Aspects of Toxoplasma Infection on the Reproductive System of Experimentally Infected Rams (Ovis Aries)

Abstract

Eight reproductive rams with no prior reproductive disease were distributed into three groups of infection withT. gondii: GI, 3 rams,  P strain oocysts; GII, 3 rams,  RH strain tachyzoites; GIII, 2 control rams. Clinical parameters were measured and serological evaluations (IIF) were performed. Presence of the parasite in the semen was investigated by PCR and bioassay techniques. The rams presented clinical alterations (hyperthermia and apathy) related to toxoplasmosis in both groups infected withToxoplasma gondii. All the inoculated rams responded to antigenic stimulus, producing antibodies againstT. gondiifrom postinoculation day 5 onwards. In ovine groups I and II, the greatest titers observed were 1 : 4096 and 1 : 8192, respectively. In semen samples collected from these two groups, the presence ofT. gondiiwas detected by bioassay and PCR. This coccidian was isolated (bioassay and PCR) in tissue pools (testicles, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostrate) from two rams infected presenting oocysts and in one presenting tachyzoites.