RESUMEN
Neosporosis, caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum, was first diagnosed in Argentinean cattle in the 90's. With a national bovine stock of approximately 53 million head, the cattle industry is socially and economically relevant. Severe economic losses have been estimated at US$ 33 and 12 million annually in dairy and beef cattle, respectively. Approximately 9% of bovine abortions in the Buenos Aires province are caused by N. caninum. In 2001, the first isolation of N. caninum oocysts from feces of a naturally infected dog was performed in Argentina and named as NC-6 Argentina. Further strains were isolated from cattle (NC-Argentina LP1, NC-Argentina LP2) and axis deer (Axis axis, NC-Axis). Epidemiological studies revealed a high distribution of Neospora-infections not only in dairy but also in beef cattle, with seroprevalence rates of 16.6-88.8% and 0-73%, respectively. Several experimental infection studies in cattle have been carried out, as well as attempts to develop effective vaccines to avoid Neospora-abortions and transmission. However, no vaccine has proven successful for its use in daily practice. Reduction of seroprevalence, vertical transmission and Neospora-related abortions have been achieved in dairy farms by the use of selective breeding strategies and embryo transfer. Neospora-infections have been also detected in goats, sheep, deer, water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and gray foxes (Lycalopex griseus). Moreover, Neospora-related reproductive losses were reported in small ruminants and deer species and could be more frequent than previously thought. Even though diagnostic methods have been improved during the last decades, control of neosporosis is still not optimal. The development of new strategies including new antiprotozoal drugs and vaccines is highly needed. This paper reviews the information from the previous 28 years of research of N. caninum in Argentina, including seroprevalence and epidemiological studies, available diagnostic techniques, experimental reproduction, immunization strategies, isolations and control measures in domestic and non-domestic animals from Argentina.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Bovinos , Coccidiosis , Ciervos , Enfermedades de los Perros , Enfermedades de las Cabras , Neospora , Enfermedades de las Ovejas , Embarazo , Femenino , Animales , Perros , Bovinos , Ovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/prevención & control , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Argentina/epidemiología , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios , Cabras , Zorros , Búfalos , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Toxoplasmosis is considered one of the most important causes of abortion in small ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii antibody titres and reproductive losses over an 11 year period in a goat farm located in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Blood samples were obtained from 85 goats, representing three breeds, during the last third of gestation (n = 165 gestations), in consecutive pregnancies (2008-2019), and from 51 goats during kidding to analyze seroconversion. Serum was evaluated by IFAT with T. gondii antigen, using 1:100 dilution as the cut-off titre and processed to end titre. An overall reproductive loss of 31% (51/165) was detected, including 16.4% (27/165) abortions and 14.6% (24/165) perinatal deaths. The seropositivity to T. gondii was 100% (85/85) with all animals positive in successive samplings and, therefore, considered chronically infected. Antibody titres showed average values greater than 1100 in each year and breed group. Differences in antibody levels were associated with breed and were lower in those that were predominately Creole and higher in those that were predominately Saanen. Seroconversion was detected in 16.2% (6/37) and 57.1% (8/14) of goats from the Creole and Sannen breed groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the antibody titre average between goats with reproductive losses and those with healthy kids, although the goats with perinatal deaths had a significantly higher titre average. These results suggest reinfection or reactivation, although no association with reproductive losses was observed. Higher antibody titres were associated with perinatal deaths. The high T. gondii antibody titres in a farm with 100% seroprevalence did not allow for association with reproductive losses, particularly abortion, to be assessed.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Cabras , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis Animal , Animales , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Enfermedades de las Cabras/epidemiología , Cabras , Embarazo , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
The allelic combination of ROP18/ROP5 genes of Toxoplasma gondii has been shown to be highly predictive of mouse virulence in canonical isolates and strains. The aims of this study were to analyze the alleles present in the ROP18/ROP5 genes from T. gondii isolates obtained in Argentina, to associate the results with the virulence registered in mouse model, and to compare with other isolates and reference strains using a phylogenetic network. Fourteen T. gondii isolates from Argentina were analyzed by nPCR-RFLP for ROP18/ROP5. Phylogenetic network analysis was inferred using the ToxoDB genotypes and the ROPs molecular markers. All isolates and reference strains were categorized as lethal or non-lethal. As results, combinations 2/2, 3/3 and 4/3 for ROP18/ROP5 were detected in 12 isolates, whereas only alleles 1 and 2 of ROP5 were detected in 2 isolates. The majority of the isolates had a mouse virulence matching to that predicted by the ROP18/ROP5 allele combination. The 3 isolates that differed from the expected virulence presented non-clonal genotypes. ROPs incorporation increased the accuracy of the phylogenetic network relations among the T. gondii samples, prevailing the clustering according to regions. Our results indicate a predominance of type 3 allele in both ROP18 and ROP5 markers and an association of allelic profiles 3/3 and 4/3 of non-clonal genotypes from Argentina, both with virulent and avirulent profiles in mice.
