AUTHOR=Yue Chanjuan , Yang Wanjing , Fan Xueyang , Lan Jingchao , Huang Wenjun , Zhang Dongsheng , Li Yunli , Liao Lihui , Ayala James Edward , Wu Kongju , Liu Yiyan , Zheng Weichao , Li Lin , Zhang Hongwen , Su Xiaoyan , Yan Xia , Hou Rong , Liu Songrui 

TITLE=Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in captive giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2022.1071988

DOI=10.3389/fcimb.2022.1071988

ISSN=2235-2988

ABSTRACT=<sec><title>Introduction</title><p>Toxoplasma gondii, a globally zoonotic protozoan parasite, infects most warm-blooded animals including the giant panda, and poses a serious threat to the giant panda conservation. However, the seroprevalence and the risk factors for toxoplasmosis in giant pandas are unknown. Here we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of <italic>T. gondii</italic> in the captive population of giant pandas and analyze the factors associated with the increased risk of infection.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods</title><p>A total of 203 serum samples were collected from 157 (95 females and 62 males) captive giant pandas from 2007 to 2022, antibodies against <italic>T. gondii</italic> were screened using commercial ELISA and MAT kits.</p></sec><sec><title>Results</title><p>The results showed 56 (35.67%) giant pandas were seropositive, age and transfer history between institutions were identifified as risk factors for <italic>T. gondii</italic> infection. It is suggested that age-related seroprevalence was the main factor, and housing multiple species in the same environment may increase the chance of cross-infection of <italic>T. gondii</italic>.</p></sec><sec><title>Discussion</title><p>This study can provide research data for developing policies for the prevention and control of <italic>T. gondii</italic> and protecting the health of captive giant pandas and other wildlife.</p></sec>