Publication details

Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in farm-reared ostriches (Struthio camelus) in the Czech Republic

Authors

BÁRTOVÁ E. KOBÉDOVÁ K. BUDÍKOVÁ Marie RAČKA K.

Year of publication 2021
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source International Journal of Food Microbiology
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Science

Citation
Web https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109333
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109333
Keywords Toxoplasmosis; Bird; LAT; PCR; Risk factors
Description Toxoplasmosis is a globally spread disease, affecting humans and many animal species, including birds. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected in ostriches from South and North America, Africa and Asia. Except for one study from Spain, there is a lack of information about T. gondii seroprevalence in ostriches from Europe. For this reason, the aim of the study was to detect antibodies to T. gondii in farm-reared ostriches from the Czech Republic. Serum samples of 409 ostriches (Struthio camelus), collected at 9 farms were tested by Latex agglutination test. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 149 (36%) birds with a statistical difference for individual farms (8%–71%, p = 0.0121), and regions (8%–65%, p = 0.002). Seropositivity did not statistically differ (p > 0.05) in size of farms (50% and 35% on small and large farms, respectively), sex of birds (38% and 35% in males and females, respectively), season and year of collection. Tissue samples (brain, heart, and pectoral muscle) of 105 birds were also tested by PCR to detect T. gondii DNA. The parasite T. gondii was detected in the brain and heart of one seronegative ostrich (1%) from a small farm. Based on our results, we can assume that ostriches may present high risk of toxoplasmosis for humans through consumption of raw or undercooked ostrich meat and even seronegative individuals could harbor T. gondii in their tissues. To our knowledge, this is the first serological detection of T. gondii in ostriches in the Czech Republic, and the first PCR detection in Europe.

You are running an old browser version. We recommend updating your browser to its latest version.

More info