Prevalence and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in different types of poultry in Greece, associated risk factors and co-existence with Eimeria spp.

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of public health importance, infecting all warm-blooded animals, including chickens. Undercooked chicken meat or relevant products such as sausages could lead to human infections. In free-range, organic and slow-growth farming systems where the susceptibility period for chickens is extended, more knowledge about potential risk factors is essential. This study is the first seroepidemiological survey in different regions and types of chicken farms in Greece, using a major tachyzoite surface antigen-based ELISA (TgSAG1), combined with magnetic-capture PCR (mc-PCR) and bioassay for the isolation of strains from the chickens' tissues. Potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in these hosts were also investigated. Additionally, the co-existence of

SUBMITTER: Andreopoulou M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9816277 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature