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Experimental toxoplasmosis in chukar partridges(Alectoris graeca)
J P Dubey1, M A Goodwin, M D Ruff
1Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Parasite Biology and Epidemiology Laboratory, Livestock and Poultry Sciences Institute, Beltsville, Maryland, USA.
Avian Pathology : Journal of the W.V.P.A
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Chukar partridges infected with Toxoplasma gondii strains ME 49 and GT-1 showed high mortality and persistent lesions. Antibody detection varied by test, with modified agglutination being most effective.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Avian Diseases
- Protozoan Infections
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan parasite.
- Avian species can serve as hosts and reservoirs for T. gondii.
- Understanding T. gondii pathogenicity in game birds is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of T. gondii strains ME 49 and GT-1 in chukar partridges.
- To assess the clinical signs, lesions, and antibody responses in infected chukar partridges.
- To compare different serological tests for T. gondii antibody detection in this avian model.
Main Methods:
- Oral inoculation of chukar partridges with varying doses of T. gondii oocysts (ME 49 and GT-1 strains).
- Clinical monitoring, necropsy, and histopathological examination of tissues.
- Bioassays in mice to confirm T. gondii presence in tissues.
- Serological testing using modified agglutination, latex agglutination, haemagglutination, and Sabin-Feldman dye tests.
Main Results:
- The GT-1 strain caused rapid mortality at high doses, while the ME 49 strain induced mortality between 6 and 14 days post-inoculation.
- Survivors (9/24) remained asymptomatic but shed T. gondii in tissues, confirmed by mouse bioassay.
- Lesions included enteritis, splenic necrosis, myocarditis, and encephalitis, which persisted in some birds.
- Modified agglutination test showed higher antibody titers compared to latex and haemagglutination tests; Sabin-Feldman dye test was negative.
Conclusions:
- Chukar partridges are susceptible to T. gondii infection, with significant mortality and persistent tissue infection.
- The ME 49 strain demonstrated higher pathogenicity in heavier chukar partridges.
- The modified agglutination test is a reliable method for detecting T. gondii antibodies in chukar partridges.
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