Asunto(s)
Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/genética , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/patogenicidad , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitología , Toxoplasmosis/parasitología , Alelos , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos ICR , Filogenia , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas/metabolismo , Proteínas Protozoarias , Virulencia/genéticaRESUMEN
Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el comportamiento productivo en cabras Saanen mediante la caracterización de la curva de lactancia y el rendimiento de acuerdo al número de lactancia y al tipo de parto en un tambo semi-intensivo de la provincia de Buenos Aires. El hato caprino fue dividido en las diferentes categorías: cabras de primera lactancia (1°L, n=89); segunda lactancia (2°L, n=39), tercera lactancia (3°L, n=49); cuarta y quinta lactancia (4°L y 5°L, n=41) y última lactancia (UL, n=38). El tipo de parto fue clasificado en Simple (una cría, n=120) y Múltiple (dos o más crías, n=136). El control lechero se realizó evaluando el ordeño 2 veces por día cada 42 ± 4 días (método BT6) mediante ordeño mecánico con lactómetros Waikato. Mediante un análisis de varianza multifactorial, se evaluó la influencia del número de lactancia y tipo de parto sobre la lactancia completa (PLT). Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa de los factores (p= 0,0074) y (p= 0,0179) respectivamente sobre la PLT. El análisis de media verificó diferencias significativas (p< 0,05) entre las cabras de 3°L y las de 1°L, 2°L y UL, así mismo, las de 4°L y 5°L respecto de UL (p< 0,05). El tipo de parto observó diferencias significativas (p< 0,05) en la PLT entre las cabras múltiples y simples. El comportamiento productivo de cabras Saanen de un establecimiento caprino semi-intensivo de la provincia de Buenos Aires, asociado al número de lactancia y el tipo de parto registraron diferencias en la producción láctea.
Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the productive behavior in Saanen goats by characterizing the lactation curve and the yield according to the number of lactations and the type of delivery in a semi-intensive dairy farm in the province of Buenos Aires. The goat herd was divided into the different categories: first lactation goats (1st L, n = 89); second lactation (2nd L, n = 39), third lactation (3rd L, n = 49); fourth and fifth lactation (4 ° L and 5 ° L, n = 41) and last lactation (UL, n = 38). The type of delivery was classified as Simple (one kid, n = 120) and Multiple (two or more kids, n = 136). The milk control was carried out evaluating the milking twice a day every 42 ± 4 days (BT6 method) by means of mechanical milking with Waikato lactometers. Using a multifactorial analysis of variance, the influence of lactation number and type of delivery on full lactation (PLT) was evaluated. There was a statistically significant difference of the factors (p = 0.0074) and (p = 0.0179) respectively on the PLT. The mean analysis verified significant differences (p <0.05) between the goats of 3 ° L and those of 1 ° L, 2 ° L and UL, likewise, those of 4 ° L and 5 ° L with respect to UL (p <0.05). The type of delivery observed significant differences (p <0.05) in the PLT between the multiple and simple goats. The productive behavior of Saanen goats from a semi-intensive goat farm in the province of Buenos Aires, associated with the number of lactations and the type of parturition, showed differences in milk production.
RESUMEN
Cryptosporidiosis is observed in reptiles with high morbidity and considerable mortality. The objective of this study was to achieve the molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in pet leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) from a breeder colony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Oocysts comparable to those of Cryptosporidium spp. were detected in three geckos with a history of diarrhea, anorexia and cachexia. Molecular identification methods confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium varanii (syn. C. saurophilum). This agent was considered to be the primary cause of the observed clinical disease. This is the first description of C. varanii infection in pet reptiles in Argentina.
RESUMEN
Bovine besnoitiosis control remains a challenge because the disease continues to spread and control relies solely on accurate diagnosis coupled to management measures. However, recent studies have reported that routinely used ELISAs may raise a high number of false-positive results. Herein, cross-reactions between Besnoitia besnoiti antigens and anti-Neospora caninum and/or anti-Sarcocystis spp.-specific antibodies were studied in an in house ELISA since N. caninum and Sarcocystis spp. are closely related parasites, and both infections are highly prevalent in cattle worldwide. The serum panel was composed of the following categories: sera from B. besnoiti-seronegative (n=75) and -seropositive cattle (n=66), B. besnoiti-based-ELISA false-positive reactors (n=96) together with N. caninum (n=36) and Sarcocystis spp. (n=42) -seropositive reference cattle sera. B. besnoiti tachyzoite based western blot (WB) results classified animals as seropositive or seronegative. Sera were analyzed for the detection of anti-N. caninum by WB and ELISA and anti-Sarcocystis spp.-specific antibodies by WB and IFAT. Those samples recognizing a Sarcocystis spp. 18-20 kDa antigenic region and N. caninum 17-18 kDa immunodominant antigen were considered to be Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum seropositive, respectively. The category of B. besnoiti based-ELISA false-positive reactors showed the highest number of sera with specific anti-Sarcocystis spp. and anti-N. caninum antibodies (74%; 71/96), followed by the N. caninum-seropositive cattle category (52.8%; 19/36). In contrast, few B. besnoiti-seronegative and -seropositive cattle showed antibodies against Sarcocystis spp. and N. caninum (10.7%; 8/75 and 1.5%; 1/66), respectively). This study revealed that B. besnoiti false-positive ELISA results were associated not only with the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-Sarcocystis spp. antibodies (χ(2): 78.36; p<0.0001; OR: 34.6; CI: 14-88) but also with high antibody levels against them using ELISA and IFAT tests, respectively (p<0.05; t-test). These results may explain why only some animals seropositive to Sarcocystis spp. and/or N. caninum are Besnoitia false-positive reactors. Therefore, sera meeting these requirements should be included in future validations of serological tests for bovine besnoitiosis.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios , Especificidad de Anticuerpos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/parasitología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/veterinaria , Sarcocystidae/inmunología , Animales , Argentina/epidemiología , Bovinos , Coccidiosis/diagnóstico , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Femenino , Italia/epidemiología , México/epidemiología , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Pruebas SerológicasRESUMEN
Toxoplasmosis is commonly asymptomatic; however, it can be a fatal multisystemic disease in some animal species, such as New World monkeys. An outbreak of acute fatal toxoplasmosis was reported in a colony of black-capped squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) from the zoo of La Plata, Argentina. Post-mortem examination of two monkeys revealed macroscopical and microscopical lesions compatible with acute toxoplasmosis. The presence of Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed by immunohistochemistry on monkey tissues, bioassay in mice and PCR using the specific primers B22-B23. By PCR-RFLP analysis, T. gondii isolated in mice, deriving from both monkeys, showed the same restriction pattern, with most markers showing a type III restriction pattern, except for C22-8 (type II) and C29-2 (type I). To our knowledge this is the first report of fatal toxoplasmosis in S. boliviensis caused by a non-canonical or atypical genotype of T. gondii.
Asunto(s)
Animales de Zoológico/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Monos/parasitología , Saimiri/parasitología , Toxoplasma/clasificación , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitología , Animales , Argentina , ADN Protozoario/genética , Brotes de Enfermedades , Genotipo , Masculino , Ratones , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Polimorfismo de Longitud del Fragmento de Restricción , Toxoplasma/genéticaRESUMEN
The aims of this study were to identify the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum abortions in goats from Argentina by serological, macroscopical and microscopical examination and bioassay, and to characterize the obtained isolates by molecular techniques. For this purpose, 25 caprine fetal fluids, 18 caprine fetal brains and 10 caprine placentas from 8 dairy/meat goat farms from Argentina were analyzed. Gestational age of the aborted fetuses was determined in 18 cases. Protozoal infections were detected by at least one of the applied diagnostic techniques in 44% (11/25) of examined fetuses; specifically, 24% (6/25) were positive to T. gondii, 8% (2/25) were positive to N. caninum and 12% (3/25) were positive to both parasites. In this study IFAT titers were similarly distributed in younger and older fetuses. Macroscopical and microscopical examination of one placenta revealed chalky nodules in the fetal cotyledons and normal intercotyledonary areas, as well as necrosis and calcification of mesenchymal cells in villi. Tachyzoites were observed in peritoneal wash from 2 mice inoculated with brain and a pool of brain and placenta of two fetuses. Cell culture growth of tachyzoites was achieved from one inoculated mouse, and confirmed as T. gondii by PCR. The T. gondii isolate was identified as atypical or non-canonical by nested-PCR-RFLP. This is the first study that investigated the involvement of N. caninum and T. gondii in cases of goat abortion in Argentina.
Asunto(s)
Aborto Veterinario/parasitología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Enfermedades de las Cabras/epidemiología , Neospora/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiología , Feto Abortado , Aborto Veterinario/epidemiología , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/inmunología , Argentina/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Femenino , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta/veterinaria , Gerbillinae , Enfermedades de las Cabras/parasitología , Cabras , Ratones , Neospora/genética , Neospora/inmunología , Placenta , Embarazo , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/parasitología , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/veterinaria , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Neospora caninum infection is a major cause of abortion in cattle. The objectives of this study were to genetically characterize the N. caninum NC-6 Argentina isolate using a multilocus microsatellite analysis approach and to study its biological behavior by experimental inoculations into seronegative and seropositive pregnant cattle, evaluating the humoral and cellular immune response elicited and the occurrence of transplacental transmission and fetopathy. Pregnant cows (65 days of gestation) seropositive and seronegative to N. caninum were intravenously inoculated with tachyzoites of the NC-6 Argentina N. caninum strain and slaughtered at 108 ± 2 days of gestation. Serum samples were analyzed for N. caninum antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody test. The cellular immune response was analyzed by detection of gamma interferon (γIFN) production in blood cells. Tissue samples from dams, fetuses, and placental cotyledons were processed by histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques and examined for N. caninum DNA by PCR. Positive DNA samples were further analyzed by multilocus microsatellite typing for N. caninum. Inoculated animals had significantly higher N. caninum antibody titers and γIFN production than control animals. One seropositive inoculated cow aborted, one seronegative cow had a non-viable fetus, and the remaining fetuses from the experimentally inoculated dams had histopathologic lesions. The PCR was positive in 3/4 fetuses from seronegative inoculated cows and in 2/3 fetuses from seropositive inoculated cows. Multilocus microsatellite analysis revealed that the N. caninum DNA present in fetuses and placentas had an identical pattern to NC-6 Argentina strain. The NC-6 Argentina strain proved to be able to cross the placenta and to induce fetopathy in both the seropositive and seronegative dams.
Asunto(s)
Coccidiosis/patología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Enfermedades Fetales/parasitología , Neospora/patogenicidad , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/parasitología , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Bovinos , Coccidiosis/inmunología , ADN Protozoario/genética , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Interferón gamma/metabolismo , Leucocitos Mononucleares/inmunología , Repeticiones de Microsatélite , Neospora/clasificación , Neospora/genética , Neospora/aislamiento & purificación , EmbarazoRESUMEN
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite which is able to infect a large variety of warm-blooded animals. Raw or undercooked pork has been regarded as an important source of infection for humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to diagnose natural T. gondii infection in swine using native affinity chromatography-purified T. gondii surface protein-1 (TgSAG1-ELISA) as antigen, comparing its performance to that of indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and immunoblotting (IB). To obtain a panel of sera showing the evolution of the antibody response in the time course 12 pigs were experimentally inoculated intravenously (iv) with tachyzoites of the T. gondii strains RH (clonal type I), ME49 (clonal type II) and NED (clonal type III) and serologically monitored for a period of 11 weeks. Both IFAT and ELISA showed a similar time course of antibody response to T. gondii; but by IFAT this response was characterized by rapidly rising titers with peaks at two weeks post inoculation (wpi), while the ELISA indices increased slowly and reached a maximum in most animals at five wpi. Three-hundred randomly selected sera from a total of 602 pigs of different ages derived from outdoor and indoor farms from Argentina were analyzed. Serum samples testing either positive or negative by both IFAT and IB were considered as "relative standards of comparison" (RSC). Sensitivity and specificity of TgSAG1-ELISA were obtained by a Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis and statistical agreement among serological tests was evaluated. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 160 of 300 sera (53.3%) by IB, in 133 of 300 (44.3%) by IFAT and in 123 of 300 sera (41%) by TgSAG1-ELISA. One hundred and eleven sera tested positive and 118 sera tested negative by both IFAT and IB (RSC); 103 of 111 positive RSC sera tested positive by TgSAG1-ELISA, and 116 of 118 negative RSC sera tested negative by TgSAG1-ELISA. Agreement observed between RSC and TgSAG1-ELISA was almost perfect (κ=0.9124, p ≥ 0.05) and between IFAT and IB was moderate (κ=0.53, p ≥ 0.05). Relative sensitivity and specificity of the TgSAG1-ELISA using a cut-off index of 0.204 were of 92.8% and 98.3%, respectively. ROC analysis revealed that TgSAG1-ELISA was highly accurate (AUC=0.983) relative to the RSC. According to the results in this study, the ELISA based on affinity purified T. gondii surface antigen TgSAG1 was useful for the specific and sensitive detection of antibodies to this protozoan parasite in naturally infected pigs.
