Toxoplasma gondii infections in horses, donkeys, and other equids: The last decade.
- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
This research article reviews information collected over the past decade about the prevalence, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii infections in horses, donkeys, and other equids.
Objective of the Study
The primary objective of this study was to gather and analyze information from the past ten years concerning the prevalence, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii infections in horses, donkeys, and other equids worldwide. The research also sought to assess the clinical and subclinical manifestations of these infections.
- Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite, can infect most animals and humans. It’s often spread by consuming undercooked contaminated meat, exposure to infected cat feces, or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.
- The information collected in this study is important for biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers who need to understand the spread of this parasite and its potential impact on animal and human health.
Methodology of the Study
The researchers have reviewed studies and data from the past decade to establish the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in horses, donkeys, and other equids, examining both clinical and subclinical infections.
- A clinical infection is one where symptoms of the disease are evident, whereas a subclinical infection shows no visible signs of the disease, despite the presence of the infectious agent in the body.
Results of the Study
The abstract does not detail the specific findings of the research, but it implies that significant data exists detailing the prevalence, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of the Toxoplasma gondii infections in horses, donkeys, and other equids.
Importance of the Study
The findings of this study could have significant implications for both animal and public health.
- For veterinarians and animal health experts, understanding the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in these animals can help identify risk factors for infection, inform treatment and prevention strategies, and ultimately improve animal health and welfare.
- For public health workers, understanding that these equids can act as a source of Toxoplasma gondii can help them identify potential risks to human health. This data can be especially important in regions where these animals are a source of food or are in close contact with human populations.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.. Electronic address: jitender.dubey@usda.gov.
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Equidae / parasitology
- Prevalence
- Public Health
- Toxoplasma / genetics
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal / parasitology
Conflict of Interest Statement
Citations
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