title: 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 with T. gondii: GI, 3 rams, 2.0 x 10(5) P strain oocysts; GII, 3 rams, 1.0 x 10(6) 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 with Toxoplasma gondii. All the inoculated rams responded to antigenic stimulus, producing antibodies against T. gondii from 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 of T. gondii was 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.
authors: Department of Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Research Center (CPPAR), Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Via de acesso prof. Paulo Donatto Castellani, s/n CEP; 14884-900 Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
authors: Welber Daniel Zanetti
authors: WD
authors: Lopes
authors: Alvimar José
authors: AJ
authors: da Costa
authors: Luis Fernando
authors: LF
authors: Santana
authors: Ricardo Silva
authors: RS
authors: Dos Santos
authors: Walter Matheus
authors: WM
authors: Rossanese
authors: Wilton Carlos Zanetti
authors: WC
authors: Lopes
authors: Gustavo Henrique Nogueira
authors: GH
authors: Costa
authors: Cláudio Alessandro
authors: CA
authors: Sakamoto
authors: Thais Rabelo
authors: TR
authors: Dos Santos