Asunto(s)
Antígenos de Protozoos/inmunología , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/veterinaria , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Proteínas Protozoarias/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Porcinos/diagnóstico , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/métodos , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta/veterinaria , Porcinos , Enfermedades de los Porcinos/parasitologíaRESUMEN
This study aimed at isolating and genotyping Toxoplasma gondii from serologically positive free-range chickens from Argentina, and to evaluate the use of sentinel animals during a short time period of exposure to determine environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts. Two groups of chickens on six farms were compared in this study: (i) young, 2-3 month-old broiler-type chickens reared as sentinel animals on the farms and (ii) adult chickens reared on the same farms for more than one year. Seroconversion rates of 7.0% or 5.7% were observed in sentinel broiler chickens reared for a period of 74 days (January-April 2010) or 88 days (August-November 2010) respectively, as shown by a T. gondii specific immunofluorescent antibody test. Fifty-three percent (17 of 32) of adult chickens were positive and showed higher titres than sentinel animals. Isolation of T. gondii from tissues (brain and heart) of serologically positive chickens was achieved from six of seven free-range adult birds with IFAT titres of 200 and higher. The isolated parasites were analysed by multi-locus polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The isolated T. gondii showed three different genotypes: two genotypes consisted in atypical allele combinations, and the remaining genotype had exclusively clonal type II alleles. All isolates obtained at a single farm, corresponded to the same genotype. The T. gondii genotypes observed are identical to those described in cats, dogs, chickens and capybaras elsewhere in South America. Two isolates, which showed different allele combinations in PCR-RFLP, were characterized in a mouse virulence assay. While one isolate showed a low virulence a second isolate was of intermediate virulence to mice.
Asunto(s)
Pollos/parasitología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/parasitología , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitología , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Argentina , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta , Genotipo , Dosificación Letal Mediana , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/diagnóstico , Estaciones del Año , Vigilancia de Guardia , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasma/patogenicidad , Toxoplasmosis Animal/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Sarcocystis cruzi, S. hirsuta and S. hominis are apicomplexan parasites that affect cattle worldwide with variable prevalence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Argentinean cattle comparing microscopic fresh examination and molecular methods. Blood, myocardium and loin samples were collected in five slaughterhouses from a total of 380 bovines. Origin of animals was representative of the major beef cattle production area of Argentina. Samples were analyzed by fresh microscopical examination, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), IFAT and PCR-RFLP. Thin walled sarcocysts corresponding with S. cruzi were found in 99.5% of heart samples. Sarcocysts were detected in 73.1% of loin samples; 71.5% had S. cruzi cysts and 23.1% had thick walled sarcocysts (S. hirsuta or S. hominis). TEM observation revealed the presence of characteristic S. hominis and S. hirsuta cyst walls in 7 and 1 loin samples respectively. Using IFAT, 379/380 animals had titers 25 or higher, showing a full agreement with fresh examination. Amplification products were detected in 35.5% (135/380) of loin samples; however Sarcocystis species could only be determined by RFLP in 29 samples. Agreement between fresh examination and PCR was low (Kappa value=0.262). This is the first report of S. hominis and S. hirsuta in Argentina. Further studies are needed to improve the sensitivity of molecular methods for species identification, especially for differentiation of S. cruzi and S. hirsuta from the zoonotic species S. hominis. The results of the present study and others focusing on sensitivity and specificity of Sarcocystis spp. diagnostic methods should contribute to improve food safety.
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Enfermedades de los Bovinos/parasitología , Sarcocystis/aislamiento & purificación , Sarcocistosis/veterinaria , Animales , Argentina/epidemiología , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Femenino , Masculino , Prevalencia , Sarcocistosis/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Toxoplasma gondii infection is frequently asymptomatic; however, it can be severe or even fatal to some hosts. In this study, diagnosis of disseminated toxoplasmosis in one red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) and one great grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) from the La Plata Zoo, Argentina and the isolation and molecular characterization of T. gondii are reported. Both male kangaroos showed depression and sudden death. Toxoplasma gondii infection was diagnosed by fresh examination, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, PCR and bioassay in mice. During fresh examination many protozoan cysts were observed in diaphragm, heart and hind limb muscles of M. rufus. Cysts were also observed in samples from M. giganteus, although in lower number. Cysts from both kangaroos stained strongly with T. gondii anti-serum by immunohistochemistry. The M. rufus showed more considerable histopathological lesions like non-suppurative meningoencephalitis, myositis and myocarditis. All mice inoculated with tissues from both kangaroos developed IFAT titers to T. gondii (titer >or=800) and brain cysts at necropsy. Both T. gondii isolates were maintained by mice passages and the M. rufus isolate was also maintained in cell culture. Toxoplasma gondii DNA from tissue samples was analyzed by PCR-RFLP analysis using the markers 5'SAG2, 3'SAG2, BTUB, GRA6, SAG3, c22-8, L358, PK1, c29-2 and Apico. Genotyping revealed that the T. gondii isolate from M. rufus was clonal type III and the isolate from M. giganteus was clonal type II. This is the first report of disseminated toxoplasmosis in M. rufus and M. giganteus in Argentina caused by genotypes of T. gondii considered non-virulent in a mouse model.
Asunto(s)
Animales de Zoológico/parasitología , Macropodidae/parasitología , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasmosis Animal/diagnóstico , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitología , Animales , Argentina , Células Cultivadas , Femenino , Genotipo , Masculino , Ratones , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Polimorfismo de Longitud del Fragmento de Restricción , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasmosis Animal/patologíaRESUMEN
In this study, the diagnosis of fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis in three captive slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) in the zoo of La Plata, Argentina and the invitro isolation and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii are reported. The animals showed depression, dyspnea and hypothermia, and also ataxia in one case, and died within 1-5 days. The main histopathological lesions included interstitial pneumonia, non-suppurative inflammatory changes and focal necrosis in liver, spleen, kidney and brain. Tachyzoites or tissue cysts were present in lung, liver, spleen, brain, striated muscle, kidney, intestine and mesenteric lymph node sections, and stained strongly with T. gondii antiserum in immunohistochemical analysis. T. gondii was isolated in Swiss mice and in bovine monocytes cultures from tissues of one of the meerkats. The isolate was cryopreserved and it was named TG-Suricata-1. T. gondii DNA was demonstrated in tissues of all three animals and in tachyzoites isolated in cell cultures. The PCR-RFLP analysis of markers based in the loci 3'-SAG2, 5'-SAG2, BTUB, GRA6, SAG3, c22-8, L358, PK1, c29-2 and Apico of T. gondii produced patterns corresponding to the clonal type III. Type III strains of T. gondii possess no or only little virulence in the mouse model, however their association with virulence in other animal species is uncertain. In the present case, T. gondii of the clonal lineage III was responsible for fatal cases in S. suricatta. To our knowledge, this is the first report of isolation and genotyping of T. gondii from S. suricatta.
