 ∶ 25 in 9, 1 ∶ 50 in 25, 1 ∶ 100 in 20, 1 ∶ 200 in 14, 1 ∶ 400 in 12, 1 ∶ 800 in 9, and 1 ∶ 3,200 in 1; 87.7% and 89.2% of males and females, respectively, tested positively, and no association (P ≥ 0.05) with gender and occurrence of antibodies was observed.

In this study, serum samples of 203 animals from different locations, from zoos and breeding facilities from the north and northeast regions of Brazil, were analyzed for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies by the modified agglutination test (MAT) with a cutoff of 1:25. Of the sampled animals, 184 were adult mammals of both sexes and 19 were birds. Antibodies were found in 61 of 184 mammals, and no association between sex and age of the animals and the presence of T. gondii antibodies was observed (P < 0.05). Anti-T gondii antibodies were not found in birds. Toxoplasma gondii was detected in Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) for the first time.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with a variety of hosts, responsible for reproductive problems and economic losses in sheep flocks. Neospora caninum was recently identified and its clinical presentation in sheep is similar to that of toxoplasmosis, which can cause repeated abortions, though less frequently in this species. In order to confirm the prevalence of these agents in the city of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, 409 serum samples from adult sheep (364 females and 45 males) were tested by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test, using cut-off point at a dilution of 1:64 and 1:50 for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. From the 35 properties examined, 23 (65.7%) had at least one seropositive animal for T. gondii and six (17.1%) for N. caninum. The prevalence of seropositive animals for T. gondii was 20.7% and for N. caninum 1.8%. There was no association between the presence of the agent's antibody and gender, reports of reproductive problems and presence of dogs and/or cats in the properties. T. gondii is well distributed and N. caninum has low prevalence in sheep and in the properties of the studied region.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in primates are potentially fatal and directly impact the conservation of these animals and public health., Materials and Methods: A total of 38 blood/clot samples collected from free-living and captive neotropical primates undergoing clinical care or found dead by environmental authorities in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil, were analyzed by PCR for DNA detection of T. gondii and N. caninum. Furthermore, eight animals were submitted to immunohistochemistry for the detection of T. gondii., Results: DNA of T. gondii and N. caninum was amplified in 11 (28.95%) 10 (26.32%) of samples analyzed, respectively. Coinfection was observed in three individuals. One animal returned a positive result in the immunohistochemistry for the detection of T. gondii., Conclusion: These findings reflect a concern for the conservation of these animals, as the pathogen-host interaction is unpredictable and infections by these protozoa can lead to animal mortality, which has a substantial impact on endangered species., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease that affects humans and warm-blooded animals. This study describes an outbreak of toxoplasmosis in howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) and survival of capuchins (Sapajus apella), under the same environmental conditions., Methods: Howler monkeys were submitted to post-mortem examination. Tissue samples were processed to histopathology and immunohistochemistry to detect lesions and tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Tissue samples were also frozen and submitted to PCR and genotyping of T. gondii., Results: Typical lesions were observed in several organs including the liver, lymph node, and brain, with intralesional cysts and tachyzoites of T. gondii demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. T. gondii genomic sequences were amplified by PCR, and genotyping characterized the same T. gondii clone in all howler monkeys., Conclusions: Our results support the notion that some species of neotropical primates are highly susceptible to toxoplasmosis and the hypothesis that capuchins (S. apella) may be resistant., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Toxoplasmosis is an important disease affecting captive non-human primates. The goal of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and pathological findings of toxoplasmosis in different species of captive primates., Methods: Six captive neotropical primates died naturally due to Toxoplasma gondii infection and were necropsied. Tissue samples were evaluated by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Serum samples from 57 captive neotropical and Old-world primates housed at the Belo Horizonte zoological garden were analyzed by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA)., Results: Neotropical primates had lesions compatible with toxoplasmosis with immunolabeled intralesional T gondii. All Old-World primates (10/10), but only three neotropical primates (3/47), all belonging to the Sapajus apella species (3/6), were serologically positive., Conclusions: Our results suggest a higher susceptibility of neotropical primates to toxoplasmosis. However, this study also supports the hypothesis that Sapajus apella may be naturally resistant., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)