Toxoplasma and Neospora Flashcards
What agent causes toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasma gondii (definitive host= any felidae)
What are tachyzoites?
Developmental stage of toxoplasma gondii, in blood or CSF
What are bradyzoites?
lifelong “tissue cytes”
Describe toxoplasma oocytes
- Shed in faeces after completion of lifecycle in feline gut epithelium
- Infectious after 48 hours in environment
- Survive months-years
What are pre patent periods for the different developmental stages of toxoplasma gondii?
Tissue cysts= 3-10 days
Oocysts= + 18 days
Tachyzoites= + 13 days
List the common/ less common clinical signs of toxoplasmosis
- Most common: anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, dyspnoea, ocular signs
- Less common: GI signs, neurological issues, jaundice, pneumonia
How do you diagnose toxoplasmosis in cats?
- Detecting oocysts is difficult: shedding occurs before clinical signs present
- Serology (IgM and IgG classes)
What is the recommended treatment for toxoplasmosis in cats?
- Combination of clindamycin and pyrimethamine
How do you prevent toxoplasma infections in cats?
- Don’t allow them to hunt (keep inside)
- Feed only cooked/ processed meat
What are the tests for congenital toxoplasmosis?
- Serology
- PCR of amniotic fluid
What are the effects of neosporiosis of cattle?
Abortion and infertility (causes neuromuscular disorder in dogs)
What is the agent of neorporiosis?
Neospora caninum (protozoan parasite)
What is the difference between endogenous and exogenous transplacental transmission?
- Endogenous: results from activation of bradyzoite during pregancy
- Exogenous: ingestion of oocytes during pregnancy
What are the control measures used against Neospora caninum?
Farm biosecurity:
- quarantine/ testing of replacement/new cattle
- prevention of transmisison from dogs
- rodent control
Reproductive management:
- embryo transfer
-AI of sero-positive dams with semen from beef bulls