Asunto(s)
Herpestidae , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitología , Animales , Animales de Zoológico , Argentina/epidemiología , Bovinos , Células Cultivadas , Pulmón/parasitología , Pulmón/patología , Ratones , Monocitos/parasitología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/patologíaRESUMEN
Sarcocystis cruzi and Neospora caninum infections in cattle are common throughout the world, and cause important economical losses. N. caninum can be transmitted horizontally by ingestion of oocysts or vertically from the infected dam to the fetus via the placenta. Vertical transmission for S. cruzi is infrequent and horizontal transmission is considered the most important route of infection. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of horizontal and vertical transmission for S. cruzi and N. caninum in a dairy cattle herd and to analyze IFAT titers as predictors of vertical transmission. Serum samples (n = 173) were collected from dairy calves at birth prior to colostrum ingestion and from their dams. In addition, 12 calves were also sampled after ingestion of colostrum, 25 female calves were sampled at 7 months, and 81 of the dams were also sampled at breeding. Sera were evaluated for S. cruzi and N. caninum antibodies by IFAT starting at 1:25 dilution. For S. cruzi, vertical transmission frequency was 1.7%, and all female calves evaluated at 7 months and cows were seropositive. Seroprevalence for N. caninum was 80.9% in cows and 30% in precolostrum calves. Vertical transmission frequency was 37.1%. Cows with high antibody titers (> or = 400) showed higher vertical transmission frequency (94.8%) than cows with low antibody titers (between 25 and 200) (14.8%). Negative precolostrum calves (7/12) had postcolostrum N. caninum titers 2-8 times higher than their dams. Estimated horizontal transmission frequency was 51 and 47%, based on differences of seroprevalences in calves and dams, and on the seroconversion of 9/19 negative precolostrum female calves when retested at 7 months, respectively. Average N. caninum titers of cows at breeding and calving were 120.6 and 320.9, respectively. Cows with a high titer at breeding had a high titer at calving. Therefore, N. caninum IFAT titers at breeding and calving could potentially be used as predictors of vertical transmission.
Asunto(s)
Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/veterinaria , Neospora , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/veterinaria , Sarcocystis , Sarcocistosis/veterinaria , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Bovinos , Coccidiosis/transmisión , Femenino , Embarazo , Sarcocistosis/transmisión , Estudios SeroepidemiológicosRESUMEN
Llamas (Lama glama) are South American camelids described as intermediate hosts of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis aucheniae. Due to the potential role of these protozoan infections as a cause of economic losses, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence for T. gondii, N. caninum and Sarcocystis sp. in llamas from Argentina. Serum samples from 308 llamas (>2 years old) were collected between 2005 and 2007. A total of 55 farms located in six departments of Jujuy province, Argentina were sampled. Presence of antibodies to N. caninum, T. gondii and Sarcocystis sp. was determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). For Sarcocystis, 2 different bradyzoites-based antigens were prepared using S. aucheniae and S. cruzi. Sera were tested at dilutions 1:25 and 1:50. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 4.6% serum samples. Fifty percent of departments and 14.5% of farms had positive animals. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 30% of samples, distributed in 66% of departments and 43.6% of farms. Antibodies to Sarcocystis sp. were detected in 96% of samples and all departments and farms had positive animals, suggesting frequent contact between llamas and canids. Co-infection with N. caninum, T. gondii and Sarcocystis sp. was also recorded. Low seroprevalence of N. caninum in llamas detected in this study could be related to climatic and geographical conditions that limit cattle breeding activity, reducing the source of infection for definitive hosts. Seroprevalence of T. gondii and the positive animal distribution suggest frequent contamination of grass with felid faeces. In conclusion, this is the first report of combined seroprevalence for N. caninum, T. gondii and Sarcocystis sp. in llamas. Further studies are needed to determine the potential role of these protozoan infections as cause of abortion in Argentina as well as presence of these protozoans in llama meat used for human consumption.
