Toxoplasmosis in sand fox (Vulpes rueppelli)

J Parasitol. 2008 Aug;94(4):976-7. doi: 10.1645/GE-1492.1.

Abstract

Fatal toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in a sand fox (Vulpes rueppelli) from United Arab Emirates. Toxoplasma gondii-like tachyzoites were found associated with necrosis in the intestine, spleen, liver, pancreas, lungs, mesenteric lymph nodes, and heart. Tachyzoites reacted positively with T. gondii-specific polyclonal antibodies. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 8 captive V. rueppelli assayed by the modified direct agglutination test in titers of 1:800 or higher.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Foxes / parasitology*
  • Male
  • Meat / parasitology
  • Myocardium / pathology
  • Necrosis / veterinary
  • Spleen / pathology
  • Toxoplasma / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / diagnosis*
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / parasitology
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / pathology
  • Viscera / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan