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Acute phase toxoplasma abortions in sheep
M R Owen1, M J Clarkson, A J Trees
1Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine/Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool.
The Veterinary Record
|June 5, 1998
Summary
Experimental Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant ewes caused abortions in 11 of 15 sheep. Live lambs born to infected mothers were congenitally infected, but acute abortion tissues showed no parasite presence.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii is a significant cause of ovine abortion worldwide.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of T. gondii infection during gestation is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and pathological outcomes of experimental Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant ewes.
- To determine the diagnostic utility of fetal tissues in acute-phase ovine toxoplasmosis.
Main Methods:
- Oestrus-synchronised ewes were experimentally infected with T. gondii oocysts during mid-gestation.
- Clinical signs, antibody responses, and pregnancy outcomes were monitored.
- Tissues from aborted fetuses and placentae were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and mouse inoculation.
Main Results:
- 11 out of 15 ewes aborted within 13 days post-infection.
- Congenitally infected live lambs were born to three ewes; their tissues tested positive for T. gondii.
- No T. gondii DNA was detected in tissues from acute-phase abortions, suggesting infection occurred after placental invasion.
Conclusions:
- Acute-phase Toxoplasma gondii abortions in ewes may not be diagnosable via fetal tissue examination.
- These findings impact the diagnosis of naturally occurring ovine abortions and elucidate T. gondii pathogenesis.