Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Animals from Captivity (Zoo and Circus Animals)

• Published in: The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology Vol. 66; no. 3; pp. 442 - 446
• Main Authors: Marková, Jiřina, Machačová, Tereza, Bártová, Eva, Sedlák, Kamil, Budíková, Marie, Silvestre, Pasquale, Laricchiuta, Paolo, Russo, Marco, Veneziano, Vincenzo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2019
• Subjects: Animals; Animals, Zoo; Antibodies; Captivity; Coccidiosis - epidemiology; Coccidiosis - parasitology; Coccidiosis - veterinary; Detection; Encephalitozoon cuniculi - isolation & purification; Encephalitozoonosis; Encephalitozoonosis - epidemiology; Encephalitozoonosis - parasitology; Encephalitozoonosis - veterinary; exotic animals; Female; Gender; Housing; Infant mortality; Infections; Italy - epidemiology; Male; Mammals; Neonates; Neospora - isolation & purification; Neospora caninum; neosporosis; Parasites; Prevalence; Protozoa; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Serology; Toxoplasma - isolation & purification; Toxoplasma gondii; toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasmosis, Animal - epidemiology; Toxoplasmosis, Animal - parasitology; Zoo animals; Zoological gardens; Italy; Encephalitozoonosis; exotic animals; toxoplasmosis; neosporosis; serology
• ISSN: 1066-5234; 1550-7408
• DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12688

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.