Isolation and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from chickens from public markets in Pernambuco State, Brazil

• Published in: Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases 2024-01, Vol.6, p.100207, Article 100207
• Main Authors: Amorim da Silva, Renato, Renovato, Raissa Santana, Silva, Hannah Tsuruzaki Kirzner de Barros e, Marques, Maria Luiza Didier, Oliveira, Pollyanne Raysa Fernandes, Carvalho-Reis, Jéssica de Crasto Souza, Bartley, Paul M., Katzer, Frank, Samico-Fernandes, Érika Fernanda Torres, Melo, Renata Pimentel Bandeira de, Mota, Rinaldo Aparecido
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chicken; from the special issue on Zoonotic, One Health and Planetary Health parasites/parasitic diseases; Edited by Luís Cardoso, Ana Patrícia Lopes and Ana Cláudia Coelho; Mouse bioassay; PCR-RFLP; Public health; Toxoplasma gondii; Zoonosis
• ISSN: 2667-114X; 2667-114X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100207

This study aimed to evaluate the presence and viability of Toxoplasma gondii in chickens intended for human consumption in the Pernambuco State, Brazil. Blood and tissue samples were collected from 25 chickens sold in markets in Recife, Pernambuco. Samples were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to detect antibodies to T. gondii. Pools of brain and heart of seropositive chickens were subjected to bioassay in two Swiss Webster mice, which were evaluated for 45 days then tested by IFA to detect seroconversion. The mice were euthanized, and their brains were evaluated for cysts. Peritoneal lavage was also conducted in mice that exhibited clinical signs. Brains containing cysts or peritoneal lavage with tachyzoites were inoculated into MA-104 cells. Brains of mice inoculated with the same tissue were pooled and analysed by ITS1-PCR. We obtained a frequency of antibodies to T. gondii of 68.00% (17/25) in chickens, and a seroconversion rate of 70.58% (24/34) in mice. Detection of Toxoplasma ITS1 DNA confirmed an isolation rate of 41.1% (7/17). Three isolates were characterized by mnPCR-RFLP as genotypes ToxoDB#36 and ToxoDB#114. We highlight the occurrence of ToxoDB#36 in chickens in Pernambuco State and the parasitesʼ viability in chickens intended for human consumption. [Display omitted] •Toxoplasma gondii was detected in chickens intended for consumption with a frequency of 68.0%.•Seven T. gondii isolates were obtained by mouse bioassay using chicken tissues.•Genotype ToxoDB #36, previously associated with human congenital toxoplasmosis, and Genotype #114 were identified.•Finding viable T. gondii in chicken intended for human consumption poses a risk.