Fatal toxoplasmosis in a captive squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) in Portugal

This study aimed to describe the histopathological findings and genotypic characterization of theToxoplasma gondii strain involved in a lethal case occurring in a zoo-housed black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) in Portugal. Cyst-like structures suggestive of Sarcocystidae parasites and acute injuries in liver and brain were observed by light microscopy examination. By immunohistochemistry, calprotectin,T. gondii antigen and Iba1 antigen had a positive signaling in lung, liver and brain tissues.Toxoplasma gondii B1, ITS1 and 529 repetitive element fragments amplifications together with the genotyping of 13 microsatellite markers confirmed a systemicT. gondii infection linked to a non-clonal type II strain. This description is consistent to the majorityT. gondii strains circulating in Europe.
Source: Veterinary Research Communications - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research