Serological evidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in five species of bats in China

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2013 Jun;13(6):422-4. doi: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1091. Epub 2013 Mar 8.

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals and humans with a worldwide distribution. Bats are reservoirs for an increasing number of emerging zoonotic viruses, such as henipaviruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). However, little is known of T. gondii infection in bats. The objective of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in bats in China. A total of 217 serum samples from 5 species of bats were collected between April, 2010, and August, 2011, from 4 provinces in China. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined using the modified agglutination test (MAT, 1:25 or higher). Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 26.5% (18/68) Megaderma lyra, 13.6% (12/88) Rousettus leschenaulti, 13.6% (3/22) Cynopterus sphinx, 20% (4/20) Vespertilio superaus, and 15.8% (3/19) Pipistrellus javanicus. Antibody titers ranged from 1:25 to 1:400, with titers of 1:200 detected in 4 of the 5 bat species. The present study suggests the likely occurrence of T. gondii infection in bats in China, and these bats are new putative hosts for T. gondii, which may pose a threat to human health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agglutination Tests / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Chiroptera / parasitology*
  • Disease Reservoirs
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasma / isolation & purification
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / parasitology
  • Zoonoses

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan