Serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. in Free-Range Agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) from an Urban Area of Southern Brazil

J Wildl Dis. 2020 Apr;56(2):472-474. Epub 2019 Nov 19.

Abstract

Thirty-six free-ranging agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae) from an urban area of the municipality of Curitiba, a southern region of Brazil, were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp. Antibodies were present in 25% and 6% agoutis, respectively. No statistical differences were observed based on sex, age, and body mass of the agoutis. High T. gondii seropositivity indicated environmental contamination, whereas lower seropositivity of Leptospira spp. suggested low environmental contamination or low susceptibility.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cities
  • Dasyproctidae* / microbiology
  • Dasyproctidae* / parasitology
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary
  • Female
  • Leptospira / isolation & purification*
  • Leptospirosis / blood
  • Leptospirosis / epidemiology
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Toxoplasma / isolation & purification*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / blood*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan