Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in China |
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| Authors: | Qing-Feng Meng Wei-Lin Wang Xiao-Ting Ni Hai-Bin Li Gui-Zhe Yao Xiao-Lin Sun Wei-Li Wang Wei Cong |
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| Institution: | 1.Jilin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, ChangChun, Jilin Province 130000, P. R. China;2.College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730030, P. R. China;3.College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, P. R. China |
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| Abstract: | The breeding of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) for human consumption has a long tradition in China. Infections that can affect the production of meat or even be transmitted from animals to humans are important to monitor, especially for public health reasons as well as for their impact on animal health. Thus, a total of 1,132 domestic rabbit sera from 4 regions in China were collected for serological screening for Encephalitozoon cuniculi and for Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA and modified agglutination test (MAT), respectively. Antibodies to E. cuniculi were detected in 248/1,132 (21.9%) sera tested while antibodies against T. gondii revealed a seroprevalence of 51/1,132 (4.5%). We believe that the present results are of epidemiological implications and public health importance due to the acknowledged susceptibility of humans to E. cuniculi and T. gondii infections. Therefore, routine screening tests of domestic rabbits are proposed considering the zoonotic potential of these parasites. |
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| Keywords: | Encephalitozoon cuniculi Toxoplasma gondii domestic rabbit seroprevalence China |
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