Toxoplasmosis in sand fox (Vulpes rueppelli)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Parasitology
• Wildlife Diseases

Background:

• Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a significant zoonotic disease affecting a wide range of hosts.
• Sand foxes (Vulpes rueppelli) are wild canids found in arid regions of Africa and the Middle East, with limited information available on their susceptibility to specific pathogens.

Observation:

• A fatal case of toxoplasmosis was identified in a sand fox from the United Arab Emirates.
• Toxoplasma gondii-like tachyzoites were microscopically observed in multiple organs, including the intestine, spleen, liver, pancreas, lungs, mesenteric lymph nodes, and heart, associated with significant necrosis.
• Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of T. gondii tachyzoites using specific polyclonal antibodies.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of fatal toxoplasmosis was confirmed through histopathology and immunohistochemistry.
• Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 8 captive sand foxes, with titers of 1:800 or higher, as determined by the modified direct agglutination test.
• This study provides the first documented evidence of fatal toxoplasmosis in Vulpes rueppelli.

Implications:

• The findings suggest that sand foxes are susceptible to severe toxoplasmosis, posing a potential health risk in captive environments.
• This research underscores the importance of considering T. gondii in the differential diagnosis of diseases affecting sand foxes and other wild canids.
• Further studies are warranted to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of T. gondii in wild and captive populations of Vulpes rueppelli.