Toxoplasma gondii infection in two common wombats (Vombatus ursinus)

Toxoplasmosis is a common cause of death in wild and captive Australian marsupials, yet descriptions of clinical disease, diagnosis and pathological lesions are limited and incomplete. Infection with Toxoplasma gondii was diagnosed, using immunohistochemical techniques, following the acute death of a juvenile common wombat, Vombatus ursinus, that was being bottle raised by wildlife carers. This animal's cage mate developed dyspnoea, tachycardia and anorexia 3 weeks later. Serum was collected prior to euthanasia and necropsy examination. Pathological lesions in both animals were similar and toxoplasma cysts were seen in most organs examined but particularly in the neurological and respiratory systems. Serological testing of the second wombat supported the histological diagnosis and indicated that the tests have valuable roles in both diagnosing infections ante-mortem and in distinguishing between acute and chronic infections.