We detected Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in feces of experimentally infected cats, using a Kato Katz approach with subsequent Kinyoun staining. Animals serologically negative to T. gondii were infected orally with 5 x 10(2) mice brain cysts of ME49 strain. Feces were collected daily from the 3rd to the 30th day after challenge. Oocysts were detected by qualitative sugar flotation and the quantitat...

Dendritic cells have been known as a member of strong innate immune cells against infectious organelles. In this study, we evaluated the cytokine expression of splenic dendritic cells in chronic mouse toxoplasmosis by tissue cyst-forming Me49 strain and demonstrated the distribution of lymphoid dendritic cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS). Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-...

With the purpose of establishing alternative parameters to determine the virulence of Toxoplasma gondii strains, the antigenic diversity of eight strains of the parasite isolated in Brazil was evaluated. BALB/c mice were inoculated i.p. with 10(0), 10(1), 10(2) and 10(3) tachyzoites from each strain. The mortality and time to death of the animals showed that T. gondii strains may be divided in ...

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii ( T. ) is an obligate intracellular parasite with a wide range of hosts, including humans and many warm-blooded animals. The exists in two interconvertible forms, namely tachyzoites bradyzoites intermediate hosts that are responsible for acute chronic infections respectively. Mature accumulate large amounts amylopectin granules but their roles have not been fully char...

Serum from mouse orally ingested with tissue cyst forming strain (Me49) of Toxoplasma gondii was assayed by Western blot and immunofluorescene assay (IFA) to establish early responses in antigenicity of the parasite in mouse model of foodborne toxoplasmosis. Sera were collected weekly to blot the RH antigen transferred onto nitrocellulose paper after being separated by 12% SDS-PAGE. With the se...

Toxoplasma gondii with worldwide distribution has received substantial medical and scientific attentions as it causes serious clinical and veterinary problems especially for pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Heat shock protein 40 (HSP40) plays a variety of essential roles in the pathogenesis of this protozoan parasite. In order to detail the genetic diversity of HSP40 gene, 16 T. g...

The increasing prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the human population in the Republic of Korea (= Korea) is due to various reasons such as an increase in meat consumption. However, the importance of cats in transmitting T. gondii infection through oocysts to humans has seldom been assessed. A total of 300 fecal samples of stray cats captured around Seoul from June to August 2013 were...