Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Animals from Captivity (Zoo and Circus Animals)
Language English Country United States Media print-electronic
Document type Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
PubMed
30203900
DOI
10.1111/jeu.12688
Knihovny.cz E-resources
- Keywords
- Encephalitozoonosis, exotic animals, neosporosis, serology, toxoplasmosis,
- MeSH
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi isolation & purification MeSH
- Encephalitozoonosis epidemiology parasitology veterinary MeSH
- Coccidiosis epidemiology parasitology veterinary MeSH
- Neospora isolation & purification MeSH
- Prevalence MeSH
- Mammals * MeSH
- Seroepidemiologic Studies MeSH
- Toxoplasma isolation & purification MeSH
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal epidemiology parasitology MeSH
- Animals, Zoo MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Geographicals
- Italy epidemiology MeSH
Problems with parasitic infections are common in zoological gardens and circuses. In some animals it can lead to several disorders such as systemic disease, reproductive disorders (abortions and neonatal mortality), and even to death if severe illness is untreated. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of three common parasites in 74 animals from three zoos, and four circuses in Southern Italy. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Encephalitozoon cuniculi were detected in 51%, 12%, and 20% of animals, respectively. Co-infections of T. gondii and N. caninum were reported in seven animals (9%) and co-infection of T. gondii and E. cuniculi in one animal. T. gondii, N. caninum and E. cuniculi seroprevalence differed in type of diet (P ≤ 0.0001; P ≤ 0.037 and P ≤ 0.004, respectively). T. gondii and E. cuniculi seroprevalence also differed in animal families (P ≤ 0.0001) and according to type of housing (P ≤ 0.003), respectively. Statistical differences were not found in other characteristics (gender, age, country of birth, origin, and contact with cats or dogs). This is the first serological study focusing on protozoan and microsporidian parasites in zoo and circus animals from Southern Italy and the first detection of antibodies to E. cuniculi in camels in Europe.
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