Prevalence and genotype identification of Toxoplasma gondii in wild animals from southwestern Spain

Rafael Calero-Bernal; José M Saugar; Eva Frontera; Juan E Pérez-Martín; Miguel A Habela; Francisco J Serrano; David Reina; Isabel Fuentes

doi:10.7589/2013-09-233

Prevalence and genotype identification of Toxoplasma gondii in wild animals from southwestern Spain

J Wildl Dis. 2015 Jan;51(1):233-8. doi: 10.7589/2013-09-233.

Authors

Rafael Calero-Bernal¹, José M Saugar, Eva Frontera, Juan E Pérez-Martín, Miguel A Habela, Francisco J Serrano, David Reina, Isabel Fuentes

Affiliation

¹ 1 Parasitology Section, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura, Avd. de la Universidad s/n, 10071 Cáceres, Spain.

PMID: 25375939
DOI: 10.7589/2013-09-233

Abstract

We used PCR to detect Toxoplasma gondii in the principal game species in southwestern Spain. We detected T. gondii in 32.2% of animals tested. Prevalences varied from 14.7% in wild boar (Sus scrofa) to 51.2% in red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The most prevalent genotype was type II (50.0%), followed by type III (20.6%) and type I (5.9%). Mixed infections (11.8%) were detected in wild boar (types I+III) and red fox (types II+III). Polymorphic strains (11.8%) were detected in several species. The high prevalence and the genetic variability shown could have implications for infection of farm animals and humans.

Keywords: Genotypes; PCR, PCR-RFLP; Spain; Toxoplasma gondii; wild animals.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Animals, Wild*
Genotype*
Prevalence
Spain / epidemiology
Toxoplasma / genetics*
Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology
Toxoplasmosis, Animal / parasitology*