Epidemiological Surveillance of Intestinal Parasites and Serological Analysis of Toxoplasma gondii in Captive Felids From Thailand Zoos.

Background

Wild felids have been in decline, which has been linked to health issues. Parasitic infections, including zoonotic ones, can contribute to the challenges faced regarding wildlife conservation efforts and may pose a risk to human health, particularly for people working at or visiting zoological parks. This study investigated the occurrence of parasitic infections in the Felidae within Thai zoo parks.

Methods

The fecal samples were collected from 93 Felidae individuals residing in four zoo parks. The parasitological technique involved sugar floatation, and a formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) was also employed. Additionally, a molecular technique was used to detect Toxoplasma gondii DNA in feces. For blood samples, 22 were tested for T. gondii DNA using the PCR technique. To detect T. gondii antibodies in serum, an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was performed, and the result was confirmed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in captive felids was 23.7%, with the highest rates observed for hookworms (8.6%), Toxascaris leonina (7.5%), coccidia (4.3%), Strongyloides spp. (2.1%), and Opisthorchis-like egg (1.1%). Among the Felidae, lions and white lions (Panthera leo) exhibited the highest prevalence of parasitic infection, particularly T. leonina. Furthermore, a substantial percentage (63.6%) of the animals tested positive for T. gondii antibodies using both IFAT and ELISA.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of addressing the circulation of parasites, such as T. gondii, hookworm, T. leonina, and coccidia in environments where animals and humans closely interact, such as wildlife zoos. Implementing preventative measures and adopting a one-health approach are strongly encouraged to control parasites and reduce the risk of infection for animals and humans.