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Trypanosomiasis in raccoons from Georgia
1Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro 30460-8042, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|February 26, 1998
Summary
This study investigated Trypanosoma cruzi infections in raccoons, finding 43% were infected. The parasites showed low virulence in raccoons and mice, suggesting minimal pathogenicity in these hosts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Mammalian Disease Ecology
Background:
- Trypanosoma cruzi is endemic in wild mammals in the southern United States.
- The impact of T. cruzi on reservoir hosts, like raccoons (Procyon lotor), remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of T. cruzi infection in raccoons.
- To evaluate the pathological effects of T. cruzi in infected raccoons and laboratory mice.
Main Methods:
- Raccoons were tested for T. cruzi using blood wet mounts and cultures.
- Heart tissues from infected and uninfected raccoons were examined histologically.
- Infection and pathogenicity were assessed in C3H/HeJ mice inoculated with raccoon-derived T. cruzi.
Main Results:
- 43% of 30 raccoons tested positive for T. cruzi.
- Mild, multifocal interstitial inflammation was observed in the hearts of infected raccoons.
- No T. cruzi pseudocysts or significant tissue damage were found in raccoons or mice.
Conclusions:
- T. cruzi isolates from Georgia raccoons appear to have low virulence.
- These parasites may not be significantly pathogenic to raccoons or C3H/HeJ mice.