Serologic survey for toxoplasmosis in river otters

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Zoonotic Disease Research

Background:

• Toxoplasma gondii is an important parasite with a wide host range.
• River otters (Lutra canadensis) can act as reservoirs or sentinels for environmental contaminants and pathogens.
• Understanding pathogen prevalence in wildlife is crucial for ecological and public health assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in river otters from eastern North Carolina.
• To assess potential differences in seroprevalence based on age and sex.
• To evaluate the zoonotic implications for humans handling river otters.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted on 103 live-trapped river otters.
• Serum samples were tested for antibodies to T. gondii using a commercial latex agglutination kit.
• Seroprevalence was calculated and analyzed concerning age and sex categories.

Main Results:

• Forty-six (45%) of the 103 river otters tested positive for T. gondii antibodies.
• Antibody titers ranged from 1:16 to over 1:2,048.
• Adult otters (78) showed a 47% seroprevalence, while juvenile otters (25) had a 39% seroprevalence.
• No significant differences in seroprevalence were observed between sexes within maturity classes.

Conclusions:

• A high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was detected in the studied river otter population.
• The findings indicate widespread exposure of these otters to T. gondii.
• Handling infected river otters may pose a zoonotic risk to fur trappers and other handlers.