title: Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from Zoo Wildlife and Pet Birds in Fujian, China.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Animal Pharmaceutical Engineering Laboratory of Fujian Province, College of Animal and Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
authors.forename: Renfeng
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Animal Pharmaceutical Engineering Laboratory of Fujian Province, College of Animal and Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
authors.forename: Xuan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Animal Pharmaceutical Engineering Laboratory of Fujian Province, College of Animal and Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
authors.forename: Lingying
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: Fuzhou Zoo, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoli
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Fuzhou Zoo, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
authors.forename: Yao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: Animal Pharmaceutical Engineering Laboratory of Fujian Province, College of Animal and Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
authors.forename: Jia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Animal Pharmaceutical Engineering Laboratory of Fujian Province, College of Animal and Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
authors.forename: Meizhen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Animal Pharmaceutical Engineering Laboratory of Fujian Province, College of Animal and Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
authors.forename: Shoukun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: College of Life Science, Longyan University, Longyan, 364000, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Longyan, 364000, China.
authors.forename: Cuiqin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Huang
keywords: China; Genetic characterization; Pet Birds; Toxoplasma gondii; Zoo animals
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