Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Victoria, Australia.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite with a global distribution that can infect a wide range of warm-blooded hosts. This study investigated, for the first time, the seroprevalence and genetic variability of T. gondii in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Victoria, Australia. Animals from both regional Victoria and the metropolitan Melbourne area were sourced from trappers and shooters involved in pest control. Sera were screened for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies using a modified agglutination test, and tissue samples were tested using a qPCR assay targeting the 529 bp repeated element. qPCR positive samples were genotyped using a five-marker (L358, 5'SAG2, 3'SAG2, c22-8, GRA6) polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism protocol. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detect

SUBMITTER: Brustenga L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12711960 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature