Toxoplasmosis in dasyurid marsupials

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Marsupial Biology

Background:

• Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasite with a wide host range.
• Understanding parasite prevalence in wildlife is crucial for disease management and conservation.
• Dasyurid marsupials represent a unique group of Australian native mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in various dasyurid marsupial species.
• To identify potential sources of infection in both wild and captive environments.
• To assess age-related susceptibility and species-specific resistance to Toxoplasma gondii.

Main Methods:

• Histopathologic examination of tissues from 240 dasyurid marsupials across nine species.
• Analysis of infection patterns in relation to animal age and origin (field vs. laboratory).
• Dietary analysis for potential sources of parasitic transmission in laboratory settings.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection was detected in eight out of nine dasyurid species surveyed.
• Endemic infection was confirmed in Dasyuroides byrnei, with evidence of laboratory-acquired infections likely from raw sheep diets.
• No infections were found in marsupials under six months old, and Antechinus stuartii remained infection-free, suggesting potential resistance.

Conclusions:

• Dasyurid marsupials are susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii, with prevalence varying by species and age.
• Dietary practices in captivity can contribute to parasite transmission.
• Antechinus stuartii may exhibit inherent resistance to Toxoplasma gondii, warranting further investigation.