A survey on Apicomplexa protozoa in sheep slaughtered for human consumption

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Protozoology
• Food Safety

Background:

• Apicomplexa protozoa, including Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis spp., are significant causes of ovine reproductive disorders.
• Limited epidemiological data exists on co-infections with these three protozoa in Italian sheep populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of co-infections with T. gondii, Neospora caninum, and Sarcocystis spp. in sheep intended for human consumption in Italy.
• To assess the potential zoonotic implications of these parasitic infections in sheep.

Main Methods:

• Blood, brain, heart, and diaphragm samples were collected from 138 sheep post-slaughter.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies.
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to identify DNA of T. gondii, N. caninum, and Sarcocystis spp.

Main Results:

• A high co-infection rate of 66.7% was observed for T. gondii, N. caninum, and Sarcocystis spp.
• T. gondii antibodies were found in 36.2% of sera; its DNA was detected in brain (67.4%), heart (77.5%), and diaphragm (21.7%).
• N. caninum DNA was prevalent in brain samples (72.5%), while Sarcocystis spp. (identified as Sarcocystis tenella) DNA was found in heart (92%) and diaphragm (52.2%) samples.

Conclusions:

• Sheep in Italy exhibit a high risk of infection with the investigated Apicomplexa, necessitating control measures due to economic and health impacts.
• The study highlights the potential role of sheep in the zoonotic transmission of toxoplasmosis to humans.