Detection of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Antarctic pinnipeds.
The presence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was investigated in Antarctic marine mammals. Two hundred and eleven sera from different species of pinnipeds collected in years 2007, 2010 and 2011 from different locations in the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula were analysed using a commercially available agglutination test kit. The presence of antibodies (titres ≥ 1:25) against T. gondii was detected in a total of 28 animals (13.3%). Amongst animal species, percentages of detection were higher in Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) (76.9%; 10/13) followed by Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) (41.9%; 13/31). Antibodies were also found in 4 of 165 (2.4%) Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) and 1 of 2 Crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga). Highest titres (1:100-1:800) were also observed in Southern elephant seals and Weddell seals. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the detection of antibodies against T. gondii in Antarctic marine mammals.
SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Claudia
C
Rengifo-Herrera
Luis Miguel
LM
Ortega-Mora
Gema
G
Alvarez-García
Mercedes
M
Gómez-Bautista
Daniel
D
García-Párraga
Francisco Javier
FJ
García-Peña
Susana
S
Pedraza-Díaz
D000372:Agglutination Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D000864:Antarctic Regions / Q000453:epidemiology; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D010872:Caniformia / Q000469:parasitology*; D046069:Fur Seals / Q000469:parasitology; D062312:Islands / Q000453:epidemiology; D046048:Seals, Earless / Q000469:parasitology; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000453:epidemiology*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan