SEROLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS OF Toxoplasma gondii IN NON-HUMAN PRIMATES IN A ZOO

Abstract

The participation of wild animals as reservoirs or carriers of zoonoses in the wild and captivity is an emerging concern due to the potential for transmission of zoonoses such as toxoplasmosis. This study examined risk factors associated with the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the infection of zoo primates. Serum samples from 43 primates were tested for T. gondii antibodies using three serological techniques: the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT), Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT); and molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Antibodies were found in 37.2% (16/43) of the animals. Among the species, 8/43 were seroreagents according to all three techniques and 8/43 only by the IFAT. No sample was positive according to PCR. The risk factors studied, namely sex, age and category (Old World or Neotropical), were not significant in the statistical analysis (p<0.01). However, other risk factors, such as the food and water supplied and the sand present in the animals’ enclosures, were not analyzed, but have been shown in other studies to be potential causes of high prevalence of antibodies of animals surveyed in zoos. Hence, there is a need for regular monitoring of infection through periodic serological tests, to prevent infection of zoo workers and the visiting public.