Nonhuman Primates and Wild Felines as Environmental Bioindicators of Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. from a Brazilian Zoo

Abstract

Background:

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. in nonhuman primates and wild felines from the Municipal Zoo in the western region of the State of Paraná, Brazil.

Materials and Methods:

Blood collections from wild primates and felines were performed after chemical immobilization of the animals and were sent for serological diagnostics and testing for anti-T. gondii and anti-Leishmania antibodies, using the indirect immunofluorescence technique.

Results:

Of the 19 primate samples, 47.37% were reactive for anti-T. gondii antibodies, and 15.79% were reactive for anti-Leishmania antibodies. Of the seven samples from wild felines, none were reactive for anti-T. gondii antibodies, and 14.28% were reactive for anti-Leishmania antibodies. The results of this work allow the knowledge of these two protozoa in wild species (nonhuman primates and wild felines), coming from rescues and seizures by different environmental agencies. This is a very favorable situation for the knowledge of the epidemiological aspects involved in the dissemination of these two zoonotic diseases in the western region of the State of Paraná.

Conclusion:

The serological results of this work make it possible to discuss the presence of antibodies possibly associated with the epidemiological characteristics of the western region of the State of Paraná.