Aspects of toxoplasma infection on the reproductive system of experimentally infected rams (ovis aries).
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.
Lopes
Welber Daniel Zanetti
WD
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.
da Costa
Alvimar José
AJ
Santana
Luis Fernando
LF
Dos Santos
Ricardo Silva
RS
Rossanese
Walter Matheus
WM
Lopes
Wilton Carlos Zanetti
WC
Costa
Gustavo Henrique Nogueira
GH
Sakamoto
Cláudio Alessandro
CA
Dos Santos
Thais Rabelo
TR