Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii in captive nonhuman primates in zoos in Spain.

Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii in captive nonhuman primates in zoos in Spain. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2019 Aug;65:54-57 Authors: Cano-Terriza D, Almería S, Caballero-Gómez J, Díaz-Cao JM, Jiménez-Ruiz S, Dubey JP, García-Bocanegra I Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a widely distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite, which can affect most warm-blooded species. Some species of non-human primates (NHPs) are highly susceptible to T. gondii infection. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in NHPs housed in zoos in Spain. Sera from 189 NHPs belonging to 33 species were collected in eight zoos. Additionally, 10 of the 189 animals were longitudinally sampled. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 48 NHPs (25.4%; confidence interval of 95% (CI95%): 19.2-31.6) using a modified agglutination test (MAT; cut-off = 25). Seropositive animals had titers of 25 (6.3%), 50 (8.3%), 100 (8.3%) and ≥500 (68.8%). Seropositivity was detected in 15 of the 33 species (45.5%). Of the 10 NHPs sampled more than once, two animals (one Barbary macaque [Macaca sylvanus] and one common chimpanzee [Pan toglodytes]) seroconverted along the study period, while one seropositive chimpanzee increased antibody titers over time. The Hominidae family (OR = 5.9; CI95%: 2.7-12.8) and sex (females) (OR = 2.1; CI95%: 1.1-4.1) were risk factors potentially associated wit...
Source: Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases. - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis Source Type: research