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Genotypic analysis of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from pigs
R Mondragon1, D K Howe, J P Dubey
1Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
The Journal of Parasitology
|June 30, 1998
Summary
Type II strains of Toxoplasma gondii are most common in pigs, a potential human infection source. This finding aligns with human disease patterns, unlike previous animal studies.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Foodborne Pathogen Research
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Toxoplasma gondii is a significant foodborne parasite with three primary clonal lineages (Types I, II, and III).
- Pigs are a potential source of human infection with T. gondii.
- Understanding the prevalence of T. gondii strains in food animals is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of T. gondii strain types I, II, and III in pigs, a potential food source.
- To compare the genotypic frequencies in pigs to those found in human toxoplasmosis cases and previous animal studies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 43 T. gondii isolates collected from pigs at an Iowa abattoir.
- Parasite genotyping at the SAG1 and SAG2 loci using in vitro-grown tachyzoites.
- Classification of isolates into primary lineages based on SAG2 locus alleles.
Main Results:
- Type II strains were highly prevalent (83.7%) in pig isolates.
- Type III strains accounted for 16.3% of isolates; Type I was not detected.
- Observed strain prevalences in pigs differ from prior animal studies but resemble human disease frequencies. Recombinant genotypes were also identified.
Conclusions:
- The genotypic profile of T. gondii in pigs, particularly the high prevalence of Type II, mirrors that seen in human toxoplasmosis.
- Pigs represent a significant reservoir for Type II T. gondii, posing a risk for human infection.
- Further investigation into the transmission dynamics and genetic diversity of T. gondii in food animals is warranted.