Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (Nov 2022)

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

  • Chanjuan Yue,
  • Wanjing Yang,
  • Xueyang Fan,
  • Jingchao Lan,
  • Wenjun Huang,
  • Dongsheng Zhang,
  • Yunli Li,
  • Lihui Liao,
  • James Edward Ayala,
  • Kongju Wu,
  • Yiyan Liu,
  • Yiyan Liu,
  • Weichao Zheng,
  • Lin Li,
  • Hongwen Zhang,
  • Xiaoyan Su,
  • Xia Yan,
  • Rong Hou,
  • Songrui Liu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.1071988
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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IntroductionToxoplasma gondii, a globally zoonotic protozoan parasite, infects most warm-blooded animals including the giant panda, and poses a serious threat to the giant panda conservation. However, the seroprevalence and the risk factors for toxoplasmosis in giant pandas are unknown. Here we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the captive population of giant pandas and analyze the factors associated with the increased risk of infection.MethodsA total of 203 serum samples were collected from 157 (95 females and 62 males) captive giant pandas from 2007 to 2022, antibodies against T. gondii were screened using commercial ELISA and MAT kits.ResultsThe results showed 56 (35.67%) giant pandas were seropositive, age and transfer history between institutions were identifified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. It is suggested that age-related seroprevalence was the main factor, and housing multiple species in the same environment may increase the chance of cross-infection of T. gondii.DiscussionThis study can provide research data for developing policies for the prevention and control of T. gondii and protecting the health of captive giant pandas and other wildlife.

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