Asunto(s)
Camélidos del Nuevo Mundo/parasitología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Sarcocistosis/veterinaria , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiología , Animales , Argentina/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/sangre , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Neospora , Sarcocystis , Sarcocistosis/sangre , Sarcocistosis/epidemiología , Sarcocistosis/parasitología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis Animal/sangre , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitologíaRESUMEN
The aim of the study was to diagnose Sarcocystis sp. infections in cattle and to detect coinfections by Toxoplasma gondii and/or Neospora caninum. Blood, diaphragm, esophagus, and myocardium from 90 beef cattle from Argentina were collected. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, polymerase chain reaction assays, and direct microscopical examination were carried out. Sarcocysts from myocardium were measured and counted. Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for the three protozoans was performed. Sarcocystis cruzi sarcocysts were found in 100% of myocardium samples. Sarcocysts per gram ranged from 8 to 380 with higher values found in adult cattle (p < 0.001). T. gondii and N. caninum were not detected by immunohistochemistry. T. gondii DNA was found in myocardium of 2/20 seropositive animals, while N. caninum DNA was not found. Antibodies against S. cruzi were detected in all samples, those against N. caninum in 73% and against T. gondii in 91% of the samples (IFAT titer > or =25). It is concluded that serology by IFAT is a suitable method to diagnose these protozoan infections due to its specific IgG detection; therefore, IFAT may be a useful tool to evaluate the impact of each protozoan infection in coinfected animals.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/parasitología , Neospora/inmunología , Sarcocystis/inmunología , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Animales , Bovinos , Coccidiosis/complicaciones , Coccidiosis/parasitología , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta , Corazón/parasitología , Neospora/genética , Neospora/aislamiento & purificación , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , Sarcocystis/genética , Sarcocistosis/complicaciones , Sarcocistosis/diagnóstico , Sarcocistosis/parasitología , Sarcocistosis/veterinaria , Toxoplasma/genética , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasmosis Animal/complicaciones , Toxoplasmosis Animal/diagnóstico , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitologíaRESUMEN
Wallabies and other Australian marsupials are among the most susceptible species to Toxoplasma gondii. Fatal generalized toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in two captive 3 year-old female Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) from Argentina (w 1 and w 2) with a history of sudden death. Both animals had internal joeys which died 2 days after their mothers. Serologically, both females and one adult male without clinical signs from the same enclosure (w 3) had antibody titers for T. gondii>or=800 by the modified agglutination test (MAT); another adult male (w 4) was negative (MAT titer<25). Microscopically, tachyzoites were observed associated to non-suppurative meningoencephalitis, hepatitis, myositis, myocarditis and severe enteritis in hematoxylin and eosin stained sections from both w 1 and w 2. Immunohistochemically, parasites in heart, brain and liver sections of both female wallabies reacted with T. gondii antiserum. T. gondii was isolated from brain tissues of w 1 and w 2 by bioassay in mice and by culture in bovine monocytes and both isolates were cryopreserved. Genomic DNA was isolated from tachyzoites grown in cultures derived from both animals. The primer pair B22/B23 specific for T. gondii produced 115bp amplicons on poliacrylamide electrophoretic gels. Stray cats were suspected as the possible source of infection. Not all infected macropods were ill, showing that the infection may be asymptomatic and is not always fatal. A vertical infection could not be proved in the joey from w 2. As far as we know, this is the first confirmed report of toxoplasmosis in Bennet's wallabies in Argentina.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Macropodidae/parasitología , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/epidemiología , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiología , Pruebas de Aglutinación/veterinaria , Animales , Argentina/epidemiología , Bioensayo , Encéfalo/parasitología , ADN Protozoario/análisis , Resultado Fatal , Femenino , Inmunohistoquímica/veterinaria , Masculino , Ratones , Especificidad de Órganos , Embarazo , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/patología , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasma/aislamiento & purificación , Toxoplasma/patogenicidad , Toxoplasmosis Animal/patologíaRESUMEN
El objetivo del trabajo fue detectar infecciones por Cryptosporidium sp en animales domésticos y en monos de un zoológico, en la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se procesaron 375 muestras de materia fecal de distintas especies mediante la técnica de sedimentación de Ritchie modificada (formol -éter) para concentrar los ooquistes. El sedimento se tiñó mediante la técnica de Ziehl-Neelsen modificada. Se detectaron ooquistes de Cryptosporidium sp en 7 de 175 muestras de materia fecal de perro, en 2 de 17 de gato, en 4 de 22 de ovinos, en 21 de 131 cabras, en 29 de 109 de terneros, en 2 de 2 de equinos y en 2 de 5 de cobayos (Cavia porcellus). Se examinaron 14 muestras de heces de monos, entre ellas, se detectaron ooquistes en la muestra de 1 hembra carayá (Alouatta caraya) adulta, en la de 1 mono araña (Ateles paniscus) macho adulto, en la muestra colectiva de 7 monos saimiri (Saimiri boliviensis) adultos, en la muestra de 2 hembras y 1 macho caí (Cebus apella), en la muestra colectiva de hamadríades (Papio hamadryas) y en la de 1 chimpancé joven (Pan troglodytes).