Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from Zoo Wildlife and Pet Birds in Fujian, China

• Published in: Iranian journal of parasitology Vol. 10; no. 4; pp. 663 - 668
• Main Authors: Chen, Renfeng, Lin, Xuan, Hu, Lingying, Chen, Xiaoli, Tang, Yao, Zhang, Jia, Chen, Meizhen, Wang, Shoukun, Huang, Cuiqin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Iran Tehran University of Medical Sciences 01-10-2015
• Subjects: Birds; China; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; Genetic characteriza-tion; Genetic diversity; Genetic testing; Genotype & phenotype; Heart; Infections; Pet Birds; Pets; Polymerase chain reaction; Protozoa; Short Communication; Studies; Toxoplasma gondii; Ultraviolet radiation; Wildlife; Zoo animals; Genetic characterization; Pet Birds; Toxoplasma gondii; Zoo animals; China
• ISSN: 1735-7020; 2008-238X

Toxoplasmosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease, is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The distribution of genetic diversity of T. gondii in wild animals is of great importance to understand the transmission of the parasite in the environment. However, little is known about T. gondii prevalence in wild animals and birds in China.
We conducted the genetic characterization of T. gondii isolated from Zoo Wild Animals and Pet Birds in Fujian Province, Southeastern China. Heart tissues were collected from 45 zoo animals and 140 pet birds. After identified using B1 gene, the genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates were typed at 11 genetic markers, including SAG1, 5' and 3'-SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3.
Seven of 45 zoo animals and 3 of 140 pet birds were positive by PCR amplification using T. gondii B1 gene specific primers. Of these positive isolates, 3 isolates from Black-capped (Cebus apella), Peacock (Peafowl) and Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) were successfully genotyped at 11 genetic loci, and grouped to three distinct genotypes: ToxoDB Genotype #9, #2 and #10, respectively.
This is the first genotyping of T. gondii isolated from zoo wild animals and pet birds in Fujian, China. There is a potential risk for the transmission of this parasite through zoo wild animals and pet birds in this region.