Outbreak of Toxoplasmosis Caused by the Brazilian Lineage Type BrII in Black Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) Co-Infected With Leishmania sp.

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasmosis and leishmaniosis are zoonotic diseases that affect several species of neotropical primates.

METHODS

Three black lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysopygus) kept at a Brazilian zoo died due to a superacute disease. Tissue samples were collected for histopathology, cytology, PCR, and genotyping by PCR-RFLP and microsatellite (MS) analysis.

RESULTS

Toxoplasma gondii was detected by PCR in all tissue samples analyzed. The Brazilian lineage Type BrII (ToxoDB-PCR-RFLP #11 genotype) was identified in three animals, and the analysis with MS confirmed the same source of infection. Amastigotes of Leishmania sp. were visualized in cytology and confirmed by IHC in the three animals.

CONCLUSION

This is the first time that this genotype has been confirmed associated with an outbreak of toxoplasmosis affecting neotropical primates in Brazil, or associated with infection by Leishmania sp.